Bunka Yokocho | Location, atmosphere and visiting tips

Basics

Location: Sendai, Miyagi
Type: Yokocho (bar alleys)
Address: 宮城県仙台市青葉区一番町2丁目4-13

Good to know before you go

Right by Aobadori-Ichibancho Station (subway), centered on long-established eateries loved locally.
Its origin is said to be the Higashi Hyakkenten-gai of 1924.

You must be 20 or over to drink in Japan. If you are driving, you cannot taste. Opening days, fees and booking details may change. Check the official site for the latest information before you visit.

Breweries and distilleries nearby

Beer

Checked against official sources

BATSUJI BREWING

Sendai, Miyagi

A brewery at Bashonotsuji in central Sendai; its beer is served at the attached restaurant CROSS B PLUS.

Booking: Check the official site

Beer

Secondary sources (not confirmed with the facility)

Kokumachi Beer

Sendai, Miyagi

A brewery in Wakabayashi Ward, Sendai, with an attached beer bar serving its own beer.

Booking: Check the official site

Beer

Checked against official sources

Kirin Brewery Sendai Plant

Sendai, Miyagi

A Kirin plant offering a tour where you handle brewing ingredients and compare first-press and second-press wort. A premium tour for adults aged 20 and over is also available.

Booking: Reservation required

Beer

Secondary sources (not confirmed with the facility)

Miyagi Yuriage Brewery

Natori, Miyagi

A brewery in Yuriage, Natori, with a direct-sales shop for its beer.

Booking: Check the official site

Beer

Checked against official sources

Great Dane Brewing Japan (Akiu)

Sendai, Miyagi

A brewery that began in Wisconsin, USA, and opened this Akiu site in January 2024, with an attached restaurant.

Booking: Check the official site

Photos

Bunka Yokocho: alley — Bunka Yokocho (Sendai, Miyagi)
Photo: Sendai Blog / CC BY 2.0 ・ Photo source ・ Resized and cropped

Frequently asked questions

What is Bunka Yokocho?

Bunka Yokocho (Sendai, Miyagi) is a Yokocho (bar alleys). A Showa-flavored yokocho near Ichibancho's Sun Mall with about 50 shops.

Where is Bunka Yokocho?

It is in Sendai, Miyagi. The address is 宮城県仙台市青葉区一番町2丁目4-13.

What should I know before visiting Bunka Yokocho?

Right by Aobadori-Ichibancho Station (subway), centered on long-established eateries loved locally. Its origin is said to be the Higashi Hyakkenten-gai of 1924.

Are there breweries or distilleries to visit near Bunka Yokocho?

Within about 30 km: BATSUJI BREWING (about 1 km), Kokumachi Beer (about 2 km), Kirin Brewery Sendai Plant (about 11 km), Miyagi Yuriage Brewery (about 12 km), Great Dane Brewing Japan (Akiu) (about 13 km).

What should I keep in mind before drinking?

The legal drinking age in Japan is 20. Do not drink if you are driving. Many small bars charge a seat fee (otoshi or charge) or take cash only, so check the menu or the sign at the door before you go in.