Best things to do in Sendai

Sendai's Unmissable Highlights

Sendai, known as the "City of Trees," balances samurai history with modern design. This selection includes the Aoba Castle ruins, the Momoyama-style Osaki Hachiman Shrine, and the Zen architecture of Zuihoji Temple. Modern landmarks are represented by Toyo Ito’s Sendai Mediatheque and the Umino-mori Aquarium. The list also covers the remote Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple, famous for its five-story pagoda, and the family-oriented Anpanman Children’s Museum.

ChiefHira / CC BY-SA 3.0

Sendai Castle

Aoba Castle is a Japanese castle located in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.

ジダネ / Public domain

Osaki Hachiman Shrine

Ōsaki Hachimangū is a Shinto shrine in Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.

yisris / Yuichi / CC BY-SA 2.0

Sendai Mediatheque

Sendai Mediatheque is a library in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. It was designed by Toyo Ito in 1995 and completed in 2001.

広瀬川 / CC BY-SA 4.0

Sendai Umino-mori Aquarium

Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium is a public aquarium located in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.

Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum and Mall

Indoor theme park based on the popular children's character Anpanman. Includes interactive play areas, a theater for live shows, and a shopping mall with character-themed food and merchandise.

広瀬川 / Public domain

Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple

Buddhist temple complex known for its 30-meter-tall five-story pagoda and the 'Jogi-san' pilgrimage site. The surrounding village is famous for its local specialty, triangular deep-fried tofu.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

瑞鳳寺

Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple founded in 1637 by Date Tadamune. It features a main gate originally from Sendai Castle and a Shakyamuni Buddha statue relocated from Hiraizumi's Motsu-ji Temple.

Kinori / Public domain

Sendai City Hall

Administrative headquarters for the city of Sendai, located adjacent to Kotodai Park. The facility serves as the central hub for local government services and public administration.