A Self-Proud Journey in Sendai: Indulge in Beef Tongue and Stroll Amidst Architecture

The Tohoku region of Japan is known as the "Back Garden of Japan." In addition to its abundant natural landscapes, the simple rural scenery is also visitors' first impression of the area. In fact, Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture is the political and economic hub of the Tohoku region. The Hirose River flows through the city center, and tree-lined boulevards and lush green parks are found throughout the urban area. If you want to experience the leisurely charm of both city and countryside, Sendai is the perfect destination.

Sendai City is also nicknamed the "City of Trees." The green-filled city features particularly beautiful streets such as Aoba-dori and the zelkova-tree-lined Jozenji-dori. This city, established over 300 years ago by Date Masamune and a bustling castle town during the Edo period, is now the most prosperous city in the Tohoku region. With an extensive subway and transportation network, it's convenient for both shopping and visiting historical sites.

Food is one of the cultural representations of a city. When it comes to Sendai's culinary masterpiece, there’s no doubt that it's "beef tongue." The Tohoku region boasts rich produce and diverse cuisine. The dishes served don’t rely on flashy presentation but win with high-quality ingredients, and beef tongue is its representative. Sendai beef tongue is famous throughout Japan. When grilled, it comes in thick, juicy slices — nearly 1 cm thick — a world apart from the thin and expensive beef tongue often found in typical Japanese yakiniku restaurants. The origin of this essential item in Japanese barbecue restaurants dates back to around 1935 (Showa 10), when the founder of the renowned beef tongue restaurant "Ajitasuke" learned the method of preparing beef tongue from the French and refined it through repeated research to suit Japanese grilling preferences. Charcoal-grilled beef tongue has a crispy exterior and a tender yet slightly chewy texture, offering endless flavor.

After filling your stomach, it’s time for a feast for the soul. On Sendai’s Jozenji-dori, you’ll find a modern building entirely covered with glass — the Sendai Mediatheque, designed by the renowned Japanese architect Toyo Ito and grandly opened in 2001. This building focuses on visual and art culture activities, combining functions such as art galleries, libraries, and multimedia services. All the most advanced facilities are freely available for public use, allowing both Sendai citizens and foreigners to transcend language and cultural barriers to participate in events or gather various information.

Toyo Ito, known for using modern architectural elements like metal and glass curtains to express design concepts, showcased a completely new style in the Sendai Mediatheque. The entire structure is supported by 13 main steel frames, with thinner white steel frames forming a mesh-like structure wrapped around the outside. Even elevators and air conditioning equipment are housed within tubular mesh frameworks, and the basement is designed with seismic-resistant structures. Under Toyo Ito’s design, every corner of the space showcases these iconic tubular forms, which form visual panels that seem to narrate the story of the space.

Sendai, the largest city in Tohoku, is bustling with vibrancy. Its delicious food and rich history and culture make it truly captivating. It's hard to believe that Sendai is located in the cold and remote Tohoku region. With its elegant, ancient green heritage, it’s well worth taking a self-proud journey here.

Extended Reading: Kyushu Horse Meat Cuisine (Provided by Tripass Travel Spots)