Starlit Sendai Nights: Pageant of Starlight Open-Top Bus Tour

On December nights in Sendai, the “City of Trees” turns into a city of light. Zelkova trees along Jozenji-dori Avenue are wrapped in hundreds of thousands of LEDs, forming a glowing golden tunnel known as the Sendai Pageant of Starlight—the largest winter illumination in the Tohoku region. Instead of weaving through the crowds on foot, this Sendai Pageant of Starlight Tour by Open-Top Bus with English Guide lets you sit back, wrap your scarf a little tighter, and enjoy the show from a warm, elevated vantage point—plus visit the festive Sendai Christmas Market at Nishikicho Park.

Why See the Pageant of Starlight from an Open-Top Bus?

Front-row seat to a “tunnel of light”

Every winter, Jozenji-dori’s 127 zelkova trees are strung with around 400,000–600,000 lights, turning the avenue into a shimmering corridor of gold. From the upper deck of the double-decker bus, you’re eye-level with the branches—close enough to feel like you’re actually inside the illumination.

Comfortable, no-navigate sightseeing

Jozenji-dori is one of Sendai’s most popular winter spots and can get crowded, especially on weekends and around Christmas. On this tour, you don’t need to worry about directions, traffic lights, or jostling for the best photo spot. Just climb aboard, settle in, and let the driver and guide handle the logistics.

English commentary you can actually follow

The Pageant of Starlight began in 1986 with the aim of “brightening up Sendai in winter” and transforming the “City of Trees” into a “City of Light.” Your English-speaking guide will share stories like this along the route, plus point out notable landmarks and local trivia you’d probably miss if you were exploring alone.

Romantic, photogenic, and very “Japan winter”

The combination of warm lights, crisp air, and the quiet hum of the city makes this tour feel like stepping into a winter movie. Couples can snuggle up under the lights, friends get a fun seasonal outing, and photographers get a rare elevated angle over Jozenji-dori.

Tour Snapshot

A quick look at what to expect on the Sendai Pageant of Starlight Open-Top Bus Tour:

• Tour type: Night sightseeing tour by double-decker open-top bus
• Guide: English-speaking guide (or English support)
• Route: Illuminated Jozenji-dori Avenue and central Sendai streets
• Season: Limited departures during the Sendai Pageant of Starlight (early–late December; exact dates vary by year)
• Special stop: Time to enjoy the Sendai Christmas Market at Nishikicho Park
• Ideal for: Couples, families with older kids, small groups, and night-photography fans

👉 Check current schedules, prices and available dates on VELTRA

What You’ll See on the Route

Jozenji-dori’s iconic “tunnel of light”

The highlight of the tour is Jozenji-dori Avenue itself, a tree-lined boulevard in central Sendai that glows with hundreds of thousands of golden lights every December.

From the open-top deck, you’ll pass directly beneath illuminated zelkova branches, with statues, benches, and the central promenade faintly visible beneath the glow. This is where you’ll get your most dramatic photos—especially when the lights reflect off wet pavement or fresh snow.

Night views of downtown Sendai

Beyond Jozenji-dori, the bus rolls through central Sendai, giving you glimpses of illuminated buildings, side streets, and other decorations that pop up around the city in December. It’s a great way to get oriented if you’ve just arrived.

Festive stop at the Sendai Christmas Market

Midway through the tour, you’ll hop off at the Sendai Christmas Market in Nishikicho Park, a European-style market with rows of wooden stalls, hot drinks, and a 5-meter Christmas tree—said to be the largest in the Tohoku region.

Expect:

• German-style huts selling ornaments, crafts, and winter goods
• Hot drinks (including mulled-style options and cocoa), hearty soups, and grilled dishes
• Plenty of twinkling lights and photo spots inside the park

You’ll have free time to explore, snack, and shop before reboarding the bus.

Sample Evening Itinerary

Exact times can change year to year and by provider, but a typical tour might look like this:

• Check-in & boarding
  • Meet at the designated bus stop in central Sendai (details on your voucher).
  • Staff confirms your reservation and gives a brief safety explanation.
• Drive along Jozenji-dori & central Sendai
  • The bus slowly cruises along Jozenji-dori, passing under the illuminated trees.
  • Your guide explains the history of the Pageant of Starlight and points out statues, parks and landmarks.
• Stop at Sendai Christmas Market (Nishikicho Park)
  • You disembark for around 20–30 minutes of free time (duration may vary).
  • Wander the stalls, pick up snacks, and take photos with the big Christmas tree and light displays.
• Return ride & drop-off
  • Reboard the bus and enjoy one more pass through the city’s lights.
  • The tour ends back near the starting point, convenient for grabbing a late dinner or returning to your hotel.

Some operators offer multiple evening departures and slightly different routes, so always check your chosen time slot’s exact itinerary on the booking page.

When to Go – Dates, Hours & Best Timing

Pageant of Starlight Season

The Sendai Pageant of Starlight usually runs from early December to around Christmas or late December. Recent schedules have seen dates like:

• Early December start (around Dec 5–6)
• End date between Dec 25 and Dec 31

Illumination hours tend to be early evening through night, for example, roughly 18:00–22:00, with slightly extended hours around Christmas Eve.

Because event dates and times change every year, always double-check the current year’s schedule and your specific bus departure in advance.

Best time of night to ride

• Earlier departures (around 17:30–19:00):
• • Best for families with children and anyone sensitive to the cold.
  • Easier to combine with an early dinner.
• Later departures (around 19:30–21:00):
• • The sky is fully dark, so the lights look more intense in photos.
  • Feels more romantic and “late-night city” in mood.

Practical Info – Getting There, Weather & Accessibility

Meeting point & how to get there

The open-top bus typically departs from a central Sendai location within easy reach of Sendai Station by subway or on foot. Your exact meeting spot will be printed on your voucher.

To access Jozenji-dori and the surrounding area on your own:

• Take the Sendai Subway Namboku Line to Kōtōdaikoen Station; Jozenji-dori is about a 3-minute walk.
• Nishikicho Park (Christmas Market venue) is also within walking distance of Sendai Station.

What to wear in December

Sendai winters are cold, especially at night—and you’ll be on an open-top bus with extra wind chill. Plan for:

• Warm winter coat
• Scarf, gloves, and hat or earmuffs
• Thermal layers, thick socks, and closed-toe shoes or boots
• Disposable heat packs (kairo) for pockets or shoes

Even if lower-deck seats are available, the upper deck is exposed to the elements, so dress as if you’ll be outdoors for the entire evening.

Accessibility & seating

• Access to the upper deck is via stairs; those with mobility issues may prefer lower-deck seating if available.
• Because it’s an open-top bus, operations may be adjusted or cancelled in case of strong winds or severe weather; operators will advise on refunds or changes according to their policy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Secure the Vibes

When your winter scroll is full of aesthetic illuminations and Christmas markets, this is your sign to make it real life. The Sendai Pageant of Starlight Open-Top Bus Tour wraps you in golden lights, downtown city vibes, and cozy Christmas Market energy—all without you having to plan a thing. Just bundle up, grab your favourite people, and let the bus do the work while you soak up main-character views of Jozenji-dori.