MODEL PLAN｜When My Journey Resonates with the City of Coexistence—Sendai
Historic charm, just nature enough,Colors of the Seasons, and a refined yet emotional culture—
Sendai is a city filled with wonder, nestled within a sophisticated urban landscape.
Past and present.
Nature and city.
Ocean and mountains.
People and culture.
All seem to gently take each other’s hand,
living in quiet harmony,
writing a story uniquely its own.
I want to go somewhere that feels right for me.
A journey that reflects who I am.
Let’s set out to find it.
Wrapped in the soft harmony of a breeze that whispers through the seasons,
let’s drift, gently.
Let’s discover something new.
Open the door to OF HOTEL,
and step into a story you never knew was waiting for you.
Sensing Something Familiar in the Midst of the New
At Sendai Station, people are always on the move—
students, office workers, travelers, and those here on business,
all weaving through the city in a steady flow.
Walk down Ekimae-dori, turn at the Kakyoin intersection onto Route 45,
and there it is: OF HOTEL.
A place where you can encounter Tohoku in a brand-new way.
This was once the site of a small business hotel, built 47 years ago.
It was a familiar place, loved by those just passing through.
Now, it has been renovated and reborn.
The building’s design is sleek and modern,
but somehow, in the textures and shapes that remain,
you can still feel the presence of the old hotel.
Though renewed, a trace of the past gently remains.
I checked in at the front desk.
When I asked about local spots to explore, a staff member—around my age—greeted me with a bright smile and friendly advice.
The conversation flowed easily. It felt more like chatting with a friend than with hotel staff.
In a time when check-ins are often done by machines and payments happen online,
moments like this remind me how meaningful real human connection can be.
A simple conversation can brighten your whole day.
Rediscovering My Inner Child at a Local Bookstore
After leaving my luggage behind, I wandered out and found myself at a small secondhand bookstore near Sendai Station’s East Exit.
It’s run by Araemishi, a Sendai-based publishing house—a quiet place filled with stories that echo the voices of Tohoku.
Inside are books by regional authors, eerie tales and mysteries, works on folklore, photo collections, and writings on natural disasters like the earthquake.
From the outside, it looks like an ordinary home.
But step through the door, and you’re surrounded by a maze of books stacked high, each one calling out to be opened.Time slipped away as I browsed, completely lost in the pages.
It felt like becoming a child again—curled up with a slightly difficult novel, pretending to be just a little older than I really was.
Elegant Architecture and a View That Takes Your Breath Away
After picking up two or three books at the shop, I made my way to Sendai Toshogu Shrine.
Built in 1654 by Date Tadamune, the second lord of the Sendai domain, the shrine is rich with history.
According to the caretaker who showed me around, four structures—including the main hall—are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
The craftsmanship woven into every detail of the architecture is simply mesmerizing. I found myself standing still, quietly admiring the intricate beauty.
Its location is also breathtaking.
From the Zuizinmon, perched on a gentle hill, you can gaze out across the Sendai cityscape. The view brings a refreshing sense of openness.
It was the kind of moment that stirs your senses—where elegance and clarity come together in perfect harmony. A quiet kind of joy that lingers long after you leave.
Retro Alley Adventures with a Hint of Nostalgia
As night falls, I wander into Iroha Yokocho and Bunka Yokocho, just off the bustling Sun Mall Ichibancho arcade.
These retro-style alleyways, filled with the spirit of the Showa era, come alive after dark.
Rows of long-loved izakayas—favored by office workers and regulars over the years—sit side by side with newly opened bars, quirky shops, and tiny eateries run by younger owners, all packed into the narrow passageways.
A little tipsy, cheeks flushed from a drink or two, I stroll through the alleys, letting the sounds, smells, and flickering lights wrap around me.
It feels like a childhood game of exploration—
except now, I’m all grown up.
Tasting the Soul of Tohoku Through Food and Drink
As the night deepens, I return to OF HOTEL.
But before heading up to my room, I take a short detour to BLUE, located on the basement floor.
A restaurant-bar built around the idea of harmony—like a flower blooming from the connections between producers, guests, and the place itself.
