Sendai
Capital of Miyagi Prefecture and largest city in Tōhoku.
Sendai is the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture and the largest city in the Tōhoku region of Japan.
- Country
- Japan
- Region
- Tōhoku
- Known for
- City of Trees, Sendai Tanabata Festival, Tohoku University
Lore & Background
Tokugawa Ieyasu granted permission to build a castle on Aobayama after the Battle of Sekigahara. Masamune changed the kanji for Sendai from 千代 ('a thousand generations') to 仙臺 (later 仙台), inspired by a Chinese poem praising a palace of Emperor Wen of Han. The tsunami reached as far as Wakabayashi Ward Office, 8 km from the coastline.
Reader's Guide
Sendai's significance lies in its role as the political, economic, and cultural center of the Tōhoku region. The city hosts the largest Tanabata festival in Japan and the winter Pageant of Starlight. Tohoku University, one of the former Imperial Universities, was the first Japanese university to admit female students. The city's geography—stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Ōu Mountains—and its humid subtropical climate contribute to its distinct character among Japanese cities.
Did You Know?
- Sendai is nicknamed the City of Trees (杜の都, Mori no Miyako) and has Japanese zelkova trees lining main thoroughfares such as Jōzenji Street and Aoba Street.
- The Sendai Tanabata Festival is the largest Tanabata festival in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sendai known for?
The city is most recognized for its lush tree-lined streets, the vibrant annual Sendai Tanabata Festival, and the presence of Tohoku University, one of the region's leading institutions of higher learning.
Where is Sendai located?
Sendai sits in the northern part of Honshu within the Tōhoku region, serving as the administrative seat of Miyagi Prefecture and the area's principal metropolitan hub.
Why is Sendai important?
As the largest city in Tōhoku, Sendai functions as the region's economic, cultural, and educational anchor. Its founding by Date Masamune gave it a distinct historical identity, and today it remains a major center for research, commerce, and tourism in northern Japan.
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