When traveling to Sendai, one place you will definitely use is Sendai Station. Did you know that the inside of Sendai Station is filled with a wide variety of restaurants and souvenir shops? With so many different stores, you could easily spend an entire day enjoying everything it has to offer. In this article, we introduce the ekinaka (inside-the-station) area of Sendai Station floor by floor.  

■Gyutan Street and Sushi Street (Sendai Station 3rd Floor Area)

First, let us introduce Gyutan Street and Sushi Street located on the third floor of Sendai Station. When you think of Sendai, you think of gyutan, grilled beef tongue.

-Gyutan Sendai Beef Iseya

This restaurant offers not only gyutan but also dishes made with premium Sendai beef. The Sendai steak bowl allows you to fully savor the rich flavor of Sendai beef. Side dishes such as Zao-brand pork sausages and bakurai are also popular.

-Date no Gyutan Honpo

Their premium “Shintan set meal,” made from the most tender part of the beef tongue, is especially popular. The thick-cut shintan is very satisfying.

-Aji no Gyutan Kisuke

Established in 1975, this long-standing gyutan restaurant uses traditional preparation methods, allowing you to enjoy the original flavor of beef tongue. The expertly grilled boiled gyutan is known for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

-Gyutan Charcoal Grill Rikyu

Rikyu prepares its gyutan entirely by hand and seasons it with artisanal salt before grilling. The slightly chewy texture becomes addictive after just one bite. In the evening, you can also enjoy local sake, making it a great choice for those who like alcohol.

-Tanya Zenjirou

This restaurant is dedicated to careful hand preparation. Skilled craftsmen meticulously prepare the beef tongue, from selecting the cuts to aging them properly.

-Gyutan Yakisuke

They use especially tender and well-marbled cuts of beef tongue. With counter seating only, you can watch the grilling process right in front of you.  The tail soup is also delicious. The crispy grilled gyutan pairs perfectly with rice. It is so tasty that you could keep eating slice after slice.

-Kesennuma Asahi Sushi

A long-established sushi restaurant with over 50 years of history. They offer around 30 to 40 varieties of seafood from the Sanriku region. Their original shark fin sushi can only be tasted here.

-Sushi Sanriku-mae

A restaurant where you can enjoy fresh Miyagi seafood at reasonable prices. In addition to nigiri, they also offer a wide variety of fried and grilled dishes.

-Senrei zushi

Nigiri starts from 80 yen per piece, making it perfect for those who want to try many different kinds. With around 40 varieties available at all times and a casual standing counter style, it is easy to stop by even when you are short on time.

-Sushi-dokoro Kouya

This restaurant serves sushi made with seafood from the Sanriku fishing grounds. In addition to sushi, they offer various side dishes and live fish specialties, allowing you to fully enjoy the bounty of the sea. We decided to try the “Manager’s Recommended Seven-Piece Nigiri Set.” Fresh toppings were beautifully arranged in a row. Each piece melted in our mouths the moment we tasted it. Every topping was delicious, leaving us completely satisfied. Throughout Gyutan Street and Sushi Street, you will find elements inspired by Sendai and Miyagi everywhere. Even the lockers feature playful designs that catch your attention.

■Sendai Station 3rd Floor Area

After filling up on gyutan and sushi, why not enjoy some sweets or light meals on the same floor?

-Zunda Saryo

Located right near Gyutan Street and Sushi Street, Zunda Saryo is where you can try the wildly popular zunda shake. There is an eat-in space, and they also offer authentic zunda mochi. Depending on the time, it can get crowded, so it is best to visit with extra time.

-Kikusui-an

They offer a wide range of zunda sweets, including soft serve ice cream, tapioca drinks, and floats. The drinkable shake version of their popular sweet “Kikufuku” is a must-try.

-Omiyage-dokoro Sendai

Located directly in front of Zunda Saryo and Kikusui-an, this shop specializes in souvenirs, mainly food items. It carries most of the major Miyagi souvenirs, making it a great place to shop for gifts.

-Café Mori no Kaori

Here you can enjoy siphon-brewed coffee. They also offer light meals such as sandwiches and homemade coffee jelly, making it a nice place to take a break.

-Kirin City Plus

A beer restaurant where you can enjoy Kirin beer. They serve expertly poured beer using the three-pour method, along with dishes that pair perfectly with alcohol.

-Restaurant Hachi

A long-established Western-style restaurant loved by the people of Sendai. Their classic hamburger steak and award-winning Napolitan pasta are must-try dishes.

■Sendai Station 2nd Floor Area

Next, let us introduce the second floor area of Sendai Station.

-Omiyage-dokoro Sendai

In addition to the third floor, there are several locations on the second floor. The selection of souvenirs is even more extensive on this floor, so if you want to browse thoroughly, head to the second floor. Kikufuku sweets are sold individually, making them perfect for a quick snack while walking around. We bought the zunda-flavored Kikufuku. Since it needs about 30 minutes to thaw, it is perfect to bring along on the Shinkansen or bus.

-Mochibee

They sell zunda mochi and rice dumplings made with fresh ingredients. The cute dumplings displayed at the storefront are hard to resist.

-Gyutan Ekiben Shop

Since this is Sendai, you can also buy ekiben featuring gyutan. There is a wide lineup, and popular items sell out quickly, so be sure to purchase early.

-Ekibenya Matsuri

The popular Ekiben Festival shop from Tokyo Station is also available at Sendai Station. There are ekiben you can only buy here, so do not miss out.

-MINORI CAFE

Operated by JA Zennoh, this café serves sandwiches and fruit parfaits made with Tohoku ingredients. The parfaits are especially generous in portion and very satisfying.

■Sendai Station 1st Floor Area

Finally, let us introduce the first floor area of Sendai Station. From top to bottom, the station truly offers an incredible variety. On the first floor, there is an ekinaka area called Tekute Sendai. It mainly features restaurants, many of which are connected to Sendai’s local flavors.

-Kikusui-an Zunda Stand

A separate brand from Kikusui-an specializing in zunda sweets. Popular items include drinkable zunda mochi and easy-to-eat zunda treats. There is also an eat-in space, so you can enjoy them on the spot. We chose zunda dumplings. They are designed so the zunda paste does not spill, making them easy to eat. The rich and generous filling was absolutely delightful.

-Chukaya Shokudo Menhanten

A Chinese restaurant focused on casual gourmet dishes, mainly operating in Miyagi Prefecture.  We tried the station-exclusive hot and sour wonton noodles. The sweet and spicy soup is irresistible, with a moderate tangy flavor that warms your body.

-S-PAL

The shopping center S-PAL is filled with dining, fashion, and other shops. It also has many stores selling Sendai souvenirs, making it another great place for gift shopping.  It tends to get crowded in the evening, so visiting earlier is recommended.

-Starbucks Coffee S-PAL Sendai Main Building Store

The well-known Starbucks Coffee is conveniently located along the corridor, making it easy to stop by quickly.

■If You Are Going to Sendai, the Highway Bus Is a Great Deal

The inside of Sendai Station is packed with shops, allowing you to enjoy gourmet food, shopping, and souvenir hunting all in one place. If you want to explore thoroughly, you may find that time flies by, so plan accordingly. If you are traveling to Sendai, taking a highway bus is a very economical option. Why not use the money you save to indulge in delicious food and shopping instead?   ＞＞Book a ticket from Tokyo to Sendai https://www.japanbusonline.com/en/AreaSearch2/3130000/2041009/20260218