Jozenji-dori Avenue
Sendai's Tree-Lined Cultural Boulevard
Jozenji-dori Avenue traces its origins to the post-war reconstruction of Sendai in the late 1940s. Named after the historic Jozenji Temple that once stood in the area, the 700-meter boulevard was designed as a modern urban thoroughfare befitting Sendai's status as Tohoku's largest city. In 1973, a transformative decision was made to plant zelkova trees (keyaki) along both sides of the street, creating the magnificent tree tunnel that defines the avenue today. These 160 zelkova trees, now standing over 15 meters tall, form a continuous canopy that transforms the urban street into a green oasis, reinforcing Sendai's reputation as the 'City of Trees.'
The avenue's character evolved significantly in the 1980s and 1990s when outdoor cafes, boutiques, and galleries began populating the street level, inspired by European-style boulevards. Sendai City designated Jozenji-dori as a pedestrian-friendly zone, restricting vehicle traffic during festivals and events to create community gathering spaces. The avenue became famous for hosting the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival, first held in 1991, which now attracts over 700,000 visitors annually with performances spread across the entire boulevard. Numerous bronze sculptures by renowned Japanese and international artists were installed along the sidewalks, creating an open-air sculpture gallery that enhances the avenue's cultural significance.
Today, Jozenji-dori Avenue serves as Sendai's cultural heart and premier public space, hosting major festivals throughout the year including the Tanabata Festival decorations in August and the spectacular Pageant of Starlight winter illumination in December. The tree-lined promenade attracts both locals who gather at sidewalk cafes and tourists drawn to the European-style atmosphere rare in Japanese cities. With over 3 million annual visitors to its various events and festivals, the avenue represents Sendai's successful blend of modern urban planning, environmental consciousness, and vibrant cultural programming. The zelkova trees, now protected as important city assets, symbolize Sendai's resilience and growth since its wartime devastation.
Key Highlights
- 700-meter boulevard lined with 160 majestic zelkova trees
- Open-air sculpture gallery featuring works by renowned artists
- Host to Sendai Jazz Festival attracting 700,000 visitors annually
- Spectacular Pageant of Starlight illumination in winter
- European-style sidewalk cafes and outdoor dining culture
- Free access to one of Japan's most beautiful urban boulevards
Access Information
Location
Kokubuncho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0803, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • Kotodai-Koen Station (Sendai Subway Nanboku Line) - direct access
- • Sendai Station - 15 min walk
- • Aoba-dori Ichibancho Station (Sendai Subway Tozai Line) - 8 min walk
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours year-round; Cafes and shops typically 10:00-22:00; Festival events vary by season
Admission Fee
Free access to avenue and public areas
How to Get There
From JR Sendai Station
Walk west along Aoba-dori Avenue for approximately 1 kilometer. Cross Hirose-dori intersection and continue to Jozenji-dori intersection. The tree-lined boulevard begins just south of Aoba-dori. Alternatively, take subway Nanboku Line to Kotodai-Koen Station (3 minutes).
15 minutes
From Sendai Airport
Take Sendai Airport Access Line to Sendai Station (25 minutes), then walk west to Jozenji-dori (15 minutes) or take subway Nanboku Line to Kotodai-Koen Station. Total cost approximately 660 yen.
40 minutes
From Tokyo
Take JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Sendai Station (90 minutes), then walk or subway to Jozenji-dori (15 minutes). Shinkansen costs around 11,000 yen one way for unreserved seat.
2 hours
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Major Festivals Calendar
Jozenji Street Jazz Festival in September features over 700 performances across two days transforming the avenue into an open-air concert hall. Sendai Tanabata Festival in August decorates the trees with elaborate streamers. Pageant of Starlight (December-January) illuminates the zelkova trees with 600,000 LED lights creating a magical winter wonderland.
Pageant of Starlight
From mid-December through December 31st, the entire avenue transforms with sparkling LED illuminations covering all 160 zelkova trees. Lights illuminate nightly from 17:30-23:00 (until 24:00 on Fridays-Saturdays and December 23-31). This spectacular display attracts over 1 million visitors annually. Weekday evenings offer less crowded viewing experiences.
