Jōzenji Street

Jozenji Street is a major thoroughfare approximately 1.4 kilometers long that runs east to west through the center of Sendai City, affectionately known as a symbolic road representing the "City of Trees." Particularly, the 700-meter section from Higashi-Nibancho Street to Nishikoen features rows of meticulously arranged Zelkova trees, creating a vibrant green belt amidst the urban landscape. The planting of these trees began in 1958, and now around 160 trees stand tall. Their beauty has been highly praised, and in 1987, Jozenji Street was selected as one of the "100 Notable Roads in Japan."

Central Greenway and Sculptures
In the center of the roadway, an 11-meter-wide greenway (a pedestrian path along the central divider) has been developed, dotted with benches. Strolling along the path under the dappled sunlight, visitors can enjoy bronze sculptures such as Emilio Greco's "Summer Memories" and Alberto Crocetti's "Woman Bathing," creating an outdoor gallery-like atmosphere in the city.

Seasonal Expressions and Events
In spring, fresh green leaves sprout like a tunnel, while in summer, the thick canopy provides a refreshing shade. Autumn paints the street with the golden and crimson hues of Zelkova trees, and in winter, the snowy landscape paired with illuminations creates a fantastical ambiance. In September, the "Jozenji Street Jazz Festival" takes place, invigorating the street with music from musicians who come from both Japan and abroad. In December, the "SENDAI Pageant of Lights" is held, wrapping the rows of trees in hundreds of thousands of electric lights. This event runs from early December until around the 31st, attracting roughly 2.8 million visitors each year. A signature feature of the event is the "Starlight Wink," where all lights are turned off at once and then turned back on.

Cultural Facilities and Urban Landscape
Along the street, there is the glass-structured cultural facility "Sendai Mediatheque," designed by Toyo Ito, which hosts libraries, video materials, exhibitions, and screenings. The surrounding area boasts Kotodai Park, Nishikoen, the Ichibancho shopping district, and the Kokubuncho dining area, offering a wide range of options for strolling, shopping, and sightseeing. Additionally, the city hall and prefectural office are nearby, making it an area where urban functionality coexists with culture and arts.

Urban Development and Environment
The section of Jozenji Street towards the station has been widened since before the war, while the densely-wooded western trees were developed as part of post-war urban planning. While the Zelkova trees soften the summer sunlight and enrich the urban landscape, the road experiences high traffic volume, posing challenges such as heat islands and exhaust emissions. The city is committed to pruning and renewing plantings to balance green conservation and traffic functionality.

Enjoying and Accessing
During the day, visitors can walk and enjoy art beneath the dappled sunlight, and at night, they can revel in the harmonious and fantastical scenery created by the illuminations and city lights alongside the trees. Popular photo spots include the view of the tree-lined street through the glass in front of Sendai Mediatheque, the contrast between the sculptures and the Zelkova, and the perspective of the trees from an intersection. Access is convenient, with a 20- to 25-minute walk from Sendai Station, and the nearby subway stations "Kotodai Park" on the Namboku Line and "Ohashi Nishikoen" on the Tozai Line. Numerous buses also operate from various directions. It is advisable to allow ample time for wandering, especially during event days when crowds gather.

Jozenji Street is a symbolic urban landscape of Sendai, harmonizing nature, art, culture, and vibrancy. Its seasonal charms and diverse events continue to captivate visitors to this day.