Everything You Need To Know About Sendai – FAQs Answered

Sendai is a city located in the Miyagi Prefecture of Japan. It is the capital city of the prefecture and the largest city in the Tohoku region. The city has a rich history, culture and natural beauty. It is one of the most visited cities in Japan and attracts millions of tourists every year. If you are planning to visit Sendai, you may have several questions about the city. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Sendai to help you plan your trip better.

Q1. Why is Sendai Known as the City of Trees?

Sendai is known as the City of Trees because of its many zelkova trees that line the streets of the city. There are over 60,000 zelkova trees in Sendai, which is one of the highest concentrations of the tree in Japan. The trees were planted over a century ago as a way to prevent fires, and now they add to the city’s natural beauty, especially during autumn when the leaves turn yellow and red.

Q2. What are Some of the Must-Visit Places in Sendai?

Sendai has several places of interest, ranging from historical sites to natural parks. Some of the must-visit places in Sendai include:

• Matsushima Bay
• Aoba Castle
• Sendai Daikannon
• Zuihoden Mausoleum
• Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
• Sendai City Museum

Q3. How Do I Get to Sendai?

Sendai can be easily reached by air, rail or road. The city has its own airport, the Sendai Airport, which is served by several domestic and international airlines. You can also take trains from major cities in Japan, such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. The Shinkansen bullet train also stops at Sendai Station. If you are driving, you can use the Tohoku Expressway to reach Sendai.

Q4. What is the Best Time to Visit Sendai?

The best time to visit Sendai is during spring and autumn. Spring, from March to May, is the season of cherry blossoms, and you can see the beautiful Sakura trees in full bloom. Autumn, from September to November, is the season of colorful foliage, and the zelkova trees turn yellow and red, making the city a sight to behold. Summers in Sendai can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.

Q5. What are Some Local Delicacies to Try in Sendai?

Sendai is famous for its local cuisine, and you can try several delicacies unique to the city. Some of the must-try local dishes in Sendai include:

• Gyutan: Grilled Beef Tongue
• Zunda Mochi: Sticky Rice Cake with Sweet Edamame Paste
• Sasakamaboko: Fish Cake Made from Bamboo Leaves
• Tanabata Soba: Buckwheat Noodles Served with Vegetables and Chicken
• Kaki Ryori: Oysters Served in Various Ways

Q6. What Are The Accommodation Options in Sendai?

Sendai has a wide range of accommodation options, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Some popular options include:

• Capsule Hotels
• Ryokans: Traditional Japanese Inns
• Business Hotels
• Luxury Hotels

You can choose a hotel based on your budget and preferences.

Conclusion

Sendai is a city with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. It is a must-visit destination if you are traveling to Japan. Hopefully, this blog post has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Sendai and helped you plan your trip better. The city has so much to offer, and we are sure you will have a wonderful time exploring it.

Insider’s Guide to Sendai, Japan

Located in the northeastern region of Japan’s Honshu Island, Sendai is the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture. Widely known as the city of trees and an educational hub, Sendai is rich in history, culture, and modern attractions.

Local Attractions

Sendai is a cultural city with plenty of sights to see. One of the top attractions is the Zuihoden Mausoleum, which features intricate wood carvings, and is the final resting place of Date Masamune, a Sendai feudal lord. Visit the Sendai Castle Ruins to see parts of the original Edo Period fortification walls or visit the Osaki Hachimangu Shrine, which houses the deity associated with victory in war.

If you’re interested in learning about history, visit the Museum of the Forest of Depths of the Earth, which showcases the geological history of the Japan Islands, or the Miyagi Museum of Art to see an impressive collection of Japanese and Western art. Another fun destination for families is the Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium, where you can see a wide range of marine life.

Dining Spots

Sendai is known for its local specialties, especially grilled beef tongue, beef tongue sashimi, and zunda mochi. For a local dining experience, visit the Kokubuncho or Aoba-Yamashita districts, which offer a range of restaurants.

One of the popular spots is the Sakanaya Dojo, which serves up seafood hotpots, grilled fish, and sushi. Don’t forget to try the city’s specialty beef tongue at the famous Sendai Gyutan restaurant, which has branches throughout the town.

For a more upscale fine dining experience, visit the restaurant of Kikko-an, a Chef who has trained with world-renowned chefs and is one of Japan’s few female Michelin-starred chefs.

Cultural Experiences

In Sendai, you can experience traditional Japanese culture in many ways. For example, attend a Noh performance, one of the oldest forms of Japanese theater characterized by carefully choreographed movements, intricate masks, and undulating vocal intonations. You can learn more about Noh at the Sendai Noh Theater.

If you’re interested in tea ceremony, visit the Kodanuri-en Tea Garden and House, or if traditional Japanese baths are your preference, head over to Akiu Onsen Spa for a soak in the natural hot springs.

Local History

Sendai has a rich history that dates back to the 1600s when Date Masamune founded the city. To learn about its past, visit the castle ruins, which served as a fortress to protect the city from invaders.

For more in-depth information on Date Masamune and his impact, visit the Zuihoden Mausoleum. Another historical landmark is the Aoba Castle Historical Museum, which tells the story of the Meiji Restoration and other significant events that shaped Sendai’s history.

Off-The-Beaten-Path

If you’re looking for something different, head over to the Sendai City War Reconstruction Memorial Hall, where you can learn about the devastation caused by the 1945 bombing, or explore the partially restored Kawauchi Hagi Castle ruins.

Another off-the-beaten-path experience is the Nikka Whiskey Sendai Factory Miyagikyo Distillery, where you can try whiskey from one of Japan’s most iconic whiskey brands.

Final Thoughts

Sendai is a city with a rich history and a wide variety of cultural experiences, from art to theater to food. Whether you’re interested in traditional Japanese culture or modern attractions, there’s something for everyone in Sendai. Make sure to indulge in the local specialties and immerse yourself in the city’s history while exploring all it has to offer.