Sendai, once a samurai town, now a tranquil city.
Sendai is the largest city in Northeast Japan and the gateway to Miyagi ken, and it is a highly greenified city with a reputation as “Mori City” (Forest Capital). Travelers are attracted by Sendai’s unique charm of its history, custom, and fascinating scenery in each season.
Exploring Sendai
Arrange a heritage tour during your visit for the bits and pieces of Sendai’s long history that can be traced back to the Sengoku period. Built on a highland, Sendai Castle was the ideal fortress that witnessed the turmoil of the Edo period for Date Masamune, a military officer of the Sengoku period. Now, the ruins of Sendai Castle remain and overlook the downtown of Sendai. Hidden among the quiet cedar forest, Zuihoden was built with a luxurious and dazzling architectural style and is the resting place for the three generations of the Date family lords. Osaki Hachiman Shrine is a national treasure in Japan. Its elegant appearance shows the artistic beauty of the Sengoku period and perfectly showcases the wealth and power of the Date family at that time. It has become a place of faith and spiritual sustenance for the local people for hundreds of years.
The Donto Sai Festival at Osaki Hachiman Shrine in January, the Sendai Aoba Festival in May, and the Tanabata Festival in August are listed as the three major festivals that are not to be missed in Sendai. The Donto Sai Festival celebrates the first month and prays for the best of the new year by burning the New Year's decorations and the old omamori. The Sendai Aoba Festival is an event held to honor the great achievements of Date Masamune, the founder of Sendai. The dynamic Sendai sparrow dance, samurai wearing armor, the mikoshi of Aoba Shrine, and 11 floats march through the greenery street, that is as spectacularly as an ancient parade. During the Tanabata Festival, all kinds of Sasakazari are decorated splendidly on the streets and alleys. Each ornament is worth savoring. People write their wishes on the notes and hang them on bamboo poles, praying for prosperity, good health, and well-being.
Located near the ocean, Sendai is abundant in fresh seafood. Visitors can feast on the fantastic Kaisen Donburi in Sanriku, known as one of the three major fish farms in the world, and taste the excellent tuna in Shiogama Seafood Market located in Shiogama Port. As the birthplace of gyutan (grilled beef tongue), it is very easy to find a restaurant serving beef tongue dishes with a cooking method that satisfies your appetite in Sendai city. Edamame mochi, edamame daifuku, and edamame chocolate are must-try local snacks and popular specialties when traveling in Sendai. Located near the Sendai Station, Sendai Asaichi (Morning market) is a treasure trove of local ingredients that sells a variety of affordable vegetables, fruits, seafood, and street food. Walking through the market is the perfect way for visitors to experience the real daily lives of Japanese people.
Leave downtown Sendai to the suburbs and enjoy nature's stunning beauty. Hundreds of islands are scattered across the beautiful Matsushima Bay, forming one of Japan's three most scenic views, where travelers may overlook the ever-changing natural scenery, known as the "Four magnificent views" from Otakamori, Toyama, Dumonzan, and Ogidani. Along with Zao Juhyo and Fox Village, Zao Okama is a famous scenic spot for visitors traveling in Yamagata. It is a beautiful, vast, and mysterious lake among the volcanic group and is often on the destination list of the volcano tour.
With Akiu Onsen, listed as one of Japan's three royal hot springs, Sakunami Onsen, famous for its skin-beautifying water, Naruko Onsen Town, blessed with eight kinds of spring qualities, and the 400-year-old Togatta Onsen, Miyagi Prefecture is second to none when it comes to hot spring. Go a little further, Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture is also worth visiting for its delicate hot spring street and dreamlike winter views. It almost feels like living in the Taisho era when walking by the river with the gas lamps lit in the evening and alongside the wooden hotels that have a history of 100 years.
The best travel season
Sendai is located close to the Pacific Ocean, so the weather is mostly sunny, making it suitable for traveling all year round. In spring, hundreds of cherry blossoms bloom in Mikamine Park, Tsutsujigaoka Park, and Nishi Park. In summer, the historic Tanabata Festival kicks off with fireworks, and colorful ornaments made of washi paper and bamboo decorate the city splendidly. In fall, the mountains are colored in autumn, and the Futakuchi Kyōkoku Prefectural Natural Park, Akiu Otaki Falls, and Narukokyo are picturesque scenic spots for maple leaves viewing. In winter, the Sendai Pageant of Starlight is one of Japan's most spectacular winter light festivals. It lights up the Jozenji Street of Jozenji-Dori Avenue romantically with hundreds of thousands of LED lighting.
City transportation
In downtown Sendai, the city loop bus (Loople), with a retro appearance, connects various important scenic spots and is the city's most popular and convenient transportation. In addition, there are many kinds of tickets to choose from in Sendai. With the Sendai Area One-Day Pass or the Sendai Sightseeing Two-day Pass, you can take unlimited rides on buses, city buses, and trams to visit downtown Sendai or suburban attractions like Matsushima and Zao Fox Village.
Search for direct flights of STARLUX Airlines to plan a trip to Sendai, and enjoy a safe and high-quality flight experience worth to be treasured in your heart!
FAQ
When can I fly to Sendai with a lower fare?
You can plan your trip by taking the reference of the lowest fares found by travelers within the latest 48 hours. Log in as a COSMILE member at the time of ticket purchase to earn mileage upon completing your flight.
How many flights are there to Sendai every week?
The flight schedule is subject to final government approval. You can check the detailed flight dates and information via timetable.
How many international airports are there in Sendai?
Sendai Airport (SDJ) is the gateway of Northeast Japan and the only airport in Sendai. Although it is not a big airport, visitors can still get all the local specialties and souvenirs of Northeast Japan, such as edamame mochi, Sasakamaboko fishcake, Sendai beef, stewed beef tongue, beef tongue curry before going through the customs.
How far is Sendai Airport from downtown?
Sendai Airport (SDJ) is located about 14 kilometers of Sendai. Kindly remind you to plan your transportation to the city before departure.
How to get from the airport to downtown?
After arriving at Sendai Airport (SDJ), tourists can take the tram to JR Sendai Station, which usually takes about 25 minutes, while the express train only takes about 17 minutes. To get to the six northeastern counties such as Aomori, Akita, Iwate, and Matsushima, you can take a highway bus from Sendai Airport or take Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train) from downtown Sendai.
