The avenue is lined with approximately 160 zelkova trees, which were planted as part of the post-war reconstruction of Sendai.
The street serves as the main procession route for the Aoba Matsuri, one of the most significant festivals in the Tohoku region.
The promenade features the 'Summer Memories' bronze statue by Emilio Greco.
During the winter Pageant of Starlight, the zelkova trees are decorated with over 600,000 LED lights.
The central green belt, known as the Jozenji-dori Promenade, was explicitly designed to integrate nature into the dense urban center.
Jozen-dori Avenue is the primary tree-lined thoroughfare of Sendai, serving as the central axis for the city's major festivals. The street is famous for its four rows of zelkova trees that create a continuous canopy over the roadway and pedestrian walkways. It hosts the Sendai Pageant of Starlight, a massive winter illumination event covering the trees in hundreds of thousands of LED bulbs. The central median features a dedicated promenade equipped with sculptures and art installations. As a primary urban green space, the avenue connects key cultural sites in Aoba Ward. It is designed as a symbol of Sendai's identity as the City of Trees.
The center of the pedestrian promenade looking down the tunnel of trees, especially during the winter illumination.
Walk the full length of the central pedestrian median to view the various sculptures placed along the route.
Visit during the winter months specifically to experience the evening light displays.
Look for street-level cafe seating that offers views directly under the zelkova canopy.
Attempting to cross the busy multi-lane traffic outside of designated pedestrian crosswalks.
The Pageant of Starlight event occurs annually during the month of December.
