Sendai

Sendai, Japan, is famed for the remains of the 17th-century Sendai Castle as well as the city's museums, panoramic views, Buddhist temples and monuments from the Edo period. Popular activities here include visiting the Sendai City Museum with its hundreds of exhibits, including the samurai armour of Masamune. At Zuihōden Temple, you can visit the mausoleum of a feudal daimyo from the Edo period. A visit to Sendai Daikannon showcases one of the tallest statues in the world, representing a famed Buddhist bodhisattva.

This modern city also offers plenty of other exciting things to do. Kids will delight in seeing the exotic animals at Yagiyama Zoological Park and enjoy the thrill rides at Yagiyama Benyland amusement park. You can also get hands-on at the 3M Sendai City Science Museum. Plan to end your visit with a trip to the SS 30 Observation Lounge, where you'll witness fantastic panoramic views of the city and can take a selfie with this backdrop.