Sendai, Japan 🇯🇵
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Sendai is the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture and is known for its rich history, culture, and beautiful scenery. |
| 👥 Population | Around 1,080,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JPY ≈ 0.007 USD, major banks include MUFG, SMBC, and Shinsei Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and au; portable WiFi routers are also available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Convenience of international cards like Visa and Mastercard; use of apps like Revolut is growing. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb, Guesthouses, and serviced apartments available; average rent for a 1-bedroom is around ¥70,000/month. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many stores and restaurants accept credit cards, but cash is still popular. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses; average rates can vary from ¥3,000 to ¥8,000 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Sunroute offers dorms starting at ¥2,500 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Sendai Coworking Center offers high-speed internet and a friendly environment for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Blue Bottle Coffee provides a cozy atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech and Startup Meetups are frequently held at Coworking Spaces and local bars. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Sendai Facebook Group facilitates events and community engagement. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | DiDi and Uber are both available in the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike share services like 'SENDAI BIKE' are available throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Onagawa Beach, about an hour by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | ANA (All Nippon Airways). |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | JAL (Japan Airlines) operating flights to major cities globally. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Tohoku Expressway allows for easy travel to nearby cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Sendai Station, a major hub for regional and Shinkansen trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Sendai City Transportation offers one-day passes for unlimited travel; costs around ¥600. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains to cities like Matsushima and Sendai's local scenic spots. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Sendai Medical Center is the leading hospital with international patient services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Tree Sendai offers a variety of classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold’s Gym in Sendai offers comprehensive fitness equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin laundries are widely available; 'Laundry 21' offers quick services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Rakuten Delivery are the most popular. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Gyutan (grilled beef tongue) is must-try local cuisine. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Tsubaki serves a variety of vegan dishes made with local ingredients. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie Saori known for traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi). |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | S-Pal Sendai offers budget-friendly food options in its food court. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Rakuten Shopping and Amazon Japan are widely used. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Seiyu and Aeon offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kawasaki Street is known for its lively bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Miyagi Sake Brewery offers tastings and tours of local sake. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vin de Glace features a selection of Japanese and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Sendai Morning Market offers various street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Burger stand 'Burger Republic' specializes in gourmet burgers. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Sendai Castle ruins offer panoramic views of the city. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Sendai Mediatheque is a cultural landmark with exhibitions and events. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Zuihoden Mausoleum is a historical site of great importance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Aoba Shrine is famed for its serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Sendai Tanabata Festival is held every August and is a spectacular event. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Kawagoe area offers traditional architecture and local crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Sendai Cultural Center hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Sendai Asaichi (Morning Market) is a vibrant spot for fresh produce and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Sendai has a thriving underground music scene with regular concerts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the streets of Sendai for vibrant murals and art installations. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Katsura Cooking School offers lessons in preparing traditional Japanese dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Sendai City Museum of Art regularly hosts contemporary exhibits. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Sendai City Library, a beautiful architectural gem. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Sendai area is rich in cultural heritage, prominently featuring traditional woodworking. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Matsushima Bay, known for its scenic islands, is a short travel option. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nikko National Park is accessible by train for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Nanakita River Cycling Path offers a scenic route through nature. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Forbs Hill offers picturesque views over Sendai city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Zuihoden and Aobayama are popular spots for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Higashi-Shirayama Park has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Yamato Transport (Ta-Q-Bin) provides reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Apple Store Sendai and various local shops are available for tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sendai Sports Club features several ping pong tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Sendai Language School offers courses for expats and residents. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Sendai City Library is a quiet and comfortable place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Sendai International Center offers various cultural events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Bar Taku offers a fun space for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino rooms can be found in several hotels, but traditional gambling houses are rare. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥450,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥18,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥350,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥14,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥500,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥30,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥400,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥24,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥600,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥48,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥450,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥36,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23.2%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Japan uses a progressive tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% consumption tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Japan has specific CFC rules that apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed values. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% for property purchases. |