December in Sendai won’t be full without Sendai Pageant of Starlight. One of the most well-known attractions of Sendai, it doesn’t need a special introduction, as it is already being mentioned in any booklet about sightseeing in Miyagi. At the same time, I believe that there are some aspects worth talking about. Today, I would like us to think about Sendai Pageant of Starlight as an event.

For several weeks, Jozenji street that we all know so well becomes a world of lights. Trees are covered with tiny lamps, mysterious objects appear in Kotodai-koen and around it, and the street becomes absolutely unrecognizable. Looking at the illumination is fun, but if you enter this intriguing world and move further, you are going to find some other things to indulge yourself with.

First, there are many great performances during the event. Everyday from 17:30 till 22:00-23:00 you can see some amazing demonstrations of street performers from Machikuru Performers Sendai. Everything from street magic to acrobatic tricks can be seen there. Sendai Motions team had a great possibility to witness a performance of a yo-yo performer NiA, who literally shattered our concept of what can be possibly done with yo-yos. Highlighted by pageant illumination, this act was had a kind of dream-like aura, something that makes you ask yourself “Did it really happen in front of my eyes?”

Some other acts that are definitely worth seeing include, for instance, Samurai performers, Sakamoto twins who perform some synchronized tricks using yo-yo, adorable dancer HIKA, 3m tall unicycle rider Paul and many more. I guess, this is something to see to tune yourself for the winter holidays!

Another thing to do during a walk along the pageant is to visit the Christmas market in the nearby Shimin hiroba. Christmas decorations, and, of course, all the beloved kinds of street food are present, together with some special treats like German sausages and Pretzels. You can have some beer as well, and some hot drinks like cocoa and hot lemonade.

On 23rd of December, a parade of Santa Clauses will take place from 17:45 till 19:45. This is so suitable for the Christmas eve! So definitely try not to miss it!

Sendai Pageant of Starlight is on until 31st of December. The illumination can be seen from 17:30 till 22:00.