Sendai

Sendai is the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture and the largest city in the Tohoku region of Japan. Located inland on the plain around the Hirose River and about 300 kilometers northeast of Tokyo, it serves as a major economic, educational, and cultural hub for northern Honshu. The city has a population on the order of around one million people.

Historically, Sendai originated as a castle town established by Date Masamune in the early 17th century, with Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle) at its center. It grew as the administrative and commercial heart of the Sendai Domain during the Edo period and later developed into a modern regional city. The city is often referred to as the City of Trees for its abundant green spaces and tree-lined streets.

Cultural attractions and events are a notable feature of Sendai. The Sendai Tanabata Festival, held in August, is one of Japan’s most famous festivals, featuring large colorful decorations. The Jozenji-dori Avenue, lined with zelkova trees, and the Zuihoden mausoleum of Date Masamune are popular sites, and the nearby Matsushima Bay is celebrated as a scenic view.

Education and transportation are central to Sendai’s profile. The city is home to parts of Tohoku University and other higher education institutions. It is a major transportation hub served by the Tohoku Shinkansen and local lines, with Sendai Station linking services across the region. Airports include Okadama in the city and Sendai International Airport in the nearby city of Natori.

In 2011, Sendai was affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, prompting international attention to disaster risk reduction. This contributed to the development of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction adopted in 2015.