Sidewalk Cafe Culture
The avenue hosts numerous European-style sidewalk cafes that set up outdoor seating from spring through autumn. Popular spots include cafes near the Kotodai-Koen intersection. Enjoy coffee while people-watching under the zelkova canopy. Many establishments offer all-day breakfast and lunch sets. Evening hours bring a sophisticated bar and restaurant scene.
Best Photography Spots
Stand at the southern end near Hirose-dori for classic tunnel perspective shots of the zelkova canopy. The central area with bronze sculptures offers artistic compositions. Fresh green leaves in May create vibrant scenes. Autumn (October-November) brings golden foliage. Winter illuminations require tripods for long exposures—arrive early on weekends.
Jazz Festival Experience
The Jozenji Street Jazz Festival in September (typically second weekend) is completely free with performances spread along the entire avenue and adjacent streets. Over 750 groups perform everything from traditional jazz to fusion. No advance tickets needed—simply walk along the avenue to discover performances. Peak crowds 12:00-18:00 both Saturday and Sunday.
Sculpture Walking Tour
Over 50 sculptures and art installations line the avenue, creating an open-air museum. Notable works include Emilio Greco's 'Summer' and various contemporary pieces. Pick up a sculpture map at Sendai Tourist Information Center at the station. The art adds cultural depth to casual strolls and provides interesting photo opportunities year-round.
Dining Options
The avenue and adjacent Kokubuncho district offer hundreds of restaurants, from casual cafes to upscale dining. Try Sendai's famous gyutan (grilled beef tongue) at restaurants along the street. Many izakaya and international restaurants populate the side streets. Lunch sets offer good value (800-1,500 yen) compared to dinner prices.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring (May) brings fresh bright green zelkova leaves creating a vibrant canopy. Summer (July-August) provides cooling shade during city exploration. Autumn (October-November) transforms trees to brilliant gold and orange. Winter (December-January) features spectacular illuminations. Each season offers distinct atmosphere and photography opportunities.
FAQ
What makes Jozenji-dori Avenue special?
Jozenji-dori is Sendai's most iconic tree-lined boulevard, stretching 700 meters with beautiful zelkova trees creating a natural canopy. The wide pedestrian-friendly street features sculptures, cafes, and outdoor seating. It's the heart of Sendai's cultural scene, hosting festivals and events throughout the year while maintaining a sophisticated European-style atmosphere.
When is the best time to visit Jozenji-dori Avenue?
Each season offers distinct beauty. Spring brings fresh green leaves, summer provides welcome shade, autumn (late October-November) features stunning golden foliage, and winter includes the famous Sendai Pageant of Starlight illuminations. The autumn colors and winter light festival are peak times but more crowded. Weekday afternoons offer peaceful strolls.
What is the Sendai Pageant of Starlight?
The Pageant of Starlight is a spectacular winter illumination event from mid-December through New Year's, where 160 zelkova trees are decorated with approximately 600,000 LED lights. The entire avenue transforms into a glittering tunnel of golden light, creating one of Tohoku's most beautiful winter displays. It's completely free to view.
How do I get to Jozenji-dori Avenue?
Jozenji-dori is in central Sendai, easily accessible from Sendai Station. Walk west from the station for about 10 minutes, or take the Tozai subway line one stop to Aoba-dori Ichibancho Station. The avenue runs perpendicular to the main shopping arcade between Kotodai Park and Aoba-dori Street.
How long does it take to walk the entire avenue?
The main tree-lined section is about 700 meters long, taking approximately 10-15 minutes to walk at a leisurely pace without stops. However, most visitors spend 30-60 minutes exploring, stopping at cafes, viewing sculptures, taking photos, and enjoying the atmosphere. During festivals, you might spend several hours in the area.
What events and festivals are held at Jozenji-dori?
Major events include the Sendai Pageant of Starlight (winter), Jozenji Street Jazz Festival (September), Michinoku Yosakoi Festival (May), various art and craft markets, outdoor dining events, and seasonal celebrations. The wide avenue and central location make it Sendai's premier venue for public events and gatherings.
Are there good cafes and restaurants along Jozenji-dori?
Yes, the avenue is lined with excellent cafes, restaurants, and bars offering outdoor seating during pleasant weather. Options range from trendy cafes and French bistros to Japanese restaurants and international cuisine. The outdoor terraces are particularly popular in spring and autumn, creating a cosmopolitan atmosphere rare in Japanese cities.
