With a roughly one-million-strong population, Sendai is by far the largest city in the Tohoku Region. It is the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture. If you do have the time, however, it is definitely worth stopping by Sendai to learn more about Japan’s samurai history and festivals.

Aoba Castle Park

The official name of the castle is Sendai Castle because it was the castle of the Sendai domain. It was led by Date Masamune, one of feudal Japan’s most powerful lords. The modern city of Sendai was founded around the year 1,600 by him. The castle is often called Aoba (green leaves) Castle endearingly.  Many of Sendai’s tourist attractions are related to Masamune and his family just like Aoba Castle.

He didn’t build a main keep, it is said that he was afraid of the Tokugawa Shogun. This way, Date was showing loyalty to him by not building strong military facilities. But even so, the castle was built on a hill surrounded by the Hirose River which worked as a natural moat, so it was a very defensive castle.

The castle was never attacked during the feudal time for 270 years, but after the shogunate was finished, the main palace was demolished and was used as a new military base by the Meiji government. Although the main gate and some other original buildings remained, unfortunately, they were destroyed during WW2.

The ruins of Aoba Castle are now maintained as Aobayama Park. There is a statue of founder Date Masamune on the hill. If you visit the Sendai City Museum, you can learn about the history of the Date Family and the Sendai Domain. You can enjoy a magnificent view of Sendai City when you look down from the park.

Zuihoden

Zuihoden is located near the castle park, and it is the mausoleum of Date Masamune. The original construction was destroyed during WW2, but they reconstructed the beautiful building at the same site. The whole area centering this building is the family cemetery of the Date family, there are a few other mausoleums of family members other than Masamune.

Saihoji Temple

Saihoji Temple is located in the northwest part of the city center. It is one of the most visited Buddhist temples in the Tohoku region having about 1 million visitors every year. It is a temple of the Jodo sect founded in early the 18th century. A five-storied pagoda was constructed in 1986. It was the first five-storied pagoda in Sendai. It is especially nice to visit this place during autumn, as you can enjoy red and yellow leaves with the pagoda in the background.

Sendai City Center

Today, Sendai is known as ‘The City of Trees’ with a high number of trees in the city which makes it a pleasant city to walk around. The local market, with many smaller stores lining the side streets, makes for a delightful shopping excursion. After shopping, relax, and dine at your choice of fancy restaurants, that are mostly clustered around Sendai Station.

Tanabata Festival

The Tanabata matsuri, held every summer in Sendai, is considered one of the four greatest festivals in the Tohoku region. Tanabata is also known as the Star Festival, as this is the day when two stars meet once a year crossing the Milky Way. There are many beautiful Tanabata decorations all around the city during festival time, which makes it a very colorful place during summer.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Tohoku. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Matsushima is only a short train ride away from Sendai on the northern Pacific coast. It is considered one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. Need more reason to go to this relatively unknown part of Japan to foreign tourists? A one-hour direct train ride away is Naruko Onsen, a hot spring resort where it is easy to feel far away from the city.

Matsushima Bay

Matsushima Bay has over 250 small rock islands. They were shaped by incoming waves and pine trees misshapen by strong coastal winds. Matsushima literally means pine island, and it was aptly named after the many pine trees that can be found in the area. Because of the many pine trees, Matsushima reminds many people of a large, life-size bonsai garden. The best way to see the islands is by sightseeing boat, which will provide you with great up-close views of this natural spectacle.

The small town on the island is also known for the Zuiganji temple. This is one of the Tohoku Region’s most important Zen temples.

Naruko Onsen

Naruko Onsen is a classic Japanese hot spring spa village located in the hills of northern Japan of the Tohoku Region. It is known for the healing effects of its rich waters which contain all sorts of minerals that are beneficial for our health. Sulfur relieves hardened arteries and high blood pressure and leaves the skin feeling smooth. And alkaline salts help remedy skin diseases and have been used by humanity for over 1000 years.

There are some good hiking trails along the valley and an eye-catching bridge crossing the gorge. Nearby is Lake Kata-numa, a crater lake that changes color when the sunlight hits in from a different angle. This area is particularly spectacular in autumn when the leaves turn golden and red.

Naruko-Onsen is also the place to find traditional wooden Kokeshi dolls that date back 350 years. The Japan Kokeshi Center contains about 7,000 Kokeshi dolls, which are notable for their elegant features and bright color.

A stay here normally includes delicious traditional meals at your Japanese-style ryokan, and there will be plenty of time to soak in the onsen baths and take some refreshing walks in the countryside.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Miyagi. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!