The zelkova trees along Jozenji Street turn into a fantastic tunnel of light.

Sendai City's winter tradition is the ''SENDAI Pageant of Lights,'' where the rows of zelkova trees along Jozenji Street shine with illumination. This year (2022), which marks the 37th time, will be held from December 9th (Friday) to December 25th (Sunday). Approximately 470,000 LED lights are lit on 125 zelkova trees from Sendai Mitsukoshi-mae to Jozenji Garden Hills State Guest House, creating a fantastic tunnel of light.

A heart-shaped illumination object will be installed on the central greenway, and as a first-of-its-kind project, an observation deck will be set up on the west side of the Bansui-dori intersection where you can take photos with the pageant of lights in the background (available for donations of 100 yen or more). Also, along the road on the west side of the Bansui-dori intersection is the Sendai Mediatheque, a complex designed by architect Toyo Ito, where you can enjoy double the brilliance as illuminations are reflected in the all-glass building.

The biggest highlight of the pageant of lights is the moment the lights are lit. The sight of all the lights coming out of the darkness is a moving sight no matter how many times I see it. The lighting start time varies depending on the day of the week, from Monday to Friday at 19:00 and Saturday and Sunday at 18:00. In addition, "Starlight Wink", in which the illuminations turn off and then turn back on again, will be back for the first time in three years. It will be held on Saturdays and Sundays at 18:30 and 19:00, so don't miss out on this exciting moment.
During the event, the Loople Sendai ``Pageant of Light'' sightseeing bus will run specially from in front of Sendai Station to Jozenji Street. The view of the sparkling tree-lined avenue from the train window is also something special.

This year, various events have returned, including the ice skating rink ''Starlight Rink'' and ''Machikuru Performers Sendai,'' where performers perform street performances. From the 19th (Monday), a photo spot where you can take photos with the illuminations will appear in the citizen square, so why not take a photo as a memento of your trip?