[13 Date Spots in Sendai] Enjoy Great Food, Night Views, and Sightseeing Too!

Sendai Castle was built on the आदेश of Lord Date Masamune. Also known as “Aoba Castle,” it served as the center of domain rule for 270 years.
After the Meiji era, however, the site became military land, and many buildings were dismantled. Most of the remaining structures, including the Otemon Gate, were also destroyed in the Sendai Air Raid.
Today, the area has been developed as a park, where visitors can see the stone walls, the reconstructed side turret of the Otemon Gate, and the north earthen wall of the gate.

This waterfall is located in the upper reaches of the Natori River, which flows through Sendai and Natori in Miyagi Prefecture before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. With a width of 6 m and a drop of 55 m, it is a grand waterfall selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls.
The powerful sight of the water crashing down with a roaring sound is truly impressive, and it has also been designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty.
Its appeal also lies in the way it welcomes visitors with a different face in every season, from vivid autumn leaves to delicate cherry blossoms in spring, fresh deep greenery in summer, and quiet snowy scenery in winter.

Osaki Hachimangu Shrine was relocated to the northwest during the construction of Sendai Castle by order of Date Masamune.
Since then, it has been revered as Sendai’s guardian shrine, especially as a protective deity for those born in the Year of the Dog and the Year of the Boar.
The highlight here is the National Treasure shrine building, often described as a masterpiece of Momoyama architecture.
While the worship hall has a calm atmosphere with its overall black lacquer finish, the roof and bracket complexes are adorned with vivid and elaborate decorations.

One of the largest aquariums in Tohoku, located near Sendai Port. It opened in 2015 as “an aquarium symbolizing reconstruction.”
It exhibits a wide range of marine life, from creatures of the Sanriku coast to species from around the world. Just beyond the entrance is “Sparkling Life, Sea,” a massive tank 14 m wide and 7.5 m high that extends up to the second floor.
Designed to evoke the sea of Sanriku, it is home to about 30,000 creatures of 50 species swimming gracefully. The dolphin, sea lion, and bird show held at Umino-Mori Stadium, which can seat Approx. 1,000 people, is also popular.

The mausoleum of Date Masamune, founder of the Sendai Domain. After Masamune died in 1636, it was built the following year by the second lord of the domain, Tadamune, in accordance with Masamune’s final wishes.
Around Zuihoden are other Date family mausoleums, such as Kansenden, the mausoleum of Date Tadamune, and Zenoden, the mausoleum of Date Tsunamune, as well as an attached museum. The entire area is designated as a historic site by the city of Sendai under the name Kyogamine Date Family Burial Site.
The museum displays items such as a reconstructed facial image based on excavated remains.

Jozenji-dori Avenue, lined with zelkova trees for Approx. 700 m, is a symbolic road of Sendai, the City of Trees.
Along this avenue, this striking building stands out with its full glass exterior.
This multi-purpose cultural facility has two basement floors and seven floors above ground, and houses the Sendai City Library as well as event spaces, galleries, studios, and a café.
Opened in 2001, the building’s unique structure is one of architect Toyo Ito’s representative works.
It won many architectural awards, including the Good Design Award that same year, and attracts architecture enthusiasts from Japan and abroad.

A rare museum dedicated entirely to kaleidoscopes, located along Futakuchi Kaido near the Akiu Onsen hot spring area. Opened in 1999, it shares the appeal of kaleidoscopes with many visitors through its rich collection and special exhibitions.
The three-story facility includes a museum shop, hands-on area, and exhibition rooms. Featuring unique works and private collections, it is an interactive museum where visitors can actually look at and touch kaleidoscopes, and even make their own.

With the concept of “bringing space closer,” the Sendai Astronomical Observatory is a comprehensive astronomy museum featuring a planetarium that projects powerful images along with a beautiful starry sky, exhibition rooms where visitors can enjoy learning about space through models and videos, and the 1.3 m “Hitomi Telescope,” one of the largest in Japan.
In the planetarium, visitors can experience the wonder of space in a setting where the star-filled sky spreads out overhead. Another highlight is the live star commentary by staff, with content that varies depending on the presenter.

Yagiyama Zoological Park Fujisaki no Mori is one of the largest zoos in Tohoku, home to Approx. 600 animals across 115 species, including endangered species. Located near Aobayama, where the Sendai Castle ruins stand, it is just 12 minutes by subway from Sendai Station and right by Yagiyama Zoological Park Station. Thanks to its easy access and the chance to see a wide range of mammals, birds, and reptiles, it is loved by both locals and tourists.
Among its highlights are the “Africa Zone,” where visitors can view African elephants, giraffes, and zebras in a landscape designed to recreate the savanna, and the “Beast House,” where rare Sumatran tigers and polar bears can be seen up close. Both areas are known for exhibits that bring out the animals’ natural behavior.

Sendai Izumi Premium Outlets was built within Izumi Park Town, a community created through an urban development project in the 1960s.
Located in the naturally rich Izumi Park Town area, it is also popular for everyday shopping.
The outlet is designed to evoke the streetscape of the northeastern United States, making it fun to stroll around as well.
The first floor features shops carrying popular select brands, famous labels, and kitchen goods. The second floor mainly offers sports brands.

A base whisky distillery of Nikka Whisky, alongside the Yoichi Distillery in Hokkaido. The distillery is located in the mountains near the border with Yamagata Prefecture, surrounded by the Nikkawa and Hirose rivers.
On the free guided tour (online reservation required), visitors can see the distillation building and warehouses, and also enjoy whisky tasting.
The shop selling bottles available only at the distillery is also worth a visit.

