1. What kind of events and festivals can one expect to find in Sendai?
There are many different events and festivals that one can expect to find in Sendai. Some of the most popular include:
1. Sendai Tanabata Festival: This festival takes place in early August and celebrates the legend of two lovers represented by decorated bamboo branches.
2. Aoba Festival: This annual festival is held in May to commemorate Date Masamune, the founder of Sendai. It includes a parade, traditional performances, and street stalls selling local food and crafts.
3. Sendai Pageant of Starlight: During the Christmas season, Zelkova trees along Jozenji-dori Avenue are illuminated with over 600,000 LED lights, creating a magical winter wonderland.
4. Tohoku Sakura Matsuri: This cherry blossom festival takes place in early April and features various events such as flower viewing parties, traditional performances, and food stalls.
5. Sendai International Music Competition: Every three years, talented musicians from around the world come to compete in this prestigious classical music competition.
6. Johzenji Street Jazz Festival: In October, musicians gather on Jozenji-dori Avenue to perform free live jazz concerts for visitors.
7. Tanabata Fireworks Display: As part of the Tanabata Festival, a spectacular fireworks display is held over Hirose River in central Sendai.
8.Join-Hands Music Festival: Held annually in September at Izumi Park for three days during Golden Week holiday featuring variety of musicians from home turf including national artistes appearing on solo stage!
9.Sendai Half Marathon: A popular race held every May since 1980 with participants coming from all over Japan as well as abroad to run through the scenic streets of Sendai.
10.Ebisu Koizumi Monogatari Matsuri(Snow Candle): This event takes place in February at selected spots where 500 candles made out of snow light up creating beautiful sceneries inviting visitors to participate with prayer beads on pine trees spread though out the area.
2. How often do these events and festivals take place in Sendai?
There is no set frequency for events and festivals in Sendai. Some annual events, such as the Tanabata Festival and the Pageant of Starlight, take place every year, while others may only happen every few years or on special occasions. Additionally, new events and festivals are also created throughout the year.
3. What are some popular cultural festivals in Sendai?
1. Sendai Tanabata Festival: This is one of the biggest festivals in Sendai, held every year from August 6-8 to celebrate the traditional Japanese star festival of Tanabata. The streets are lined with colorful decorations and there are parades, performances, and food stalls throughout the city.
2. Sendai Pageant of Starlight: Held during the winter months (usually from early December to early January), this festival features stunning illuminations along Jozenji-dori Avenue, creating a magical atmosphere in the city.
3. Aoba Festival: This autumn festival takes place in late May or early June and celebrates the history and culture of Sendai. Highlights include traditional music performances, a parade featuring famous historical figures, and a food fair showcasing local specialties.
4. Sendai Earthquake Memorial Lantern Lighting Ceremony: Held on March 11th each year to commemorate the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake, this ceremony sees people light lanterns along the Hirose River in remembrance.
5. Johno Festival: Another spring event, this festival celebrates Johno Mountain which is known for its cherry blossom trees. There are various events and performances throughout the month of April including a traditional tea ceremony under cherry blossom trees.
6. Miyagi International Music Festival: This festival showcases both traditional Japanese and international music and dance performances. It also hosts workshops where visitors can try traditional instruments like taiko drums, shamisen (a three-stringed instrument), and others.
7. Matsushima Bay Fireworks Festival: Visitors can enjoy spectacular fireworks displays over Matsushima Bay during summer (usually held in early August).
8. Sapporo Snow Festival at Zuihoden Mausoleum: Held each winter at Zuihoden Mausoleum to showcase intricate snow sculptures created by local artists.
9. Hina Matsuri Doll Parades: Every March 3rd, Hina Matsuri or Girls’ Day is celebrated in Japan. In Sendai, there are parades of traditional hina dolls and other special events.
10. Sendai Anime Festival: This festival celebrates anime and manga culture with cosplay (dressing up as anime characters), live performances, exhibitions, and booths selling unique merchandise. It is held in the fall season.
