Travel to Sendai, Japan

26/05/2026

Prefecture is home to many well‑known spots. In high‑elevation areas such as the , the leaves reach their peak from late September, while in foothills and city areas the colors can be enjoyed until around mid‑November.

in Aoba Ward, , has historical ties to the DATE clan. Its beautiful Zen garden is also a famous spot for . The reflections of the foliage in the central pond, along with the three‑story pagoda and red bridge, create a wonderfully atmospheric scene.

About 30 minutes by car from central Sendai, the area is home to , considered one of Japan’s three most famous . It is also a popular place to enjoy the autumn colors.

In , offers breathtaking scenery so vivid it is known as the “Carpet of the Gods.”

The official Sendai City website’s “Sendai & Miyagi Autumn Foliage Map” introduces 14 recommended foliage spots.

22/05/2026

🐎✨Gallop Into Good at
Located in with easy access from , Takekoma Shrine is one of Japan’s three major . With a history dating back to 842, it enshrines a deity associated with blessings for abundant harvests and business prosperity, and has long been cherished by many people. As one of the leading spiritual sites ( ) in , it attracts around 1.6 million visitors annually.

As 2026 is the Year of the , this shrine is the perfect place to visit thanks to its deep historical connection with horses!

🌿 Highlights & Experiences
•Fortune telling: Try the “Kaiun Kitsune Mikuji”—a cute fox-shaped figurine with your fortune written on a paper slip inside.

•Stunning architecture: Don’t miss the majestic main shrine building, made entirely of Japanese cypress (hinoki), founded in 842 and rich with history.

• : Explore the “Baji Museum” (equine museum) on the grounds to learn about the shrine’s long-standing connection with horses.

•Food & sweets: Enjoy , , and both on the grounds and in the surrounding area.

☕ Food & Relaxation on the Grounds
Takekoma no Mori CAFÉ Ichiryumanbai: It’s popular for its beautiful parfaits and “Oinari lunch” sets.

🍜Mengumi: A highly popular ramen shop located right on the shrine grounds.

🥞Mishinaya (obanyaki): A long-established shop near the entrance serving traditional thick pancakes filled with sweet bean paste—perfect for a post-shrine snack.

⛩️ Nearby Spot
While in the area, we also recommend visiting , famous for its blessings regarding financial fortune and business success.

🚶 Access
🚃By train: Approx. 15 mins walk from JR Iwanuma Station.
🚗By car: Approx. 35 mins drive from central Sendai.

📍 Spot Details
⛩️ Takekoma Shrine
Location: 1-1 Inaricho, Iwanuma City, Miyagi Prefecture
Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

☕ Takekoma no Mori CAFÉ Ichiryumanbai (on the shrine grounds)
📍 Address: Within the Takekoma Shrine grounds
🕔 Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (hours may vary by season)
📅 Closed: Irregular days

🍜 Mengumi (ramen)
Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (closes when soup runs out)
Closed: Tuesdays

🐎 Baji Museum (equine museum)
Admission: 200 yen
Closed: Irregular days (please check for special events)

While in the area, we also recommend visiting Kanahebisui Shrine, widely known for its blessings of financial fortune and business success.

🐍⛩️ Kanahebisui Shrine
📍 Location: 7 Suishin, Miroyoshi, Iwanuma City, Miyagi Prefecture
🚗 Access: Approx. 10 mins by car from Takekoma Shrine.



🐎✨ #午年 に訪れたい特別なスポット【 #竹駒神社】
仙台エリアからもアクセスしやすい #岩沼市 の竹駒神社は、 #日本三稲荷 のひとつに数えられる歴史ある神社です。五穀豊穣や商売繁盛などを司る神様を祀り、多くの人々に親しまれています。
また古くから「馬」とのゆかりも深く、午年の今年に訪れるのにぴったりの場所です🐎

🌿 見どころ・楽しみ方
・お稲荷さんの人形に入った開運きつねみくじが人気
・842年創建の長い歴史を持ち、総ヒノキ造りの荘厳な御社殿は必見
・馬とのゆかりを伝える #馬事博物館 も見どころのひとつ
・境内や周辺では #ラーメン やスイーツなども楽しめます
・東北屈指の #パワースポット として、年間約160万人が訪れます

