Things to do in Sendai

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High-resolution panoramic photo overlooking Sendai. Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.
Woman tourist sightseeing Kitakami Tenshochi Park with Sakura Cherry Blossom in Spring, traveler travel in Kitakami festival, Iwate prefecture, Japan. Landmark for Travel and Vacation destination
city skyline aerial view of Sendai in Japan
Matsushima Bay, Sendai – Stunning Pine-Covered Islands in Miyagi, Japan
Fukuura Island with Fukuura Bridge in the famous Matsushima Bay in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
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What to do in Sendai

Discover the most popular places to visit in Sendai

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Sendai International Center

4.5/5(9 reviews)

Learn about the events happening at Sendai International Center during your trip to Sendai. Amble around the area's parks or experience its festivals.

Sendai International Center
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Sendai-Izumi Premium Outlets

4.5/5(6 reviews)

During your trip to Sendai, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Sendai-Izumi Premium Outlets. Discover the hot springs while you're in the area.

Sendai-Izumi Premium Outlets
Zuihoden Mausoleum in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan

Zuihoden Temple

5/5(2 reviews)

You can study the exhibits at Zuihoden Temple, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Sendai. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.

Zuihoden Temple
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Tohoku Gakuin University Tsuchitoi Campus

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Explore the campus of Tohoku Gakuin University Tsuchitoi Campus during your stay in Sendai. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.

Tohoku Gakuin University Tsuchitoi Campus
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Sendai Mediatheque

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Sendai with a stop at Sendai Mediatheque. Experience the area's festivals and museums.

Sendai Mediatheque
Major gate of Sendai Castle; Shutterstock ID 1069909157; purchase_order: SF 06557000; job: ; client: ; other:

Aoba Castle

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Aoba Castle is just one of the places to see in Sendai, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble around the area's parks or visit its monuments.

Aoba Castle
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Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Take the family to visit the sea life at Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium during your travels in Sendai. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.

Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium
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Sendai Stadium

Catch an event at Sendai Stadium during your trip to Sendai. Discover the hot springs while you're in the area.

Sendai Stadium

Sakunami Hot Spring

You can take time to visit Sakunami Hot Spring during your travels to Sendai. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its spas.

Sakunami Hot Spring

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Sendai

Sendai Japan

Downtown Sendai

While you're in Downtown Sendai, take in top sights like Sendai Ginza Street and jump on the metro at Hirose-dori Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Sendai
Aoba Ward

Aoba Ward

5/5(52 area reviews)

Stroll through the bustling Ichibancho shopping district, home to numerous shops and eateries, or explore the picturesque Jozenji-Dori, adorned with El Greco sculptures and zelkova trees. Conveniently access eight Sendai Subway Nanboku Line stations.

Aoba Ward
Jozenji-dori Avenue in Sendai, Japan. Sendai is known as "The City of Forest" for its cityscape with trees to be one important element of the city

Kokubuncho

While you're in Kokubuncho, take in top sights like Tokyo Electron Hall Miyagi and jump on the metro at Kotodai-Koen Station to see more of the city.

Kokubuncho
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Miyagino Ward

5/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Miyagino Ward, Mitsui Outlet Park Sendaiko and Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium are top sights worth seeing.

Miyagino Ward
Wakabayashi

Wakabayashi

When in Wakabayashi and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium or Mitsui Outlet Park Sendaiko and hop on the metro to see more the city at Kawaramachi Station or Atago-Bashi Station.

Wakabayashi
Taihaku Ward

Taihaku Ward

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Discover the southernmost ward of Sendai, featuring Akiu Great Falls and Sendai Yagiyama Zoological Park. Easily accessible via JR East, Sendai Subway, and national routes, it's a perfect blend of nature and convenience.

Taihaku Ward

Popular day trips from Sendai

Shidarezakura Weeping Cherry blossom in Tendo Park or Maizuru Park in Spring season, landmark popular for tourist attractions in Yamagata prefecture, Tohoku, Japan

Tendo

Yamagata

Yamagata

Isinomaki
Photo by Satoh Junpei (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

Isinomaki

The aerial view of Tagajo city.

Tagajo

Sendai Japan, Miyagi Prefecture, July 2022.The view from Kumano Nachi Shrine.

Natori

Taiwa
Photo by Hasec (Creative Commons Zero, Public Domain Dedication)

Taiwa

View of the Matsushima Bay and its famous red bridge, Sendai, Japan

Rifu

The bird's eye view of Miyato

Higashimatsushima

Frequently asked questions

Is Sendai worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Sendai is visit Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall. Tick this leading attraction off your to-do list, then discover more of this area's history and nature.
How do I spend a day in Sendai?
Once you've checked off major attractions like Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall and Yagiyama Zoo, spend the rest of your day discovering Sendai's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Sendai?
You can't leave without checking out Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall, ranked the top tourist attraction in Sendai.
Is three days enough to stay in Sendai?
You can easily visit top sights like Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall, Yagiyama Zoo and Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium with a three-day trip to Sendai. On average, most travelers plan two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stick around longer and head to Yamagata.
Is Sendai a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Sendai, such as Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall and Yagiyama Zoo, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Just 0.16 kilometers from central Sendai is Aoba Ward and Ichibancho is 0.97 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Sendai with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all ages, we've got some excellent ideas for what to do in Sendai with kids.

What to do in Sendai for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or outdoor adventurer, there are plenty of things to do in Sendai for adults including Sendai International Center and Miyagi Prefectural Office.
Are there free things to do in Sendai?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Sendai is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.

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