4. Are there any traditional Japanese matsuri (festivals) celebrated in Sendai?
Yes, there are a few traditional Japanese matsuri celebrated in Sendai, including:
1. Tanabata Festival: Held every year on July 7th, this festival is based on an ancient Chinese legend and celebrates the reunion of the two mythical lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi.
2. Sendai Aoba Festival: Celebrated in May, this festival honors Sendai’s founder Date Masamune with parades featuring traditional floats, music performances, and street food stalls.
3. Tanabata Kiriko Matsuri: This festival takes place in August and features beautifully decorated giant lanterns called “kiriko” that are carried through the streets of Sendai.
4. Jozenji Street Jazz Festival: In October, this festival turns Jozenji-dori into a lively jazz street with free live music performances by local and international artists.
5. Shiogama Shrine Autumn Festival: In November, the annual autumn festival takes place at Shiogama Shrine featuring traditional dances and ceremonies to express gratitude for the year’s harvest.
6. Kokubuncho Night Festival: This summer festival celebrates the nightlife of Kokubuncho district with food stalls, live music performances, and fireworks displays.
5. Is there a specific time of year when most events and festivals occur in Sendai?
There is not a specific time of year when most events and festivals occur in Sendai. However, some of the major events and festivals in Sendai include the Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival) in August, the Aoba Matsuri (Green Leaf Festival) in May, and the Sendai Pageant of Starlight during December.
6. Are there any music or arts festivals held in Sendai?
Yes, there are several music and arts festivals held in Sendai throughout the year. Some of the most popular ones include:
1. Jozenji Street Jazz Festival: Held in September, this festival features jazz performances by both local and international artists on the iconic Jozenji-dori street.
2. Aoba Festival: This is one of the biggest festivals in Sendai, held in May every year to celebrate the founding of the city. It includes a variety of events such as musical performances, parades, and food stalls.
3. Ruisrock Sendai: This outdoor rock music festival takes place in August at Kotodai Park, featuring both Japanese and international rock bands.
4. Tanabata Matsuri: This traditional summer festival is held every year in August to wish for good health and prosperity. It features colorful decorations, parades, and performances.
5. Miyagi International Music Festival: This classical music festival is held annually in November at venues across Sendai, showcasing talented musicians from around the world.
6. Sendai Short Film Festival: This event takes place in October and features short films from both amateur and professional filmmakers from Japan and abroad.
7. Street Performers Festival: Held every April on Kokubuncho Street, this festival showcases various street performances such as magic shows, music acts, and acrobatics.
8. Tohoku Artist Fair: This event features various art forms including paintings, sculptures, crafts, and more by local artists from all over Tohoku region in December.
7. Do these local events and festivals attract tourists from outside of Japan?
Yes, some local events and festivals do attract tourists from outside of Japan. For example, festivals such as the Sapporo Snow Festival, Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, and Aomori Nebuta Matsuri have become increasingly popular among international travelers in recent years. These events offer unique cultural experiences that cannot be found elsewhere, making them a major draw for tourists. Additionally, many cities or regions promote their festivals and events as part of their tourism marketing strategy to attract more visitors from abroad.
8. How does the city prepare for large-scale events such as the Tanabata Festival or the Aoba Festival?
The preparation and planning for large-scale events in the city, such as the Tanabata Festival and Aoba Festival, typically involve a collaborative effort between the local government, event organizers, and community members.
1. Establishing a Committee: In the months leading up to the event, a committee is formed to oversee the planning and execution of the festival. This committee is usually composed of government officials, event organizers, and representatives from local businesses and community groups.
2. Selecting Dates and Locations: The first step in preparing for an event is to determine when and where it will be held. Factors such as weather conditions, availability of venues, and local traditions are taken into consideration.
