9 Best Family Things to Do in Sendai

Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall is one of 5 facilities operated by the same corporate group in Japan. The paid museum spans the entire 1st floor and part of the first floor and is full of activities that will make children's eyes sparkle. There’s a playground, exhibits on the world of Anpanman, craft workshops, stage performances, and photo spots.

Admission is free to the shop and restaurant area. The cute food and beverages are all happy even for adults. Check out the bread from "Uncle Jam's Bakery".

Yagiyama Beny Land is one of Sendai’s longest-running amusement parks, and there’s even a zoo next door. The amusement park’s theme song is also well known as the song of the local Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles baseball team.

The nostalgic attractions here include a rollercoaster, go-carts, and teacups. Or you might want to take a ride on the Ferris wheel for excellent views of Sendai City. While the kids are having fun, you can quietly revel in the nostalgia of it all.

The Site of Sendai Castle stands as the ruins of a castle built by Date Masamune, the first lord of the Sendai Domain, and is still a symbol of Sendai today. The castle overlooks the city of Sendai, with the Hirose River to the east, the Ourabayashi mountain forest to the west, and the Ryunokuchi Valley to the south. It's also famous as a spot to visit for glittering nighttime views.

Make sure you check out the Aobajo Honmaru Kaikan facility. In addition to various exhibits for learning about the history of the castle, its observatory deck and food court are well worth a look. The equestrian statue of Date Masamune is the perfect place to take a photo.

Tsutsujigaoka Park dates back to the time of the Sendai Domain, when cherry trees were planted in the park, and was revived as a cherry blossom viewing spot after World War II. The park is also decorated with plum blossoms, camellias, and wisteria, creating a tranquil natural setting for visitors to relax.

Selected as one of Japan's Best 100 Urban Parks, this is a wonderful place for daily strolls, exercise, picnics, and playtime for kids. You'll also find a fountain and the Sendai History and Folklore Museum, which was reconstructed from a former barracks of the 4th Infantry Regiment of the Japanese Army.

The 3M Sendai City Science Museum is home to a collection of exhibits and displays sure to pique any child's curiosity. This museum is operated by the city, so admission is cheap, making it an ideal option if you’re visiting as a family with children. There’s plenty to keep kids engaged, including booths where children can try pushing buttons, operating equipment, and conducting experiments.

There are science and engineering exhibits on themes such as spaceships and solar-powered automobiles, natural history exhibits of fossils and specimens, and an area where you can learn about the immediate environment. There’s even a device where you can step inside a huge soap bubble. The Naumann elephant specimen exhibit is another highlight.

Dainohara Forest Park is an urban park with an outstanding landscape. Even though it’s in Sendai City, the park covers a vast site where natural and artificial forests provide comfortable shade. There are obstacle courses and playgrounds for children, too, so this is a great place to get some exercise.

The promenade, dotted with sculptures, is ideal for taking a stroll and enjoying views of the changing seasons. Check out the blooming flowers and dazzling fresh greenery in spring and summer, or the magnificent golden leaves if you’re visiting in autumn.

Sendai Kaleidoscope Museum is located close to the Akiu Onsen hot spring resort. It's definitely an eye-opening place to check out. There are many kaleidoscopes on display and a good selection for purchase in the store.

Hands-on kaleidoscope crafting is another popular activity. Plans are available in a variety of price ranges, from simple items to those made with natural stones and oil-based kaleidoscopes that can be re-dressed. Come and appreciate the colorful and beautiful world of this unique museum specializing in kaleidoscopes.

Minamikoizumi Traffic Park, with its traffic lights, railroad crossings, crosswalks, and vehicle lanes, is a favorite spot for families to visit where children can learn to ride bicycles while following the traffic rules. Free rental bicycles are even available, some with stabilizers.

There are go-carts and playgrounds too, so even children who aren’t learning to ride bicycles will have fun here. These attractions are free of charge, so as you can imagine, the park becomes very crowded on vacations.