Jōzenji Street

Jozenji-dori is a major thoroughfare about 1.4 km long that runs east to west through central Sendai, and it is cherished as a symbolic street representing the “City of Trees.” In particular, the roughly 700-meter section from Higashi-Nibancho-dori to the area near Nishi Park is lined with zelkova trees arranged in four rows, creating a vivid green band between the buildings of the city center. The zelkova trees began to be planted in 1958, and there are now about 160 of them. Their beauty has been highly praised, and in 1987 the street was selected as one of the “100 Best Roads in Japan.”

Central Greenway and Sculptures
A greenway about 11 meters wide has been built in the center of the roadway, with benches placed here and there. Along the promenade beneath the dappled shade of the trees, bronze statues such as Emilio Greco’s Memories of Summer and Alberto Crocetti’s Bathing Woman are installed, giving the area the feel of an open-air gallery in the middle of the city.

Seasonal Views and Events
In spring, fresh green leaves unfurl like a tunnel; in summer, the deep green canopy provides cool shade. In autumn, the zelkova trees turn gold and crimson, coloring the avenue; in winter, snowy scenery and illuminations create a fantastical atmosphere. In September, the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival is held, enlivening the street with music by musicians from Japan and abroad. In December, SENDAI Pageant of Starlight takes place, enveloping the tree-lined avenue in hundreds of thousands of lights. The event runs annually from early December until around December 31, attracting about 2.8 million visitors each year. Another highlight is the “Starlight Wink,” in which all the lights are turned off at once and then relit.

Cultural Facilities and Streetscape
Along the street stands the glass-fronted cultural facility Sendai Mediatheque, designed by Toyo Ito, where visitors can browse books and video materials, as well as enjoy exhibitions and screenings. Nearby are Kotodai Park, Nishi Park, the Ichibancho shopping arcade, and the dining district of Kokubuncho, offering plenty of opportunities for strolling, shopping, and sightseeing. Sendai City Hall and the prefectural government offices are also close by, making this an area where urban functions coexist with culture and the arts.

Urban Development and the Environment
The section of Jozenji-dori on the station side was widened before the war, while the denser western rows of trees were developed under postwar urban planning. The zelkova trees soften the summer sun and enrich the cityscape, but as a major arterial road, the area also faces challenges such as the urban heat island effect and exhaust emissions from heavy traffic. The city continues to carry out pruning and replacement planting in order to balance the preservation of greenery with transportation functions.

How to Enjoy It and Access
During the day, you can stroll beneath the trees while enjoying the art; at night, you can take in the magical scenery created by the harmony of the illuminated trees and the city lights. Popular photo spots include the view of the tree-lined avenue through the glass in front of Sendai Mediatheque, the contrast between the sculptures and the zelkova trees, and the perspective view of the avenue from the intersections.
It is about a 20- to 25-minute walk from Sendai Station, and the nearest subway stations are Kotodai-Koen Station on the Namboku Line and Omachi Nishi-koen Station on the Tozai Line. Numerous buses also operate from various directions. As it can get crowded during events, it is recommended to allow plenty of time for your stroll.

Jozenji-dori is an iconic Sendai cityscape where nature and art, culture and liveliness are in harmony, and it continues to captivate visitors through its seasonal beauty and diverse events.