What are the sculptures along Jozenji-dori?
The avenue features numerous modern sculptures and art installations by various artists, creating an open-air gallery atmosphere. These works add cultural interest beyond the natural beauty of the trees. The sculptures change occasionally, and new installations are added, making repeat visits worthwhile for art enthusiasts.
Is Jozenji-dori suitable for photography?
Absolutely! The tree canopy creates excellent natural lighting during the day, while autumn colors and winter illuminations provide spectacular photo opportunities. The symmetrical perspective, sculptures, and European-style architecture make it highly photogenic. Early morning and golden hour offer the best lighting for photography.
Can I visit Jozenji-dori at night?
Yes, the avenue is accessible 24/7 and has beautiful evening atmosphere with street lighting. Bars and restaurants remain open late, creating a lively nightlife scene. The winter Pageant of Starlight illuminations (mid-December to New Year's) are specifically designed for evening viewing from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM.
Is Jozenji-dori wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the avenue is completely flat with wide pedestrian areas, making it fully wheelchair accessible. The modern urban design ensures smooth surfaces without significant obstacles. Most cafes and restaurants have accessible entrances. The central location and accessibility make it easy to include in any Sendai itinerary.
What other attractions are near Jozenji-dori?
Nearby attractions include the Sendai City Museum, Aoba Castle ruins, Zuihoden mausoleum, and the covered shopping arcades (Ichibancho and Clis Road). The Sendai Mediatheque, a stunning modern architectural landmark, is just steps away. All these attractions are within 10-20 minutes walking distance, making central Sendai very walkable.
Is there a specific section that's most beautiful?
The entire avenue is beautiful, but the section between Kotodai Park and Kokubucho-dori Street showcases the fullest tree canopy and most concentrated cafe culture. The intersection with Higashi-nibancho Street offers classic perspective shots. During illuminations, every section is equally spectacular, though the northern end near Kotodai Park is less crowded.
Can I have a picnic at Jozenji-dori?
While the avenue itself doesn't have traditional picnic areas, the nearby Kotodai Park at the northern end provides green space suitable for relaxing. Many people buy takeout from nearby cafes and enjoy it on the park benches along the avenue. During festivals, food stalls create a casual outdoor dining atmosphere.
What is the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival?
Held annually in September, this free jazz festival transforms the avenue and surrounding streets into outdoor stages featuring over 700 performances by amateur and professional musicians. It's one of Japan's largest street music festivals, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors. The atmosphere is festive and family-friendly with diverse jazz styles.
How was Jozenji-dori created?
The avenue was developed as part of Sendai's post-war urban planning, designed to create a modern, sophisticated city center. The zelkova trees were planted decades ago and have grown into the magnificent canopy seen today. The wide design with separated pedestrian areas reflected progressive urban planning that remains effective today.
Is Jozenji-dori family-friendly?
Yes, the wide pedestrian areas are safe for children, with no vehicle traffic on most sections. Families enjoy walking under the trees, viewing sculptures, and attending seasonal events. During festivals, there are often activities specifically for children. The relaxed atmosphere and nearby shops and cafes make it convenient for family outings.
What should I combine with a visit to Jozenji-dori?
Combine it with shopping in the nearby arcades (Ichibancho and Clis Road), visiting Sendai City Museum, exploring Aoba Castle ruins for city views, and touring Zuihoden mausoleum. A full day in central Sendai easily incorporates all these attractions. Many visitors also enjoy local specialties like gyutan (beef tongue) at nearby restaurants.
Are there shops along Jozenji-dori?
The avenue itself has cafes and restaurants rather than retail shops, but the parallel and perpendicular streets, especially the covered shopping arcades a block away, offer extensive shopping from department stores to boutiques. The combination of shopping, dining, and scenic walking makes the entire area Sendai's premier downtown destination.
Why are zelkova trees used on Jozenji-dori?
Zelkova trees (keyaki) are prized in Japan for their beautiful vase-shaped canopy, vibrant autumn colors, and resilience in urban environments. They create excellent shade while allowing filtered light through. The trees have grown over decades into magnificent specimens, with some reaching impressive heights that form the characteristic tunnel-like canopy that defines the avenue's character.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
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Naruko Gorge
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Sendai Aoba Castle Ruins
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Zuihoden Mausoleum
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