Clis Road is located in central Sendai, near Sendai Station and Aoba-dori Ichibancho Station. It is the city's largest shopping street, stretching across several blocks. You'll find everything from local food and fast food to stylish cafes, game centers, and high-end brand shops. Whatever you're looking for, this street has it. During the Tanabata Festival, the street becomes especially lively: shops on both sides are hung with beautiful decorations, and many hold big sales at the same time, making it an ideal time for serious shoppers to visit.
This street runs from the AER and Parco buildings all the way to Kokubuncho, and along the way it is packed with major department stores such as Fujisaki and Mitsukoshi. Fast food chains such as Subway, McDonald's, and Sukiya are on hand for anyone who wants something other than Japanese food or needs a quick meal. If you need a drink after a long walk, there are plenty of cafes, including Starbucks, St. Marc Café, and Doutor. For clothing, brands such as Aoyama, Eddie Bauer, and GAP are all represented, along with sportswear and shoe shops including ABC-Mart, which offers sneakers from many brands at lower prices than elsewhere, and Adidas, which sells everything from regular models to limited editions.
One place worth recommending on this street is Fukuro Café (Owl Café), located in the building behind the Gucci store. Admission is ¥1,200, which includes unlimited drinks. The café is home to a variety of tame, trained owls, each with its own charm, and visitors can pet or hold them under the guidance of experienced staff. There are also Japanese restaurants serving local Sendai specialties, such as sazae (turban shell) sashimi, seafood rice bowls piled with catches from the sea off Sendai, carrot tempura (carrots are one of Sendai's specialties), and bonito tataki. If you want a relaxing spot in the evening, there's also a cozy English-style pub where you can unwind. During the Tanabata Festival, held every year from August 6 to 8, each shop decorates the street with beautifully crafted paper lanterns in different designs, making it an especially popular time for visitors to experience traditional Japanese culture. It is considered the liveliest festival in Sendai.