Things to do in Sendai

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Sendai travel guide

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

Panoramic photo of Sendai City from high angle in Daytime with bright bluesky and cloud

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What to do in Sendai

Popular places to visit

Sendai International Center

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

Sendai-Izumi Premium Outlets

During your trip to Sendai, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Sendai-Izumi Premium Outlets. Discover the hot springs while you're in the area.

Tohoku Gakuin University Tsuchitoi Campus

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

Zuihoden Mausoleum in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan

Zuihoden Temple

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

Sendai Mediatheque

Learn about the local history of Sendai when you spend time at Sendai Mediatheque. Experience the area's festivals and museums.

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

Aoba Castle

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.

Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium

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 Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall

During your visit to Sendai, you can enjoy retail therapy at Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall. Amble around the area's parks or experience its museums.

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.

Areas of Sendai

Downtown Sendai

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

Aoba Ward

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

Aoba Ward is a destination travellers like for its hot springs, and you might hop aboard the metro at Kotodai-Koen Station or Kita-Yonbancho Station to explore sights like Miyagi Prefectural Office.

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.

Miyagino Ward

4/5(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.

A winter waterfall. Akiu Falls near Sendai.

Taihaku Ward

While you're in Taihaku Ward, take in top sights like Sendai Gymnasium or Yagiyama Zoo, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Nagamachi-Minami Station or Nagamachi Station.

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 of the city at Kawaramachi Station or Atago-Bashi Station.

Rifu

Shichigahama

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.16 kilometres from central Sendai is Aoba Ward and Ichibancho is 0.97 kilometres 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 Centre 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 neighbourhoods, 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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