Local Guide
6 recommended sightseeing spots in Sendai and Akiu that can be enjoyed even on rainy days.

The Sendai-Akiu area, which is dotted with many historical sites related to Date Masamune, the feudal lord of Sendai, as well as Museums, Observatories, Aquariums, and other Properties, has many sightseeing spots where you can fully enjoy yourself even on rainy days. Here are some of the recommended spots where you can spend a fulfilling time indoors, taking your time to observe and experience, enjoying gourmet foods and souvenirs, and so on, without worrying about the weather.

A collection of national treasures, UNESCO "Memory of the World" registered heritage sites, and other valuable materials

An impressive helmet with a narrow moon-shaped front is an Important Cultural Property,
An impressive helmet with a narrow moon-shaped front is an Important Cultural Property, "Black Urushi Five-piece Gusoku (armor with five pieces of lacquer) for Date Masamune.

This museum has a collection of about 100,000 actual materials on Edo period history, culture, arts and crafts, etc., mainly donated by the Date family. The museum is composed of exhibition rooms with different themes, and the permanent exhibition changes seasonally.
The museum's collection includes an important cultural property, the armor of Date Masamune, as well as the national treasure "Materials Related to the Keicho envoys to Europe," which is registered as a UNESCO "Memory of the World. The collection also includes a statue of Hasekura Tsunenaga, said to be the oldest existing oil painting in Japan depicting a real Japanese person.

A full range of exhibits that highlight the original beauty of the materials

At the
At the "Play Museum," visitors can experience wearing a replica of Date Masamune's helmet.

The museum's display cases are made of high-transparency glass, and LED lighting is used to enhance the clarity of the colors and three-dimensionality of the materials. In addition, there is a corner where visitors can touch actual materials and a drawer case where visitors can view the museum's largest collection of materials, "Illustrated Map of Sendai Territory in Oshu," at their fingertips.
The café "café mozart theo" on the second floor of the museum is affiliated with the popular "café mozart" in Sendai City. It is a relaxing space where you can enjoy lunch and sweets while admiring the rich natural scenery.

Local Guide Comment
After two and a half years of major renovation work, the aquarium reopened in April 2024. The black-toned interior is reminiscent of the black lacquered armor of Date Masamune, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the dignity and historical atmosphere of Lord Masamune.
Sendai City Museum
  • Address 26 Kawauchi, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction From Sendai Station on the Subway Tozai Line, board a bus bound for Yagiyama Zoological Park, disembark at Kokusai Center Station, and walk about 8 minutes.
  • Direction From JR Sendai Station, take the Loople Sendai circulator bus (approx. 20 min.); approx. 3 min. walk from the "Museum/International Center/Ryokusaikan-mae" stop.
  • Business hours 9:00-16:45 (Admission until 16:15)
  • Closed Mondays (open on national holidays and substitute holidays), the day after national holidays (open on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and the day after the second Monday in October), December 28 - January 4
  • Admission Fee Adults and university students: 460 yen, high school students: 230 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 110 yen
  • TEL 022-225-3074
  • Parking Free of charge

Experience the scale of the universe through a wide range of exhibits

An exhibition room where visitors can experience the expansion of the universe from the immediate universe to the distant universe.
An exhibition room where visitors can experience the expansion of the universe from the immediate universe to the distant universe.

Equipped with a planetarium and the largest telescope in Tohoku, this comprehensive museum of astronomy brings the fascination of space closer to you. As an indoor Property, visitors can enjoy an extraordinary world regardless of the season or weather.
In the exhibition rooms, visitors can experience the depth of the universe through models, CG images, and hands-on exhibits, as the exhibits continue to expand in scale from the earth , atmosphere, solar system, galaxy, and the macrocosm. Visitors can learn about the five principles of gravity, light, etc. in a playful manner at the "GEN Ri no Hiroba," which is full of mechanisms that allow visitors to actually experience and enjoy the exhibits.

Highlights include the largest telescope in Tohoku and a planetarium that reproduces a beautiful starry sky.

The Hitomi Telescope, a reflecting telescope with a 1.3-meter aperture, can observe stars as faint as 17th magnitude.
The Hitomi Telescope, a reflecting telescope with a 1.3-meter aperture, can observe stars as faint as 17th magnitude.

The Hitomi Telescope, the largest telescope in Tohoku, is another attraction. Staff/staff members give visitors a guided tour of the telescope once on weekdays and four times on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, allowing them to get a close-up look at the telescope and listen to explanations.
The planetarium, which will be renovated in 2023, can project approximately 100 million stars thanks to the introduction of the latest optical projector, and reproduces the colors of stars as close to the real thing as possible. The gradation of the sky, the surface of the planets, and even the movement of the clouds are realistically rendered, creating an immersive experience that makes you feel as if you are floating in space.

