Sendai

What to know

With a population of about one million, Sendai (仙台) is the largest city in the Tohoku Region and ranks among Japan's 15 biggest cities. The modern city was founded around 1600 by Date Masamune, one of feudal Japan's most powerful lords. Many of Sendai's tourist attractions are linked to Masamune and his family.

Just under an hour northeast of the city center lies Matsushima, a bay dotted with pine-covered islets and celebrated as one of Japan's three most scenic views.

Activities and attractions

Zuihoden MausoleumMausoleum of Date Masamune and his familyGyutanMost famous dish of SendaiSendai Tanabata MatsuriSummer festival with elaborate decorationsRinnoji TempleDate family temple with outstanding gardenOsaki Hachimangu ShrineBeautiful family shrine of the Date clanAoba CastleRuins of the former castle of the Date clanDowntown SendaiAbout attractions in the downtown areaSendai PortRecreation district with aquariumYamadera TempleScenic temple on a steep mountainsideSanriku CoastPacific coastline that was hit by the 2011 tsunamiMatsushimaScenic bay dotted by pine-clad isletsZaoVolcano with hot spring and ski resortNaruko GorgeForested gorge famous for its autumn colorsIshinomakiPort city badly affected by the tsunami