In December Sendai casts its winter spell in various shades of white. It's a wonderful time when remarkable snow formations almost come alive and you can hike, dine, farm and bathe at your own pace. Fly THAI to Sendai today and immerse in its spellbinding small town hospitality and cultural diversity. With our new non-stop Bangkok-Sendai route, you can now travel to the City of Trees and enjoy the colours of nature all year round.
Ice Monster: Where Rare Wonders Meet
When there is only the rarest chance to see the soulful Ice Monsters of Miyagi Zao Sumikawa Snow Park it must be seized!
Located only two hours' drive south of Sendai, the Ice Monsters of Miyagi Zao Sumikawa Snow Park are in a natural state that only lasts four months of the year, from December to March. That's the only time when the snow-covered trees take on their miraculous form, the result of sea breezes bringing warm currents to the location just as the snow falls. Hurled up on Aomori-Todomatsu Pine Trees, the snow forms ice monsters, the forms of which are constantly changing throughout the snowy but sunny winter season.
Don't let its name – "Juhyo", meaning ice monsters – turn you away! Discover them at their most spectacular from the top of the slope looking down on a clear day all the way to the town of Matsushima.
For the best experience, reserve one of the heated snow cats in advance and immerse in a warming onsen on your return to Sendai. Miyagi Zao Sumikawa Snow Park Lift Ticket starts from ¥1,500, prices are varied by duration of stay.
How to get there: Hop a tour coach from Sendai Bus Terminal which takes approximately 2 hours.
Zao Onsen: Volcanic Heritage Sanctuary
One of Japan's most astonishing hot springs locales, renowned for its relaxing combination, is "Zao Onsen" in the stop-over town between the Ice Monsters and Sendai.
In the prefecture's bearable 3-5°C winter temperature, Zao Onsen provides a variety of acidic sulphur outdoor hot pools with temperatures ranging a warming 40-50°C. Sitting on the slope of the hill looking out across the snow-covered mountainous landscape, bathing in the stone-lined pond gives a glowing skin treatment and also reputedly resolves abdominal pains.
The aromatic volcanic scent that makes the onsen tick is a natural gift granted by the Okama crater, or Five Color Lake, in the midst of Mount Zao. Before or after bathing, discerning travellers are recommended to make a road trip to the Kattadake peak for a serene 360° view of the crater.
How to get there: From Sendai take the JR Senzan Line to Yamagata (70-90 minutes) and transfer to a bus to Zao Onsen (40 minutes).
Zao Fox Village: Japan's Largest Fox-themed Zoo
In Miyagi region, cats are revered as representing a god who protects silk worms from rats, as silk worms create the precious raw material for the prefecture's signature trade. The "Zao Fox" is another among the region's attractions, charming overseas visitors to flock to "Fox Village" to feed them.
Over a hundred of the foxes representing six species live in their natural habitat in the snowy fields of Fox Village. Tourists are welcome to feed the foxes, which roam freely in surrounding pastures, but are warned not to touch them with bare hands. While they appear friendly and adorable, they are nonetheless wild animals with natural predatory instincts.
If you wish to get up close and personal with wildlife, a petting zoo gives visitors a chance to pet and even snuggle with the resident rabbits and goats. Entrance admission fee is ¥1,000, children (12-0 years old) are free of charge.
How to get there: Take the local JR train direct to Shiroishi station (approx. 45 minutes). Then take a taxi or shuttle bus to reach the Fox Village (approx. 22 minutes).
Sairi Yashiki : Time Travel around Town
Located in southern Sendai, Sairi Yashiki is the gateway to a modern-day experience of a bygone era.
Built in 1848, Sairi Yashiki served as the Saito family's home as well as a regional trading hub for its legendary silks. Preserved in its original state, the home comprises a main residence, seven wooden warehouses and a concrete WWII-era structure.
Today, the mansion serves as a museum showcasing the family's collection of art depicting Edo-period lifestyle and culture, along with displays of vintage toys and coins. The Japanese haute couture is not to be missed.
The complex features a picturesque setting that includes a gently flowing stream and flowers, which can be viewed through the windows, inspiring guests to immerse in the serene natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Abukuma River, offering glimpses of the region's rich history of marine transport.
During the 'Sairi Genya' festival, the mansion is illuminated by thousands of hand-painted paper lanterns, with visitors resplendent in traditional Japanese attire.
Besides cultural aspects, visitors may indulge their sweet tooth at Gelateria La Festa, featuring locally made ice cream in such popular flavours as honey and strawberry.
How to get there: Take JR Tohoku Main Line heading to Shiroishi Station. Get off at Tsukinoki Station, then take the Abukuma Line to Marumori Station. The entire journey takes approximately 1 hour.
Sendai Pageant of Starlight: Year-End Miracle
Jozenji-dori Street is well-known as a high street shopping paradise and for its central business district where tunnels of tall zelkova trees offer green shade and bring a sense of serenity to Sendai's bustling city life.
Every mid-December to year-end, the street in the heart of the Tohoku region is transformed into a massive winter illumination evoking festive sensations in passersby. Over 600,000 lights decorate thousands of tree branches, accompanied by a Starlight Symphony soundtrack performed by Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra, transforming the street into the "Sendai Pageant of Starlight".
The festival closes with a highlight – "Starlight Wink" – a moment when all the illuminations are suddenly shutting down leaving the crowd in darkness, before they are suddenly turned back on again, restoring the street's gorgeous aura.
How to get there: Take the Namboku Line towards Sendai Station in Izumi-Chuo and take the train to Kotodai-Koen Station which takes approximately 10 minutes.
Green, Fresh, and Tasty: Zest of Sendai
If your previous experience with edamame (Japanese green soybeans) was not as marvellous as it should have been, Zunda Mochi will raise your expectations of flavour.
Made with premium-grade green soybeans from Sendai, Zunda is a green puree-paste seasoned with sugar and salt. Traditionally, the soft, white, chewy, and mochi-coated Zunda is used as a good luck charm in ceremonies marking auspicious occasions. Today, Zunda Mochi not only entices with its mildly sweet taste, but is also a nutritious addition to the menu of weight-conscious diners.
Besides main courses, Sendai's world-renowned and signature delicacy, Zunda is also available as cakes or puddings, all imbued with the region's rich food heritage.
In addition to Sendai's grilled beef tongue that tempts diners with its aromatic charcoal fragrances and flavourful palate, Sendai's gastronomic delights include "Kakikoya" or grilled oysters. As part of the New Year celebrating tradition, the freshest Kakikoya is available during late October to mid-March at Matsushima Bay in Sendai. Unlike other regions of Japan, travellers are recommended to discover the authentic flavour of oysters without any sauce that may get in the way of tasting the plump, firm, and succulent meat. Beer, butter, and lemon juice are instead best served with this epicurean Japanese delicacy.
