A Surprisingly Hidden Tourist Spot!? Introducing “Sendai Asaichi,” Just a 3-Minute Walk from the Station!

When it comes to sightseeing in the Tohoku region, the delicious seafood and mountain delicacies are part of the appeal. Just a short walk from Sendai Station, you’ll find "Sendai Asaichi," a local market packed with the finest foods from Tohoku. Despite its convenient location near the station, it remains relatively unknown to tourists, making it a hidden gem. Not only is it a great place to shop for souvenirs, but there are also plenty of stalls and eateries where you can enjoy fresh Tohoku ingredients on the spot. If you're looking to indulge in gourmet food in Sendai, this is a must-visit destination!

1. What is Sendai Asaichi?

Sendai Asaichi is located on the west side of Sendai Station, behind the commercial complexes "EBeanS" and "Sendai PARCO2." This short, 100-meter-long street is lined on both sides with wholesale and retail shops specializing in fresh produce, seafood, and dried goods. The sales areas extend beyond the storefronts into the buildings on both sides.

The air is filled with the lively calls of vendors, and the market is bustling with locals from early in the morning. Despite being called a "morning market," it is a permanent shopping street open from morning until evening on weekdays, so you can visit even during lunchtime or between afternoon sightseeing activities.

2. Sendai's Kitchen – Everything at a Bargain Price!

Known as "Sendai's Kitchen," Sendai Asaichi hosts about 70 stores selling fresh produce. The majority of them specialize in seafood and vegetables, making it the perfect place to find almost any of Sendai’s local specialties. While not yet widely known as a tourist destination, it is a great spot to shop for food-based souvenirs.

As a mixed wholesale and retail market, prices are very affordable! In addition to fresh food, there is a large selection of prepared foods such as side dishes, pickles, and processed items like kamaboko (fish cakes). Many people come here to buy ingredients for dinner or snacks for a night in. If you're staying in a hotel or ryokan, you can grab some great local flavors at a reasonable price here.

3. Fresh and Affordable Eateries!

Seeing all the fresh fish and fruit at the market will surely make you hungry. Fortunately, some shops offer food prepared on the spot. Here are three recommended eateries in Sendai Asaichi.

■ Asaichi Shokudo Shoya

Markets and morning markets are often home to great, affordable eateries catering to workers who start their day early. At Sendai Asaichi, "Asaichi Shokudo Shoya" is a favorite among both locals and tourists.

Their 500-yen coin seafood bowl is a must-try! Despite its low price, it offers a satisfying portion, perfect for fueling a busy day. Other popular dishes include sanma kanroni (simmered Pacific saury) and the luxurious "Tairyo-don" seafood bowl for those looking for a more indulgent meal.

They open at 7 AM, making it an excellent choice for breakfast if you're staying nearby. Their grilled fish breakfast set with small side dishes is just 550 yen.

(Information as of June 2019.)

■ Asaichi Ramen

Another specialty of Sendai Asaichi is the famous Asaichi Ramen. This nostalgic, old-fashioned Chinese-style ramen is light yet flavorful, making it easy to eat multiple bowls! The simplest "Chuka Soba (ramen)" is just 550 yen, maintaining the market’s reputation for great prices.

The menu is diverse, featuring options like ankake ramen (thick sauce ramen), curry ramen, and even natto ramen for the adventurous. If you're really hungry, try the mini curry or rice ball set menu for a filling meal.

(Information as of June 2019.)

■ Kogane Kaisanbutsu

"Kogane Kaisanbutsu," located in a building on the left side when heading towards Sendai Station, offers a unique service: you can buy fresh seafood from the store and have it prepared for you to eat on-site. This is especially great for delicacies like uni (sea urchin) and oysters, which taste the best when eaten fresh. The exceptional quality of the seafood will leave you truly impressed.

Every Saturday, the shop holds a special sale on seasonal seafood and salmon roe at discount prices. If you want to take home some Sendai seafood, plan to visit on a Saturday! They also offer discounted fresh delicacies 1–3 times a week.

4. Anime Shops Amidst the Scent of Fresh Fish!?

With anime culture now a major part of cities worldwide, many large cities have districts dedicated to "moe" culture. In Sendai, surprisingly, the area surrounding Sendai Asaichi is the city’s anime hub.

The Shin-Sendai Ekimae Building, which houses various market shops on the first floor, is nicknamed "Sendai Ameyoko" and has long been home to specialty stores catering to various hobbies. When Animate, Japan’s largest anime shop chain, opened a branch here in 2004, it solidified the area as a hub for anime culture. In 2015, Animate moved to EBeanS, and the space was taken over by Melonbooks, a well-known doujin (fan-made works) shop.

Today, EBeanS also houses Kikuya Bookstore’s manga section, Gamers, and Lashinbang, making it the center of Tohoku’s anime scene. If you're an anime or manga fan, be sure to check out this unique area—where fresh fish and "moe" culture blend together!

5. Next to the Market: "PARCO2" and "EBeanS"

Near Sendai Asaichi, you'll find the shopping complexes PARCO2 and EBeanS. EBeanS, also known by locals as "Endo Chain" or "Ebin," has become a subculture hotspot.

Meanwhile, PARCO2, an extension of the famous PARCO shopping center, features a restaurant floor on the first level and a cinema complex on the upper floors, making it a great place to unwind after sightseeing.

◎ Summary

While Sendai’s station area is convenient for shopping and dining, venturing just a little further to Sendai Asaichi lets you experience the city’s local culture. The market offers a rich selection of fresh foods at great prices, making it a perfect spot for picking up souvenirs. Plus, with delicious eateries and an unexpected anime scene, it’s a unique and highly recommended gourmet and cultural hotspot in Sendai!

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A Surprisingly Hidden Tourist Spot!? Introducing “Sendai Asaichi,” Just a 3-Minute Walk from the Station!