As the largest city in the Tohoku region, Sendai is a sophisticated metropolis that perfectly balances urban convenience with abundant nature. Known affectionately as the “City of Trees” (Mori no Miyako), Sendai offers wide, tree-lined avenues and lush parks right in the city center. Just a 90-minute Shinkansen ride from Tokyo, it is a destination filled with samurai history, vibrant festivals, and some of the most unique cuisine in Japan.
The Legacy of the One-Eyed Dragon
Sendai was founded in 1600 by Date Masamune, one of Japan’s most famous and powerful feudal lords, known as the “One-Eyed Dragon.” His influence is felt everywhere in the city.
- Sendai Castle Ruins (Aoba Castle): While the castle structure no longer stands, the stone walls and gates remain. The site is located on a hill offering a panoramic view of the city and the Pacific Ocean. The most famous photo spot here is the iconic statue of Date Masamune on horseback, watching over the city he built.
- Zuihoden: This is the mausoleum of Date Masamune. The complex features intricate woodwork and vivid colors that rival the famous shrines of Nikko, surrounded by towering cedar trees that create a solemn, spiritual atmosphere.
A Gourmet Capital: Gyutan and Zunda
Sendai has a distinct food culture that is famous across Japan.
- Gyutan (Beef Tongue): This is the undisputed king of Sendai cuisine. Unlike the thinly sliced beef tongue found in standard BBQ places, Sendai Gyutan is thick, tender, and charcoal-grilled to perfection. It is typically served as a set meal with barley rice and oxtail soup.
- Zunda: For dessert, you must try Zunda, a sweet paste made from crushed edamame (green soybeans). While traditionally eaten with mochi (rice cakes) as Zunda Mochi, the modern Zunda Shake—a creamy, vanilla-based shake blended with the edamame paste—has become a massive hit among visitors.
The Tanabata Festival
If you visit in summer, you are in for a treat. The Sendai Tanabata Festival, held annually from August 6th to 8th, is one of the “Three Great Festivals of Tohoku.” The city’s shopping arcades are decorated with thousands of massive, colorful paper streamers that hang from bamboo poles. Walking through these forests of vibrant paper decorations is a breathtaking experience that attracts over two million visitors each year.
