Places to Go

100 Scenic Green Spots in Sendai

What Makes Sendai “the City of Trees”?

The City of Sendai is popularly known as the “City of Trees”. In the Edo period, about 400 years ago, the first Lord of the Sendai Domain, DATE Masamune, encouraged his retainers to plant bamboo and fruit-bearing trees such as chestnut, plum, and persimmon throughout their estates as a precaution against famine, and also to plant cedar trees on the fringes of their estates. These residential forests, “yashikirin”, grew in harmony with woods at temples and shrines, and with the greenery along the Hirose River and Mt. Aobayama, eventually covering the entire city in a blanket of green. Sendai’s moniker, the “City of Trees” is said to have originated from this lush green appearance.
Though this abundant greenery was once lost during air raids in World War Ⅱ, it has flourished once again thanks to the efforts of the citizens of Sendai. Today, the zelkova trees in Jozenji-dori Avenue, one of Sendai’s most representative tourist spots, and Nishi Park have grown to become symbols of the Sendai, the “City of Trees”.

100 Scenic Green Spots in Our City of Trees

In 2023, the City of Sendai asked the public to submit green spots, from which 100 were selected as “scenic green spots” through a public vote. Included in these scenic green spots are locations that bring color to the “City of Trees”, such as the Aobayama area where Sendai Castle is located, the zelkova trees of Jozenji-dori Avenue and Aoba-dori Avenue, as well as shrines and parks.
The City of Sendai has published a guidebook listing these scenic green spots. We hope it will serve you well as you explore the “City of Trees”.

＜Link to the 100 Scenic Green Spots website （Japanese only）＞

See the 100 Scenic Green Spots for Yourself!

Below are some recommendations taken from the list of 100 scenic green spots.
We hope you can make a visit and experience the “City of Trees” for yourself.