Things to do in Sendai

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High-resolution panoramic photo overlooking Sendai. Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.
Woman tourist sightseeing Kitakami Tenshochi Park with Sakura Cherry Blossom in Spring, traveler travel in Kitakami festival, Iwate prefecture, Japan. Landmark for Travel and Vacation destination
city skyline aerial view of Sendai in Japan
A traditional pavilion with ornate decorations and a black and yellow gate, surrounded by lush greenery.
A rock formation with a traditional Japanese building on top, surrounded by water and trees.

Sendai Attractions

Whether your goal is to shop up a storm or sample local cuisine, you'll find plenty of things to do in Sendai. This city is home to many thrilling attractions that'll keep your vacation schedule full and your feet on the go. No matter your interests, this place has something up its sleeve for you.

If you're ready to discover the best of Sendai, join a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let a friendly local show you some of the most popular tourist attractions. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {29 fun activities in Sendai fun activities in Sendai} are also worth looking into.

Things to do

Sendai Private Izakaya and Bar Tour

Sendai Private Izakaya and Bar Tour

$125
per adult
Sendai Private Izakaya and Bar Tour
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Recommended things to do in Sendai

Number of things to do
29
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Sendai Kokubuncho: Dragon Nightclub Admission Ticket & Drink: $7
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Sendai

Free Things to Do in Sendai

Traveling on a lean budget in Sendai? Spend time, not your paycheck, on great experiences.

Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall - Check if there are any special displays, exhibits or guided tours on at this interesting museum.

Miyagi Prefectural Office - Swing by this modern local landmark and take in its impressive design.

Aoba Castle - If you're thinking of exploring the history of the area through its landmarks, put this one on your to-do list.

Asaichi Morning Market - Dig out your guidebook and discover why this place is worth adding to your travel itinerary.

Mitakisanfudoin - Mix some spirituality into your travels by dropping by this religious attraction.

Aoba Green forest - Take a break from the busy city life and reconnect with nature at this incredible attraction.

Nishikicho Park - Whether you can tell your apple trees from azaleas, you'll no doubt find beauty in this gorgeous display.

Things to Do in Sendai with Kids

You'll find loads of fun things to do with the kids in and near Sendai. Keep the crew entertained with our family friendly experiences.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Sendai? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Sendai

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Sendai-Izumi Premium Outlets

During your trip to Sendai, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Sendai-Izumi Premium Outlets. Discover the hot springs while you're in the area.

Sendai-Izumi Premium Outlets
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Sendai International Center

Learn about the events happening at Sendai International Center during your trip to Sendai. Amble around the area's parks or experience its festivals.

Sendai International Center
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Sendai Mediatheque

Learn about the local history of Sendai with a stop at Sendai Mediatheque. Experience the area's festivals and museums.

Sendai Mediatheque
A traditional temple with ornate golden decorations, a tiled roof, and a pathway leading to the entrance.

Zuihoden Temple

You can study the exhibits at Zuihoden Temple, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Sendai. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.

Zuihoden Temple
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Sendai Stadium

Catch an event at Sendai Stadium during your trip to Sendai. Discover the hot springs while you're in the area.

Sendai Stadium
Major gate of Sendai Castle; Shutterstock ID 1069909157; purchase_order: SF 06557000; job: ; client: ; other:

Aoba Castle

Aoba Castle is just one of the places to see in Sendai, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble around the area's parks or visit its monuments.

Aoba Castle
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Tohoku Gakuin University Tsuchitoi Campus

Explore the campus of Tohoku Gakuin University Tsuchitoi Campus during your stay in Sendai. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.

Tohoku Gakuin University Tsuchitoi Campus
A waterfall surrounded by autumn-colored foliage.

Akiu Otaki Falls

Explore the great outdoors at Akiu Otaki Falls, a lovely green space in Sendai. Discover the area's hot springs and countryside.

Akiu Otaki Falls
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Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium

Take the family to visit the sea life at Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium during your travels in Sendai. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.

Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium

Where to stay in Sendai

Find the best Sendai areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Sendai
Learn more about Sendai
Sendai Japan

Downtown Sendai

While you're in Downtown Sendai, take in top sights like Asaichi Morning Market and jump on the metro at Hirose-dori Station to see more of the city.

A traditional Japanese temple with ornate decorations, surrounded by lush greenery and stone walls.

Aoba Ward

You might enjoy the hot springs while in Aoba Ward. Tokyo Electron Hall Miyagi is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Kotodai-Koen Station or Kita-Yonbancho Station to see more of the city.

Jozenji-dori Avenue in Sendai, Japan. Sendai is known as "The City of Forest" for its cityscape with trees to be one important element of the city

Kokubuncho

While you're in Kokubuncho, take in top sights like Tokyo Electron Hall Miyagi and jump on the metro at Kotodai-Koen Station to see more of the city.

Sendai Tanabata Festival at Ichibancho Shopping Street.

Ichibancho

While Ichibancho isn't home to many top sights, Asaichi Morning Market and Tokyo Electron Hall Miyagi are some notable places to visit nearby.

Sakunami

If you're spending some time in Sakunami, Sakunami Hot Spring and Mt. Kamakurayama are top sights worth seeing.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Sendai

A person making a heart shape with their hands behind a wooden fence, surrounded by blooming cherry blossom trees.

Tendo

A mountainous landscape with a temple on a rock, a valley with houses, and a river.

Yamagata

A mountainous landscape with autumn foliage, a winding path, and traditional architecture.

Isinomaki

The aerial view of Tagajo city.

Tagajo

Sendai Japan, Miyagi Prefecture, July 2022.The view from Kumano Nachi Shrine.

Natori

Taiwa
Photo by Hasec (Creative Commons Zero, Public Domain Dedication)

Taiwa

View of the Matsushima Bay and its famous red bridge, Sendai, Japan

Rifu

The bird's eye view of Miyato

Higashimatsushima

Frequently asked questions

Is Sendai worth visiting?
Known for its history and nature, finding fun things to do in Sendai is easy. Make sure to add Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Sendai?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall and Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium. Then, check out different parts of Sendai for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Sendai?
Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall is one of the top tourist attractions in Sendai and deserves a spot on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Sendai?
You can easily enjoy top sights like Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall, Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium and Yagiyama Zoo with a three-day stay in Sendai. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a while longer and check out Yamagata.
Is Sendai a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Sendai. Several key sights, like Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall and Yagiyama Zoo, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Sendai's neighborhoods, Aoba Ward is 0.1 miles away from downtown, while Ichibancho is 0.6 miles away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Sendai with kids?
If you are after attractions and activities for all of your group, we've got some excellent ideas for what to do in Sendai with kids.

What to do in Sendai for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Sendai, with entertainment for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Sendai International Center or Miyagi Prefectural Office.
Are there free things to do in Sendai?
From enjoying parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Sendai. If you're stuck for ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall is a must for anyone wanting to save on their travel adventures.

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