Local Guide Comment
The Property also has a rest area with tables and chairs where visitors can take refreshments. Also, the museum store sells Sendai City Observatory original sweets and other items.
©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)

Experience the world of whiskey with a guide's explanation

A distillation kettle with a rope wrapped around it. During the guided tour, you can learn about the whiskey production process as well as trivia unique to the distillery.
A distillation kettle with a rope wrapped around it. During the guided tour, you can learn about the whiskey production process as well as trivia unique to the distillery.

This whisky was created in 1969, inheriting the founder Masataka Taketsuru's wish to "create a whisky with a richer and richer flavor that is different from Hokkaido Yoichi. It produces malt whiskey with a characteristic fruity aroma and grain whiskey with a mild taste. For the production of grain whiskey, the company uses the world's rarest "café-type continuous distiller." However, the old type of distiller was deliberately introduced in order to preserve the flavor of the raw materials rather than distillation efficiency. The distiller's strong commitment to authentic taste can be felt.

Two tour areas where you can also enjoy the view of the building, no reservation required.

At the end of the tour, visitors can enjoy free tasting of Apple Wine, Super Nikka, and Single Malt Miyagikyo.
At the end of the tour, visitors can enjoy free tasting of Apple Wine, Super Nikka, and Single Malt Miyagikyo.

The site, lined with brick buildings, is open for tours. The site is divided into two areas: one that does not require a reservation and one that does.
In the area where reservations are not required, there is an exhibition space that introduces the history of the distillery and the whiskey production process, as well as a store that sells limited edition whiskey and original goods. It is also a tasting bar that charges a fee. A free guided tour (reservation required) is available in the reservation-only area. While touring the production facilities, visitors can learn about the production process through explanations by Staff/staff members. After the tour, visitors can experience both production and tasting.

Local Guide Comment
By tracing the history of whiskey, visitors can learn more about the character of Masataka Taketsuru and his passion for whiskey making. For those who wish to learn more deeply, we also recommend the small-group paid seminars (held only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays).
Nikka Whisky Sendai Miyagikyo Distillery
  • Address 1 Nikka, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 40 min. from JR Sendai Station by car
  • Direction Free shuttle bus available from JR Sakunami Station (runs on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only)
    From JR Sendai-mae Station, take the Sendai City Bus bound for Sakunami Onsen Motoyu (about 60 minutes), get off at Nikka-bashi (Nikka bridge), and walk about 15 minutes.
  • Business hours Visitor Center 9:00-16:00
    Tasting Bar 9:15-16:15 (L.O. 16:00)
    Gift store 9:15-16:15 (last admission 16:00)
  • Closed December 23-January 7, August 20, 21
  • Admission Fee Free *Guided tours are also free, but advance reservations are required.
  • TEL 022-395-2865
  • Parking Free of charge

A museum where you can feel the romance of the history of the earth and mankind

The underground exhibition room, which preserves and exhibits the remains excavated from the Tomizawa Ruins approximately 20,000 years ago.
The underground exhibition room, which preserves and exhibits the remains excavated from the Tomizawa Ruins approximately 20,000 years ago.

The museum exhibits mainly Paleolithic period artifacts. Among the highlights are the remains of bonfires and forests left by Paleolithic people some 20,000 years ago. Both can be seen together in the underground exhibition room. The remains of the bonfires give us a glimpse of how people lived in those days, while the expanse of the forests reminds us of the natural environment during the Ice Age, and this is a space that tickles our intellectual curiosity. In addition, a video showing how people lived in those days is shown every 10 minutes. The images, together with the ruins, give visitors a more vivid picture of the period.

Exhibits and panel explanations allow visitors to delve deeper into the ruins

Exhibition space on the first floor (ground floor)
Exhibition space on the first floor (ground floor)

The museum is designed so that visitors can first observe the ruins in the basement exhibition room and then go up to the ground floor to learn more detailed information. Through exhibits and explanatory panels, visitors can learn about the Tomizawa Ruins, life in the Paleolithic period, and the characteristics of the excavated artifacts. A wide range of themes that are relevant to the present day, such as archaeology, environmental history, and climate change, are covered to pique visitors' intellectual curiosity.
In addition, special exhibitions and Experience programs are held on a regular basis, so no matter how many times you visit, you will always find something new to discover.

