Celebrate new beginnings alongside the blossoming spring-time flowers and an interesting line-up of both returning and brand-new events!
Our long awaited April 2022 Event Roundup is finally here! The spring-time events are organized in the following order: Exhibitions (and other cultural events), Strawberry Picking events, and finally the all-time popular Cherry Blossom Viewing events! Due to the earthquake on March 17th as well as COVID-19 concerns, some events are held in limited capacity or have been cancelled completely. All the events we've gathered in this post should still be ongoing, however we recommend double checking on the event's official page just in case (feel free to contact us if you need help with the Japanese pages!)
Exhibitions & Cultural Events
1. Osekku Exhibition 2022 ―Hina, Kabuto and Carp Streamers (Koinobori) お節句展2022―ひなとかぶととこいのぼり― January 22nd to May 5th Sakata, Yamagata
Kyohei Fujita Museum of Glass, also known as the "Museum of the Sea, Glass, and Gardens," is pleased to introduce its "Osekku Exhibition 2022." In addition to Hina dolls, Bonbori, Koinobori, Kabuto, May dolls, and other seasonal ornaments, you will also find miscellaneous goods such as sake cups, tableware, and jewelry. Enjoy the warmth of these handmade Japanese craft items alongisde the changing of the seasons!
Hours: 9:30-13:30
Closed days: -
Admission Fee: Regular and University Students 1200円, Elementary Schoolers-High-schoolers 700円, free for children that are not of schooling age. Details for discounts can be found here (Japaese).
Access: 10 minute walk from Matsushima Station (松島駅) or a 5 minute walk from Takagimachi Station (高城町駅)
Details: Osekku Exhibition 2022 (Japanese)
2. Takaharu Sato's 25th Oil Painting Exhibition 第25回 佐藤隆春油彩画展 April 8th to May 29th Sakata, Yamagata
Kyohei Fujita Museum of Glass, also known as the "Museum of the Sea, Glass, and Gardens," will hold the "25th Takaharu Sato Oil Painting Exhibition." Come and enjoy the works of Sendai born artist Takaharu Saito who is based in Tremolinos Spain. His works are heavily influenced by the streets of Southern Europe. Mr. Sato’s pieces continue to be featured in many exhibitions across Japan, Spain, and Europe more generally.
Hours: 9:30-13:30
Closed days: -
Admission Fee: Regular and University Students 1200円, Elementary Schoolers-High-schoolers 700円, free for children that are not of schooling age. Details for discounts can be found here (Japaese).
Access: 10 minute walk from Matsushima Station (松島駅) or a 5 minute walk from Takagimachi Station (高城町駅)
Details: Osekku Exhibition 2022 (Japanese)
3. The Beautiful Box of Light "CUMOS" Exhibition 光の美っ繰り箱 “CUMOS”展 March 13th to May 8th Taihaku Ward, Sendai
The exhibition focuses on the cubic kaleidoscope CUMOS, a mysterious peephole box invented by Kiminori Yamazaki in 1974. At that time, he was just a freshman at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music pursuing form and design with a universal and fundamental image. The exhibition also explains the spread of the universal art cube kaleidoscope workshop in Japan and abroad ーwhich seems to have originated from CUMOSー as well as its connection with the Tohoku region. This is the first exhibition of its kind at the Sendai Kaleidoscope Museum and is not to be missed!
Hours: 9:30-17:00 (Last entrance at 16:30)
Closed days: -
Admission Fee: Regular and University Students 900円, Elementary Schoolers-High-schoolers 450円, Seniors (70+) 450円.
Location: Sendai Kaleidoscope Museum (仙台万華鏡美術館). Map here.
Access: 5 minute walk from Zuiho Mae Bus Stop or 2 minute walk from Matsuba Bus Stop
Details: “CUMOS” Exhibition (Japanese)
4. Japanese Tools: Wisdom and Ingenuity for Daily Life Special Exhibition 特別展「和の道具～くらしの知恵と工夫～」 December 12th 2021 to April 17th 2022 Central Sendai
This exhibition introduces the long-time used tools from before the Edo Period as well as the differences and fusions between these Japanese tools and the various Western tools and lifestyles, brought to Japan after the country opened to the world during the Meiji Era. The exhibition also displays the tools used in daily life before the introduction of electricity and takes a looks back on the wisdom and creative innovations that took place in a life from the past. Related events will also be held during the exhibition period.
