Local Guide
Travel comfortably without a car! Recommended sightseeing spots in Sendai on the "Loople Sendai"

The Loople Sendai bus runs through the center of Sendai city, and its eye-catching, stylish retro exterior is a must-see. It is a circular bus that departs and arrives at Sendai Station, connecting major tourist spots such as the Sendai Mediatheque, the Sendai Castle Ruins (Aoba Castle Ruins), and Zuihoden. With a one-day pass that allows unlimited hop-on and hop-off, you can travel around the city even without a car. We recommend enjoying the ride at your own pace, admiring the cityscape of Sendai from the bus window and getting off at any spot that catches your eye. In this article, we will introduce how to use the Loople Sendai bus, highlights of the bus, and popular tourist spots that can be visited using the bus.

A circular bus that travels around Sendai's major tourist spots

The retro streetcar-like appearance is eye-catching. Each carriage has a different design, and there are currently eight different types in operation. (Photo provided by Sendai Tourism and International Association)
The retro streetcar-like appearance is eye-catching. Each carriage has a different design, and there are currently eight different types in operation. (Photo provided by Sendai Tourism and International Association)

"Loople Sendai" is a circular bus that goes around the main tourist spots in Sendai city. It starts from the 16th platform of the West Exit Bus Terminal of Sendai Station, and runs every 20 minutes on weekdays from the first bus at 9:00 to the last bus at 16:00.Every 15 minutes on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidaysThe approximately 70-minute tour takes you around 14 of Sendai's most famous tourist spots, including Zuihoden, the Sendai Castle Ruins (Aoba Castle Ruins), Sendai Mediatheque, and Jozenji Street.

The One-Day Pass is convenient and great value!

A popular one-day pass with a design depicting Sendai's highlights
A popular one-day pass with a design depicting Sendai's highlights

The Loople Sendai boarding system is to board from the middle and exit from the front. In addition to single-ride options (using cash or a transportation IC card each time), there are also "One-Day Passes" that allow unlimited boarding and disembarking, and "Subway Joint One-Day Passes" that can be used on the Namboku Line and Tozai Line. If you're visiting multiple places, using one of these one-day passes is by far the most convenient and economical option.

One rideLoople Sendai One-Day PassLoople Sendai/Subway One-Day Pass
adult260円630円920円
Children130円320円460円

All one-day passes can be purchased at the Sendai Station West Exit Bus Terminal Information Center, Yaru-Puru Sendai Property, and other locations. To use the pass, show the stamped dated section to station staff or crew when getting off the bus or entering or exiting the subway ticket gate. Present the pass at tourist Property and restaurants to receive special discounts on admission fees and food and drink (check the website for details).
Additionally, the digital ticket service "Sendai MaaS" allows you to purchase online tickets. To use the ticket, simply show the screen of your smartphone.

The bus stop is marked by a round red sign with the Loople Sendai logo.
The bus stop is marked by a round red sign with the Loople Sendai logo.
Comments Local Guide
Special nighttime services are operated seasonally, including the "Tanabata Night Train," "Autumn Leaves Light-up Train," and "Pageant of Light Train." You can enjoy the fantastic night view of illuminated Zuihoden, Sendai Castle ruins, and Jozenji-dori Street from inside the train. The special night-time performances are also attractive.
Sendai City Tourist City Loop Bus "Loople Sendai"

A beautiful mausoleum where Date Masamune rests, conveying the grandeur of the time of its founding

Zuihoden, located in Kyogamine Historical Park, exudes a solemn atmosphere. Inside the mausoleum is a wooden statue of Date Masamune, modeled after his appearance when he was alive. (Photo courtesy of Zuihoden Public Interest Foundation)
Zuihoden, located in Kyogamine Historical Park, exudes a solemn atmosphere. Inside the mausoleum is a wooden statue of Date Masamune, modeled after his appearance when he was alive. (Photo courtesy of Zuihoden Public Interest Foundation)

The spirit of Date Masamune is enshrined hereMausoleum.In 1636 (Kan'ei 13), Masamune Date orderedIt was built by
The highlight of the temple is its gorgeous architectural beauty, based on black lacquer and decorated with gold leaf and other colorful ornaments. Zuihoden, which consists of the main hall, worship hall, offering hall, and Nehanmon gate, was designated a National Treasure in 1931 (Showa 6) as a mausoleum building that conveys the style of the Momoyama period. The current building was rebuilt after being destroyed by fire during the war, and underwent extensive renovations in 2001, restoring decorations such as the carved lion heads on the pillars and dragon head tiles on the roof, restoring it to its original splendor.

There is also a museum that displays records of excavation surveys, grave goods, and a replica of Date Masamune's face.

