We will introduce the nightlife of various parts of Tohoku, focusing on Kokubuncho, Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku region. Easy access from Tokyo via the Tohoku Shinkansen, enjoy the nightlife in the forest capital.
📍 Sendai Kokubuncho
Origin/History
Kokubu Town’s history dates back to the post-war reconstruction period. This area, which was reduced to ashes by the Sendai air raids, began to attract restaurants and entertainment facilities as reconstruction progressed. After the opening of the Tohoku Shinkansen, it developed further and became known as the largest entertainment district in Tohoku. The place name “Kokubuncho” comes from the Kokubunji temple that used to be in this area. Currently, the area is home to over 1,400 restaurants and bars.
Features
The largest entertainment district in Tohoku, conveniently located within walking distance from JR Sendai Station. Each street has a different face, the main street is lit with neon lights, and the back alleys are dotted with hidden restaurants. There are many restaurants that make use of Tohoku ingredients, and beef tongue and seafood dishes are especially popular. There are also plenty of izakaya restaurants where you can enjoy local sake from Tohoku.
Recommended spots
Access
About 15 minutes walk from JR Sendai Station. You can also access it from Aoba-dori Ichibancho Station or Omachi-Nishikoen Station on the Tozai Subway Line. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Tokyo Station to Sendai Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen “Hayabusa”.
Precautions
During the Sendai Tanabata Festival (early August), it gets very crowded and accommodations fill up quickly. Please be careful in winter as the road surface may freeze. You may see touts in Kokubuncho, but if you don’t need them, please clearly refuse.
📍 Around Yamagata Station
Origin/History
The downtown area in front of Yamagata City’s station has developed with the opening of the Yamagata Shinkansen. It also functions as a tourist base for visiting Zao Onsen and Ginzan Onsen.
Features
There are many restaurants along the main street that stretches from Yamagata Station. There are many restaurants where you can enjoy Yamagata’s famous imoni and Yonezawa beef, as well as Yamagata’s local sake (popular brands such as Juyondai). Its appeal is that it is easy to stop by before or after sightseeing in the hot springs.
Access
A few minutes walk from JR Yamagata Station. It takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes from Tokyo Station on the Yamagata Shinkansen “Tsubasa”.
📝 Summary
The entertainment districts of Tohoku have a calm atmosphere that is a little different from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Sendai Kokubuncho is easily accessible and can be enjoyed as a night town that represents Tohoku. Enjoy the night in the forest capital with Tohoku’s rich ingredients and local sake.