Hours: 9:00-16:45 (Last entrance at 16:15)
Closed days: Closed Mondays (except holidays), the day after holidays (except Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays), the fourth Thursday of each month (except December), and the year-end and New Year holidays (December 28 - January 4).
Admission Fee: Regular and University Students 240円 (190円), High-Schoolers 180円 (140円), Elementary and Middle Schoolers 120円(90円) ※The price in ( ) is for groups of 30 people or more.
Location: Sendai City Museum of History and Folklore (仙台市歴史民俗資料館). Map here.
Access: 7 minute walk from Tsurugaooka Station (榴ケ岡駅) or a 20 minute walk from East Exit of Sendai Station. Map here.
5. Traditional Kokeshi of Tohoku 東北の伝統こけし February 1st to May 29th Central Sendai
Kokeshi are traditional wooden dolls from Japan’s Tohoku region. Ever since the Edo period some 200 years ago, this traditional handicraft has been passed down from parent to child as well as from master to apprentice. Today, there are about 180 Kokeshi craftspeople continuing this tradition. This exhibition pays homage to the origins of these dolls and their makers, showcasing Kokeshi from across the whole Tohoku region. In particular, the exhibition will display the works of Akira Kon, a Tsugaru kokeshi artisan.
Hours: 10:00–16:00 (last entry 15:30)
Closed days: Mondays (open if Monday is a national holiday)
Admission Fee: ¥300 adults, seniors 65+ free, children ages high school & younger free
Access: 8-minute walk from Sendai Station
Details: kameimuseum.or.jp
6. Sairi Yashiki's Boy's Day Display 齋理屋敷初夏の企画展「端午の節句」 April 6th to May 29th Marumori, Miyagi
Until 1948, Children's Day was formerly known as Boys' Day (Tango-no Sekku), a celebration that solidified during the Edo period. As the Hinamatsuri on March 3 blossomed as the festival for girls, Tango-no Sekku on May 5 took root as a festival for boys, and displays of more “masculine” items became customary. The tradition of displaying armor and helmets actually originated from samurai society, where it was customary to offer armor and helmets to shrines to pray for personal safety. Nowadays, they are displayed in hope that they will protect children from traffic accidents and illnesses. At Sairi Yashiki, you can admire displays of armor and warrior dolls as well as explore the rest of the Sairi property for a historically immersive experience!
Hours: 9:30–16:00
Admission Fee: ¥620 adults, ¥310 children
Location: Sairi Yashiki (齋理屋敷). Map here.
Access: 2.5 km on foot or by free rental cycle from Marumori Station. For cycle rental details, see here (English).
Sairi Yashiki details (English): visitmiyagi.com
Event details: miyagi-kankou.or.jp
7. “The 13 Lords of the Shogun” Special visit to Hayama Shrine 「鎌倉殿の13人」早馬神社 特別参拝 March 6th to May 8th Kesennuma, Miyagi
The Hayama Shrine is deeply related to Lord Kajiwara Kagesutoki, one of the 13 characters of NHK’s historical drama "Kamakura-dono no Jusan-nin" (literal translation: The 13 Lords of Kamakura). The shrine was founded by Kajiwara Kagesane (Senkobo), Kajiwara’s older brother, and ever since then, the direct descendants of the Kajiwara clan have served as its priests. During the special visit period, explanatory and commemorative signs are set up to provide detailed explanations about Lord Kajiwara, the 13 Lords of Kamakura and their history, as well as details about the Genpei war —a civil war during the late Heian Period. To commemmorate the visit of Lord Kajiwara from “The 13 Lors of the Shogun”, special red seals are distributed from the time of his appearance at the awarding office.Hours: 9:00-16:30
Closed days: Closed Mondays (except holidays), the day after holidays (except Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays), the fourth Thursday of each month (except December), and the year-end and New Year holidays (December 28 - January 4).
Admission Fee: Free
Location: Hayama Shrine (早馬神社). Map here.
