I'm wondering whether to apply to Touhoku University (among others) for graduate school but I'm getting differing opinions on what it's like to live there.

I understand that the tsunami/earthquake related destruction is on the coast and not really an issue. Some people tell me that there's nothing there and it's boring and others say that there's nothing wrong with the city, so I'm a bit clueless.

Does anyone have any experience or friends who know about it?

I was on a train once to Sendai, and was approached by a 10 year old kid because I was playing DS. He was from Sendai and was going home.
I asked him what was fun to do in Sendai, and what him and his friends would do.

He said the most interesting thing in Sendai was Jusco.

I've been to Sendai many times and have spent extended periods of time there. It all depends on what you mean by "nothing to do". If you are looking for a club scene (or just a lively nightlife in general, not including drunken nomikai at izakaya) or a range of exotic cuisine, then Sendai is probably not your place. However, it has a lot to recommend it. It feels very uncrowded compared with most large Japanese cities, with a compact downtown so it is easy to get around the places you need to shop on foot. There are great places for walking with some really nice hikes on forested hills inside the city limits, accessible by a short bus ride and walk from downtown. More extensive hiking and skiing in the season is nearby, again easily accessible by train and/or bus. Lots of temples/shrines and quiet spots sprinkled around, too.

Why not universities in Tokyo?

Visit an area/university before you commit yourself to spending the next 2+ years there.

Where do I start......This could be a really long reply but I am going to try and keep it short and sweet.

In terms of living, I think Sendai would have to be one of the best cities in Japan. Things are relatively cheap, the city is of a decent size (but not excessively huge), the population is probably the perfect size and it doesn't have that concrete jungle feel to it. Everything you could want is there - all the well known stores, izakayas, night clubs, of course Tohoku University, beautiful scenery and friendly people. In the beginning I did get a bit bored sometimes but that was because a) I hadn't developed a really close group of friends yet - once you do no matter where you go as long as you are together it is fun right and b) I was still a bit apprehensive to go out 'exploring'.

I could go on and on and on, but I think it would be better if you asked some more precise questions about things you want to know - would be happy to answer

Forgot to add if I could go back tomorrow I would, no questions asked.

Asriel Wrote:I was on a train once to Sendai, and was approached by a 10 year old kid because I was playing DS. He was from Sendai and was going home.
I asked him what was fun to do in Sendai, and what him and his friends would do.

He said the most interesting thing in Sendai was Jusco.

You asked a 10 year old kid - of course he is going to say Jusco...or the Disney Store

[Zgarbas]

Jarvik7 Wrote:Visit an area/university before you commit yourself to spending the next 2+ years there.

Not anyone can afford visiting a place that's a $1000 plane-ticket away. And anyway, visiting for a few days might not give you a proper outlook.

fakewookie Wrote:Why not universities in Tokyo?

I am applying to a couple there as well as in Kyoto, I was wondering whether to add Touhoku as a backup.