10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Sendai

Successfully combining nature and urban sprawl, Sendai is a charming place with a history stretching all the way back to the era of Date Masamune. If you’re travelling as a couple, Sendai presents many exciting options.

Explore the city centre and tourist attractions together, or head further afield and check out the suburbs where you can enjoy hot springs, waterfalls, and spectacular ocean views. There are also historic shrines and temples that are said to bless your love life. Many of these spots can be visited free of charge. Everyone can look forward to an enriching journey in Sendai.

1. Zuihoden Temple

Explore Date Masamune’s mausoleum in a green setting

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Zuihoden Temple is a must-see for any visitor to Sendai. At the dying wish of Date Masamune, the founder of the Sendai clan, a luxuriously ornate cemetery was built here, bringing together the beauty of the culture of Japan’s Momoyama period (1568-1600). Regrettably, the cemetery was destroyed by fire during the war, but its original splendour is retained thanks to major renovations over the past decades.

The extensive grounds are lush with greenery and make for an excellent place to take a stroll. Also check out the museum, which exhibits precious finds from the site.

Adresse: 23-2 Otamayashita, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture 980-0814, Japan

Åbningstider: February—November: 9 am to 4.50 pm, December—January: 9 am to 4.20 pm (closed on 31st December and 1st January)

Telefon: +81 (0)22-262-6250

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2. Okama

A volcanic lake with a mysterious green colour

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Okama is undoubtedly one of the most scenic spots in the Tohoku region. The caldera lake, with its striking emerald green surface, is nestled right in front of you, surrounded by Mount Katta-dake, Mount Kumanodake, and Mount Goshikidake, creating one of the most breathtaking sightseeing spots in the Zao area.

With parking, walking trails, toilet facilities, and rest areas, it’s an excellent choice for a short road trip. Each season, fresh green leaves and autumn foliage produce stunning views, and that’s before we even get to the excellent summer trekking. The pleasantly chilly weather will stir your appetite for exploring the great nature of the surrounding mountains.

Adresse: Kuraishidakekokuyuchinai Togattaonsen, Zaō, Katta District, Miyagi Prefecture 989-0901, Japan

Åbningstider: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm (closed for winter from early November to late April)

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3. Jozenji-dori Street

The main, tree-lined street of Sendai is a cool spot

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Jozenji-dori Street is lined with rows of the zelkova trees often associated with the image of the city of Sendai. With its refreshing promenade dotted with sunlight filtering through the trees, it’s easy to see why Sendai is called the City of Trees. Bronze statues such as “Memories of Summer” by Greco and “A Bathing Woman” by Crocetti add to the refined urban landscape.

The atmosphere is even more romantic during the autumn when the leaves change colours or during the winter illuminations. Take a stroll through the city of Sendai on your next date night and you won’t be disappointed.

Adresse: Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture 980-8701, Japan

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4. Matsushima Bay

One of the jewels of Tohoku

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Matsushima Bay is renowned as being one of the 3 most scenic spots in Japan. It’s a 40-minute train ride from Sendai Station to Matsushima Station, the gateway to sightseeing in Matsushima. You can also take a ferry or sightseeing boat cruise for a great view of Matsushima Bay from the water.

It’s said that if you pass around the Togetsukyo Bridge of Oshima, the Fukuurabashi Bridge of Fukuurajima Island, and the Sukashibashi Bridge of Godaido Shrine in that order, you’ll enjoy a happy marriage. The Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) of Marriage and Enmusubi Kokeshi (kokeshi dolls that bring good marriage) at Entsu-in Temple are also famous. On top of all that, there are excellent dining and shopping options nearby.

Adresse: Matsushima Town, Miyagi District, Miyagi Prefecture 982-013, Japan

5. Sendai Castle Ruins

Enjoy a trip back in time with great views

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The site of Sendai Castle, also known as Aoba-jo (Green Leaves Castle), is located on a mountaintop surrounded by greenery. The ruins of this castle built by Date Masamune, the founder of the Sendai clan, still remain. The castle commands a sweeping view of the city of Sendai, bringing many couples to the area in the evenings for a nighttime drive and to enjoy the romantic views.