Local Guide Comment
On sunny days, a walk through the outdoor exhibit "Ice Age Forest" is also recommended. It recreates the environment of the Paleolithic Age, when the average annual temperature was 7 to 8°C lower than today, and is planted with trees, plants, and flowers that are close to extinct species. Enjoy a moment surrounded by the nature of that time.
Underground Forest Museum
  • Address 4-3-1 Nagamachi Minami, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 14 min. drive from JR Sendai Stn.
    5 min. walk from Nagamachi Minami Subway Station
  • Business hours 9:00 - 16:45 (Admission until 16:15)
  • Closed Mondays (Open on days that fall on holidays), the day after a holiday (Open on Saturdays, Sundays, and days that fall on holidays)
    The 4th Thursday of the month from January to November (Open on holidays), Year-end and New Year's holidays (Mon., Dec. 28 - Jan. 4)
  • Admission Fee Adults/University students: 460 yen, High school students: 230 yen, Elementary/Junior high school students: 110 yen *Cash only
  • TEL 022-246-9153
  • Parking Free of charge

An indoor citizens' market offering seasonal foods directly from the production area

Only at the market can you enjoy shopping while conversing with the shopkeepers. In the evening, some items, such as sushi and sashimi, are half price.
Only at the market can you enjoy shopping while conversing with the shopkeepers. In the evening, some items, such as sushi and sashimi, are half price.

Located near the Sendai Central Wholesale Market, the Obaiba Shimin Ichiba is a bustling market that attracts mainly locals. On its vast floor of approximately 700 tsubo (approximately 1,860 square meters), a total of 24 stores line the market, from fresh fish and meat mainly from the Tohoku region to a variety of specialty stores selling seasonal vegetables, fruits, and local products, as well as restaurants using local food ingredients. The bright and lively atmosphere is like a modern-day indoor marche.
There are stores selling local products such as Sendai's famous fish cakes and a store specializing in Tohoku's famous sake, making it a great place to find souvenirs.

A variety of restaurants and eateries where you can enjoy Sendai's gourmet food and eating out.

In addition to the eat-in space of each restaurant, there is also a
In addition to the eat-in space of each restaurant, there is also a "rest area" available for anyone to use inside the museum.

Inside the museum, there is a standing sushi restaurant that serves a variety of fresh seafood, and a Dining Area that serves "sea urchin donburi" (sea urchin bowl) topped with fresh sea urchin, making it easy to enjoy Sendai's gourmet food. There is also a wide variety of gourmet food available for eating, including fried foods such as minced pork cutlets made by a butcher store and cream puffs made by a specialty egg store in Miyagi Prefecture. There is also a rest area where visitors can bring their purchases to eat, making it a perfect place to stop by when you are hungry.
Every Sunday, Wataken, a tuna specialty restaurant, holds a tuna dismantling show.

Local Guide Comment
This is a completely indoor market where you can drop by regardless of the weather. While enjoying seafood at the fishing port is one of the unique pleasures of the market, it is also fun to visit the market to find a variety of products, such as prepared foods to take back to your hotel or Sendai's specialties that make great souvenirs.
Sendai Outside Market "Mori-no-Market
  • Address 5-2-6 Wholesale-machi, Wakabayashi-ku, Sendai MAP
  • Direction 13 min. drive from JR Sendai Stn.
    Approx. 15 min. walk from Subway Wholesale Station
  • Business hours 9:00-19:00
    Restaurants 11:00-17:00 *Depends on the restaurant
  • Closed New Year's Day only
  • TEL 022-762-5701
  • Parking Free of charge

One of the largest aquariums in the Tohoku area, where you can learn about marine creatures from Japan and abroad

A large aquarium displaying 30,000 items of about 50 species, including Japanese eagles, stingrays, and stingrays.
A large aquarium displaying 30,000 items of about 50 species, including Japanese eagles, stingrays, and stingrays.

The aquarium allows visitors to enjoy learning about the unique characteristics of the sea in each region through exhibition zones such as "Japan's Sea - The Sea of Tohoku" and "The Sea of the World. Visitors can rediscover the charm of the sea through 50,000 exhibits of about 300 species of various creatures from Japan and abroad. In the large tank that reproduces the sea in the Sanriku area, visitors can observe creatures swimming about in their natural habitat in the sunlight, and a daily show starring a large school of Japanese anchovies. The aquarium also offers a variety of entertaining programs, such as penguin petting events.

Visitors can enjoy encounters with a wide variety of creatures.

The
The "white beluga whale," a rare small dolphin that lives in the southern hemisphere. Its black and white appearance is impressive.

Another attraction is the chance to encounter rare creatures, such as the "Irawake dolphins," which are only kept in two aquariums in Japan. The "Hirose River: Sea Minato, Mountain, Village, River" zone exhibits frogs and snakes living in and around the Hirose River, which flows through Sendai City. The "Land of Little Squirrels," where visitors can observe the adorable Japanese squirrels up close, is also popular.
The museum also has a food court, where visitors can enjoy a menu featuring foods from the prefecture, including seafood from Sanriku.

Local Guide Comment
If you purchase a "Web Entrance Ticket" in advance, you can enter the observatory smoothly without standing in line at the ticket counter.
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.

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.