Weird & Unusual Attractions in Sendai, Japan
1. Sendai Medei Hall
A unique art museum featuring works by artists from around the world, especially those with a dark and macabre theme.
- Dark Art Museum: Offers a unique perspective on art, focusing on the darker aspects of human creativity
- International Collection: Houses an extensive collection from artists across the globe
- Themed Exhibitions: Regularly hosts themed exhibitions, providing a fresh perspective on dark art
2. Zuihoden Mausoleum
A stunningly ornate mausoleum built in the 17th century for Date Masamune, the founder of Sendai.
- Intricate Architecture: Features elaborate gold-plated carvings and intricate designs
- Historical Significance: A significant historical site, reflecting the power and wealth of the Date clan
- Garden Beauty: Surrounded by a beautiful landscape garden with over 500 cherry trees
3. Sendai Pageant of Starlight
A dazzling night-time event featuring synchronized light shows and music performances across several landmarks in the city.
- Citywide Light Show: Brings together multiple locations for a unified, immersive experience
- Night-time Event: Provides a unique opportunity to see the city from a different perspective after dark
- Music Performances: Includes live music performances by local and international artists
4. Kawaguchi-ya Okina
A traditional Japanese inn with a giant, wooden, masked head known as an 'Okina' guarding the entrance.
- Giant Wooden Mask: The Okina stands over 12 feet tall and is decorated with intricate carvings
- Traditional Inn: Offers a unique, traditional Japanese lodging experience
- Historical Significance: The Okina is a cultural symbol and represents the history of Kawaguchi-ya
5. Sendai Station Godzilla
A large sculpture of the famous monster Godzilla, perched atop Sendai Station.
- Iconic Monster: Represents the popular Toho Studios film character, Godzilla
- City Landmark: A recognizable symbol of Sendai and a popular photo spot for tourists
- Artistic Expression: Designed by sculptor Kiyoshi Kimura, the Godzilla statue is a unique piece of public art
6. Sendai Daikannon
A massive statue of the Buddhist deity Kannon, standing over 100 feet tall and overlooking the city.
- Tall Statue: One of the tallest statues of Kannon in Japan
- Religious Significance: A popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists and tourists alike
- Panoramic Views: Offers stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside from its hilltop location
7. Aobadaima Ferris Wheel
A gigantic ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the city and beyond.
- Giant Ferris Wheel: One of the tallest Ferris wheels in the world
- City Views: Provides a unique perspective of Sendai from above
- Night-time Experience: Offers a stunning night-time view of the city's lights
8. Sendai Morning Market
A bustling market selling fresh seafood, local produce, and unique souvenirs.
- Fresh Seafood: Offers some of the freshest seafood in Sendai
- Local Produce: Showcases a wide variety of regional fruits and vegetables
- Unique Souvenirs: Sells traditional Sendai souvenirs and crafts
9. Miyagi no Kuni Manganland
An indoor theme park dedicated to manga (Japanese comic books) and anime.
- Manga and Anime Theme Park: A unique attraction for fans of Japanese pop culture
- Character Meet-and-Greets: Allows visitors to meet their favorite manga and anime characters
- Interactive Exhibits: Features interactive exhibits that bring the world of manga and anime to life
10. Kesennuma Dolphin Port
A port dedicated to the protection and research of dolphins.
- Dolphin Protection: Dedicated to protecting and studying the local dolphin population
- Educational Exhibits: Offers educational exhibits about dolphins and their habitat
- Dolphin Watching Tours: Provides opportunities for visitors to observe dolphins in their natural environment
11. Aizu-Wakamatsu Clocktower
A historic clock tower built in the Edo period, now serving as a museum.
- Historic Clock Tower: One of the few remaining Edo-period clock towers
- Museum: Features exhibits about the history and culture of Aizu-Wakamatsu
- Clock Mechanism: Contains a working clock mechanism that visitors can observe
12. Matsushima Rei-jyu no Oka
A hill offering panoramic views of the famous Matsushima Bay.
- Panoramic Views: Provides a stunning view of Matsushima Bay
- Historic Site: Connected to the history and culture of the region
- Peace Park: A peaceful place for reflection and relaxation
13. Tohoku Giants Stadium
A stadium that hosts baseball games and concerts, known for its unique retractable roof.
- Retractable Roof: One of the few stadiums in Japan with a retractable roof
- Baseball Games: Home to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles baseball team
- Concert Venue: Has hosted concerts by internationally renowned artists
14. Sendai Tanabata Festival
A vibrant festival celebrating the star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi.
- Star-crossed Lovers: Celebrates the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi
- Colorful Decorations: Features colorful decorations and traditional performances
- Cultural Event: Provides an insight into the region's culture and traditions
15. Zuiyo Maru Submarine Museum
A museum dedicated to the history of Japan's naval fleet, featuring a full-size submarine.
- Full-size Submarine: Features a fully functional and restored submarine
- Naval History: Provides insights into the history of Japan's naval fleet
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits for visitors to explore and learn