Jozenji-dori Avenue, famous for its rows of zelkova trees sprouting fresh leaves in summer and its Pageant of Starlight in winter, could well be called the symbol of Sendai. The modern glass facade of Sendai Mediatheque stands on this street and houses a library, art gallery and production studio. This is a cherished public complex where Sendai's citizens come for relaxation and refreshment and to express themselves through art and culture.

Sendai, the biggest city in northeast Japan, is filled with reasonably priced hotels that could make a great base for exploring the Tohoku region. We here at JAPANiCAN.com have picked out a few of the hotels that have been highly rated by our customers, as well as a few that we think will become customer favorites, and listed them below. We went along and stayed in some of the hotels, and have included some of our first-hand observations here, too.

During May, when Sendai's trees were sprouting their fresh green leaves, we went to visit the city to research our Sendai special report, and found a city blessed with fine ingredients from the sea and the surrounding mountains in Miyagi Prefecture. There was no lack of delicious food, and here is just a selection of the great eating on offer.