☕ 境内の楽しみ
境内にはカフェ「竹駒の杜 CAFÉ 一粒万倍」があり、見た目も美しいパフェやお稲荷さんにちなんだおいなりランチが人気です。
また、人気ラーメン店「 #麺組（めんぐみ）」もおすすめ。入口前には老舗の大判焼き店もあり、参拝後のひと休みにぴったりです。

⛩️ 周辺スポット
近くには金運や商売繁盛のご利益で知られる #金蛇水神社 もあり、あわせて巡るのもおすすめです。

🚶 アクセス
JR岩沼駅から徒歩約15分
仙台駅から車で約35分

⛩️ 竹駒神社
📍住所：宮城県岩沼市稲荷町1-1
🕔開門時間: 6:00〜17:00

☕ 竹駒の杜 CAFÉ 一粒万倍（境内）
📍住所：竹駒神社境内
🕔営業時間：10:00〜16:00頃（季節により変動あり）
📅定休日：不定休

🍜 麺組
📍住所：竹駒神社境内
🕔営業時間：11:00〜15:00（スープなくなり次第終了）
📅定休日：火曜日

🐎 馬事博物館
・定休日：不定休（行事等により休館の場合あり）
・入館料：200円

🥞 大判焼き店　三品屋（みしなや）
📅定休日：不定休

🐍 ⛩️ 金蛇水神社
📍住所：宮城県岩沼市三色吉水神7

19/05/2026

Experience the forest from 20,000 years ago! 🌲✨
If you want to step back into the Ice Age, make sure to visit the Chitei-no-Mori Museum (Museum of the Trampled Earth) by August 30th this year!

🛑 Important Notice🛑 Long-Term Closure for Major Renovations

The Chitei-no-Mori Museum, located in Taihaku Ward, Sendai City, will be closed for a long period starting August 31, 2026, to undergo large-scale renovation work aimed at extending the facility's lifespan.

The museum is scheduled to reopen in late March 2029. This means this invaluable archaeological site will be unavailable to the public for about two and a half years.

What makes so special?
It is a world-class, one-of-a-kind site that preserves and displays an actual Paleolithic forest from 20,000 years ago—exactly as it was discovered. It offers a rare glimpse into both the "forest" and "human life" during the .

Step underground, and you will find yourself surrounded by the preserved roots of ancient trees and the remains of campfires that offer a peek into the lives of people from the Ice Age.

Because this area was once a wetland, the memories of this ancient forest were miraculously preserved like a time capsule. The overwhelming silence and raw reality of this space can only be experienced here.

Come visit before we say goodbye for a little while! 👋
Time is running out before the museum closes at the end of August. Don't miss your chance to witness this miracle of history!

🗓️ Closure Details
Closure Period: August 31, 2026 – Late March 2029 (Expected)

Note: The closure period is subject to change depending on the progress of the construction.

📍 Visitor Information & Access
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. (Last admission at 4:15 p.m.)

Closed on:
Mondays (Open if Monday is a national holiday)

The day after a national holiday (Open if that day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or another holiday)

🪙 Admission Fees (CASH ONLY 💵)
Adults: 460 yen

High School Students: 230 yen

Elementary & Junior High School Students: 110 yen

Location: 4-3-1 Nagamachi-minami, Taihaku-ku, Sendai, 982-0012

By Train: Approx. a 5-minute walk from West Exit 2 of Nagamachi-minami Station (Sendai Subway Namboku Line).

By Bus: Approx. a 5-minute walk from the "Nagamachi-minami Eki / Taihaku Kuyakusho-mae" bus stop.

Parking: Free parking available (22 standard cars).

⚠️ Tip: Higher crowds are expected before the temporary closure. We highly recommend using public transportation when you visit!

　

17/05/2026

Backed by Beautiful Blue Skies, Day 2 of the Sendai Aoba Festival Was a Massive Success! 🌿
The second day of the festival was held under perfect sunny weather. The energy was electric as more than 4,000 passionate dancers performed the iconic Suzume Odori (Sparrow Dance) alongside 12 magnificent, towering Yamaboko floats, captivating spectators from start to finish!

