Sakura & Sparrow Dancing in Sendai

Sendai City might be known as the ‘City of Trees’ but from mid-April to early-May it transforms into the city of pink! The local parks and surrounding mountains are come to life with the bloom of beautiful cherry blossoms, and where there are cherry blossoms in Japan, you will find a party! Enjoy the best of Spring in Sendai with a hassle-free private picnic at the best location in sakura hot-spot Nishi Park. Forget sitting on a blue sheet – a comfortable set-up of chairs and tables will be waiting for you under the trees, complete with an ‘obento’ style lunchbox of local cuisine and local sake, beer and soft-drinks!** 

While enjoying your meal, you will be treated to a live performance of Sendai’s traditional ‘Suzume Odori’, or ‘sparrow dance’, by a local dancing troupe. The Suzume Odori dates back to the years of samurai lord Date Masamune, the founder of modern Sendai, and celebration of the completion of Sendai Castle. Learn more about the history of the city as you experience the legacy of ‘Date culture’ first-hand! 

In Japan there is a saying ‘Hana-yori-dango’ which literally means food over flowers, referring to the fact that cherry blossoms (whilst beautiful) are really just an excuse to eat, drink and be merry! Do as the locals do and make the most of spring in Sendai City! 

**Upgrade your meal to a Sendai-themed local lunch served in vintage tableware from the Taisho and Showa era! (20000 yen per person)**

OUTLINE

MEETING PLACE

TOUR COURSE

12:00

Meet your guide in front of West Exit 1 of Omachi-Nishikoen Station (Sendai Subway Tozai Line). 

12:05

Be guided to your private picnic set-up in Nishi Park, enjoying the spring scenes in the park along the way!

Enjoy a picnic lunch under the cherry blossoms, featuring a delicious ‘obento’ style lunchbox of local cuisine paired with local sake, beer and soft-drinks.

**Upgrade your meal to a Sendai-themed local lunch served in vintage tableware from the Taisho and Showa era (20000 yen per person)**

12:45

While you finish your tasty lunch, sit back and enjoy a live performance of Sendai’s traditional ‘Suzume Odori’ (sparrow dance) by a group of local performers. 

Throw back another sake and join in the fun! 

13:30

Picnic ends at Nishikoen Park. 

Continue your ‘hanami’ experience at the park, or take a walk up to the nearby site of Sendai Castle – the birthplace of the sparrow dance –  to enjoy sweeping views of the city and more cherry blossoms next to Date Masamune himself!