What You’ll Learn in This Article
- Highlights and tips for enjoying the Sendai Tanabata Festival
- How to get from Tokyo to Sendai on the Hayabusa Shinkansen
- Recommended Sendai food (Nodoguro salt-grilled fish & Yonaki Soba)
- Tips for booking accommodation during the Tanabata Festival
Hurry, Hurry! The Sendai Tanabata Festival Only Runs Until Evening
Our Tohoku Summer Trip 2025 begins in Sendai — the City of Trees.
Sendai is home to the Sendai Tanabata Festival, held every August. This year it ran until the evening of Friday, August 8th, so we jumped on Hayabusa No. 63 and headed straight for Sendai!
The Hayabusa covers the distance from Tokyo to Sendai in as little as 1 hour 30 minutes. The speed of the Shinkansen really proves its worth in moments like these.
Sendai Tanabata Festival is held annually from August 6th to 8th and is one of the Three Great Festivals of Tohoku. The spectacular handmade Tanabata decorations adorning the shopping arcades draw visitors from across Japan. The fireworks display on the eve of the festival is another unmissable highlight.
We Made It! Overwhelmed by the Tanabata Decorations
We made it just in time!
The moment we entered the shopping arcade, a dazzling array of colorful Tanabata decorations filled every inch of the space above our heads. Each decoration is handmade by the individual shops lining the arcade, and the creativity and care poured into every single one made us stop in our tracks.
Our eyes naturally drifted upward, and our walking pace slowed to almost nothing (laughs). There were simply too many beautiful spots to photograph — it was impossible to keep moving!
Tips for Enjoying the Tanabata Decorations
- ・Mornings tend to be less crowded — perfect for a relaxed visit
- ・Each shopping arcade has its own unique atmosphere and theme
- ・A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the full spread of decorations
- ・The covered arcades mean you can enjoy the festival even on a rainy day
Writing a Wish on a Tanzaku at the Hotel
The hotel we stayed at had a traditional Tanabata display, complete with bamboo branches and colorful tanzaku (paper wish strips) for guests to write on. It may have been the first time since childhood that I had written a wish on one. What did I wish for? That’s a secret (laughs).
A hotel that incorporates seasonal touches like this really elevates the joy of travel. Accommodation in Sendai fills up fast during the Tanabata Festival period, so early booking is strongly recommended.
Sendai Evenings: Nodoguro Salt-Grilled Fish at a Local Izakaya
Still buzzing from the Tanabata Festival, we headed to a local izakaya (Japanese pub) for dinner.
And that’s where we discovered the salt-grilled Nodoguro. The rich, fatty white flesh practically melted on the tongue, and the seasoning was absolutely perfect. This is the kind of dish you can only truly enjoy at a local spot where the regulars go — not a tourist trap.
If you’re visiting Sendai, this is a must-try.
Nodoguro (Blackthroat Seaperch) is a prized, high-grade fish caught primarily along the Sea of Japan coast. With its exceptionally rich fat content, it is often called the “fatty tuna of white fish.” Simple salt-grilling brings out the very best of its natural flavor and pairs beautifully with sake.
Back at the Hotel: Yonaki Soba to Finish the Night
Despite already being full, when we returned to the hotel and spotted the Yonaki Soba service, we simply couldn’t resist. A gentle bowl of light Japanese soba noodles was the perfect way to wind down as the Sendai night quietly slipped by.
Yonaki Soba is a free late-night noodle service offered by select hotel chains such as Dormy Inn. A comforting bowl of simple ramen or soba served in the small hours of the night — it’s a wonderful way to soothe travel-weary souls. Worth factoring in when choosing your accommodation!
Next Up: Heading Further North on the Akita Shinkansen Komachi!
After a thoroughly satisfying night in Sendai, the next day we push even further north — boarding the Akita Shinkansen Komachi toward Akita.
What adventures await? Stay tuned for the next installment of the series!
Summary | The Sendai Tanabata Festival Is the Perfect Reason for a Summer Tohoku Trip
Item Details Access Hayabusa Shinkansen — approx. 1 hour 30 min from Tokyo Festival dates August 6th–8th every year Highlights Handmade Tanabata decorations in the shopping arcades Food Nodoguro salt-grilled fish & Yonaki Soba Accommodation tip Book early — the festival period fills up fast Next destination Akita (via Komachi Shinkansen) The Sendai Tanabata Festival makes for a perfect summer Tohoku itinerary. Book your Shinkansen and hotel together early for the best deals!
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