On Jozenji-dori Avenue, surrounded by the gorgeous early summer greenery, the Sajiki-seki (Reserved Grandstand Seats) were packed with cheerful crowds enjoying the breathtaking, front-row view of the historical pageant.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us this weekend! We already can’t wait to welcome you back to the "City of Trees" next year! 💚



五月晴れの素晴らしいお天気のもと、「仙台・青葉まつり」の2日目が開催されました！

歴史を今に伝える12基の壮麗な山鉾（やまぼこ）巡行とともに、4,000人を超える踊り手たちが躍動感あふれる「すずめ踊り」を披露。会場は観客の皆さまの歓声と熱気に包まれ、最高の盛り上がりを見せました！

新緑がまぶしい定禅寺通では、ケヤキ並木の美しい緑に囲まれた【桟敷席（さじきせき）】からも、多くの方々が手が届きそうなほどの至近距離で祭りの迫力を堪能されていました。

今年ご来場いただいた皆さま、本当にありがとうございました。
また来年も、美しい杜の都・仙台でお待ちしております！✨

17/05/2026

17/05/2026

【Sendai Aoba Festival Day 1: "Yoi Matsuri"】
The Sendai Aoba Festival Day 1 "Yoi Matsuri" (Eve Festival) was held, and the City of Trees, Sendai, was instantly enveloped in a wave of heat and excitement.

The Suzume Odori (Sparrow Dance) performances filled the shopping district arcades, Jozenji-dori Avenue, and the Nishi Park stages with dancers holding colorful folding fans. The sight of them leaping and dancing to the lively rhythm of the festival music was breathtaking!
As the sun set, the gentle light of the lanterns illuminated the City of Trees, wrapping it in a magical atmosphere quite different from the daytime. The scenery, recognized as a Japan Night View Heritage, was truly beautiful!

Today is Day 2! A grand landscape of 12 Yamaboko floats and a historical pageant will unfold. There is still time, so please come and visit!

【青葉まつり 1日目「宵まつり」】
仙台・青葉まつり 1日目「宵まつり」が開催され、杜の都・仙台の街が、一気に熱気と活気に包まれた1日となりました。

すずめ踊りの演舞は商店街アーケード、や定禅寺通、西公園のステージが、色鮮やかな扇子を持った踊り手たちで埋め尽くされました。軽快な囃子の音色に合わせて跳ね踊る姿は圧巻！
日が落ちると、提灯の優しい光が杜の都を照らし、昼間とは一味違う幻想的な雰囲気に包まれました。日本夜景遺産の風景は本当に美しかったです！

今日は２日目！12基のやまぼこと時代絵巻の壮大な風景が広がります。まだ間に合いますので、ぜひお越しください！

#仙台青葉まつり #青葉まつり #仙台 #すずめ踊り #日本夜景遺産

12/05/2026

Experience the from the Best Seat! — Two days of magic: The "Yoi-matsuri" and the Grand Historical Pageant "Hon-matsuri" —

The wait is finally over! This weekend, the vibrant greenery of the "City of Trees" becomes the stage for the Sendai Aoba Festival. On May 16 (Sat) and 17 (Sun), the entire city will be transformed by the energy and passion of this legendary celebration.

This year’s (Sparrow Dance) is set to be bigger than ever, featuring 141 groups and 4,600 dancers! From the iconic Jozenji-dori Avenue to the bustling shopping arcades and Nishi Park, the city will be alive with rhythmic dancing. Don’t miss the performance by the international student team from —they’ve been practicing tirelessly to show off their moves!

🏮 Saturday, May 16: Yoi-matsuri (Eve Festival)
A rare chance to experience Sendai’s "Japan Nightscape Heritage"

As the sun sets, the Yamaboko floats are lit with lanterns, casting a mystical glow over Jozenji-dori. This stunning evening atmosphere is only available on Saturday!

Twilight Traditions: Just as dusk falls, the powerful strains of the traditional Sendai Kiyari songs ring out, signaling a shift in the festival's energy.

The Grand Finale: The night reaches its peak with the massive "So-odori" dance, where dancers and spectators unite in a final, emotional display of harmony.

🛡️ Sunday, May 17: Hon-matsuri (Main Festival)
A Grand Historical Pageant

Step back in time with a magnificent parade featuring the sacred portable shrine of Lord Date Masamune, brave samurai in full armor, and 12 breathtakingly ornate Yamaboko floats. It is a day to breathe in the living history of Sendai under the early summer sun.

