This time, we’ll introduce our absolute favorite concept cafes in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture—ranked for you!
When you think of Sendai, “grilled beef tongue,” “zunda mochi,” and “sasa-kamaboko” are the famous ones, right?
So you only remember the food, Konatsu. I’ll introduce plenty of other things too!
– Ranking –
No. 10: Maid Cafe Strawberry
Maid Cafe “Strawberry,” located in Kokubuncho, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, features an adorable strawberry-themed concept. It operates in two parts—day and night—so you can enjoy it as a cafe during the day and as a bar at night. In the daytime you can relax at your own pace, while at night you can enjoy a slightly livelier atmosphere. Unlike other shops, different maids work depending on the time of day, so you can enjoy a different kind of charm depending on when you visit.
No. 9: Demon World Concept Cafe Mania
“Demon World Concept Cafe Mania” is bringing a fresh breeze to Sendai’s concept-cafe scene. While soaking in an atmosphere straight out of the demon realm, you can enjoy a fun time with a cast full of personality. Be sure to stop by and experience the allure of the demon world for yourself—you’re sure to make some special memories.
No. 8: Maid cafe&bar Tenten
“Maid cafe&bar Tenten” is loved by many guests for its friendly vibe and wide range of entertainment elements. Known as a concept cafe in Sendai where you can relax as if you were at home, it’s a popular spot visited by everyone from first-timers to regulars. If you’re looking for new connections and a fun time, it’s a place you should visit at least once.
No. 7: Anison Bar Guild Sendai Kokubuncho
Anison Bar Guild Sendai Kokubuncho is an appealing concept cafe themed around anime and anime songs. With locations across Japan, its biggest feature is the ability to enjoy anime-song karaoke. Inside, well-known anison tracks play, and visitors will naturally feel like singing along to the melodies. Even if you’re not confident in your singing, you can still enjoy the music, which is why it’s supported by a wide range of customers. Regular events are also held, letting you enjoy a special night out.
No. 6: Ally
“Ally” is a cozy, homey concept cafe where a cast in neat and adorable maid outfits welcomes you.
In a bright, white-themed interior, you can unwind while enjoying all-you-can-drink options and karaoke.
With a clear pricing system, it’s a spot you can drop by with confidence—even for your first visit.
No. 5: Platina ~ A Candy Shop for Adults
“Platina ~ A Candy Shop for Adults” is a unique place where grown-ups can enjoy the nostalgic world of a traditional dagashi shop.
With all-you-can-eat dagashi, all-you-can-drink options, and karaoke, it also features a reassuring, easy-to-drop-in pricing system.
It’s an “adult playground” where you can spend a fun night with friends—or even on your own—while reconnecting with your inner child.
No. 4: CAFE&BAR19
CAFE&BAR19 is a concept cafe located in the heart of Sendai City. It opened as a place where you can casually drop in—like an old-school coffee shop—to make the wish “I want to drink with cute girls!” come true. Unlike some concept cafes, it doesn’t have an overly flashy vibe; instead, in a calm atmosphere, friendly cast members provide a comfortable time.
No. 3: Sendai Nyanko Maid Cafe ♡ Nyanpontan
Sendai Nyanko Maid Cafe ♡ Nyanpontan is a maid cafe located in the center of Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. The concept is that maids wearing cat ears add an extra dose of cuteness, providing guests with a delightful time. Unlike other shops, the interior is wrapped in a fairy-tale-like atmosphere, creating a space that anime and game lovers can truly relate to and enjoy.
No. 2: Anison Bar Mofuru Sendai Kokubuncho
Anison Bar Mofuru Sendai Kokubuncho is the perfect place for people who love anime, games, and idols. In particular, because there’s no karaoke, you can calmly talk about anison and enjoy the atmosphere with ease. While listening to anison and game songs playing as background music, you can connect with others who share the same interests.
No. 1: 3-Nen B-Gumi
“3-Nen B-Gumi” is a school-themed concept cafe that newly opened in spring 2024. The biggest appeal of this shop is its student-inspired interior design and the atmosphere created by cast members wearing adorable school uniforms. Guests can enjoy warm, heartening service while reminiscing about their own school days.
Sendai has a really large number of concept cafes even within the Tohoku region!
You might find it easier to discover a concept that matches your tastes.
If you’re interested, be sure to visit a concept cafe in Sendai!
– Nearby Sightseeing Spots –
Sendai City is divided into five wards.
They are Aoba Ward, Miyagino Ward, Wakabayashi Ward, Taihaku Ward, and Izumi Ward, and Sendai Station is located on the eastern side of Aoba Ward.
Looks like all of the top 10 places in this ranking are also in “Aoba Ward, Sendai City”!
Even within Sendai, the area around Sendai Station has especially many buildings and commercial facilities.
This time, we’ll introduce some outing spots around Sendai Station, as well as some of Sendai’s famous sightseeing destinations!
tekute sendai / tekute dining
First, here’s an introduction to a commercial facility located inside Sendai Station!
“tekute sendai” reopened after a renewal in 2021. Thanks to the renovation, it’s a very clean and beautiful shopping facility with many stores. Then, in 2024, the restaurant area “tekute dining” finally opened. With restaurants making their Sendai debut, the station has become loved not only by tourists but also by locals. You can buy souvenirs and enjoy local gourmet food—so if you go here, you can enjoy a condensed taste of Sendai all at once!
AER / Observation Terrace
A two-minute walk from Sendai Station via the pedestrian deck brings you to the complex building “AER.”
From the 1st to 4th floors is a commercial facility called “Shop & Wonder AER,” and from the 5th to 8th floors are public facilities such as the Sendai City Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Promotion Center, meeting rooms, and a multipurpose hall.
From the 9th to 30th floors are offices and clinic spaces, and dedicated high-speed elevators for the low-rise and high-rise sections provide smooth access.
And on the 31st floor, there is a free observation terrace where you can take in a panoramic view of the cityscape of Sendai!
Sendai Morning Market Shopping Street
This shopping street is located a five-minute walk from Sendai Station, and it offers an abundance of fresh ingredients produced in Miyagi. Alongside shops selling great-value fresh foods, you’ll also find a wide range of gourmet spots, so you can enjoy everything from shopping to dining. As the area around Sendai Station continues to become more urbanized, this is a valuable spot where you can still savor a nostalgic, old-time atmosphere.
Sendai Castle Ruins
Sendai Castle was built by the famous Sengoku warlord Date Masamune. It was maintained until the Meiji era, but it seems that most of it was destroyed in a fire in Meiji 15 (1882).
Today, it is a place where you can explore the ruins and learn about the history of Sendai Castle.
Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
Osaki Hachimangu Shrine, like Sendai Castle, was also built by the Sengoku warlord Date Masamune.
Its exquisitely detailed craftsmanship and beautiful appearance led to it being designated a National Treasure in 1952.
Every year, during the festival in September, Shinto rituals such as noh-kagura, portable shrines (mikoshi), and yabusame (horseback archery) are performed.
You can get there by bus from Sendai Station, so access is convenient too!