In the foreground is Kansenden, and in the background is Zennoden. Both are reconstructed. (Photos provided by Zuihoden Public Interest Foundation)
In the foreground is Kansenden, and in the background is Zennoden. Both are reconstructed. (Photos provided by Zuihoden Public Interest Foundation)

The area around Zuihoden is designated as a historic site by Sendai City as the Kyogamine Date Family Graveyard. Within the grounds are the Zuihoden Museum, the Kansenden mausoleum of the second lord Tadamune, the Zennoden mausoleum of the third lord Tsunamune, Myounkaibyo, and the mausoleum of his children.
The museum is a reconstruction of the Gyosho, which was part of the Zuihoden Property, and in addition to excavation records and burial goods, it also houses a facial reconstruction of Date Masamune, which was made possible through cutting-edge scientific research and facial reconstruction techniques.Statues and other items are on display.On Saturdays and Sundays, volunteer guides wearing purple jinbaori coats are available on-site to give free explanations.

Comments Local Guide
It's the perfect spot for a stroll, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the seasons, including cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and snow. Seasonal events, such as special public viewings several times a year and autumn foliage illuminations, are also worth checking out.
Photo courtesy of Zuihoden Public Interest Foundation
Photo courtesy of Zuihoden Public Interest Foundation
Zuihoden
  • URLhttps://www.zuihoden.com/
  • 住所Sendai City, Aoba Ward, Reiyashita 23-2 MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 10 minutes by car from JR Sendai Station
  • バスアクセスFrom JR Sendai Station, take the Loople Sendai circular bus for approximately 13 minutes, get off at Zuihoden-mae bus stop, and then walk for approximately 5 minutes
  • 営業時間9:00~16:50 (last entry 16:30) *December and January: until 16:20 (last entry 16:00)
  • 定休日December 31st (all buildings closed), January 1st (only Zuihoden is open. Kansenden, Zennoden and the museum are closed)
  • 入場料Adults and university students: 570 yen, high school students: 410 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 210 yen
  • TEL022-262-6250
  • 駐車場free
  • メモPresent your Loople Sendai one-day pass to receive a 110 yen discount on admission fees for adults and university students, a 100 yen discount for high school students, and a 50 yen discount for elementary and junior high school students.

Learn about the history of Date Masamune and Sendai Castle at the museum

Helmets and armor worn by vassals of the Sendai domain are on display. The crest of the "half moon" is a distinctive feature, and is the symbol of the Date clan.
Helmets and armor worn by vassals of the Sendai domain are on display. The crest of the "half moon" is a distinctive feature, and is the symbol of the Date clan.

Sendai Castle, also known as "Aoba Castle," was the castle built by Date Masamune. The castle was destroyed during the Meiji era due to the castle abolition order and air raids, but the site is now home to the Aoba Castle Honmaru Kaikan, Property with a museum and shop.
When you arrive at the Sendai Castle ruins, we recommend first visiting the museum within Property. The museum displays actual materials that explain the history of the Date clan and Sendai Castle, as well as a model that recreates the area around Sendai Castle at the time. The CG theater screens a video of Sendai Castle recreated using CG, providing an easy-to-understand introduction to the castle's appearance at the time of its construction and the history surrounding Date Masamune.

Explore the former Honmaru site where the statue of Date Masamune on horseback stands in the VR world

The famous "Statue of Date Masamune on Horseback" stands on the site of the former main keep of Sendai Castle. Masamune gazes out over the city of Sendai and the Pacific Ocean.
The famous "Statue of Date Masamune on Horseback" stands on the site of the former main keep of Sendai Castle. Masamune gazes out over the city of Sendai and the Pacific Ocean.

We recommend the castle grounds from the time when Date Masamune was alive."Sendai Castle VR Go" is a program that allows you to have a 360-degree virtual Experience. By borrowing a special scope at the reception and looking through it at eight points scattered around the ruins of the main keep of Sendai Castle, the appearance of Sendai Castle, built by Date Masamune about 400 years ago, will come back to life on video.The large hall, the turret, the stone walls, and the castle's symbol, the KenzoThe images are displayed, and audio commentary is provided at each spot. You can feel immersed in the world of history with a sense of realism.

Comments Local Guide
Located at an altitude of about 100m, it is a scenic spot with a panoramic view of Sendai city. In addition, Aoba Castle Honmaru Kaikan has a shop selling limited edition Date Masamune goods and Sendai specialty sweets, as well as a food court where you can enjoy Sendai gourmet food such as harako rice, beef tongue, and zunda mochi.
Sendai Castle Ruins (Aoba Castle Ruins)
  • URLhttps://honmarukaikan.com/
  • 住所Miyagi Prefecture Sendai City Aoba Ward Kawauchi 1 MAP
  • アクセスJR仙台駅から車で約15分
  • バスアクセスFrom JR Sendai Station, take the circular bus "Loople Sendai" for about 26 minutes and get off at "Sendai Castle Ruins"
  • 営業時間Aoba Castle Museum: April to October 9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:40), November to March 9:00-16:00 (last admission 15:40)
  • 定休日Every Wednesday from the last Wednesday of November to the first Wednesday of March (see official website for details)
  • 入場料Adults 770 yen, Junior and Senior High School Students 550 yen, Elementary School Students 330 yen (Aoba Castle Museum)
    *Sendai Castle VR Go is an additional charge
  • TEL022-222-0218(青葉城本丸会館)
  • 駐車場Paid
  • メモPresent your Loople Sendai one-day pass to receive a 110 yen discount on admission to the Aoba Castle Museum.