Access: 20 minute taxi ride from Kesennuma Station (気仙沼駅) or a 15 minute taxi ride from Shikaori Karakuwa Station (鹿折唐桑駅)
8. SENDAI COFFEE FES. April 16th & 17th Central Sendai
After a 3 year long break, the popular SENDAI COFFEE FES. is finally back!
Come and discover the deep flavours of the different participating roasters, bakeries, and more, during the weekend of the16th–17th of April. On Sunday you can also enjoy the festival along with some background music that will be played on Jozenji-dori! Get you're groove on thanks to an interesting DJ lineup comprising of the DJ for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and music director for Shibuya Ward Office, Yuki Kawamura, owner of BALEARIC COFFEE ROASTER and Hakusetsu –which famous for its unique earthy rock music– Toru BALEARIC, and many more!
Hours: 10:00–C16:00
Details: Sendai Coffee Fes. Facebook (Japanese))
Strawberry Picking
1. Strawberry Picking at JR Fruit Park Sendai Arahama JRフルーツパーク仙台あらはま いちご狩り January 5th to June 19th Arahama, Miyagi
Throughout the year, visitors can experience picking the 156 varieties of 8 different fruit crops —including the popular strawberries, grapes, and apples— at this hands-on farm. You can also enjoy strawberry flavoured desserts and drinks at their café-restaurant “Les Pommes” and get your hands on some strawberry gift boxes at the sales counter. The "Mouikko” and "Nikoniko Berry" varieties that are bred exclusively in Miyagi Prefecture are also available for purchase! The “Nikoniko” variety in particular, is a must try. This new variety created in 2017 has an excellent balance of sweetness and sourness and is also named the "Fukko Niigiwai Ichigo" (The Prosperous Strawberry for Recovery) in hopes of restoring the hustle and bustle this area once had before becoming severly damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Hours: 1st session at 10:00 (registration starts in March), 2nd session at 11:00, 3rd session at 12:00, 4th session at 13:00, 5th session at 14:00, 6th session at 15:00 (registration starts in March)
Closed days: Tuesdays and Fridays
Admission Fee: March 16th - May 10th: Adults 1,800 yen, Children 900 yen, Seniors (65+) 1500 yen; May 11th - June 19th: Adults 1600 yen, Children 800 yen, Seniors (65+) 1300 yen. ※Free for children under 2 years old
Location: JR Fruit Park Sendai Arahama (JRフルーツパーク仙台あらはま). Map here.
Details: JR Fruits Park Sendai Arahama (Japanese)
2. Strawberry Picking at Yamamoto Strawberry Farm 山元いちご農園 いちご狩り Mid December 2021 to Early June 2022 Watari-gun, Miyagi
Yamamoto is Miyagi's number-one strawberry-growing area. Not only can you buy Yamamoto strawberrries, but you can also pick them yourself and enjoy them right away during their 30 minute all-you-can-eat strawberry picking event. Yamamoto grows three varieties for picking: Nikonikoberry, Tochiotome, and Mouikko. In addition to strawberry picking, the farm also features a strawberry-centric cafe, winery, baumkuchen bakery, and omiyage shop.
Hours: 10:00-16:00
Closed days: -
Admission Fee: April 1st - May 8th: 7 years old and over, 1,800 yen; 3-6 years old, 900 yen; 65 years old and over and people with disabilities, 1,500 yen; May 9th - mid-June: 7 years old and over, 1,500 yen; 3-6 years old, 700 yen; 65 years old and over and people with disabilities, 1,200 yen. ※Free for children under 2 years old.
Location: Yamamoto Strawberry Farm (山元いちご農園). Map here.
Access: 15 minute walk from JR Yamashita Station (JR山下駅)
Official Website: https://www.yamamoto-ichigo.com/ (Japanese)
3. Strawberry Picking at Ichi-ichigo Ichisho Matsumori Farm 一苺一笑 松森農場 いちご狩り January 1st to Early June Izumi, Sendai
The name "ichi-ichigo" comes from the the desire to bring a smile to each and every one of their customers faces through a single strawberry. The varieties included at this farm are Miyagi Prefecture's own Mouikko and Nikoniko Berry, as well as Tochiotome, Yotsuboshi, and Kaorino. Visitors can pick strawberries and enjoy an all-you-can-eat event for 40 minutes with free refills of condensed milk! The Nikoniko berry is the star of the show, a new variety created by crossing Miyagi Prefecture’s Mouikko with the popular Tochiotome variety.
