Local Guide
Comfortable without a car! Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Sendai by

The "Loople Sendai" bus, with its stylish retro-style exterior, runs through the center of Sendai City. The bus departs from Sendai Station and connects major sightseeing spots such as Sendai Mediatheque, Sendai Castle Ruins (Aoba Castle Ruins), and Zuihouden. With a one-day pass that allows you to get on and off freely, you can tour around the city without a car. It is recommended that you enjoy the bus at your leisure, getting off the bus at places that interest you while viewing the Sendai cityscape from the bus window. In this article, we will introduce how to use Loople Sendai and the points of interest, as well as popular sightseeing spots that can be visited using Loople Sendai.

A circular bus that takes you to major sightseeing spots in Sendai City.

The retro streetcar-style appearance is eye-catching. Each car has a different design, and there are currently eight different types in operation. (Photo courtesy of Sendai Tourism International Association)
The retro streetcar-style appearance is eye-catching. Each car has a different design, and there are currently eight different types in operation. (Photo courtesy of Sendai Tourism International Association)

Loople Sendai" is a circular bus that circles around major sightseeing spots in Sendai. The bus departs from the Sendai Station West Exit Bus Terminal, Bus Stop No. 16, every 20 minutes on weekdays from the first bus at 9:00 to the last bus at 16:00, Weekdays, and every 15 minutes on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. The bus departs from the "Sendai Station West Bus Terminal No. 16" every 20 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends and holidays. It takes about 70 minutes to visit 14 major sightseeing spots in Sendai, including Zuihouden, Sendai Castle Ruins (Aoba Castle Ruins), Sendai Mediatheque, and Jozenji-dori Street.

A one-day pass that allows you to get on and off freely is convenient and economical!

A popular one-day pass with a design depicting Sendai's highlights.
A popular one-day pass with a design depicting Sendai's highlights.

Rupuru Sendai offers a mid-ride, front-loading system. In addition to single rides (using cash or a transportation system IC card), there is also a "one-day pass" that allows you to get on and off the subway freely, and a "common subway one-day pass" that can also be used on the Namboku and Tozai subway lines. If you are planning to visit several places, one of the one-day passes is by far the most convenient and economical way to get around.

One Ride Loople Sendai One-Day Pass One-day ticket for both Loople Sendai and Subway One-day pass
Adult 260 yen 630 yen 920 yen
Child 130 yen 320 yen 460 yen

One-day passes can be purchased at the Sendai Station West Exit Bus Terminal Information Center, as well as at Property and other locations along the Loople Sendai route. To use the ticket, present the portion with the date stamped on it to a station attendant or crew member when getting off the bus or entering or exiting the subway ticket gate. If you show it at tourist facilities or restaurants, you will receive a discount on the entrance fee and food and beverage charges (check the website for details).
In addition, the "Sendai MaaS" digital ticket service allows users to purchase web tickets online. It is also easy to use the tickets, just show the screen of your smart phone.

The bus stop is marked by a red, round sign with the Lupuru Sendai logo.
The bus stop is marked by a red, round sign with the Lupuru Sendai logo.
Local Guide Comment
Special seasonal nighttime services, such as "Tanabata Night," "Autumn Foliage Light-up," and "Pageant of Light," are available. The fantastic night view of the illuminated Zuihouden Hall, the ruins of Sendai Castle, and Jozenji-dori Avenue can be enjoyed from inside the train. The special nighttime-only performance is also an attraction.
Loople Sendai" (Sendai City Loop Bus)

The beautiful mausoleum where Date Masamune rests, which conveys the dignity of the time when it was built.

Zuihouden Hall is located in Kyogamine Historical Park, which exudes a solemn atmosphere. Inside the mausoleum sits a wooden statue of Date Masamune in the likeness of his life (photo courtesy of Zuihouden Foundation).
Zuihouden Hall is located in Kyogamine Historical Park, which exudes a solemn atmosphere. Inside the mausoleum sits a wooden statue of Date Masamune in the likeness of his life (photo courtesy of Zuihouden Foundation).

The spirit of Date Masamune is enshrined in the mausoleum. Reibyo (mausoleum) where the spirit of Date Masamune is enshrined. The mausoleum was built in 1636 at the bequest of Date Masamune. The main attraction is the black lacquer
The main attraction is the beauty of the building, with its black lacquer base, gold leaf, and colorful decorations. Zuihouden, consisting of the main hall, a worship hall, an offering hall, and a nirvana gate, was designated a National Treasure in 1931 as a mausoleum building that conveys the spirit of the Momoyama Period. The current building was rebuilt after being destroyed by fire during the war, and underwent a major renovation in 2001 to restore the original splendor by restoring the carved lion heads on the pillars, dragon head tiles on the roof, and other decorative elements.

There is also a museum that exhibits records of excavation surveys, burial accessories, and a statue of Masamune Date Masamune's face.

In the foreground is Kansenden, and in the background is Zennouden. Both were rebuilt (photo courtesy of Zuihouden).
In the foreground is Kansenden, and in the background is Zennouden. Both were rebuilt (photo courtesy of Zuihouden).