With a focus on Japanese cuisine, the menu is rich in ingredients sourced from across Tohoku: seasonal produce, natural spring water, carefully curated sake, and natural wines.
A taste of Tohoku, through food and drink.
What a beautiful way to end the day.
A bit of reading before bed,
by the soft glow of a washi paper lamp from Shiroishi in Miyagi.
With one of the secondhand books I picked up today,
I slip quietly into an extraordinary world—just for a little while.
Wrapped in the stillness of a night away from home,
I return to myself.
A quiet moment more precious than anything.
Morning light streams gently through the gap in the curtains.
It’s soft, almost tender.
A new day begins in Sendai, the City of Trees.
Everyday life stirs.
And with it, a new story quietly begins.
Breakfast is served on the second floor,
at DARESTORE COFFEE ROASTERY.
With a cup of freshly roasted specialty coffee in hand,
I ease into the morning—feeling just as fresh.
It’s the second day of my Sendai trip.
The thought of new stories waiting to unfold
brings a smile I can’t quite hide.
A Hidden Temple in the City—Wishing for Luck and Safety
After checking out of OF HOTEL,
I walked through Sendai’s bustling shopping district, Chris Road.
Suddenly, there it was—Mitakisan Fudō-in.
Known as a temple where wishes come true,
it welcomes those praying for good fortune in business and safety at home.
Along the path to the main hall, I found statues and photos
of Sendai Shiro—Sendai’s own god of good luck—
beloved by locals for generations.
As I stood in prayer before the deity,
more visitors quietly arrived, one after another.
You can feel it—how deeply the people of this city
value their work, their trades, their everyday lives.
In the heart of the city, Mitakisan Fudō-in remains—
a humble temple, gently watching over daily life,
waiting again tomorrow to bring a little more fortune to those who visit.
A Café That Perfectly Matches the Mood of the City
Late morning calm.
A 15-minute walk from Sendai Station takes you to the Katahira area in Aoba Ward—
a quiet neighborhood rich with the scholarly charm of Sendai, the “City of Learning.”
I stop by Café HEY, which opens at 9:30.
Inside, the atmosphere is quietly refined:
wooden tones, natural light streaming through large windows,
and a mature calm that invites you to linger.
The menu is a treat for both the eyes and the palate—
beautifully presented donuts, deep and flavorful coffee,
and fresh, seasonal drinks that feel crafted with care.
Time here flows gently, and somehow,
it feels like this little café belongs perfectly in the city of trees.
Next time, I’d like to sit by this window
with someone dear beside me—
watching the greenery sway just beyond the glass.
Bringing Home the Spirit of Tohoku
The final chapter of my journey.
Time to search for souvenirs that carry the spirit of Sendai and Tohoku.
I head to KANEIRI Museum Shop 6,
located on the first floor of Sendai Mediatheque, just along Jozenji-dori.
The shop is one of several run by KANEIRI,
which began in 1947 as a stationery and bookshop in Hachinohe, Aomori.
Inside, I’m greeted by a vibrant selection:
traditional crafts from Tohoku artisans,
original creations by local designers,
art and design books, unique stationery and lifestyle goods—
all thoughtfully curated.
It’s a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation,
where each item tells a story of this region.
I find myself excited and inspired,
picking up items for friends, for family,
and, just maybe, a little something for myself.
Souvenir shopping that feels less like an errand,
and more like the final, joyful echo of the journey.
In every corner of Sendai,
stories of harmony and coexistence quietly unfold.
Maybe it’s time to slow down the pace of my journey,
and walk through the city once more—this time a little more gently.
Maybe I’ll wander beyond the city center too,
to the suburbs, to the edges.
Because surely,
out there, I’ll find new stories waiting—
stories filled with comfort, balance, and quiet beauty.
When My Journey Resonates with the City of Coexistence—Sendai
Project Member
Produce：Gen Takahashi （OF HOTEL）
Model：Mai Sekine （OF HOTEL）
Creative Direction & Copy：Kenji Takayama （Why Note）
Art Direction & Photography：Natsuko Kadoyama （Kadoyama Photo Studio)