🎫 Feel the Heat from a "Premium Seat"!
To truly immerse yourself in the festival’s power, we highly recommend the Sajiki-seki (Reserved Grandstand Seats)!

A limited number of seats are still available! If you are already in Japan and want to grab a ticket on the day of the event, you can easily purchase them at any 7-Eleven nationwide.

How to Buy (Within Japan):

Select "Tickets" on the multi-copy machine.

Enter P-Code: 659-977 for a smooth and easy checkout.

Purchasing from Overseas?
We’ve got you covered! Check the link in the comments for more details on how to secure your seats from abroad. 🔗

We can’t wait to welcome you to the City of Trees for this unforgettable weekend! ✨



＃特等席 で楽しむ仙台・青葉まつり　ー #日本夜景遺産 の #宵まつり と、壮麗な時代絵巻の #本まつり の2日間ー

いよいよ今週末、新緑の仙台を舞台に「 #仙台青葉まつり」が開催されます！ 5月16日（土）の宵まつり、17日（日）の本まつりと、街中がまつり一色に染まる2日間です。
#仙台すずめ踊り には今年は141団体・4,600人が参加！定禅寺通やアーケード、西公園など街中で華やかな演舞が繰り広げられます。懸命に練習を重ねてきた東北大学の留学生チームの演舞も必見です。

🏮 5/16(土) 宵まつり：この日だけ楽しめる 「幻想的な夜の賑わい」
日本夜景遺産にも登録されている宵まつり。 日が暮れると山鉾の提灯に灯がともり、定禅寺通に幻想的な風景が広がります。
クライマックス： 伝統の「仙台木遣り歌」や、踊り手・観客が一体となる「総踊り」で、フィナーレの感動を分かち合いましょう！

🛡️ 5/17(日) 本まつり：壮麗な時代絵巻
伊達政宗公を祀る青葉神社の神輿渡御、甲冑武者行列、12基の豪華絢爛な山鉾巡行、そしてすずめ踊り。 仙台の歴史の息吹を感じる一日をお楽しみください。

🎫 祭りの熱気を「特等席」で！
まつりを最大限に楽しむなら、迫力満点の【桟敷席（さじきせき）】がおすすめです！
現在、若干数ですが空席がございます。 当日チケットをお求めの方は、日本国内のセブン-イレブンでも購入可能です。

購入方法： マルチコピー機の「チケット」を選択
Pコード： 659-977 を入力してください。

海外からの購入も可能です。
詳細はコメント欄のリンクからチェックしてください。🔗

皆さまのお越しを、杜の都仙台でお待ちしています！✨

11/05/2026

The Sendai International Half Marathon 2026 was held on May 10th under clear blue skies! 10,000 runners raced through the beautiful, lush green streets of Sendai. Although it was warmer than usual, the energy along Jozenji-dori was electric, with the Date Bushotai (samurai group) and Suzume-odori (sparrow dance) performers cheering everyone on!

In the men’s division, the top finisher completed the race with an impressive time of 1:01:31. We were also delighted to welcome invited runners from our sister, friendship, and exchange promotion cities, who all enjoyed the scenic Sendai course.

It was a truly international event! We had the chance to speak with many participants from overseas, including runners from France, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and Thailand.

Congratulations to all the runners! You did an amazing job. We hope to see you all again next year!




5月10日、快晴の中、 #仙台国際ハーフマラソン2026 が開催されました！1万人のランナーが美しい緑の仙台の街を走り抜けました。当日は例年よりも気温が高かったのですが、定禅寺通では、武将隊や雀踊りの馬連による応援で盛り上がっていました。
男子の部、1着は1:01:31で完走。姉妹都市や友好都市、交流促進協定の都市からの招待ランナーたちも仙台のコースを楽しんでいただきました。海外からのランナーも多数で、フランス、香港、台湾、韓国、タイからのランナーたちにお話を聞くことができました。
すべてのランナーの皆様、お疲れ様でした！ 来年もぜひ参加してくださいね！

09/05/2026

Get ready for one of Sendai’s most spectacular events! Held on May 16th (Sat) and 17th (Sun), the Sendai Aoba Festival transforms the city into a vibrant scene of history and tradition.

