# Sendai

> Known as the City of Trees, Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku region, famous for Date Masamune's castle ruins, the Jozenji-dori zelkova avenue, and delicious grilled beef tongue (gyutan).

- Prefecture: Miyagi
- Type: City
- Address: Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
- Official site: https://www.sentabi.jp/

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 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.

## FAQ

### How do I get to Sendai?

The Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo reaches Sendai in about 1.5 hours. The city also has an airport with a direct rail link to the centre.

### What are the top things to do in Sendai?

Visit the ruins of Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle) with its Date Masamune equestrian statue, the lavish Zuihoden mausoleum, and zelkova-lined Jozenji-dori. Matsushima Bay makes an easy day trip.

### What food is Sendai famous for?

Sendai is famous for gyutan, charcoal-grilled beef tongue, as well as zunda (sweet edamame paste) shakes and sweets, and fresh seasonal oysters from Matsushima.

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Source: Sendai — Japan Voyage