There are plenty of daytime highlights too, including the Aoba-jo Honmaru Kaikan facility, which has an observatory, exhibition hall, and food court. Take a photo in front of the equestrian statue of Date Masamune to capture a wonderful memory of your trip to Sendai.

Adresse: Kawauchi, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture 980-0862, Japan

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6. Rairaikyo Gorge

Be inspired by the beauty of this spectacular gorge

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If you’re planning a trip to Akiu Onsen, be sure to stop by Rairaikyo Gorge (there’s parking, so you can come by car) and take a nature walk along its promenade. The scenery of the gorge, especially when there are fresh green leaves or later in the year when there are golden autumn leaves, is breathtaking. Keep walking for about an hour and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the full beauty of the gorge, including waterfalls and oddly shaped rocks carved out by the stream.

This site is particularly popular with couples on dates. In fact, the area has been selected as a “Lovers’ Sanctuary” thanks to the heart-shaped dent visible on a rock surface when looking down from the Nozokibashi Bridge.

Adresse: Akiumachi Yumoto, Taihaku Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture 982-0241, Japan

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7. Akiu Onsen

Start your trip to Sendai at Tohoku’s premier hot spring resort

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Akiu Onsen is a historical hot spring resort that’s hugely popular among tourists visiting Sendai. If you’re looking for superb hot springs and top-notch cuisine, check out the many inns and hotels lined up along the Natori River. You’ll find many hotels that offer day-use hot springs, but if you can stay longer and enjoy a meal, all the better.

Akiu Onsen dates back to Japan’s Kofun period (250-538) and has been preserved by the Imperial Family and the Date clan. It’s hard not to feel like you’re somewhere very exclusive as you enjoy the hot springs here and stroll around this special area.

Adresse: Taihaku Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, 982-0241 Japan

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8. Sendai Daikannon

A temple to visit for a blessed love life

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The Sendai Daikannon in Daikanmitsuji Temple is a gigantic statue of the Kannon Goddess of Mercy equipped with its own built-in lift. Towering 100 metres above the ground (and 21 metres below), the inside of the 12-tiered inner chamber contains 108 Buddhist statues and 12 guardian deities. The observation windows offer a panoramic view stretching from the city to the Pacific Ocean.

The temple is also famous for the Enmusubi Aburakake Daikokuten (literally, “the oil-sprinkled deity of marriage”). Many couples who are hoping for a happy marriage visit the temple and tie enmusubi ribbons onto wires as they pray.

Adresse: Nakayamaminami-31-36 Sanezawa, Izumi Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-3217, Japan

Åbningstider: Summer (1st May—31st October): 10 am to 4 pm. Winter (1st November—30th April): 10 am to 3.30 pm

Telefon: +81 (0)22-278-3331

9. Osaki Hachimangu Shrine

A local shrine famous for an almost clothes-free festival

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Osaki Hachimangu Shrine is home to the Matsutaki Festival, which is famous nation-wide as a New Year event with a big bonfire. The shrine is famous for the unique event in which worshippers make visit practically naked in the middle of winter, which brings in huge crowds of tourists.

Gorgeous designs in the shrine pavilions and other buildings, which are designated National Treasures, constructed under the orders of feudal lord Masamune Date, show the prosperity of the time. The locals love this place as it’s the head shrine of Sendai, and you’ll even see ema (votive picture tablets) dedicated by the players of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles baseball team and figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu here.

Adresse: 4-6-1 Hachiman, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture 980-0871, Japan

Åbningstider: Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Prayer times from 9 am to 4 pm

Telefon: +81 (0)22-234-3606

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10. Akiu Great Falls

Refresh your mind and body with a negative ion shower

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Akiu Great Falls is a massive waterfall that has been designated a National Scenic Beauty Spot. A walking trail passes close to the waterfall basin, where you can feel the splash of the water, making it a popular destination for tourists, especially those visiting the hot spring resorts of Akiu. The breathtaking view looking up at the Great Falls will stay with you forever.

There’s plenty of parking space for easy access, and it’s less than an hour’s drive from downtown Sendai. The lush greenery and cool, relaxing nature make Akiu Great Falls a great place for a day trip.

Adresse: Otaki Akiumachi Baba, Taihaku Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture 982-0244

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