Yagiyama Zoological Park is one of my favorite attractions. Admission is affordable, and transportation is quite convenient. Take the Sendai Subway Tozai Line to Yagiyama Zoological Park Station, then walk about 12 minutes to get there. It's great for families with children, and even adults can have a lot of fun exploring.
The zoo isn't very large, making it ideal for a leisurely half-day stroll. Along the way, you can observe the daily routines and habits of various animals up close without getting too tired from walking, and enjoy spending time around them.
The most popular animals at the zoo are definitely the polar bears! Two adorable polar bear cubs, Kai and Sora, were born in December 2024, bringing new energy to the zoo and attracting many polar bear fans with professional cameras. Watching the two cubs play energetically and explore their surroundings is heartwarming. The zoo also holds a special birthday celebration for them every December, so if you happen to visit during that time of year, it's worth keeping an eye out for it.
Yagiyama Zoological Park Fujisaki no Mori | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Ginza Itoya Main store
The Stationary Specialty store was established in 1904, Alongside department stores and luxury brand shops, in Ginza. The main store building symbolized by a bright red paper clip was renovated in 2015.
If you're a stationery lover, you definitely can't miss Ginza Itoya Main Store when visiting Tokyo!
This 12-story stationery paradise has everything from seasonal greeting cards, paper, and paints to household goods, stationery, and many beautifully crafted original products. There's such a wide variety that it's almost overwhelming.
Each floor has different surprises. The products aren't just practical—the designs and quality are also very appealing.
Even if you're not planning to buy anything, it's still worth stopping by. The whole store has a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere, and simply browsing all the exquisite stationery and household goods will put you in a great mood. For stationery lovers, this is truly the kind of place you'll never want to leave~ -
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Sendai Shopping Arcades
“Hapina Nakakecho", "CLIS Road", and "Marble Road Omachi" run east to west from Sendai Station, and "Sun Mall", "Vlandome", and "Ichibancho 4-chome Shopping Street" run north to south, forming the letter "to" in katakana, making it the largest shopping street in Tohoku.
There are several shopping streets in front of Sendai Station, most with covered arcades, so you don't have to worry whether it's sunny or raining. Both sides are lined with unique shops, including clothing stores, variety stores, restaurants, and cafés. Strolling through them, you can feel the lively atmosphere of downtown Sendai.
Among them, Sun Mall Ichibancho Shopping Street is one of Sendai's most iconic shopping streets, with a history dating back to 1954. There's also a Pokémon manhole cover hidden here, a cute little surprise. When you pass by, try looking down—you might just find it!
When you get tired from shopping, take a break at Kanmidokoro Hikoichi, a long-established sweets shop that's also popular with locals. Besides the delicious food, the shop retains a retro, nostalgic atmosphere, and the staff are friendly and polite, making for a very pleasant dining experience. -
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Sendai Asaichi Morning Market
“Sendai Asaichi" has the advantage of being extremely accessible, only a five-minute walk from Sendai Station. The market sells mainly fresh local Miyagi fresh food products. There are also many diners, allowing visitors to enjoy all the food Miyagi has to offer, from shopping to dining.
Follow the locals around the morning market early in the day and experience their lively energy. The roughly 100-meter-long shopping street is packed with vendors selling fresh seafood, vegetables, and prepared foods, making it a great place to have breakfast.
The popular and affordable croquettes at Saito Sozaiten, where people line up, are made with Danshaku potatoes from Hokkaido. They're crispy outside, fluffy inside, and very flavorful. The portions aren't large, so they're perfect for eating while you walk.
Hanagasa Dango Honpo displays rice balls in a variety of flavors. Freshly made every day, they're another popular snack not to miss here.
Besides the prepared food shops, you can also browse inside the market and buy some dried seafood as souvenirs. The wakame from Minamisanriku is especially high quality, with thick leaves and a springy texture that adds flavor to dishes. -
