population: 1.05 million

extension: 786.30 square kilometers

Museums

One of the must-visit museums in Sendai is the Sendai City Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the city. Another interesting museum to explore is the Miyagi Museum of Art, which houses a collection of local and international artworks. If you're looking for similar museums in the area, you might want to check out the Zuihoden Mausoleum or the Tohoku University Museum, both located in Sendai as well.

Food

One of the most popular dishes in Sendai is undoubtedly gyutan, which is grilled beef tongue that's seasoned with salt or soy sauce. Another famous dish is zundamochi, which is a type of traditional mochi (rice cake) that's flavored with sweetened edamame paste. Other recommended local specialties include sasa-kamaboko (fish cakes made with bamboo leaves), harako-meshi (salmon rice bowl), and robatayaki (grilled seafood and vegetables served on skewers). Finally, if you're looking for something to drink, make sure to try some of the local sake, which is known for its clean and crisp taste.

Activities

One popular activity among locals in Sendai is visiting the Jozenji-dori Avenue, a pedestrian street lined with trees, shops, cafes, and restaurants. Another fun activity is exploring the Aoba Castle ruins and park, which offers spectacular views of the city. You could also try eating gyutan (grilled beef tongue), a local specialty dish that can be found in many restaurants around the city. Additionally, visiting the onsen (hot springs) in nearby towns like Akiu or Naruko is a favorite pastime of many locals.