Kokubunchô is the largest entertainment district in all of Tohoku and is located in central Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. There are around 3,000 restaurants and bars here. Many people flock to this area every day, especially on weekends after a long work week. This area includes a variety of restaurants, izakaya (Japanese pubs), bars, nightclubs, etc. If you're thinking about a better way to party, you've come to the right place.
Neon lights, lively conversations and a warm atmosphere are the features that define Sendai's busiest district. Kokubuncho is basically divided into three separate areas. In the first area there are cheap grocery stores and pachinko parlors. The next area is mostly white collar (office workers), has better quality restaurants and bars, is a bit more expensive and is often more geared towards traditional Japanese restaurants. Finally, in the “pink zone” there are the female bars, also commonly known as “hostess clubs” or “hostess clubs”. The entry fee is usually recurring and they will motivate you to take advantage of it. Be prepared to burn your money on this type of business.
In this area that oozes diversity, there are two types of people heading to Nomikai (a drink-as-much-as-possible excursion): students and office workers looking for bars and restaurants. They walked among the guests praising the quality of their restaurant and handing out vouchers. In other words, Japan has mastered the art of relaxing after a hard day's work, which is why the concept of “Nomihodai” has found great success in the country. This method allows you to drink as much as you want (as much as you can) for a specific amount and for a limited time (between 90 and 120 minutes). Depending on the venue, a seating fee or more may apply. In addition to drinks, you are strongly encouraged to order food.
In Kokubunchô the restaurant offering is perhaps the most diverse in the city. There are a few tapas places, traditional Japanese restaurants, British pubs, etc. So this is the ideal place to try great specialties like the famous Sendai Gyutan (beef tongue) served with oxtail and barley soup.
If your budget doesn't allow you to enjoy the amenities of this area, strolling through the narrow valleys and immersing yourself in the surrounding excitement is just as fun. Seeing Kokubunchô reminded me of some manga series where our favorite characters come to life in these loud scenes. We witness humorous scenes between these happy and festive employees and these young people who are looking forward to exploring the nightlife. I heard there is a miniature version of the Arc de Triomphe, I had no luck finding it, but here's your chance to discover the French replica among the bars and restaurants in this dynamic area of Japan.
