[Spring Sendai City Travel Guide] A Walk Through the City of Trees with Cherry Blossoms and Waterside Views

Opened in 1875, this is Sendai City’s oldest urban park, known for being wrapped in nature despite its central city location. Its Approx. 10.8-hectare grounds are home to many highlights, including the Kokeshi Tower and various sculptures. In spring, around 200 cherry trees bloom beautifully, and the illuminated cherry blossoms at night, lit by lanterns, are especially popular, making it one of Sendai’s best-known cherry blossom viewing spots.
It is also easy to access, just steps from Omachi Nishi-koen Station on the Tozai Subway Line, making it easy to include in a spring walk around Sendai.

Sendai Toshogu Shrine was founded by Date Tadamune, the second lord of the Sendai Domain, and shrine buildings including the main hall and Karamon gate are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
The grounds are also famous for their cherry blossoms beyond the worship hall area. Around 80 cherry trees are planted here, including Somei Yoshino, a weeping cherry tree on the west side of the worship hall, and wild cherry trees on the north side of the grounds. The overlapping scenery of historic architecture and cherry blossoms creates a peaceful spring atmosphere.

These are the remains of a medieval manor built on a hill by the Chomei clan. Today, the site has been developed as a historical park and serves as a relaxing place near the city center.
In spring, cherry blossoms bloom throughout the park, and the lawn plaza is filled with bright seasonal color. Many cherry trees are also planted around the observatory, allowing visitors to enjoy both the blossoms in full bloom and panoramic city views at once. It is an ideal spot for a spring walk where history and nature come together.

This museum is attached to Sankyozawa Power Plant, known as the birthplace of hydroelectric power generation in Japan, and offers a chance to learn about the history of power generation and the local natural environment.
Visitors can observe generators and waterwheels that have continued producing electricity since the Meiji era through glass, and a variety of exhibits introduce the history of electricity and the natural environment that has supported power generation in the area. It is a facility where you can learn about the relationship between the Hirose River and everyday life.

This whisky distillery was opened in 1969 by Masataka Taketsuru as Nikka Whisky’s second base after Yoichi. It is located in the mountains near the border with Yamagata Prefecture, surrounded by the Nikkawa and Hirose rivers.
The red brick buildings blending into the forest are one of its defining features, and the grounds still preserve distillery-specific structures such as the kiln tower. Be sure to stop by the shop, where you’ll find bottles available only at the distillery.

This botanical garden in Taihaku Ward, Sendai City, displays a wide variety of plants, with a focus on wildflowers from the Tohoku region.
The Approx. 9.5 ha grounds are divided into zones including aquatic plants, seaside plants, medicinal herbs, alpine plants, and ravine and mountain plants, allowing visitors to observe a wide range of flowers and greenery throughout the year. In spring, katakuri and primroses bloom delicately, and you can enjoy nature while strolling around the lawn plaza and sculpture plaza.

This natural park stretches across Aoba Ward and Izumi Ward in Sendai City, centered around Sankyotsutsumi and Marutazawatsutsumi ponds, with natural forests of red pine and konara oak spreading throughout.
Woodland walking paths are maintained in the park, where katakuri and mountain cherry blossoms bloom in spring, and great egrets spread their wings by the water. With many trails where you can walk while looking out over the lakeside scenery, it is a park where you can experience satoyama nature.

This shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, is located in central Sendai yet surrounded by quiet greenery.
The grounds feature a small stream and pond, where the gentle sound of water is accompanied by seasonal flowers and trees. In particular, the early-blooming plum blossoms, said to be the earliest to bloom in Sendai, announce the arrival of spring. There are also old weeping cherry trees, and during flower season the grounds are filled with a bright atmosphere. A walk through the haikai monument grove, lined with poetry and verse stones, also offers a glimpse into the shrine’s quiet history.

An interactive facility in eastern Sendai themed around agriculture and horticulture.
The grounds feature flowerbeds and gardens filled with seasonal blooms. The rose garden has around 200 varieties and 1,200 rose bushes, with best viewing times in both spring and fall. You can also enjoy Approx. 60 varieties of plum trees in the plum grove, and there are gardens with ponds and streams where you can experience agriculture and horticulture while strolling.

This park is set on high ground overlooking Sendai City and marks the site of Sendai Castle, built by Date Masamune.
Today, the area has been developed as a park, where you can see the stone walls, the reconstructed side turret of the Otemon Gate, and the earthen wall on the north side of the Otemon Gate. A horseback statue of Date Masamune stands in the park, and the elevated site offers sweeping views overlooking the Hirose River.

