Begun in 1986, this is Sendai’s signature winter illumination. The zelkova trees lining Jozenji-dori are wrapped in light to create a tunnel of light. For the 40th edition in 2025, about 480,000 LED bulbs lit up 127 zelkova trees.
PRKlookMatsushima Bay Sightseeing Cruise (Matsushima, One of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views)Tour the islands of Matsushima Bay on an approx. 50-minute sightseeing boatView on KlookPRKlookShiogama Shrine, Matsushima & Chusonji Day Tour from SendaiA Matsushima Bay cruise and the World Heritage Chusonji Konjikido in one dayView on KlookThe biggest draw is walking through the tunnel of light along the zelkova-lined avenue. When the lights go out and then come back on all at once during the Starlight Wink, the crowd cheers. In Kotodai Park, events such as the Starlight Rink ice skating rink (1,500–1,800 yen including skate rental in 2025) are also held.
Official information for 2025
Official information for 2025
Official information for 2025. 18:00–22:00 on December 24 and 25
All the lights go out for about 1 minute and then come back on all at once. In 2025, held on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and December 24 and 25
Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.
PRKlookMatsushima Bay Sightseeing Cruise (Matsushima, One of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views)Tour the islands of Matsushima Bay on an approx. 50-minute sightseeing boatView on KlookPRKlookShiogama Shrine, Matsushima & Chusonji Day Tour from SendaiA Matsushima Bay cruise and the World Heritage Chusonji Konjikido in one dayView on KlookHotels around Sendai Station get busy on weekends and around Christmas, so early booking is recommended
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PR8.7Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
AquariumTohoku ・ Sendai & Matsushima
An aquarium near Sendai Port. Across two floors, it shows sea life from Tohoku, Japan, and the world's oceans, starting with the large Sanriku-themed tank Inochi Kirameku Umi. It's about 18 minutes from Sendai Station to Nakanosakae Station on the JR Senseki Line, so it's easy to fit in between sightseeing in the city.
ZooTohoku ・ Sendai & Matsushima
A zoo run by Sendai City on Yagiyama hill. It's close to Yagiyama Zoological Park Station on the Tozai Subway Line, about 12 minutes from Sendai Station. General admission is an affordable ¥480, making it a good half-day trip from central Sendai.
FebruaryTohoku ・ Kakunodate, Lake Tazawa & Nyuto Onsen
From 2026, held every year on the second Friday and Saturday of February (the Friday and Saturday just before the Bonden events; changed to the second Friday and Saturday on a trial basis through 2029)
2027: Feb 12 (Fri) & Feb 13 (Sat)
April–MayTohoku ・ Hirosaki
Usually late April to early May (timed to the cherry blossom season; April 10 – May 5 in 2026)
2027: Apr 16 (Fri) – May 5 (Wed, holiday), 20 days
May
AugustTohoku ・ Kakunodate, Lake Tazawa & Nyuto Onsen
Every year August 3–6 (night kanto on all 4 days; daytime kanto = Myogi Taikai skills competition on the 4th–6th)
AugustTohoku ・ Aomori & Hakkoda
Every year August 2–7 (eve festival on August 1; night parades August 2–6; daytime parade, evening sea parade and Aomori Fireworks Festival on the 7th)
August
AugustTohoku ・ Sendai & Matsushima
Every year August 6–8 (Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Festival as the eve event on August 5)
August
December–FebruaryTohoku ・ Yamagata, Zao & Yamadera
The light-up is usually held on selected days from late December to late February (36 days between December 27 and February 22 in the 2025–2026 season). The best season for the snow monsters is late January to late February
Dates, times and access are based on official and other primary sources. Only dates confirmed by official sources are shown as “Confirmed dates”; otherwise the usual timing is given.
Last checked: 2026-10-02
