Why Sendai is called the City of Music

Sendai is known as “the city of music” among Sendai residents and tourists who come to enjoy music. Music events are held regularly throughout the city, and various genres of music such as jazz, rock, and classical music are enjoyed as part of everyday life, creating a rich musical culture and a vibrant music scene.

This article introduces two music events that epitomize Sendai, the city of music.

Jozenji Street Jazz Festival

The Jozenji Street Jazz Festival is an outdoor music event that began in 1991 based on the concept that “music should be played outdoors.” Many tourists visit the event every year as it is a colorful autumnal tradition in Sendai.

During the event, various locations in downtown Sendai, including shopping streets, sidewalks, and parking lots, will become venues for performances, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of musical genres, including jazz, big band, pop, and acoustic, throughout the city. One of the best parts of walking around Sendai city is listening to music and searching for your favorite music.

Why don’t you come to the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival and feel the full energy of fascinating Sendai and discover the music you love?

When	Second Saturday and Sunday of September every year
Number of visitors	770,000 (based on visitors in 2019, before the COVID-19 outbreak)
Ticket	Free
Website	https://sencla.com/

Sendai Classical Music Festival

The Sendai Classical Music Festival was launched in 2006 with the concept of enjoying classical music like a festival, with the aim of making classical concerts more accessible and enjoyable to those who have few opportunities to immerse in classical concerts.

Each performance lasts 45 to 60 minutes, with prices starting at 1,300 yen for adults (700 yen for those 18 and younger), so even first-time classical concertgoers can stop by easily.

You can easily experience classical music in your spare time, and enjoy concerts of artists you are interested in. And with approximately 70 performances over three days, you can fully immerse yourself in classical music from morning to night.

When	End of September to early October every year
Number of visitors	38,000 (based on visitors in 2019, before the COVID-19 outbreak)
Ticket	From 1,300 yen per performance (from 700 yen for 18 years old and younger)
Website	https://www.j-streetjazz.com/

Jozenji Street Jazz Festival