Hours: 10:00-16:00 (Last entrance at 15:30)
Closed days: Tuesdays
Admission Fee: April 9th - May 8th: 3rd grade elementary school students - 64 years old. 1900 yen, 4 years old - Elementary school students 1000 yen, 64+ 1600 yen. May 11th to early June: 3rd grade elementary school students - 64 years old. 1600 yen, 4 years old - Elementary school students 800 yen, 64+ 1300 yen. ※Free for children under 3 years old.
Location: Ichi-ichigo Ichisho Matsumori Farm (一苺一笑 松森農場). Map here.
Access: 3 minute walk from Tsurugaoka New Town Iriguchi bus stop (鶴が丘ニュータウン入口)
4. Strawberry Picking at Ichigo World イチゴワールドでいちご狩り January 2nd to May 31st 2022 Izumi, Sendai
Ichigo World is a strawberry farm famous for its luxury strawberries, selling for as much as ¥1,000 apiece! Known as one of the leading strawberry production areas in Tohoku, supplying many famous department stores in Tokyo, it is a must see for the visitors of Yamamoto town. The farm offers all-you-can-eat strawberry picking experiences of their less-expensive berries, complete with chocolate for dipping!
Hours: 10:00-15:30 (Last entrance at 15:00) ※The day will end early if all strawberries have been picked. Shop: 10:00-16:00
Closed days: Thurdays and Fridays (the shop is only closed on Thursdays)
Admission Fee: Adults, 2000 yen; children (3-9 years old), 1000 yen; children under 2 years old, free. Chocolate dip is 200 yen/person (including children under 2 years old) and 1 free condensed milk is included (afterwhich it is 50 yen per condensed milk).
Location: ICHIGO WORLD (イチゴワールド) Map here
Access: 9 minute walk from Yamashita Station
Details: Ichigo World
5. Strawberry Picking at Berries Farm Fushimi いちご摘み取り農園ベリーズファーム FUSHIMI February 20th to end of May (weekends only) Ishinomaki, Miyagi
Strawberry Picking at Berries Farm Fushimi いちご摘み取り農園ベリーズファームFUSHIMIFrom February 20th to end of May (weekends only)Enjoy a 60-minute all-you-can-eat strawberry picking at this local farm in Ishinomaki.
Hours: 10:00-16:45 (Last entrance at 16:15)
Closed days: Closed on weekdays
Admission Fee: April 1st to the end of April: Middle school students and above, 1,800 yen; Elementary school students, 1,300 yen; Child not attending school, 800 yen.May 1st to the last day: Middle school students and above, 1,500 yen; Elementary school students, 1,000 yen; 500 yen for children not yet enrolled in school.※Always free for children under 3
Location: Berries Farm Fushimi (ベリーズファームFUSHIMI). Map here.
Access: 10 minute taxi ride from JR Senseki Line’s Heta Station (蛇田駅).
Cherry Blossoms and Ohanami
1. Cherry blossoms in Nishi Park (Matsuri) 西公園の桜 Early April to Mid-April Central Sendai
After a long break due to the pandemic, one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in all of Sendai is finally back with its matsuri festivities! Easily accessible from the city center on foot or by public transport, this park bosts a whopping 200 blooming sakura trees. From sunset until 9:00 PM, lanterns illuminate the park for a must-see night time sakura vieiwng. If you’re on a tight budget you may want to come with your own pre-made bento, however, now that the matsuri festival has made its come-back, we recomend coming empty handed to enjoy the many national and international food stalls that liven up the park!
Hours: 24 hours
Closed days: -
Admission Fee: Free
Location: Nishi Koen (西公園). Map here.
