5 Best Shopping in Tohoku, Japan

Below Sendai Station, this shopping area carries all kinds of souvenirs and will save you time if you're looking for local knickknacks. Follow the signs to S-PAL and head to the basement, but if you like shopping, then be sure to give yourself plenty of time to wander around. There is even an area full of a variety of restaurants.

This wealthy merchant's house was built sometime between the Edo and Meiji periods (1600–1868) and has a distinguished historical presence. It is now a miscellaneous store carrying lots of bamboo baskets, straw sandals, and other local wares. It's in a great area to wander around. Behind the store is a willow tree and the river—quite a scenic view.

Specializing in quality folk crafts like lacquerware, dyed fabrics, kites, and pottery, this shop is composed of several small buildings around a courtyard. You can walk through the charming courtyard to a small café, where cold water is available to everyone. The buildings are interesting and there is an even a little lacquerware-making area.

This store is tops for folk crafts and creative wares from around Tohoku, such as kokeshi dolls, Nambu ironware, and cherry-bark crafts, jewelry resembling red caviar, and even a unique blue lacquer they have developed. The store is about a 10-minute walk from Sendai Station. Follow the covered Clis Road and continue into the next covered arcade named Marble Road. Look for the kokeshi dolls on display out front on the left.

This store carries a whole variety of handsome cooking knives, wasabi grinders, lacquered chopsticks, teapots, and other useful items. It also has unique pet supplies. Why not get your dog some Sendai gyutan treats?