The area where Zuihouden is located is designated as "Kyogamine Date Family Cemetery" by Sendai City. The grounds include the Zuihouden Museum, the second Tadamune lord's mausoleum, the third Tsunamune lord's mausoleum, the Myounkai Mausoleum, and the Gosho Gobyo (mausoleum for the prince).
The museum is a reconstructed version of the Gokusho, which was part of the Zuihouden Property. In addition to excavation records, secondary burials, and other materials, the museum also houses a restored facade of Date Masamune, restored using cutting-edge scientific research and facade restoration techniques. On Saturdays and Sundays, visitors can stand by on the grounds and view the restored statue of Date Masamune. On Saturdays and Sundays, volunteer guides in purple robes are on hand to provide free explanations.

Local Guide Comment
It is also an ideal spot for strolling and enjoying beautiful seasonal scenery such as cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and snow. Seasonal events are also noteworthy, such as the special Gokaicho (opening of the temple to the public several times a year) and the lighting up of the autumn leaves in fall.
(Photo courtesy of Zuihouden Foundation)
(Photo courtesy of Zuihouden Foundation)
Zuihouden (Zuihouden Hall)
  • Address 23-2 Reiyashita, Aoba-ku, Sendai MAP
  • Direction 10 minutes by car from JR Sendai Station
  • Direction 13 minutes by Loople Sendai bus from JR Sendai Station, get off at "Zuihouden-mae" bus stop, 7 minutes walk from the bus stop.
  • Business hours 9:00~16:50 (last admission 16:30) *December and January: ~16:20 (last admission 16:00)
  • Closed Dec. 31 (all buildings are closed), Jan. 1 (only Zuiho-den is open. Kanzen-den, Zen'o-den, and the museum are closed)
  • Admission Fee Adults/University students: 570 yen, High school students: 410 yen, Elementary/Junior high school students: 210 yen
  • TEL 022-262-6250
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Show a one-day pass for the Loople Sendai and get a 110 yen discount for adults and university students, a 100 yen discount for high school students, and a 50 yen discount for elementary and junior high school students.

Learn about the history of Date Masamune and Sendai Castle at the museum

The helmets, armor, and other gear worn by Sendai clan vassals line the hall. The distinctive
The helmets, armor, and other gear worn by Sendai clan vassals line the hall. The distinctive "half-moon" front placket, the symbol of the Date family, is a distinctive feature.

Sendai Castle, also known as "Aoba Castle," was built by Date Masamune. The castle was lost during the Meiji period (1868-1912) when the castle was closed to the public and the city was bombed, but today, the Aoba Castle Honmaru Kaikan Property, which includes a museum and a store, stands on the site of the castle.
When you arrive at the ruins of Sendai Castle, it is recommended that you first visit the Material Exhibition Hall in the Property. The CG theater shows a CG reconstruction of Sendai Castle. The CG theater shows a CG reconstruction of Sendai Castle and introduces the history of the castle and its construction in an easy-to-understand manner.

Walk around the Honmaru site where the statue of Date Masamune on horseback stands in the VR world

The famous statue of Lord Date Masamune mounted on a horse stands on the site of the Sendai Castle's main citadel. The cityscape of Sendai and the Pacific Ocean stretches out beyond the statue's gaze.
The famous statue of Lord Date Masamune mounted on a horse stands on the site of the Sendai Castle's main citadel. The cityscape of Sendai and the Pacific Ocean stretches out beyond the statue's gaze.

We recommend the 360-degree virtual experience of the castle in the period of Date Masamune's life. The "Sendai Castle VR Go" program allows visitors to experience a 360-degree virtual tour of the castle. Visitors borrow a special scope at the reception desk and look through the scope at eight points scattered around the ruins of Sendai Castle's main citadel, and the images of Sendai Castle built by Lord Date Masamune approximately 400 years ago will come back to life. Sparkling The images include the glistening hall, turrets and stonewalls, and the castle's symbolic kakezukuri (suspended structure). and the castle's symbolic kakezukuri (suspended structure) are shown, with audio guidance at each spot. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of history with a real sense of presence.

Local Guide Comment
Located at an elevation of about 100 m, it is a superb spot from which to view the entire city of Sendai. Aoba Castle Honmaru Kaikan also has a food court where visitors can enjoy Sendai's gourmet foods such as harako-meshi (rice cooked with harako), beef tongue, and zunda rice cakes, in addition to a store selling limited-edition Date Masamune goods and Sendai's famous sweets.
Ruins of Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle Ruins)
  • Address 1 Kawauchi, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approximately 15 minutes from JR Sendai Station by car.
  • Direction Approx. 26 min. by Loople Sendai bus from JR Sendai Station to Sendai Castle Ruins.
  • Business hours Aoba Castle Museum and Exhibition Hall: April-October: 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:40), November-March: 9:00-16:00 (last admission at 15:40)
  • Closed Every Wednesday from the last Wednesday in November to the first Wednesday in March (see official website for details)
  • Admission Fee Adults 770 yen, junior high and high school students 550 yen, elementary school students 330 yen (Aoba Castle Museum and Exhibition Hall)
    Sendai Castle VR Go is an extra charge.
  • TEL 022-222-0218(Aoba Castle Honmaru Kaikan)
  • Parking Charged
  • Memo Show a one-day pass for the Loople Sendai and get a 110 yen discount for admission to the Aoba Castle Museum and Exhibition Hall.