Tsutsujigaoka Park began when Date Tsunamura, the fourth lord of the Sendai Domain, built Shakado Hall to memorialize his mother.
An adjacent riding ground was later developed, and the area has a history of being planted with around 1,000 cherry trees, including weeping cherry trees brought from Kyoto, making it a long-loved cherry blossom spot. In spring, the Cherry Blossom Festival is held, and the entire park is wrapped in soft floral colors and lively seasonal energy.

One of the city’s largest cherry blossom spots, this park is colored by many different varieties of cherry trees. Because each variety reaches full bloom at a different time, visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms for a relatively long period, from mid-April to early May.
Each year in April, a cherry blossom festival is held, and the entire park fills with visitors enjoying the flowers. With its spacious lawn area, it is a spot where you can really feel the lively atmosphere of spring.

The Sendai Aoba Festival began in 1985, marking the 350th anniversary of the death of Date Masamune, with the aim of reviving Sendai’s festival traditions.
Today, it has become one of Sendai’s three major festivals and a seasonal tradition that draws many visitors from Japan and abroad. At the eve festival, the Sendai Suzume Odori sparrow dance is performed, while the main festival features mikoshi parades and float processions. It is cherished as a spring event where tradition comes alive in the heart of the city.

A specialty shop where you can casually enjoy sweets made with Miyagi’s famous zunda, complete with a café space.
The menu includes staples such as the zunda mochi set and a wide variety of items like the mellow-tasting zunda shake. It’s a great place to enjoy a sweet treat that feels just like Sendai right inside the station.
Located on the 3rd floor of JR Sendai Station in front of the Shinkansen Central Gate, it’s easy to stop by while waiting for your train.

A specialty restaurant where you can fully enjoy Sendai’s local specialty, gyutan, this Aobajo branch is operated by Date no Gyutan Honpo, founded in 1991.
Carefully grilled by skilled chefs, the gyutan has the signature finish only a specialty restaurant can offer. The signature item, “Shintan,” uses the tender tongue root cut, known for its clean bite and rich flavor.
It is also an easy stop while sightseeing around Sendai Castle.

A café located Approx. 10 minutes by car from JR Sendai Station.
Down the stairs leading into the basement, you’ll find an interior seating area with antique-style chairs and tables, along with a terrace surrounded by greenery along the Hirose River, giving the place the feel of a hidden retreat. It is easy to stop by while exploring the Hirose River area, and you can enjoy lunch and handmade cakes as well. On days when the café is reserved for private use, checking in advance is recommended.

A long-established Chinese restaurant in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, with a bright interior renovated in 2013.
Its popular specialty is Sendai’s famous “Hiyashi Chuka with Jellyfish and Mixed Toppings,” available year-round. Served on custom-made noodles and topped with jellyfish, shrimp, and more, it has a refined flavor, and you can choose between sesame or soy sauce dressing. Other favorites include mapo yakisoba and dim sum. There is also a takeout menu, so you can enjoy it back at your accommodation.

Located just steps from Sendai Station, “Sendai Seri Nabe and Private Room Japanese Dining Serisoan” has a charming retro atmosphere. With fully private rooms, you can relax and enjoy the flavors of Miyagi at your own pace without worrying about those around you.
The winter specialty, “Sendai Seri Nabe with Duck,” offers a perfect balance of rich duck flavor and the fresh taste of seri greens. The menu also features a variety of seri dishes and Sendai-style small plates to pair with drinks, and even finishes with harakomeshi.
Its convenient location also makes it easy to visit during your trip.

A highly convenient hotel directly connected to JR Sendai Station, the gateway to Tohoku, making it ideal for both sightseeing and business.
With the concept “Tohoku Rikkan SENSE OF TOHOKU,” the hotel offers a calm and refined space, and its guestrooms come in nine different types to suit various travel styles. All rooms have separate baths and toilets, allowing you to relax and unwind after your journey.
The hotel also has a restaurant that can be used from breakfast through dinner, making it a comfortable base for spring sightseeing in Sendai.

A luxury hotel within walking distance of Sendai Station, located on the upper floors of Sendai Trust Tower. From its elegant guestrooms, you can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, cityscape, and the Pacific Ocean.
Guestrooms equipped with the Westin Heavenly® Bed feature floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a comfortable stay bathed in the light of spring. It is an excellent choice for a high-quality stay as a base for city walks and sightseeing.

A hot spring inn nestled in Sakunami Onsen, surrounded by the natural beauty at the source of the Hirose River. You can enjoy free-flowing hot spring water from the inn’s own source in a variety of open-air and indoor baths, each with its own character.
With guestrooms that let you take in satoyama scenery, it offers a quiet setting where you can relax both body and mind. Its all-inclusive style, with dining and activities included in the rate, makes it easy to enjoy a leisurely spring trip to Sendai.