Tohoku 2015, 2016 東北の旅 - AER Observation Terrace AER展望テラス

Visited 11.10.2015 (Sun), 12.05.2016 (Thu)



Observatory. There are two places where I will recommend to go to capture an overview of Sendai city from an elevation.

(1) Site of Sendai Castle 仙台城跡. The main compound of Sendai Castle (otherwise known as Aoba Castle) serves as an observatory for the city view.

(2) AER. Compared to Sendai Castle, this 31 storey high building is located just a stone throw away from Sendai JR Station. Formerly the tallest skyscraper in Sendai when it was opened in 1998, AER is used for both retail and commercial purposes. UNIQLO is located on the third floor and offices occupy majority of the building. The highest floor (31st) of the building is dedicated as an observation terrace for visitors to capture an excellent overview of Sendai city. Most importantly, admission here is free of charge!

Spotted a Shinkansen departing from Sendai JR Station.

Facing East. Pacific Ocean in the background.

As the sky gradually darkened.

Sunset view. Visited Sendai city on both trips to Tohoku region. On my first visit (Oct 2015), the sky has already turned dark when I arrived at the building after dinner. Though the view of shimmering city lights seen from an elevation was attractive, I could not make up much of the landmarks in the backdrop. On the second occasion (May 2016), I timed my visit to reach the observation terrace before sunset, so as to witness the transformation of scenery from daytime to nightfall. Huge glass panels are installed on the sides facing the east and west; just the perfect spot to admire the sunset view. As the train station is just adjacent to the building, the arriving and departing high speed trains on Tohoku Shinkansen line can be seen clearly from here. Facing the west side, try spotting the covered/sheltered walkway of Hapina Nakakecho Shopping Street (ハピナ名掛丁商店街) and Omachi 大町. On a clear day, the Funagata mountain range (船形連峰) encapsulating the city from the west can be seen clearly in the background.

Facing West. Funagata mountain range in the background. Can you identify the sheltered walkway of Hapina Nakakecho Shopping Street?

Just before the sun disappeared from sight.

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AER Observation Terrace AER展望テラス
仙台市青葉区中央一丁目3番1号 31F

Operating hours: 1000 - 2100 hrs
Free admission
http://www.sendai-aer.com/about#terrace

How to get there?

(1) By foot. About 2 minutes walk from Sendai JR Station West / Nishi Exit 仙台駅西口.