3. Event Promotion: As soon as the dates and location are finalized, the event is promoted through various channels including social media, posters, flyers, and traditional media outlets like newspapers and television.
4. Securing Funds: Large-scale events require significant funding for various aspects such as venue rental fees, decorations, entertainment acts, security personnel, etc. The committee typically applies for grants from the local government or seeks sponsorships from businesses in the community.
5. Coordination with Local Businesses: The success of these events depends greatly on collaboration with local businesses. Businesses may offer their facilities for use or participate in street stalls at the events.
6. Setting Up Facilities: Several weeks before the event takes place, preparations begin on building structures such as stages for performances or booths for food vendors.
7. Formation of Event Policies: Aspects such as crowd control measures are discussed beforehand to ensure safety during large gatherings.
8. Volunteer Recruitment: Large-scale events need many people to assist during setup or on-site tasks such as directing crowds or manning information booths. Local students or volunteers may be recruited to fulfill these roles.
9. Security Measures: To ensure public safety during festivals, additional security personnel or police officers may be deployed around high traffic areas.
10. Clean Up: After the event is over, the clean-up process begins immediately. This involves removing decorations, disassembling temporary structures, and discarding any waste generated during the event.
9. Are there any food-related events or street fairs that take place in Sendai?
Yes, there are several food-related events and street fairs that take place in Sendai throughout the year. Some popular ones include:
1. Sendai Sake Festival – Held in April, this festival celebrates the local sake and food culture with over 100 different types of sake from Miyagi Prefecture as well as delicious local dishes.
2. Tanabata Street Fair – This iconic event takes place in August and features food stalls selling traditional Japanese festival foods such as yakisoba, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki.
3. Sendai International Half Marathon Event – Along with the marathon race, this event also features a food fair with various local delicacies from Miyagi Prefecture.
4. Sendai Gourmet Festival – Organized in October, this festival showcases the best gourmet foods from all over Japan and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
5. Jozenji Street Jazz Festival – The main street of Jozenji is transformed into a bustling jazz venue for three days in September, with food stands serving up a variety of delicious snacks and meals.
6. Autumn Harvest Festival at Aoba Castle – This event is held annually at Aoba Castle Park in November and features traditional local foods cooked on open fires as well as an array of fresh produce from local farms.
7. Christmas Markets – During December, various Christmas markets pop up around Sendai city offering festive treats like grilled sausages, mulled wine, crepes, and other holiday favorites.
8. Matsushima Oyster Festival – Taking place by the picturesque Matsushima Bay in February, this festival celebrates the oyster harvest season with unlimited oyster tastings along with other seafood dishes.
9. Izakaya Alley Festivals – Throughout the year, different areas of Sendai host izakaya (Japanese-style pub) alley festivals where you can sample a variety of delicious small dishes and drinks while exploring quaint neighborhoods and meeting new people.
10. What are some unique events or festivals that are exclusive to Sendai?
1. Aoba Festival: This is Sendai’s largest annual festival, held in May to celebrate the city’s founder, Date Masamune. The festival features a parade of colorful floats, traditional performances, and food stalls.
2. Tanabata Festival: Also known as the Star Festival, this event takes place on July 7th each year and celebrates the meeting of two star-crossed lovers, represented by the stars Vega and Altair. Decorative bamboo branches with written wishes are a common sight during this festival.
3. Sendai Pageant of Starlight: Held in December, this popular light display illuminates the streets of Sendai with beautiful LED lights and decorations.
4. Johzenji Street Jazz Festival: In October, this festival transforms Johzenji-dori into one big open-air jazz concert with live music performances from local and international artists.
5. Sasara Festival: Taking place in September in nearby Zao Onsen, this event celebrates the traditional wooden clapper instruments called sasara through music and dance performances.
6. Jozenji Street Music Festival: This annual street music festival held in September showcases a diverse range of musical genres including classical, jazz, rock, and more.