A Cultural Property Complex Combining Architectural Beauty and Art

Each floor of the seven-story building with two basement levels has a different look.
Each floor of the seven-story building with two basement levels has a different look.

Opened in 2001, the Sendai Mediatheque is a cultural property complex that integrates a library, galleries, workshop space, and other facilities. Mediatheque" is a coined word combining the French word "tek," which means shelf or container, and "media," and represents an open space where information and culture can come and go.
The building was designed by Toyo Ito, a world-renowned architect. The main feature of the building is a structure called "tubes," which are exposed screw-shaped white steel frames. Thirteen tubes of various sizes undulate through each floor and serve as pillars. The highly flexible design is highly appreciated by architecture fans.

A place to enjoy the charms of Tohoku with all five senses and relax in the city

The first floor
The first floor "Kaneiri Museum Shop 6" offers a wide range of goods from various artists and original museum goods.

The first floor, which is open to the public, is also home to a café and store. The Crepuscule Café offers lunch and café menus as well as authentic Belgian craft beer. The "Kaneiri Museum Shop 6" offers items related to local culture and craft works created by creators in Tohoku, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs. The 3rd and 4th floors are the library, and the 5th and 6th floors are galleries, The 7th floor has an open studio space and a theater.

Local Guide Comment
Please also visit the "Wasuren," an exhibition of the "Center for the Remembrance of March 11, 2011," which uniquely presents the process of recovery and reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake! Resource Room," an exhibit of the Center for 3/11/13 that presents the process of recovery and reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Sendai Mediatheque
  • Address 2-1 Kasuga-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 10 minutes drive from JR Sendai Station, 7 minutes walk from Kotodai Koen Subway Station
  • Direction 10 minutes from JR Sendai Station by Sendai City Bus, short walk from Mediatheque-mae Bus Stop.
    From JR Sendai Station, take Loople Sendai (approx. 55 min.) and get off at Mediatheque-mae bus stop.
  • Regular holiday The 4th Thursday of the month from January to November, and December 29 to January 3
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 022-713-3171
  • Parking Charged (200 yen for up to 1 hour, 400 yen for up to 2 hours, 150 yen per 30 minutes after 2 hours)

Zelkova trees line the street, offering seasonal views.

Benches along the promenade provide a comfortable place to take a break and enjoy refreshments.
Benches along the promenade provide a comfortable place to take a break and enjoy refreshments.

The symbolic road that symbolizes the city of Sendai, which is rich in nature and is called the "City of Trees. The 700-meter road connecting the street in front of Sendai Station to Nishi Koen Dori is lined with 160 zelkova trees in four rows. The road is lined with four rows of approximately 160 zelkova trees. In spring and summer, the trees are lush with fresh young foliage; in autumn, the leaves turn red; and in winter, the "Sendai Pageant of Light" is held in December, attracting many people, and the trees are lit up in a warm orange color by about 450,000 LED bulbs. Near the street, there are a variety of restaurants where you can enjoy Sendai's specialties, so it is recommended to stop by and enjoy the beautiful seasonal scenery.

A festival where the entire town is enveloped in music

Jozenji Street Jazz Festival
Jozenji Street Jazz Festival" is held every year on the second Saturday and Sunday in September (photo courtesy of Jozenji Street Jazz Festival Association)

The promenade, lined with zelkova trees that create a tunnel, is lined with three bronze statues by an Italian sculptor, including Emilio Greco's "Memories of Summer. The beauty of the scenery is such that one can't help but take a camera in front of the fusion of artwork and nature.
Every September, the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival, a music event, is held. The streets of Sendai, including Jozenji Street, become stages on which musicians from all over the region play lively rhythms. Enjoy walking around Sendai while listening to the diverse music flowing from the street corners.

Local Guide Comment
Along Jozenji-dori, there are entrances to sightseeing spots such as "Sendai Mediatheque" and an arcade lined with various stores, so you can stop by for a stroll or a shopping trip.
Jozenji-dori Street
  • Address Near Kokubun-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai MAP
  • Direction 5 minutes drive from JR Sendai Station
    2 min. walk from Kotodai Koen Subway Station
  • Direction 13 minutes by Sendai City Bus from JR Sendai Station to Jozenji-dori Shiyakusho-mae stop.
    Approx. 58 minutes from JR Sendai Station by Loople Sendai bus, alighting at Jozenji-dori Shiyakusho-mae bus stop.
  • TEL 022-222-2256（Sendai City Transportation Bureau Information Center)
  • Parking None

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.