Sendai

Sendai, founded by the legendary one-eyed warlord Date Masamune in 1601, is the vibrant capital of Miyagi Prefecture and the gateway to the Tohoku region. The city blends urban sophistication with abundant greenery, earning its nickname the City of Trees from the zelkova-lined Jozenji-dori avenue that hosts jazz festivals in autumn and the spectacular Pageant of Starlight illumination in winter. The ruins of Aoba Castle on a hilltop offer sweeping views of the city skyline and the Pacific Ocean beyond. Sendai is a culinary destination in its own right, with Gyutan Street near the station serving the city's signature thick-sliced grilled beef tongue alongside local craft beer. The annual Tanabata Festival in August transforms the city's shopping arcades into a riot of colorful paper streamers, drawing over two million visitors.