When visiting Sendai, a must-see shrine is Osaki Hachimangu Shrine (大崎八幡宮). It is the only place in the Tohōku region that houses a National Treasure. The shrine was erected in 1607 as the guardian shrine of Sendai and carries Date Masamune’s (伊達政宗, the first lord of Sendai Domain) hope of bringing happiness to his subjects.
Ōsaki Hachimangū: The Magnificent Guardian Shrine of Sendai Read More »
Buried deep in the mountain, whether it is in Sendai City or within the Miyagi Prefecture, Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple (定義如来 西方寺) is one of the top tourist attractions. It is no wonder Hanyu Yuzuru and his family were willing to visit the temple regularly. The temple, located in the west of Sendai City, can
Saihōji – One of Hanyu Yuzuru’s Favorite Spots in Sendai Read More »
If you are a big fan of Japanese gardens, you would be interested in stopping at Rinnō-ji Temple (輪王寺) when you visit Sendai. It is where you will find the city’s best garden! In addition, the temple holds free meditation sessions on Saturday nights. Moreover, it is probably the only temple in the world that
Rinnoji: The Temple that Houses Sendai’s Best Garden Read More »
If you ever get a chance to head up to the observatory area at Sendai’s SS30‘s top floor on a clear day, you should see the white Kannon Buddha statue sticking out of a residential area. The Sendai Daikannon (仙台大観音) is the second-tallest Buddha statue in Japan (the tallest is the Ushiku Buddha (牛久大仏) in
Sendai Daikannon – Explore Japan’s Tallest Kannon Statue Read More »
Although not very close to Sendai Station, MUKU has gained much popularity among the locals since its opening in November 2024. As it opens at 8 o’clock in the morning, it is where you can head to for a healthy breakfast. In addition to the incredibly tasty plant-based lunch menu, MUKU’s vegan dessert range is
MUKU: Our Favorite Vegan-Friendly Cafe in Sendai Read More »
Off the main road near Sendai Station, Ohisamaya (おひさまや) is a cafe selling organic and macrobiotic cuisine. The spot, started by Shigihara-san (鴫原さん) and her business partner in 1981, has been loved by locals who prefer to eat healthily. While meat and fish were served when it first opened, the restaurant’s menu was largely veganized
Ohisamaya: Sendai’s Best Spot for Vegan Lunch and Bento Box Read More »
One of the most common bullet train-related questions we saw in Japan travel forums is: which side of the train offers the best view? While you won’t be able to see the majestic Mt. Fuji when you travel north from Tokyo, the scenery along the train line does not disappoint! In fact, we decided to summarize
The Best Seats on the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hokkaido Read More »
You might already be aware that to the Japanese, trains are sometimes more than just vehicles that carry you from A to B. Unlike most countries in the world, Japan’s Sightseeing Trains don’t just run between the tourist attractions in the rural areas. They operate on normal train tracks between cities and prefectures, and compared
Rokumon: The Sightseeing Train Connecting Karuizawa & Nagano Read More »
Hida Furukawa (飛騨古川), a quaint, unassuming town, has become a lot more lively since Makoto Shinkai’s movie – Your Name (君の名は) hit the theater. The town serves as the inspiration behind many iconic scenes from the film! It can be accessed just two stations away from Hida Takayama City, a popular tourist destination in its
Hida Furukawa and the Famous Anime Movie, Your Name Read More »
Kawagoe is Saitama’s most renowned tourist spot. If it is on your itinerary, having Kura no Machi Ichibangai Street (蔵の街一番街) on your itinerary is a must. The main street in the old Kawagoe warehouse district is where you can find the majority of the Kurazukuri townscape from the Edo period. The street isn’t just about
The Must-Visit Cafes & Shops on Kura no Machi Ichibangai Read More »
