Places to Go

Jozenji Street Jazz Festival

Sendai’s annual Jozenji Street Jazz Festival is held in early autumn. Hundreds of bands perform along Jozenji-dori Avenue, in building entranceways and covered arcades, as well as in parks and shaded plazas.

The festival began in 1991 as a collaboration between members of the local community, including local musicians and business owners. While jazz remains central, the festival has evolved to cover all kinds of music, from choral singing to taiko drumming. It is a two-day event held over a weekend in September. Professional musicians and amateur bands gather for the festival from all over the country.

Jozenji-dori is one of the tree-lined avenues running east–west through the city center. It is named after Jozenji Temple, which was built during the same period that Date Masamune (1567–1636), the powerful local warlord and daimyo, built Aoba Castle and founded the castle town of Sendai in the early seventeenth century. Jozenji Temple no longer exists, but Jozenji-dori calls to mind the early history of the city. As the main venue for the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival, the street connects past and present for the celebration of music each autumn.

How to Enjoy the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival

In Front of the Miyagi Prefectural Government Office

The Atrium on the Second Floor of the AER Building

Indoor Venues (Partially)

Manga “BLUE GIANT” and Jozenji Street Jazz Festival

The popular manga “BLUE GIANT” depicts the journey of the main character, Dai Miyamoto, who aims to become the world’s best jazz player. There are three uniquely designed manhole covers related to “BLUE GIANT” installed throughout the city. Additionally, a monument has been set up in Sendai Nishi Park (Nishi Koen Park) in collaboration with “BLUE GIANT” and the Sendai Jozenji Street Jazz Festival.

Jozenji Street Jazz Festival Official Website

Jozenji-dori Avenue is the “main venue.” In addition, several stages will be set up in various locations throughout Sendai’s city center.