Zelkova trees line Jozenji-dori Avenue

Although Sendai is a major metropolis, this "City of Trees" retains a close connection to the environment highlighted by the Hirose River flowing through the city center. A stroll along Jozenji-dori Avenue is the ideal way to see for yourself why Sendai got its nickname. Bronze statues by Emilio Greco are interspersed among the lush Zelkova trees that line the street lending the atmosphere of an open air gallery. Mid-September visitors can relax to the smooth tunes of the yearly Jozenji-dori Avenue Jazz Festival, while the magnificently illuminated Zelkova trees of the Sendai Pageant of Starlight await you in December.
(5 minutes on foot from Kotodai Koen Station, accessible by subway from Sendai Station.)

Tohgatta hot spring

Over its history of more than four centuries, Tohgatta hot spring of Zao-machi flourished as the quintessential health resort in Miyagi Prefecture for people visiting Zao's statue depicting an incarnation of Buddha. The communal baths Kami no Yu and Kotobuki no Yu are considered symbols of Tohgatta hot spring, and are said to bring good luck to bathers. The hot spring town has more than 40 resort-style inns and other accommodations that are filled with guests.
(From JR Shiroishi-Zao or Shiroishi Station, it takes between 39 and 47 minutes on the Miyakoh Bus bound for Tohgatta hot spring. Get off at the Tohgatta Yunomachi bus stop.)

The foot of Mount Kurikoma

The base of Mount Kurikoma is the center of tourism in northern Miyagi Prefecture. Around early summer, the wetlands are great for walking to see the daylilies and green bushes, and in autumn, the fall colors are beautiful to gaze at. Popular activities include mountain climbing, camping and river fun in the valley. Also, enjoy the hot springs at Kurikoma Kogen Onsenkyo and Hanayama Onsenkyo.
(From Kurikoma Kogen Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen Line, go on foot or by car.)

Manga no Kuni – Ishinomaki

Ishinomaki is a city where the manga (comic book) artist Shotaro Ishinomori spent a great deal of time. He is representative of Japan's manga artists and is known for such works as "Kamen Rider."
The main street extending roughly a kilometer from outside Ishinomaki Station to Ishinomori Manga Museum in Nakaze Park is called Manga Road. Statues of manga characters line the road, making for a delightful trip.
(The area around JR Ishinomaki Station)