Local Guide
5 Experience Sightseeing Spots in the Sendai-Akiu Area for Visitors with Children

The Sendai-Akiu area, where you can enjoy both nature and culture, has a wide variety of places to visit with children. Aquariums, zoos, amusement parks, museums, observatories, and other places where you can interact with living creatures, experience hands-on exhibits, and workshops where you can enjoy making things, are all available for learning and playing using all five senses. Not only will children's curiosity be piqued, but new discoveries and thrills await adults as well. Here are some places where the whole family can spend a fulfilling day.

An aquarium where visitors can experience the ecology and habitat of sea creatures

Cape Penguins at Uminomori Beach - PENGUIN LIFE
Cape Penguins at Uminomori Beach - PENGUIN LIFE

The aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the Tohoku region, exhibiting 50,000 living creatures of about 300 species. The aquarium's large tank, which recreates the sea of Sanriku, is designed to allow sunlight to shine through , allowing visitors to enjoy the vivid colors of the creatures in their natural habitat. In "Uminomori Beach - PENGUIN LIFE -," a reproduction of Boulders Beach in South Africa, where many Cape penguins live, visitors can observe penguins in a variety of behaviors, from swimming to nesting and raising their young.

Popular for children's corner where they can learn while having fun

The Amamorium corner is popular among children.
The Amamorium corner is popular among children.

In the "Eelgrass: Cradle of the Sea" area onthe first floor, visitors can learn about the ecosystem of eelgrass, a type of seaweed that grows in shallow waters. Eelgrass is like the "cradle of the sea" where many creatures gather. It plays an important role as an environment for fish to spawn and for young fish to grow.
On the first floor, various aspects of Japan's rich marine environment are introduced, and on the second floor, a wide variety of creatures from around the world are exhibited.

Local Guide Comment
Inside the museum, there is a food court where you can enjoy a light meal menu using ingredients produced in the prefecture, including seafood from Sanriku, which is recommended for a short break. Baby strollers can be rented free of charge, and there are two nursing rooms in the museum, making it safe for visitors with small children.
Sendai Uminomori Aquarium
  • Address 4-6 Nakano, Miyagino-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 15 min. walk from JR Nakanosakae Sta.
    Approximately 25 minutes from JR Sendai Station by car
  • Direction Approximately 7 minutes from JR Nakanosakae Station by Miyako-Bus "Sendai Umi no Mori Aquarium Line
  • Business hours 9:00-17:30 (last admission at 17:00) *Opening hours vary depending on the season.
  • Closed Adults 2,400 yen, junior high and high school students 1,700 yen, elementary school students 1,200 yen, infants (4 years and older) 700 yen, seniors (65 years and older) 1,800 yen, children under 4 free
  • Admission Fee No holidays
  • TEL 022-355-2222
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Exhibition conditions may vary depending on the time of year.

One of the largest zoos in the Tohoku area for parents and children to visit

Powerful African elephants and lions can be seen.
Powerful African elephants and lions can be seen.

One of the largest zoos in the Tohoku area will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2025. Visitors can see powerful animals such as African elephants, giraffes, and polar bears, as well as Sumatran tigers, which can only be seen in a few zoos in Japan.
For a short break, the Goo Goo Terrace Restaurant and the Forest Restaurant are recommended. Microwave ovens for baby food and kids' menus are available, so families can enjoy a meal together.
The Goo Goo Terrace offers a variety of zoo-style menu items, including the "Shirokuma Plate" and "Elephant Kids' Curry," which are also very visually appealing.

A variety of Experience events for the whole family to enjoy

Japanese macaques live in groups. A cup of
Japanese macaques live in groups. A cup of "Japanese monkey snacks" costs 100 yen.

The most popular activity is the "Feeding and Petting Experience," which is held every day. The African elephant and guinea pig Feeding Experience closes when capacity is reached, and the Goat and Sheep Experience is by numbered ticket system.
A stamp rally is held every Saturday (April through November) during the "Animal Talks by Keepers" event. Visitors receive prizes according to the number of stamps they have collected.
The "Night Zoo Zoo Ziam," a nighttime event, allows visitors to get up close and personal with the animals at night in the park, which is lit up with lights. Check the website for event dates and details.