A hot spring town located along the Natori River gorge in western Sendai, lined with accommodations ranging from luxury ryokan to budget lodgings with no meals included. It is also easily accessible, about 30 minutes by car from central Sendai, and the surrounding area offers plenty of leisure activities. In the Futakuchi Gorge upstream along the Natori River, visitors can enjoy mountain climbing, canyoning, camping, and more.
The spring water is a chloride spring known for its gentle, low-irritation quality. It is said to have various health benefits, especially for skin conditions, and records remain that Emperor Kinmei once recovered from an illness by bathing in the waters of Akiu. It is counted among the “Three Great Hot Springs of Japan.”

A beautiful gorge formed by the Natori River, which flows from Mt. Kamuro in the Ou Mountains into Sendai Bay.
The character “rai” refers to the sight of stones scattered about, and the gorge was named in 1931 by Toyotaka Komiya, a disciple of Natsume Soseki and an honorary professor at Tohoku University.
Located close to the center of Sendai Akiu Onsen, one of Tohoku’s leading hot spring areas, it attracts many visitors as a sightseeing spot where they can casually enjoy forest bathing and autumn leaves.

This office building, located in a great spot about an 8-minute walk from JR Sendai Station, is one of Sendai’s landmarks.
Floors 2 through 27 are offices, while floors 28 through 30 house restaurants, and the top floor, the 30th floor, has an observation space.
The observation floor can be reached in about 1 minute via the dedicated “Sky Shuttle” elevator.
From a height of Approx. 128 m above ground, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of central Sendai and the Sendai Castle ruins.
After sunset, the floor is dimly lit, and below spreads a sparkling night view of homes, buildings, and car headlights across the city.
Another appealing point is that there are benches on the floor, so you can relax and spend time there at ease.

Located on Mt. Atago, Atago Shrine enshrines the fire deity Kagutsuchi-no-Kami.
Built by Date Masamune, the shrine has long been cherished as a place to pray for the safety of Sendai.
Within the grounds is a small observation deck where, after sunset, visitors can enjoy the glittering night view of central Sendai with its high-rise buildings.
Because it is a little removed from the city center, it offers a different kind of scenery from downtown night view spots. Be sure to also enjoy the magical atmosphere of the shrine lit by lanterns.
Since the shrine parking lot closes after 6pm, it is recommended to access it on foot from Atagobashi Station on the city subway, or by city bus from JR Sendai Station.

Built about a 2-minute walk from the pedestrian deck extending from the west exit of Sendai Station.
Two areas on the west and east sides of the top 31st floor are open to the public free of charge as observation terraces, and the views of Sendai from here are highly regarded for their beauty.
Since the terraces are open until 8pm, the night view is also one of the highlights.
On the west side, the lights of buildings and other structures illuminate the cityscape, creating a beautiful nighttime scene different from the daytime one and attracting couples and tourists alike.

A restaurant located on the 26th floor of the luxury hotel The Westin Sendai.
From the large windows inside, guests can enjoy Sendai’s night view while savoring course meals made with seasonal ingredients from Sendai and the Tohoku region.
The course offerings vary by season, but the standard dinner course is called “Symphony.”
It begins with an amuse-bouche and continues as a full course with appetizer, soup, fish dish, meat dish, and dessert.
There are also many other courses with different themes, which is another nice point since you can choose according to your mood and preferences.

Steak Kojiro, a teppanyaki steak restaurant in Sendai, has remained a beloved fine-dining spot since opening in 1983.
Inside, a semicircular counter with a striking contrast of gold and black creates an elegant atmosphere, and from the seats guests can look out over a small courtyard inspired by the tsukubai basin at Kyoto’s Ryoanji Temple, offering seasonal beauty throughout the year.
Wrapped in this refined setting, diners can also enjoy the live experience of watching their meal prepared right before their eyes on the teppan grill.

A stylish café located about 10 minutes by car from JR Sendai Station. At the bottom of a staircase leading down into the building, you’ll find indoor seating with antique-style chairs and tables, as well as terrace seating surrounded by greenery along the Hirose River, creating an almost hidden-retreat atmosphere.
The café may be reserved for private concerts or events depending on the day, so it’s best to check before visiting.

A resort hotel with an appearance reminiscent of a classic European manor house.
Although it is located only about 30 minutes by car from Sendai Station, the spacious English-style garden surrounding the hotel creates an elegant atmosphere far removed from everyday life.
The guest rooms are divided into two view types: “Garden Side Rooms,” facing the beautiful garden, and “Forest Side Rooms,” where guests can enjoy seasonal views of the mountains.
In addition to suites on the top floor, the hotel offers a variety of room types, including modern Japanese-style suites and rooms with view baths.

A luxury hotel located on the upper floors of the 37-story Sendai Trust Tower, which stands near the business district in central Sendai.
Within walking distance of JR Sendai Station, it is convenient not only for sightseeing in the prefecture but also for traveling to other parts of Tohoku.
The classy guest rooms offer sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, the city, and the Pacific Ocean. They are also equipped with features for a comfortable stay, including the Westin Heavenly® Bed, a compact refrigerator, a lighted desk, Wi-Fi, and large floor-to-ceiling windows.

A highly convenient hotel directly connected to JR Sendai Station, the gateway to Tohoku, making it ideal for both sightseeing and business.
Based on the concept of “Tohoku Rokkan, SENSE OF TOHOKU,” it welcomes guests with facilities and services designed to evoke anticipation, local character, heartfelt hospitality, a sense of the extraordinary, peace of mind, and a feeling of discovery.
With a wide variety of accommodation plans, including guaranteed train-view rooms and plans that come with a shake made with Miyagi’s famous zunda, you can choose the one that suits your preferences.