Sendai

Jozenji-dori Avenue

定禅寺通 | Jozenji-dori Avenue

Live like a local and take it easy at cafes and galleries along this tree-lined boulevard

Photo by Wesley Keppel-Henry

Photo by Wesley Keppel-Henry

Photo by Wesley Keppel-Henry

  • Wesley Keppel-Henry

    Writer &
    2019–2021 Editor-in-chief

    Last Update
    December 5, 2019

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  • Jozenji-dori Avenue is a pleasant tree-lined boulevard in central Sendai, one the city takes pride in for having a “European” atmosphere. Numerous events take place along the street throughout the year, both large and small. The major events, like the Aoba Festival, Jozenji Streetjazz Festival, and the Pageant of Starlight, attract large numbers of tourists to the city. Outside the dates of these major festivals, Jozenji-dori is usually free of large crowds. The everyday character here is more of a low-key bustle of locals going about their day or relaxing under the tall keyaki (zelkova) trees that line the boulevard and its park-like greenbelt.

    Jozenji-dori starts where the residential Miyamachi neighborhood meets the downtown commercial district and stretches southwest for about 1.5 kilometers, ending at Nishi Park on the bank of the Hirose River. Along the way, you’ll find shops, eateries, art spaces, and more. Two we’ve introduced here on Visit Miyagi are Sendai Mediatheque and Sake Bar Hatago, but there are many others. Part of the pleasure of visiting Jozenji-dori is strolling the boulevard and discovering new places for yourself. The number and variety of establishments are so plentiful, you’re bound to find some that interest you!

    If you happen to be in Sendai during one of the many smaller events happening along Jozenji-dori, be sure to check it out! Between the boulevard itself and the three parks located along it, there’s an event happening nearly every weekend—sometimes even on weekdays too! My personal favorites are the coffee festivals, local-produce markets, and the Sendai Craft Beer Festival.

    WEBSITEhttp://www.city.sendai.jp/ryokuchihozen/mesho100sen/ichiran/022.html

  • Sendai

    Tags

    Art & Culture Do & See Sendai Shopping

Details

ADDRESS

Around 2 Chome Kokubuncho Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture

ACCESS BY PUBLIC TRANSIT

By subway: A short walk from Kotodai-koen Station or Omachi Nishi-koen Station (Sendai Subway Namboku Line)

By Loople Sendai Bus: The Jozenji-dori Ave./Sendai City Hall and Sendai Mediatheque bus stops are both located along Jozenji-dori Avenue. Details & timetables here (English).

ADMISSION

Free

LANGUAGES

Limited English

HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE

Yes

HOURS

Always open

CLOSED DAYS

None

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