Sendai

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Extracurricular Activities

Sections

1. Sports and Fitness Activities

Sendai has a strong sports culture, with plenty of opportunities for both casual and competitive participation.

Popular Sports and Activities

  • Martial Arts (Karate, Judo, Kendo, Aikido):

    • Many dojos (training halls) in Sendai offer classes for beginners to advanced practitioners.
    • Cost: ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ10,000/month for regular classes. Some dojos may charge an additional registration fee.
    • How to Join: Visit the dojo to observe a class, then inquire about enrollment. Some may require a uniform (gi) and equipment, which can be purchased locally.
    • Cultural Note: Bowing and respect for instructors (sensei) and fellow students are essential.

  • Team Sports (Soccer, Baseball, Basketball):

    • Local clubs and community centers often organize leagues for children and adults.
    • Cost: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ8,000/month, depending on the club.
    • How to Join: Check with local sports centers or community boards. Some clubs may require tryouts.
    • Cultural Note: Punctuality and teamwork are highly valued.

  • Running and Cycling:

    • Sendai has beautiful parks and trails, such as along the Hirose River or in Nishi Park.
    • Cost: Free for casual runners; ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ3,000 for organized events like marathons.
    • How to Join: Look for running groups on Meetup or local Facebook groups. Cycling clubs often meet at bike shops.

  • Fitness Centers and Gyms:

    • Popular gyms include Konami Sports Club, Tipness, and municipal fitness centers.
    • Cost: ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ10,000/month for private gyms; ยฅ300โ€“ยฅ500 per visit for municipal gyms.
    • How to Join: Bring ID and fill out a membership form. Some gyms may require an initial registration fee.

Facilities to Explore:

  • Sendai Gymnasium: Hosts various sports events and offers facilities for basketball, volleyball, and badminton.
  • Miyagi Prefectural Sports Park: A large complex with fields, courts, and a track.

2. Arts and Creative Activities

Sendai has a thriving arts scene, with opportunities to explore traditional Japanese arts as well as modern creative outlets.

Traditional Japanese Arts

  • Calligraphy (Shodo):

    • Classes are available at cultural centers and private studios.
    • Cost: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ6,000/month, plus materials (brush, ink, paper).
    • How to Join: Check with local community centers or cultural organizations.
    • Cultural Note: Patience and attention to detail are key.

  • Ikebana (Flower Arranging):

    • Learn the art of Japanese flower arrangement.
    • Cost: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ8,000/month, plus materials.
    • How to Join: Look for classes at cultural centers or through the Ikenobo or Sogetsu schools of ikebana.

  • Tea Ceremony (Sado):

    • Experience the meditative practice of preparing and serving tea.
    • Cost: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ10,000/month, depending on the school.
    • How to Join: Contact local tea ceremony schools or cultural centers.
    • Cultural Note: Wearing traditional attire (kimono) may be encouraged for formal lessons.

Modern Arts

  • Painting and Drawing:

    • Art studios and community centers offer classes for all skill levels.
    • Cost: ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 per session, or ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ10,000/month for regular classes.
    • How to Join: Search for local art schools or workshops online.

  • Photography:

    • Join photography clubs or workshops to explore Sendaiโ€™s scenic beauty.
    • Cost: ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ3,000 per session for workshops.
    • How to Join: Look for clubs on Meetup or inquire at camera shops.

  • Music (Instruments and Singing):

    • Private lessons for piano, guitar, violin, and traditional instruments like shamisen are widely available.
    • Cost: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ8,000 per lesson.
    • How to Join: Contact music schools or private instructors.

Facilities to Explore:

  • Sendai Mediatheque: A hub for art exhibitions, workshops, and creative events.
  • Sendai City Cultural Center: Offers classes and hosts performances.

3. Cultural and Language Clubs

For those interested in cultural exchange or improving their Japanese, Sendai has many options.

Language Exchange and Japanese Classes

  • Japanese Language Classes:

    • Offered by community centers and organizations like the Sendai International Center.
    • Cost: Free to ยฅ5,000/month.
    • How to Join: Contact the Sendai International Center or local community boards.
    • Cultural Note: Be prepared to introduce yourself formally in Japanese.

  • Language Exchange Meetups:

    • Join groups where locals and foreigners practice languages together.
    • Cost: Free or ยฅ500โ€“ยฅ1,000 per session.
    • How to Join: Look for events on Meetup or Facebook.

Cultural Exchange Clubs

  • International Friendship Associations:

    • Participate in events like cooking classes, cultural festivals, and workshops.
    • Cost: Free to ยฅ2,000 per event.
    • How to Join: Check the Sendai International Centerโ€™s website for event listings.

  • Traditional Dance and Music:

    • Learn traditional Japanese dance or taiko drumming.
    • Cost: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ8,000/month.
    • How to Join: Contact local cultural organizations.

4. Outdoor and Nature Activities

Sendaiโ€™s proximity to nature makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking and Nature Exploration

  • Popular Spots:
    • Akiu Otaki Waterfall, Mount Izumigatake, and the Zao Mountain Range.
    • Cost: Free for most trails; guided tours may cost ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ5,000.
    • How to Join: Join hiking groups or check with local tour operators.

Gardening and Urban Farming

  • Community Gardens:
    • Rent a small plot to grow your own vegetables.
    • Cost: ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ10,000/year.
    • How to Join: Inquire at the Sendai City Hall or local community centers.

5. Volunteer and Community Activities

Volunteering is a great way to give back and connect with the local community.

Opportunities:

  • Disaster Relief Volunteering:

    • Sendai has a strong volunteer network due to its experience with the 2011 earthquake.
    • Cost: Free.
    • How to Join: Contact organizations like the Sendai Volunteer Center.

  • Community Events:

    • Help organize festivals, clean parks, or teach English.
    • Cost: Free.
    • How to Join: Check with local community boards or the Sendai International Center.

General Tips for Joining Activities in Sendai

  1. Language Barrier: While many organizations are foreigner-friendly, having basic Japanese skills will help. Consider taking a Japanese class if youโ€™re staying long-term.
  2. Punctuality: Being on time is crucial in Japanese culture. Arrive early for classes or events.
  3. Respect for Rules: Follow the rules and etiquette of the group or facility. For example, remove your shoes when entering certain spaces.
  4. Seasonal Considerations: Some activities, like hiking or gardening, are seasonal. Check schedules in advance.
  5. Community Boards: Look for flyers and announcements at community centers, libraries, and supermarkets.

Sendai offers a rich variety of extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests. Whether youโ€™re looking to stay active, explore Japanese culture, or connect with the local community, youโ€™ll find plenty of opportunities to enrich your experience in this vibrant city.