Access: Short walk from Omachi Nishi Koen Station (大町西公園駅)
Details: Sendai-Ohanami (Japanese)
2. Cherry blossoms in Shibatacho Funaoka Joshi Park 柴田町船岡城址公園の桜 Early April to Mid-April Shibata, Miyagi
With over 1300 cherry blossom trees, this former residence of the Shibata clan is known as one of the most famous hanami spots in all of Tohoku. Alongside the well-known Hitome Senbon Zakura (one thousand cherry trees), it was selected as one of Miyagi Prefecture’s "100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots.” One of its main attractions is the slope car that ascends 305 meters through a tunnel of cherry blossom trees. The view from the top of the mountain, where the statue of Funaoka Heiwa Kannon stands, is spectacular. Funaoka Castle Site Park is located right next to the Hitome Senbon Zakura, so you can easily hit both of these famous cherry blossom viewing spots in one outing. Unforutnately this years Sakura matsuri and illumination events have been cancelled due to COVID-19, but you can still go for a stroll and enjoy the cherry blossoms!
Hours: 24 hours
Admission Fee: Free
Location: Shibatacho Funaoka Joshi Park (柴田町船岡城址公園). Map here.
Access: 10 minute walk from JR Funaoka Station (船岡駅).
3. Cherry blossoms in Hitome Senbonzakura 一目千本桜 Early April to Mid-April Ogawara & Shibata, Miyagi
This is THE place for hanami in Miyagi! The Hitome Senbon Zakura ("A Thousand Cherry Blossoms in One Glance") are group of over 1,000 sakura trees that line the riverbanks between the towns of Ogawara and Shibata. Most years there are a number of festivities happening in the area during peak cherry blossom season, but this year due to coronavirus concerns, those events have unfortunately been cancelled. However, the towns are still welcoming visitors to take in the cherry blossoms while strolling the riverbank. At the Shibata end of the Hitome Senbon Zakura stretch, you'll find Funaoka Castle Site Park, another top cherry blossom viewing spot.
Hours: 24 hours
Admission Fee: Free
Location: Along the Shiroishi River (白石川) between Ogawara and Shibata. Map here.
Access: 3-minute walk from Ogawara Station
Details: Hanami Walker Plus (Japanese)
4. Cherry blossoms in Tsutsujigaoka Park 榴岡公園の桜 Early April to Mid-April Central Sendai
Ever since the Edo period, Tsutsujigaoka Park located in the heart of Sendai City has always been a popular hanami spot. Named after the 1000 cherry blossom trees planted by the 4th lord of Sendai, Tsunamura Date, Tsutsujigaoka Park is home to 350 different varieties of cherry blossom trees. Although the matsuri festival and light-up events have unfortunately been cancelled this year due to COVID-19, visitors can still stroll the park and enjoy viewing the blooming sakura. The variety of cherry blossoms in this park means that the cherry blossom vieiwing season lasts longer than in other locations where just one type of cherry tree is planted, so there's still time to catch the blossoms here at their peak!
Hours: 24 hours
Admission Fee: Free
Location: Tsutsujigaoka Park (榴岡公園). Map here.
Access: 3-minute walk from Tsutsujigaoka Station, or an 11-minute walk from Sendai Station.
Details: visitmiyagi.com (English)
5. Cherry blossoms at Shiroishi Castle 白石城の桜 Early April to Mid-April Shiroishi, Miyagi
Located in the center of Shiroishi City, the former southern strategic point of the Sendai clan is finally resuming it’s cherry blossom festivities! The Shiroishi Castle Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from the 1st to the 25th of April during which the castle will be illuminated until 9:00 PM. Please note that the castle is currently undergoing some renovations due to damages from the earthquake in March, and the castle tower will also be covered with sheets for protection. However, hanami events are ongoing in the Honmaru Square.
Hours: 9:00–17:00
Closed days: None except the New Year's holiday period
Admission Fee: Cherry blossoms free, castle ¥400 (Shiroishi Castle is closed to visitors until the end of September 2022 due to disaster restoration work.)
Location: Shiroishi Castle (白石城). Map here.
Access: on foot: 10-minute walk from Shiroishi Station; rental cycle: about 1 kilometer from Shiroishi Station or about 2 kilometers from Shiroishi-Zao Station. Bicycle rental is available at either station. For cycle rental details, see here (English).