Local Guide Comment
If you wish to experience the petting zoo, it is recommended to get a numbered ticket as soon as you enter the park. The park offers baby strollers for rent (for a fee), and diaper changing stations are available in seven restrooms, so visitors with small children can feel at ease.
Yagiyama Zoological Park Fujisaki no Mori (Yagiyama Zoological Park, Sendai)
  • Address 1-43 Yagiyamamoto-cho, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 16 minutes drive from JR Sendai Station
    Approx. 1 min. walk from Subway Yagiyama Zoological Park Station
  • Business hours March-October 9:00-16:45 (last admission 16:00), November-February 9:00-16:00 (last admission 15:00)
  • Closed Wednesdays (if Wednesday is a national holiday, the park will be open on Wednesday, but closed on the following Thursday), December 28 - January 4
  • Admission Fee Adults 480 yen, elementary/junior high school students 120 yen, preschool children free
  • TEL 022-229-0631
  • Parking Charged

Amusement park with popular retro attractions

The Ferris wheel, a classic attraction that has been loved since 1992.
The Ferris wheel, a classic attraction that has been loved since 1992.

Since its opening in 1968, this amusement park has been loved by many people in Sendai. More than 20 types of attractions are available, from a carousel where you can relax and enjoy yourself to roller coasters where you can experience the exhilaration of a roller coaster. The old-fashioned retro atmosphere of the park is popular, and attractions such as "Ducks," a ride around the park on a dachshund that swings up and down, and "Sky Jet," a rail playground equipment that allows visitors to make a round while looking down on the park, have been in operation since the park's second year in operation until today.

Retro rides and popular character shows for parents and children

The airplane-shaped
The airplane-shaped "Aero 5," known as the slowest roller coaster in Japan

There are also a variety of attractions that even small children can enjoy, such as "Mega Dance," a gondola that moves up and down while spinning, which was transferred from Toshimaen in 2002, and "Balloon Race," where visitors can enjoy a relaxing race in the sky in a colorful balloon.
During spring and summer holidays and major holidays, character shows are held on the outdoor stage in front of the Ferris wheel. Popular children's characters, including those from the Sentai series, appear on the stage to create a lively atmosphere.
The park is also equipped with a nursing room, diaper changing area, and a rest area where visitors can take off their shoes and relax. Visitors with small children can spend their time in peace.

Local Guide Comment
For a full day of fun, we recommend the Free Pass, which includes admission and ride fees. Please note that some attractions may not operate on rainy days or may get wet. If you visit in spring, you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms from the "Sky Jet.
Yagiyama Benny Land
  • Address 19-1 Nagamachi Koshiji, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 14 min. drive from JR Sendai Stn.
    5 min. walk from Subway Yagiyama Zoological Park Station
  • Direction Approx. 22 min. ride from JR Sendai Station on the Sendai City Bus bound for Yagiyama Zoological Park Station, short walk from Benny Land-mae Bus Stop.
  • Business hours 9:15-16:45 *November-December: until 16:15 *Open from 9:45 to 15:45 at the beginning of the year
  • Closed Closed in summer and fall
  • Admission Fee Children 500 yen, adults 1,000 yen, seniors 500 yen, children under 2 free
  • TEL 022-229-1603
  • Parking Charged

A wide variety of exhibits that allow visitors to actually touch and feel the universe

The exhibition rooms are divided into the following areas: Earth, Atmosphere, Solar System, Galaxy, Macrocosm, History of Astronomy, and GENRI Plaza.
The exhibition rooms are divided into the following areas: Earth, Atmosphere, Solar System, Galaxy, Macrocosm, History of Astronomy, and GENRI Plaza.

The Astronomy Museum can be enjoyed by all generations, from children to adults. The exhibition rooms start from the Earth area, which is a familiar celestial body to visitors, and continue to the solar system and galaxy as they move toward the back of the museum, where exhibits are divided into areas by field. In the "Genri no Hiroba," visitors can learn about the five principles that are important in understanding the universe, such as atoms and light, by actually seeing, touching, and moving them. Staff/staff members also give tours of the exhibits on a regular basis.

