Sendai City Area Guide
Sendai City is the core city of the Tohoku region, offering a lush green environment where business, education, healthcare, and culture are compactly integrated.
The Tohoku Shinkansen and other JR lines, along with two subway lines, radiate from the city center, providing access to Tokyo in about 90 minutes.
As a strong academic hub led by Tohoku University, it attracts many researchers and international students.
Sendai Airport also offers direct flights to overseas destinations such as Seoul and Taipei, strengthening its role as an international business and cultural exchange hub.
The city’s harmony of urban convenience and abundant nature makes it particularly attractive for residents.
Sendai City Key Data
- Area
- 786.30 km²
- Population
- 1,098,000
- Population Density
- 1,397 people / km²
- Foreign Residents
- 16,500
Major Stations and Access to Key Destinations
Major Train Stations in Sendai City
- Sendai Station (JR Tohoku Shinkansen, JR Tohoku Main Line, JR Senseki Line, JR Senzan Line, Subway Namboku Line, Tozai Line)
- Aoba-dori Ichibancho Station (Subway Tozai Line)
- Kotodai Koen Station (Subway Namboku Line, adjacent to the government district)
- Kita-Sendai Station (JR Senzan Line, Subway Namboku Line)
- Nagamachi Station (JR Tohoku Main Line, Subway Namboku Line)
Average Travel Time from Major Stations to Key Destinations
Living Convenience for Foreign Residents
International Schools
- Sendai International School: Offers an English-based IB-certified program (K–12), welcoming international students and children from foreign families.
- Tohoku International School (Nagamachi): Provides an American-style curriculum with integrated education from kindergarten through high school.
Medical Facilities with Foreign Language Support
- Tohoku University Hospital: Equipped with multilingual services (primarily English) for foreign patients.
- Sendai Red Cross Hospital: Staff available in English and Chinese, offering international patient support.
Popular Supermarkets and Restaurants Among Foreign Residents
- Seijo Ishii S-Pal Sendai: Popular for imported foods and wines among foreign residents.
- Costco Tomiya Warehouse (Suburban Area): Offers bulk imported foods and household goods, favored by multinational communities.
- Hummer House: An American-style restaurant near Sendai Station, popular with locals and foreigners alike.
Public Support Services for Foreign Residents
- Sendai International Relations Association (SIRA): Provides multilingual consultation for daily life, education, and employment.
- Sendai City International Relations Division: Offers lifestyle information and administrative support for foreign residents.
Popular Neighborhoods in Sendai City
- West Exit Area of Sendai Station: The largest downtown in Tohoku, with a concentration of commercial facilities and offices.
- Jozenji-dori / Hirose-dori Area: Tree-lined avenues with cultural facilities and cafés, popular among foreign residents.
- Nagamachi Area: Residential area with large shopping malls, less than 10 minutes to Sendai Station by subway or JR.
- Izumi-Chuo Area: A northern sub-center with schools, parks, and commercial facilities, ideal for families.
- Arai Area (Wakabayashi Ward): A growing residential area directly connected to downtown by the Tozai Subway Line.
Housing Market in Sendai
As the economic, cultural, and academic hub of the Tohoku region, Sendai has stable housing demand.
The average price for pre-owned condominiums is about ¥356,000 per square meter, showing a gradual upward trend due to population growth and redevelopment.
In convenient areas such as Aoba Ward and Taihaku Ward, price increases are more noticeable.
Pre-owned single-family homes typically range between ¥30 million and ¥45 million, with more affordable options available in suburban areas.
The rental market is supported by strong demand from students and business transferees, with rents remaining relatively stable.
Overall, compared to Tokyo and Osaka, housing in Sendai is more affordable, and the balance with nature adds to the city’s livability.
Average Rent by Floor Plan
Average Prices for Pre-Owned Homes