Castle details: visitmiyagi.com (English
Shiroishi Castle official website (cherry blossom updates): shiro-f.jp (Japanese)
6. Cherry blossoms in Mikamine Park (Matsuri) 三神峯公園の桜 Early April to Early May Taihaku Ward
Rumored to be one of the best cherry blossom parks in downtown Sendai, it is far less crowded than other hanami spots due to its slightly out-of-the-way location. On a gently sloping hill overlooking downtown Sendai, Mikamine Park is home to approximately 750 cherry trees of 48 different varieties (the most out of all of the parks in the whole city!). Since each variety blooms at a slightly different time of the month, cherry blossom trees in full bloom can be enjoyed here during a whole of April and in early May too! From April 8th to April 23rd you can also enjoy the Cherry Blossom Matsuri festivities between 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Hours: 24 hours
Admission Fee: Free
Location: Mikamine Park (三神峯公園). Map here.
Access: 25-minute walk or a short bus ride from from Nagamachiminami Station (長町南駅).
Details: Sendai City (Japanese, English available)
7. Cherry blossoms in Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park 西行戻しの松公園の桜 Early April to Mid-April Matsushima, Miyagi
Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park is a hilltop park offering one of the best views of Matsushima all year round. It is especially beautiful in April, when the seaside panorama appears to float on a cloud of delicate pink cherry blossoms. The magnificient contrast of the blue sea, green pine trees, and blue ocean is quite remarkable. The park is also home to Café Le Roman, an attraction-in-its-own-right. Reminiscient of the cafés that line the streets of Paris, Café le Roman serves light meals and desserts such as croque monsieur and tarte tatin. The walls are also entirely made of glass for unobstructed views of the cherry blossoms and endless blue ocean, making for an incredible dining experience.
Hours: 24 hours
Admission Fee: Free
Location: Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park (西行戻しの松公園). Map here.
Access: 20-minute walk from Matsushimakaigan Station
Details: visitmiyagi.com (English)
8. Cherry blossoms in Hiyoriyama Park 日和山公園の桜 Early April to Mid-April Ishinomaki, Miyagi
Hiyoriyama Park is a public park home to 400 cherry blossom trees and known for its panoramic seaside views. On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of the Oshika Peninsula as well as Matsushima Island. Located in Ishinomaki, one of the cities devastated by the tsunami of the Great East Japan Earthquake, this park was left unscathed thanks to being located on the top of a hill. The city below it, on the other hand, flooded and many lives were lost. From the park’s vantage point, you can really get a feel for the scale of destruction that occurred here, and visitors can compare the present day scenery with pictures taken before disaster struck.
Hours: 24 hours
Admission Fee: Free
Location: Hiyoriyama Park (日和山公園). Map here.
Access: 25-minute walk from Ishinomaki Station
Details: visitmiyagi.com (English)
9. Miyagi Zao Eboshi Narcissus Festival みやぎ蔵王えぼしすいせん祭り Late April to late May Zao-machi, Miyagi
The snow at Eboshi Skijo is long gone, replaced by hillsides full of blooming flowers. Come and enjoy the 30 varieties of narcissus flowers in fields of about 550,000 flowers in total! You can also ride the ropeway for a panoramic view of the flowers from higher ground.
Hours: 9:00–16:00
Admission Fee: ¥500 adults & high school students, free for children ages junior high & younger
Location: Miyagi Zao Eboshi Skijo (みやぎ蔵王えぼしスキー場). Map here.
Details: miyagi-kankou.or.jp (Japanese)
10. Yoneyama Tulip Festival 米山チューリップまつり Late April to Early May Tome, Miyagi
Enjoy a rainbow-like scene of row upon row of 100,000 colorful tulips, of which there are 60 varieties! Although the stage events have been cancelled this year due to COVID-19, it seems like the local product and tulip bulb sales are still on!Hours: 9:00–16:00
Admission Fee: Free
Location: Michinoeki Yoneyama (道の駅米山 ふる里センターY・Y). Map here.
Details: city.tome.miyagi.jp
Written by Catrina Sugita
Writer & 2022 Editor-in-Chief