Rooted in the legacy of Sendai’s founding father, Lord Date Masamune, this festival is held every May to coincide with the beautiful arrival of early summer greenery.

✨ Festival Highlights:
Sendai Suzume Odori (Sparrow Dance): Watch over 5,000 dancers gracefully fluttering colorful fans like sparrows in a high-energy performance.

Grand Yamaboko Floats: Twelve magnificent, towering floats parade through the zelkova-lined Jozenji-dori Avenue.

A Living History: Traditionally armored Samurai in a grand procession will make you feel like you've stepped back into the era of the Date Clan.

🎟️ Why Book a Reserved Seat (Sajiki)?
Jozenji-dori Avenue gets very busy during the festival. For a relaxing experience, we recommend booking a reserved seat.

The Best View: Get a front-row look at the dancers and floats from the center of the action. Nothing will block your view!

Save Time: No need to wait for hours to find a spot. Your seat is waiting for you!

🎫 Ticket Details & Booking
Tickets are available for purchase online for international visitors. First-come, first-served!

Saturday, May 16: Eve Festival (Yoi-matsuri)
Day Session (1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.) / Night Session (4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
SS Seats: ¥40,000 (Day) / ¥60,000 (Night) per table (seats 4, includes special gifts).
A Seats (Front row): ¥1,500 (Day) / ¥3,500 (Night)
B Seats (Second row): ¥1,000 (Day) / ¥3,000 (Night)

Sunday, May 17: Main Festival (Hon-matsuri)
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
SB Seats (Front row for Matchlock demo): ¥4,500 (Includes special gift)
A Seats (Front row): ¥4,000
B Seats (Second row): ¥3,500

How to Buy:
Book Online: Official Ticket Pia Inbound Site
Pick Up: Print your tickets at any 7-Eleven in Japan starting from May 13 (Wed). You must bring the physical ticket to the venue.

Note:
Children under 3 are free provided they sit on a lap.
Additional handling fees and an English service fee (¥950 per transaction) apply.
Hurry!—seats sell out fast!

08/05/2026

Welcoming Our International Runners to the City of Trees! 🏃‍♂️💨
In preparation for the 2026 this Sunday, May 10th, invited athletes and coaches from our sister, friendship, and exchange cities have arrived in Sendai!

Representatives from ( ), ( ), (USA), ( ), and ( ) paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Kazuko Kori at City Hall today.

Mayor Kori expressed her warmest welcome, saying, "I hope you all enjoy running through the beautiful greenery of our 'City of Trees,' Sendai." The meeting was filled with smiles as teams exchanged greetings and commemorative gifts.

As a token of our friendship, Sendai City presented the teams with a special Tamamushi-nuri lacquerware document box. This traditional craft of Miyagi Prefecture features a stunning iridescent sheen and is elegantly inscribed with the marathon logo.

The big race is finally this Sunday! Around 10,000 runners will be dashing through the heart of the city. To everyone in Sendai, please join us along the route to cheer them on!

Good luck to all the runners! 🌟




5月10日に開催される「 #仙台国際ハーフマラソン2026」に出場するため、仙台市の #国際姉妹・ #友好都市である
#リバサイド市（アメリカ）、 #アカプルコ市（メキシコ）、 #ダラス市（アメリカ）、 #光州広域市（韓国）、ならびに #交流促進協定 を締結している #台南市（台湾）から、招待選手と引率者が来仙しました。これに伴い、本日、一行は #郡和子仙台市長 を表敬訪問しました。

郡市長からは、長年交流のある各都市のランナーやコーチへ心からの歓迎が伝えられ、「美しい杜の都・仙台でのマラソンをぜひ楽しんでほしい」と挨拶がありました。
また、各都市の代表チームからも挨拶があり、和やかな雰囲気の中で記念品の交換や記念撮影が行われました。

仙台市からは記念品として、宮城県指定伝統的工芸品「 #玉虫塗」で制作された特製の書類をいれる箱が贈られました。
この漆塗りの箱には、大会のロゴ「SENDAI INTERNATIONAL HALF MARATHON」が記されています。

仙台国際ハーフマラソン2026はいよいよ日曜日に開催されます。ランナーの皆様、頑張ってください！
約１万人のランナーが、仙台の街なかを走ります！仙台にお越しの皆様はぜひ沿道でランナーたちを応援してくださいね！