Advanced planetarium with programs for children

A planetarium that makes you feel as if you are looking at the real starry sky ©Sendai Astronomical Observatory
A planetarium that makes you feel as if you are looking at the real starry sky ©Sendai Astronomical Observatory

The planetarium, which will be renovated in 2023, will be able to project about 100 million more stars. In addition, the LED light source has expanded the range of colors that can be expressed, allowing visitors to experience a starry sky that is as close to the real thing as possible. There are also a variety of programs for young children, including one in which they can experience the starry sky and space while talking with "Planet-kun," an original character from the Sendai Astronomical Observatory Planetarium.
In addition, the observatory offers workshops for parents and children to participate in hands-on experiences, and on every Saturday night , it holds an astronomical viewing event using the Hitomi Telescope, which has an aperture of 1.3 meters and can capture faint stars as faint as 17th magnitude.

Local Guide Comment
The children's room in the exhibition room, where you can take off your shoes and play, is equipped with picture books, illustrated books, building blocks, and other space-related materials, making it a comfortable place to spend time with small children. A nursing room is located next to the information desk and is equipped with a diaper changing bed and hot water supply.
©Sendai Astronomical Observatory
©Sendai Astronomical Observatory
Sendai City Observatory
  • Address 9-29-32 Nishikigaoka, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi MAP
  • Direction Approx. 30 min. by car from JR Sendai Sta.
  • Bus Direction Take Takeya Kotsu "Akiu/Kawasaki-Sendai Seibu Liner" from JR Sendai Station, get off at "Sendai Municipal Observatory" and walk shortly.
  • Business hours 9:00-17:00, Sat. 9:00-21:30 *Tickets are sold until 30 minutes before closing in both cases (exhibition rooms close at 17:00)
  • Closed Closed on Wednesdays and the 3rd Tuesday of the month (if the day falls on a national holiday, the museum will be open on the following weekday), year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 - January 3) *Open during long school holidays.
  • Admission Fee Exhibition room 610 yen for adults, 350 yen for high school students, 250 yen for elementary/junior high school students
    Planetarium 610 yen for adults, 350 yen for high school students, 250 yen for elementary/junior high school students
    Set ticket (exhibition room + planetarium): Adults 1,000 yen, high school students 610 yen, elementary/junior high school students 400 yen
  • TEL 022-391-1300
  • Parking Free of charge (125 cars)

Many unique works by kaleidoscope artists from around the world on display

The doll has a peephole in the back of its head, and by moving the ice cream in its hand, you can enjoy the changing patterns.
The doll has a peephole in the back of its head, and by moving the ice cream in its hand, you can enjoy the changing patterns.

Located at the entrance of Akiu hot spring resort, this museum opened in 1999 and specializes in kaleidoscopes. The museum has five exhibition rooms divided by theme, and the first three exhibition rooms feature everything from rare antique pieces, of which there are only a few in the world, to unique pieces that have won top prizes at kaleidoscope world competitions. Some of the works can actually be touched and moved, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of kaleidoscopes while having fun.
The fourth and fifth exhibition rooms feature a wide variety of works, including ceramic kaleidoscopes by Teruko Tsuji, a female ceramic artist who has been appointed honorary director of the Property, as well as paintings, vessels, and accessories.

Experience corner where you can make your one and only kaleidoscope

In the
In the "Easy Experience," visitors can easily make a kaleidoscope in 5 to 10 minutes (1,300 yen).

The museum also has a hands-on experience corner where visitors can make their own kaleidoscopes. There are programs that both children and adults can easily enjoy, ranging from a simple one in which you choose beads and put them in a tube of your choice to a special one using authentic oil type or natural stones. No advance reservations are required, and the process takes from 5 to 30 minutes. Why not try your hand at making your own original kaleidoscope as a memory of your trip? It is also recommended as a gift for a loved one.

Local Guide Comment
The museum store sells kaleidoscopes of various designs, as well as kaleidoscope making kits and kaleidoscope coloring books. Be sure to check it out for souvenirs.
Sendai Kaleidoscope Museum
  • Address 1-2 Matsuba, Moniwa, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 27 min. from JR Sendai Station by car
  • Bus Direction Take the bus bound for Akiu Hot Spring from the West Exit of JR Sendai Station (about 50 minutes), and get off at Matsuba.
  • Business hours 9:30-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
  • Closed Thursdays during winter months of January and February
  • Admission Fee Adults and college students: 900 yen, children: 450 yen, persons over 70: 450 yen
  • TEL 022-304-8080
  • Parking Free of charge

MAP

Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
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The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.