Sendai, the capital of Miyagi Prefecture, is the largest city in the Tōhoku region and serves as its economic and cultural centre. Known as the “City of Trees,” it blends an orderly urban structure with abundant greenery. The city maintains a strong sense of local identity rooted in its feudal heritage under Date Masamune, reflected in regional specialties such as gyūtan (grilled beef tongue) and zunda (sweet edamame paste). Sendai is directly connected to Tōkyō and Fukushima via the Tōhoku Shinkansen line, with services operating around three times per hour and taking approximately 20 to 26 minutes between stops.
JR Sendai Station Central Exit
Sendai Brand Specialty Market
During the visit, the Sendai Specialty Brand Market was being held in the forecourt of the Central Exit, organised by the regional branch of the Japan Agricultural Cooperative. From this event, Sendai Baratz snacks were purchased, along with seasoned seaweed and nuts.
(See byJAPAN Baratz Butter & Soy Sauce, byJAPAN Baratz Garlic & Pepper Review and byJAPAN Baratz Shrimp & Tonkotsu Review)
S-Pal
1 Chome-1-1 Central, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 〒980-0021, Japan
At S-Pal, a branch of Tully’s Coffee & Tea was noted, with the “& Tea” concept being a recent addition.
At Afternoon Tea, tea bags and yōkan were purchased.
(See Miyako Afternoon Tea Chardonnay Yōkan Review)
The Hotel Metropolitan’s selection of chocolates inspired by each prefecture of the Tōhoku region also stood out.
It was interesting to observe that Soup Stock Tōkyō now offers frozen and dehydrated versions of their in-store soups.
Standard Products
Zunda Komichi
ずんだ小径, 3F JR Sendai Station, 1 Chome-1-1 Central, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 〒980-0021, Japan
Sendai Station houses three notable culinary alleys—Zunda Komichi, Gyūtan Dōri, and Sushi Dōri—each dedicated to one of Miyagi Prefecture’s local specialities.
Zunda-mochi, reputedly a favourite of Date Masamune, is often regarded as a hallmark of Sendai. Traditionally prepared by rice farmers following the summer harvest of soybeans and rice, it was likely offered during the Obon and Higan festivals. Zunda itself consists of boiled edamame, peeled, crushed, and seasoned with salt and sugar. Today, the ingredient features in numerous modern desserts, beverages, and confections. Among the best-known purveyors is Zunda Saryō.
(See Zunda Saryo Sendai Meibutsu Zunda Mochi Review, Zunda Saryo Zunda Shake Review, Zunda Saryo Zunda Mochi Petit Review, and Zunda Saryo Zunda Senbei Review)
Gyūtan Dōri
牛たん通り, 3F JR Sendai Station, 1 Chome-1-1 Central, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 〒980-0021, Japan
Aji no Gyūtan Kisuke
味の牛たん喜助, Gyūtan Dori, 3F JR Sendai Station, 1-Chome-1-1, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi 〒980-0021, Japan
(See Aji no Gyūtan Kisuke, Sendai Review)
Sushi Dōri
すし通り, 3F JR Sendai Station, 1 Chome-1-1 Central, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 〒980-0021, Japan
JR Sendai Station East Exit
Seijo Ishii
SEIJO ISHII, 青の葉デイリーマーケット, 2F S-PAL Sendai East Building, 1 Chome-1-1, Central, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi 〒980-8487, Japan
The jelly was excellent. The broken jelly layer carried a jasmine fragrance that contributed a gentle floral sweetness, while the base jelly was smooth with a more rounded, fruity sweetness and a slight acidity. The inclusion of fruit—kiwifruit, pineapple, and mikan—provided refreshing contrasts in both flavour and texture.
Dashi Chazuke
だし茶漬け えん, 2F S-PAL Sendai East Building, 1-1-1 Chuo, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi 〒980-0021, Japan
(See Dashi Chazuke-en, Sendai Review)
Lupicia
Lupicia, 1F S-PAL Sendai – Main Building, 1 Chome-1-1, Central, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi〒980-0021, Japan
(See Lupicia Date Ichigō Review)
Hotel Keihan Sendai
ホテル京阪, 3 Chome-3-5 Central, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi 〒980-0021, Japan
The hotel offered complimentary detox water infused with lemon, lime, apple, and rosemary (first evening), and orange, lemon, petit tomato and mizuna (second evening), as well as a snack in the morning.
The room was spacious, with a comfortable mini couch and desk suited to work. Towels were plush, and the bathroom was generously sized with quality amenities. A centralised control panel managed lighting scenes, air conditioning, and other features efficiently, making for a comfortable stay.
Miyagi–Sendai formed part of Day 2 of a 14-day journey through Japan’s Tōhoku region in 2024.