GOODTIME IN Sendai

THE GREEN CITY

Located on the east coast of central Japan, Sendai is around 350 km away from Tokyo and the capital of Miyagi prefecture. As the largest city in Tohoku. it’s the center of commerce and the destination of the region. It is also known as the green city, with pleasant greeneries everywhere you look, and grows remarkable Japanese rice. Let’s explore this remarkable city where nature and culture live in harmony.

Aoba Castle

Daimyo Date Masamune built Aoba Castle on Aoba Mountain, 100 meters above the town below. Since it was built in 1600, the castle endured many disasters and wars, including the great fire in 1882 and the bombing during World War II, leaving just the remains of its outer walls and a guard tower. The majority of the castle is now a serene courtyard with carvings of rocks giving visitors the introduction to different areas of castle ground. If you head to the east end of the courtyard, you’ll be able to see Sendai and Hirose River from one of the best scenic spots in the city.

Address: 1 Kawauchi, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi
Opening Hours: 9.00 – 17.00
Tel: +81 22 222 0218

Zuihoden Mausoleum

As the resting place of the Date family, Zuihoden Mausoleum is beautifully built during the Momoyama Period. Black hardwood structure, the Date family emblem, colourful wood carvings, and gold gildings give the mausoleum its lively yet reserved appearance, which is famously known as the Date architecture and style. The stone stairs leading up to the Buddha statue at the top of the hill symbolizes the path to heaven where the ancestors of Date family still look after the city. Don’t forget to touch the dragon at the entrance since it is believed to bring luck and fame.

Address: 23-2 Otamayashita, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi
Opening Hours: 9.00 – 16.30
Tel: +81 22 262 6250
Admission Fee: Adult 550 Yen (approx. 160 Baht) / Children 400 Yen (approx. 115 Baht)

Gokoku Shrine

Gokoku Shrine sits in the perimeter of Aoba Castle to honor the warriors who gave their lives in countless wars. The shrine is home to the statue of Daimyo Date Masamune, aka The War God of Shinto, and Aoba Castle Museum. Learn the story of the great daimyo and the grandeur of Aoba Castle during its time and be a part of the history!

Address: 1 Kawauchi, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi
Opening Hours: 9.00 – 17.00
Tel: +81 22 222 0218
Admission Fee: 700 Yen (approx. 200 Baht)

Osaki Hachimangu Shrine

Many shrines were built during the reign of daimyo Date Masamune as the Date family shrine. Osaki Hachimangu Shrine is devoted to the warrior god, Hachiman, and it has been protecting Sendai since 1607. Leading craftsmen and artists were recruited to pioneer the Date architecture and style that would later be used to build the Zuihoden Mausoleum. Locals and tourists visit the shrine to ask for Hachiman blessing, particularly for victory and wealth.

Address: 4 Chome-6-1 Hachiman, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi
Opening Hours: 9.00 – 16.30
Tel: +81 22 234 3606

Sendai Daikannon

The gracious and gentle statue of Guanyin stands 100 meters tall at Daikanmitsuj Temple. This is the sixth tallest statue of Guanyin and it is divided into 13 floors, each floor exhibiting different stances of Guanyin, as well as a souvenir shop. For convenience, you can catch the elevator to the top and make your way down the statue.

Address: 31-36 Nakayamaminami, Sanezawa, Izumi-ku, Sendai, Miyagi
Opening Hours: 9.00 – 16.30
Tel: +81 22 278 3331
Admission Fee: 500 Yen (approx. 150 Baht)

Funaoka Joshi Park

Famously one of a hundred best destinations to see the cherry blossom, Funaoka Joshi Park draws thousands of visitors to its pink hill every day during the travel season. To get the most out of the park, get on the slope car that will take you through the forest of cherry blossom and fill your camera memory card in an instant!

Address: Tateyama-95-1 Funaoka, Shibata, Shibata District, Miyagi
Opening Hours: 9.00 – 17.00
Slope car fee: 250 Yen per ride (approx. 75 Baht)

Must Try

Gyutan Yaki, or grilled beef tongue, is one of the local’s favourites. Thinly sliced beef tongue is marinated in special Sendai style sauce. The charcoal grilled beef tongue is served over steamed rice with a variety of side dishes. Beef tongue is also the star ingredient for many menus like beef tongue curry, and stew.

Hotel Metropolitan Sendai

Luxuriously decorated and designed, Hotel Metropolitan Sandai offers a warm 5-star accommodation for leisure and business travelers alike. The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the city, close to famous attractions and business districts, but if you decided to rest up for a day, the hotel also features 5 different restaurants, a luxury spa, and a salon for your full relaxation.

Address: 980-8477 Aoba-ku Chuo 1-1-1, Miyagi
Tel: +81 22 268 2525