7. Miyagi International Music Festival: Celebrating classical music from around the world, this well-known festival features both local and international musicians performing at various venues across Sendai.
8. Hirose River Lantern Festival: Taking place in August along the banks of Hirose River, this festival features beautiful floating lanterns that create an enchanting atmosphere on summer evenings.
9. Natori Fireworks Festival: One of Japan’s largest fireworks festivals takes place in nearby Natori City in late July or early August each year. The 90-minute show features over 15,000 fireworks launched into the sky over Ayukawa Bay.
10. Sendai International Half Marathon: This annual event attracts thousands of runners from around the world and features a scenic course through the city streets, ending at Sendai City Gymnasium.
11. Do local businesses participate or have special promotions during these events?
Yes, many local businesses participate in these events and offer special promotions or sales. They may also host events or activities to draw in customers during these busy periods.
12. Are there any sports-related events such as marathons or tournaments held in Sendai?
Yes, there are several sports-related events held in Sendai throughout the year.One of the most notable events is the Sendai International Half Marathon, which takes place in May each year. It attracts thousands of runners from around the world to compete in a scenic course through the city.
There are also various baseball tournaments held at Miyagi Stadium, including the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles’ home games during the Nippon Professional Baseball season.
In addition, Sendai hosts an annual summer festival called “Sendai Tanabata Matsuri” where teams compete in traditional Japanese sports such as sumo wrestling and tug-of-war.
The city also hosts various international sporting events such as the Prefectural Gymnastics Championships and Karate Championships.
13. Does the city government play a role in organizing or supporting these local events and festivals?
This largely depends on the city and its specific policies and resources. In some cases, the city government may actively organize and fund local events and festivals as part of its cultural programming. In other cases, the government may provide support in terms of permits, logistics, or advertising. Some cities have dedicated offices or departments for event planning and coordination, while others may rely on community organizations to spearhead these efforts. Additionally, the city government may offer financial incentives or partnerships to promote tourism and boost the local economy through these events and festivals. Ultimately, the level of involvement from city government can vary greatly depending on the community’s needs and priorities.
14. What are some family-friendly events and activities that children can enjoy in Sendai?
1. Visiting Sendai City Museum: This museum has many interactive exhibits and hands-on activities designed for children, including a replica of a traditional Sendai city street and various cultural workshops.
2. Going to Aobayama Park: This park offers playgrounds, walking trails, and plenty of open space for children to run around and play. It also has a small zoo with animals like monkeys, deer, and goats.
3. Attending events at the Sendai City Youth Cultural Center: This venue hosts various cultural programs and performances suitable for children, such as music concerts, dance shows, and theatrical plays.
4. Exploring the Sendai Castle Ruins: Children can learn about the history of Sendai while exploring the castle ruins and enjoying the beautiful views from the top.
5. Playing at Kodokan Baseball Stadium: Take your family out to a baseball game at this stadium, where you can watch professional games or even join in on amateur games with other families.
6. Taking a boat ride on Hirose River: Enjoy a peaceful boat ride along Hirose River while taking in the views of cherry blossom trees during springtime or colorful autumn leaves in the fall.
7. Participating in workshops at Gyutan Town Ichibancho Factory: Kids can make their own beef tongue (gyutan) snacks and learn about this local specialty at this fun factory experience.
8. Trying Zao Fox Village: Located an hour outside of Sendai, this village is home to dozens of fluffy foxes that visitors can observe and interact with up close.
9. Having fun at Mizunuma Family Land: This outdoor amusement park features rides, mini-golf courses, go-karts, batting cages, and more for kids to enjoy.
10. Joining Yoshinkan Aikido classes at Toshogu Shrine Dojo: Children can learn self-defense techniques while also learning about Japanese culture through Yoshinkan Aikido classes at this traditional dojo.
11. Watching a movie at United Cinemas Sendai: This movie theater offers family-friendly films with English subtitles, making it great for non-Japanese speaking children to enjoy.
