Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku region, is a relaxed, green metropolis founded by the legendary warlord Date Masamune. Known as the City of Trees, it pairs samurai history with leafy boulevards, famous grilled beef tongue, and easy access to the scenic Matsushima Bay. This guide brings together our individual guides to the city and its surroundings.

Top Sights

Begin at hilltop Aoba Castle for the Masamune story and city views, then visit his ornate Zuihoden mausoleum nearby. Spend time strolling the central Jozenji-dori avenue and arcades, and set aside a half day for the pine-clad islands of Matsushima Bay.

Sendai Travel Guides

• Aoba Castle: Date Masamune’s Hilltop Stronghold
• Zuihoden: The Ornate Mausoleum of Date Masamune
• Matsushima Bay: A Day Trip from Sendai
• Central Sendai: Jozenji-dori and the Arcades

Getting There

Sendai is about 90 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen, making it the gateway to northern Japan. Most sights are easily reached on the Loople Sendai sightseeing loop bus from Sendai Station, while Matsushima is a short train ride away.

Welcoming and unhurried, Sendai rewards a stay of a day or two. See our hotel guides below to choose where to base yourself.

Where to Stay in Sendai

• Where to Stay in Sendai: Station Area Hotels
• Where to Stay in Sendai: Ichibancho & Kokubuncho Hotels

For everything in one place, see The Complete Sendai Guide.