mountain pass
Zao Echo Line
Mountain road over the Zao range between Miyagi and Yamagata, climbing past the emerald Okama crater lake. Opens each spring through towering snow walls and blazes with colour in autumn.
40 km · about 45 min drive
Miyagi, Japan · Asia
Sendai sits on the route: 20 minutes from Natori-shi, 40km from Zao Echo Line.
Sendai is a major city located in Miyagi, Japan. With a population of 1,096,704, it is one of the largest urban centers in Asia.
On a road trip, Sendai sits in Japan, where you drive on the left. It's in the Asia/Tokyo time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Sendai to your route.
Sendai (仙台市, Sendai-shi; [seꜜn.dai, sen.daꜜi.ɕi] ) is the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture and the largest city in the Tōhoku region. As of 1 August 2023, the city had a population of 1,098,335 in 539,698 households, making it the twelfth most populated city in Japan.
The modern city was founded in 1600 by the daimyōRead more
Date Masamune. It is nicknamed the City of Trees (杜の都, Mori no Miyako); there are Japanese zelkova trees lining many of the main thoroughfares such as Jōzenji Street (定禅寺通, Jōzenji dōri) and Aoba Street (青葉通, Aoba dōri).
In the summer, the Sendai Tanabata Festival, the largest Tanabata festival in Japan, is held. In winter, the trees are decorated with thousands of lights for the Pageant of Starlight (光のページェント, Hikari no pējento), lasting through most of December. The city is also home to Tohoku University, one of the former Imperial Universities. On 11 March 2011, coastal areas of the city suffered catastrophic damage from a magnitude 9.0 offshore earthquake, which triggered a destructive tsunami.
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Sendai offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Sendai is located in Miyagi, Japan, Asia. The coordinates are 38.2667 latitude, 140.8667 longitude.
Sendai has a population of approximately 1,096,704 people, making it a major city in Japan.
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Essential numbers in Japan
Japan Helpline (24h English assistance): 0570-000-911. An International Driving Permit (1949 convention) is required to drive.
Full driving guide for Japan2 notable places within an hour's drive.
mountain pass
Mountain road over the Zao range between Miyagi and Yamagata, climbing past the emerald Okama crater lake. Opens each spring through towering snow walls and blazes with colour in autumn.
40 km · about 45 min drive
landmark
A narrow gorge lined with three- and four-storey wooden ryokan from the Taisho era, facing each other across a river and lit by gas lamps after dark. Cars park outside the village and visitors walk the last stretch in.
45 km · about 50 min drive
Other places to explore near Sendai.
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