Sendai is known as the City of Trees, and nowhere shows this better than central Jozenji-dori, a broad boulevard shaded by tall zelkova trees and dotted with sculptures. Together with the lively Ichibancho and Clis Road arcades, it forms the green, walkable heart of downtown Sendai.

Jozenji-dori Avenue

This leafy median promenade is a place to stroll, sit, and people-watch year-round. It hosts the Jozenji Streetjazz Festival in summer and, in December, the famous Pageant of Light, when hundreds of thousands of lights turn the trees into glowing tunnels.

Shopping Arcades

Branching off the avenue, the covered Ichibancho and Clis Road arcades are lined with department stores, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Rain or shine, they are the natural place to shop and eat in the city centre.

Local Food

Downtown is the best place to try Sendai’s specialities, above all gyutan, thick-sliced grilled beef tongue served with barley rice and soup. Countless restaurants around the arcades make a point of it, and it is not to be missed.

Green, relaxed, and full of life, central Sendai ties the city together and makes a pleasant base between visits to the castle, the mausoleum, and the bay.

More Sendai Travel Guides

• Aoba Castle: Date Masamune’s Hilltop Stronghold
• Zuihoden: The Ornate Mausoleum of Date Masamune
• Matsushima Bay: A Day Trip from Sendai

See our Sendai Travel Guide hub for the full overview.

Planning the whole trip? Visit The Complete Sendai Guide for every guide and hotel in one place.