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.
Sendai Shopping Arcades | 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 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. -
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Entsuin Temple
Entsuin Temple was built in 1647 as a family temple for Date Mitsumune, Date Masamune's grandson. Entsuin Temple is known for its beautiful autumn foliage, which is at its best from late October to mid-November. The garden, which was created around 350 years ago, is one of the most beautiful in the Tohoku region, centered on Shinji Pond and Mt. Potalaka, where Kannon Bosatsu (Goddess of Mercy) resided.
Entsuin Temple is the family temple of Date Mitsumune, the legitimate grandson of the famous Sengoku-period feudal lord Date Masamune, and is also a well-known spot for viewing autumn foliage. If you're visiting Matsushima, I highly recommend stopping by.
The Sankeiden mausoleum on the grounds is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. As you stroll around, surrounded by lush greenery and a peaceful setting, you naturally slow down and take in the temple's serene and elegant atmosphere. There is also a small rose garden. The roses are said to have been brought back to Japan from Europe by retainers of the Date family, adding a unique exotic touch to the temple.
Entsuin Temple also offers a paid DIY prayer bead bracelet experience. You can choose the beads you like and make your own personalized prayer bead bracelet as a keepsake. -