12. Attending the Tohoku Free Education Festival: Held every October, this festival has various educational and interactive workshops for children to participate in, such as science experiments, crafts, and sports activities.
13. Swimming at Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium: Cool off from the summer heat by visiting this aquarium with over 50 tanks featuring various marine creatures, including dolphins and sea lions.
14. Playing at Funaoka Joshi Park: This playground has multiple play structures suitable for different ages and is located just a short walk from Sendai Station, making it a convenient option for families.
15. Do Japanese celebrities or famous performers make appearances at some of these events and festivals?
Yes, Japanese celebrities and famous performers often make appearances at events and festivals in Japan. They may perform traditional cultural acts or showcase their talents through music, dance or other forms of entertainment. Many festivals also invite well-known performers as special guests to attract a larger audience and create more buzz for the event.
16. Are there any fireworks displays or light shows during specific celebrations throughout the year?
Yes, there are several fireworks displays and light shows that take place during specific celebrations throughout the year. Some examples include New Year’s Eve, Independence Day, and major sporting events like the Super Bowl or World Series. Many cities also host annual summer festivals or holiday events that feature fireworks displays or light shows as part of the festivities. It is best to check with your local community for specific dates and locations of these types of displays.
17. How do locals celebrate New Year’s Eve and other important holidays in Sendai?
In Sendai, locals celebrate New Year’s Eve by gathering with friends and family for a traditional meal called “osechi ryori,” which consists of various dishes symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. They also visit shrines or temples to pray for a prosperous and peaceful new year.
Other important holidays in Sendai, such as Golden Week, Obon, and Christmas, are celebrated with similar traditions. During Golden Week (a series of national holidays in late April and early May), many locals take advantage of the long holiday to travel or participate in cultural festivals and events.
Obon is a Buddhist holiday honoring ancestors, where locals often visit cemeteries to pay their respects and hold ceremonies at home. There are also Obon dances held throughout the city.
Christmas in Sendai is celebrated with Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city, as well as traditional activities such as gift-giving and gathering with loved ones for a Christmas dinner. Some people also attend mass at churches in the area. However, Japanese Christmas traditions are usually more low-key compared to other countries that celebrate it more religiously.
Overall, important holidays in Sendai are typically celebrated with family, food, and traditions that reflect Japanese culture and values.
18. Is there a festival dedicated to showcasing traditional crafts and products from the region?
Yes, there are several festivals dedicated to showcasing traditional crafts and products from various regions around the world. Some examples include:
– The Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington D.C., which celebrates cultural traditions and heritage through music, dance, crafts, and food.
– The International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico, which features handmade crafts from artisans around the world.
– The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in Mumbai, India, which highlights traditional arts and crafts of the city’s heritage district.
– The Chiang Mai Craft Festival in Thailand, which promotes traditional handicrafts made by local hill tribe communities.
– The Montreux Noël Christmas Market in Switzerland, where visitors can find traditional Swiss handmade crafts and holiday decorations.
19. What is the overall atmosphere like during these local events and festivals?
The overall atmosphere of local events and festivals can vary greatly depending on the specific event and location. Some may have a lively and energetic atmosphere, with music, dancing, and a bustling crowd. Others may have a more relaxed and quiet atmosphere, with people leisurely browsing through vendor booths or enjoying a performance. Some events may have a strong sense of community spirit, with locals coming together to celebrate their town or neighborhood. Overall, these events can be full of excitement, camaraderie, and a sense of togetherness as people come together to enjoy the festivities.
20. Are there any volunteer opportunities available for those who want to get involved with organizing or helping out at these events?
Yes, there are often volunteer opportunities available for those who want to get involved with organizing or helping out at these events. You can contact the event organizers directly to inquire about volunteer opportunities, or you can check with local community organizations or non-profits that may be involved with the event. Additionally, many event websites have a “Get Involved” or “Volunteer” section where you can sign up to help out.