All destinations
Sendai · Tohoku
Tohoku · 東北
Sendai
Tohoku's largest city, founded by the one-eyed warlord Date Masamune in 1600, now known for charcoal-grilled gyutan beef tongue, the August Tanabata festival, and the pine-covered islets of Matsushima Bay an hour up the coast.
- Best seasons
- Summer · Autumn
- JR Pass covers
- Yes
- Interests
- Food & Dining · Culture & History · Nature
Highlights
What to see and do.
- Matsushima Bay
- Gyutan (beef tongue)
- Zuihoden Mausoleum
- Jozenji-dori Avenue
- Tanabata Festival (Aug)
When to go
Crowd levels by month.
Vermillion density shows how crowded the city feels each month. Darker cells mean more tourists and higher prices.
JanVery low
FebVery low
MarLow
AprModerate
MayModerate
JunLow
JulModerate
AugVery high
SepLow
OctModerate
NovLow
DecLow
Where to stay
Neighbourhoods to consider.
Sendai Station area
Central hub with great restaurant selection and transit access
conveniencefoodtransit
Book ahead
Reservations that matter.
Tanabata Festival (Aug 6-8) requires very early hotel bookings. Matsushima Bay is a 30-min train ride.