A cultural Property that combines architectural beauty and art

The building has seven floors above ground and two below, and each floor has a different look.
The building has seven floors above ground and two below, and each floor has a different look.

Opened in 2001, this multi-purpose cultural Property combines a library, gallery, workshop space, and more. The word "mediatheque" is a combination of the French words "theque," meaning shelf or container, and "media," and represents an open space where information and culture flow.
The building was designed by Toyo Ito, a world-renowned architect. The building's most distinctive feature is the structure known as the "tube," which is made up of exposed, screw-shaped white steel beams. Thirteen tubes of various sizes run through each floor in an undulating pattern, acting as pillars. The highly flexible design has been highly praised by architecture enthusiasts.

A relaxing spot in the city where you can enjoy the charm of Tohoku with all your senses

Kaneiri Museum Shop 6 on the first floor has a wide selection of goods from various artists and original museum merchandise.
Kaneiri Museum Shop 6 on the first floor has a wide selection of goods from various artists and original museum merchandise.

The first floor, which is an open space, also houses a cafe and shop. At Crepuscule Cafe, you can enjoy lunch and cafe menu items as well as authentic Belgian craft beer. Kaneiri Museum Shop 6 is lined with items related to local culture and craft works by Tohoku creators, making it a great place to pick out souvenirs.The 3rd and 4th floors are the library, the 5th and 6th floors are the gallery,There is also an open studio space and theater on the 7th floor.

Comments Local Guide
Be sure to also check out the "Forget! Archives" exhibit at the Center for Not Forgetting March 11, which uniquely communicates the process of recovery and reconstruction following the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Sendai Mediatheque
  • URLhttps://www.smt.jp/
  • 住所2-1 Kasugacho, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 10 minutes by car from JR Sendai Station, approximately 7 minutes on foot from Kotodai Park Station on the subway
  • バスアクセスApproximately 10 minutes by Sendai City Bus from JR Sendai Station, get off at "Mediatheque Mae"
    Approximately 55 minutes on the Loople Sendai from JR Sendai Station, and get off at "Mediatheque-mae"
  • 定休日The fourth Thursday of each month from January to November, December 29th to January 3rd
  • 入場料free
  • TEL022-713-3171
  • 駐車場Charged (200 yen for up to 1 hour, 400 yen for up to 2 hours, 150 yen per 30 minutes after 2 hours)

A row of zelkova trees where you can enjoy the scenery of each season

There are benches along the promenade, so you can take a break, have a snack, and spend a pleasant time.
There are benches along the promenade, so you can take a break, have a snack, and spend a pleasant time.

The road is a symbol of Sendai City, known as the "City of Forests" and rich in nature. The road stretches for about 700 meters, connecting the street in front of Sendai Station to Nishikoen-dori Street.The row of zelkova trees continues. In spring and summer, the area is filled with fresh, fresh green leaves, and in autumn, the leaves turn red. In December, the "SENDAI Pageant of Starlight" is held, attracting many visitors, and the area is lit up in a warm orange glow with approximately 450,000 LED bulbs. There are also many restaurants near the street where you can enjoy Sendai specialties, so it is recommended to stop by and enjoy the beautiful scenery of each season.

A festival is also held where the whole town is enveloped in music

The Jozenji Street Jazz Festival is held every year on the second Saturday and Sunday of September. (Photo courtesy of the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival Association)
The Jozenji Street Jazz Festival is held every year on the second Saturday and Sunday of September. (Photo courtesy of the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival Association)

Along the promenade lined with zelkova trees that form a tunnel, you'll find three bronze statues by Italian sculptors, including Emilio Greco's "Summertime Memories." The scenery, where artworks and nature blend together, is so beautiful you'll find yourself taking pictures.
Every September, the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival is held as a music event. Street corners in Sendai, including Jozenji-dori, become stages, with musicians from all over the city playing lively rhythms. Why not enjoy a stroll through Sendai while listening to the diverse music wafting from the streets?

Comments Local Guide
Along Jozenji-dori, you'll find tourist spots such as the Sendai Mediatheque, as well as the entrance to an arcade street lined with various shops, so you can stop by while strolling around town or shopping.
Jozenji Street
  • URLhttps://www.city.sendai.jp/ryokuchihozen/mesho100sen/ichiran/022.html
  • 住所Sendai City Aoba Ward Kokubuncho Area MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 5 minutes by car from JR Sendai Station
    Approximately 2 minutes walk from Kotodai Park Subway Station
  • バスアクセスApproximately 13 minutes by Sendai City Bus from JR Sendai Station, get off at "Jozenji-dori City Hall Mae"
    Take the Loople Sendai from JR Sendai Station for approximately 58 minutes and get off at "Jozenji-dori City Hall"
  • TEL022-222-2256（仙台市交通局案内センター）
  • 駐車場None

MAP

Nearby Hoshino Resorts Property
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