Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku region. Located on a plain beside the Pacific Ocean, it's pleasant to visit all-year-round. Also, although the Tohoku region is generally very cold, Sendai is warmer and has less snow than other cities, in winter. However, the sea breeze keeps it cool (or cold) in the morning and evening throughout the year.

Even in the warm and comfortable spring, March still feels chilly, even during the day. However, the temperature rises in April and the weather gets warmer from there.

Throughout the season, there are different recommended sightseeing spots, depending on the temperatures, weather, and events taking place.

Let's take a look at some recommendations for the months of March, April, and May.

March may not feel like full-blown spring in Sendai and on colder days, it is recommended to use public transportation like the subway or bus. If you're fond of history, you should explore some places related to Sendai's first feudal lord, Date Masamune.

Sendai Station is an excellent starting point for sightseeing as it is connected to many tourist spots, including the Sendai Castle Site where you can visit the sacred house of Date Masamune, Zuihoden, and the national treasure Osaki Hachimangu shrine.

To make the most of your trip, you can easily move around several places by using the Loople Sendai bus.

If you take the Municipal Subway Tozai Line from Sendai Station, and get off at Yagiyama Zoological Park Station, which is about 12 minutes away, you will find a zoo and an amusement park within a 5-minute walk. This is a perfect destination for sightseeing with your family.

March tends to have chilly days with an average temperature of 4.9°C. However, it's not problematic to go sightseeing, since days are mostly sunny.

It helps to have a light coat or a jacket, and a stall. Keep in mind it may snow until February every year, but in March, in Sendai, you don't have to worry about snow, so you can wear sneakers and heels.

In Sendai, cherry blossoms bloom in April, making it the perfect time to enjoy cherry-blossom viewing. Two popular spots for visitors are Nishi Koen, a park located just off Omachi Nishi Koen Station on the Tozai Subway Line, and Tsutsujigaoka Park, which is just a 3-minute walk from JR Tsutsujigaoka Station. Every year, when the flowers bloom, many street shopping stands line up for the shopping pleasure of the many visitors.

Genko Chaya, a teahouse built in Nishi Park that has been in business for over 100 years, is the perfect place to enjoy Sendai's local specialty, Zunda mochi, after watching the cherry blossoms. Nishi Park is within a 20-minute walk from JR Sendai Station. It's easy to walk around as there are no slopes, making for a pleasant stroll. Visitors can also pass through Sendai's symbolic street Jozenji-dori and Arcade Street, which offers many restaurants and general stores.

Tsutsujigaoka Park is also within walking distance, about 10 minutes on foot from JR Sendai Station. Visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms while visiting the temples scattered around the park.

While the average temperature in March is 4.9°C, in April, it rises to 10.3°C, with the highest temperature of around 15°C.

Sightseeing is just as nice, but you won't have to worry about the cold.

The outfits are going to be similar to the ones in March, but it gets warmer during the day, so you can wear lighter clothes. However, don't forget to bring a jacket or a coat, in case it's particularly cold in the morning or evening.

The famous Sendai Aoba festival, which has its roots dating back to 1665, takes place every year on the third Saturday and Sunday of May. It is the largest festival in Sendai and is divided into two parts: The Evening Festival on Saturday and the Book Festival on Sunday.

During the Evening Festival, traditional Suzume Odori dance and music parade through the center of Sendai. Over 4,000 people participate in the Suzume Dance. The performers, dancing with their fans in Jozenji-dori, create a spectacular sight that you wouldn't want to miss.

There will be a festival with a parade of people dressed in armor, as well as a procession of children at the Aoba Shrine which pays homage to Date Masamune. The parade will showcase 11 beautiful floats, the Suzume dance, and other traditional costumes that will transport you back in time.

In Kotodai Koen Park and Citizen's Square along Jozenji-dori, you can experience the festivals of castle towns with food and drink booths dedicated to Masamune, who was known as a gourmet since childhood. You can enjoy these activities and more throughout the day.

For further information, please visit the official website at https://www.aoba-matsuri.com/en/.

May is typically the month with the highest temperatures in Sendai, with temperatures hovering around 20°C. However, in recent years, there have been days when temperatures have exceeded 20°C due to global warming. Despite this, Sendai is known for its strong sea breeze, which helps to keep the higher temperatures mild.

As warm days approach, wear lighter clothes than you would in April. Shorter items like three-quarter-length tops and shorts are going to be perfect. Unless you particularly suffer the cold, you won't need tights or stockings.

Did you find the information about Sendai useful? Enjoy your spring trip to Sendai!

Text by: ShoePress
This article was originally published in 2021. Please check official websites for the latest information.