Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Sendai is the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture and is known as the 'City of Trees' due to its abundance of greenery. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.08 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 110 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). 1 JPY ≈ 0.0067 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and AU. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks such as HSBC, Citibank, and local options like MUFG and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and monthly rentals through services like Homates and Suumo. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, most places accept credit cards and mobile payments like PayPay and Line Pay. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are widely available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Sendai, Bivou Sendai is an affordable choice. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Aoba Ward, close to attractions like Sendai Castle and shopping areas. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Higashi-Sendai or the city center for easy access to coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | cocoworks Sendai offers flexible desks and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Blue Bottle Coffee Sendai is known for its great atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups can be found on platforms like Meetup.com and Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Sendai Facebook group facilitates community and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | DiDi and Uber are available for ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented through AkiBike Service. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Shionomisaki Beach, approximately 1 hour by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | All Nippon Airways (ANA) offers connections to local destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Japan Airlines (JAL) connects Sendai to international hubs. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to Tohoku Expressway for major regional connections. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Sendai Station is the central transit hub connecting Shinkansen and local lines. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Sendai City Transportation Bureau offers prepaid IC cards (Sabica) for convenient transit. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Frequent trains and buses to nearby destinations like Matsushima. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Sendai City Hospital is known for its excellent medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Pure Yoga Sendai offers classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym is a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin laundries are widely available, with options like Laundromat Sendai. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Demae-can for local delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Gyutan (grilled beef tongue) is a must-try local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Yurt offers a variety of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Zunda Saryo serves the famous zunda (sweet edamame) dessert. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Sendai’s Aoba-dori Shopping Street has various budget-friendly options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Rakuten and Amazon Japan for fast delivery options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Seiyu online shopping for groceries. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Kokubuncho district is known for nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Zuihoden brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vino e Vino specializes in local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Yatai food stalls at various festivals and events. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Spaghetti House Kayabuki serve international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Sendai Castle ruins and Aoba-dori Avenue are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Sendai Mediatheque is a highlight for art and architecture lovers. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Zuihoden Mausoleum is an important historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Osaki Hachiman Shrine is a beautiful Shinto shrine to visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Sendai Tanabata Festival takes place in August and is a major attraction. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The historical area around Sendai Castle offers cultural experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Sendai Cultural Center hosts performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | S-PAL Sendai has shops and local vendors all in one place. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various live houses host local bands and artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore various murals and installations in Sendai. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking Sun offers classes focusing on traditional Japanese cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Former Bank of Japan Sendai Branch offers exhibits and cultural events. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The former Aizuwakamatsu bank building provides insight into historic architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Sendai Tanabata festival reflects local traditions and history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Matsushima Bay is a beautiful natural area, known for its scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Towada-Hachimantai National Park is accessible for outdoor enthusiasts. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Nikkō National Park offers scenic trails for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Aoba Castle offers great panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Shiroishi River is known for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas are available along the east coastline. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Japan Post and Yamato Transport are reliable options for shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Technohouse Sendai offers a variety of repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Sendai Language School offers Japanese language classes for all levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Sendai City Library is a good place for studying and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers offer activities and workshops for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Cafe Sendai for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Sendai does not have casinos, but several pachinko parlors are available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥450,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ¥13,500,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥350,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ¥10,500,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥400,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥24,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥300,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥18,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥380,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥30,400,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥280,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥22,400,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23.2% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15.315% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Japanese residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% as standard consumption tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Japan has strict CFC regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on assessed property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 3-4% based on the property price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific benefits, but residence permits can simplify tax duties. |