Sendai, Japan | World’s Best Cities

Sendai, Japan

Sendai, Japan’s 11th-largest city, is a hidden gem that perfectly balances urban life with the tranquility of nature, confirmed by its #21 ranking in our overall Livability category. Just a 90-minute bullet train ride from Tokyo, Sendai feels like a world apart, offering a refreshing blend of safety, affordability (it ranks #4 in our Price-to-Income Ratio subcategory) and culture. Given its #1 ranking in our Tree Cover subcategory, Sendai is appropriately known as the City of Trees, and its urban landscape is marked by a lush canopy that integrates seamlessly with the city’s mountainous and coastal surroundings that also help it rank #6 for Heat Stress. It also boasts some of Asia’s best air quality, ranking #8.

Culturally, Sendai is vibrant, hosting numerous festivals throughout the year that celebrate everything from traditional arts to local cuisine. The remains of the 17th-century Aoba Castle, perched on Aoba Hill, offer a historical backdrop to a city that is as visually stunning as it is culturally rich. Whether you’re exploring the city’s landmarks or venturing 30 minutes out of town for surfing on northern Japan’s swells or skiing at Spring Valley Izumi Kogen ski resort, Sendai is a sensory feast for visitors and locals alike.