Nishi Koen or West Park of Sendai City is one of major green lands in Sendai, and it is popular in Spring [around early April] for Cherry Blossom, but it also plays an important role for Sendai Tanabata Festival fireworks night.
Traditionally, Sendai will hold its annual Sendai Tanabata Festival from August 6 to August 8. And one night before the Festival begins, there is annual Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Festival takes place on August 5th. It is generally held at Nishi Koen, or West Park, of the Sendai City. Many food stalls do businesses in the park by providing foods and drinks, also games. In this day, from afternoon to the night, many Japanese, especially young Japanese, will wear traditional Japanese robes to enjoy the gatherings with family members or friends, especially the loved one. The fireworks is about 1 hour and is a splendid social and cultural event and prelude to the Sendai Tanabata Festival, and visitors can see many Japanese walk from various directions to Nishi Koen Avenue and Park from afternoon till night for the party.
At the Park, there are numerous paper boxes which are prepared and used for garbage, food leftover, paper plate and cup, plastic bottle and cup for recycle...
Read moreVisited this park with my dog. It's located on the outskirt of downtown, so I see a fair size crowd when I come here. There's spacious grassy area where people sit around and enjoy the day. There's a very historical tea house inside the park that serves very good mochi (rice cake) including zunda mochi that is well-known as a local thing in Sendai. The tea house (serving Japanese tea) also have lunch, and there's outdoor seating if you have a dog (note that you have to be able to go inside to buy food, so if you're alone with a pet dog, I wouldn't know how to get food). There's also a shrine in this park, and a parking for shrine visitors (that's what it says on the sign). It's not the most quiet park; it is quieter than Kotodai Park, though, in my opinion. It's open 24/7. If you think there's too much going on there and you want some more piece and quiet, just walk over to Aobayama Park; it's really close, and a little hike from Nishi Park to Aobayama Park is lovely! All in all, I like this park because of what it offers and also its convenient, easily...
Read moreFun place to visit on weekend. Lots of people having picnics on mats under cherry blossoms. There were at least 20 vendors selling locally produced food for ¥500-¥600 a serving. Cherry blossoms still very beautiful even though peak viewing time has passed. There was also a small collection of vendors selling goods that appeared to be second hand . Very nice place to relax for a few hours but you need a water proof mat as there is not grass to sit on and the ground is just moist dirt. Not sure it would be worth visiting outside of cherry...
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