Sendai Mediatheque is open Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM, and Friday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The library and most facilities are free to use, though some special exhibitions or events may charge admission fees.
From Sendai Station, take the Sendai Subway Namboku Line to Kotodai-koen Station (2 stops, 4 minutes). Sendai Mediatheque is a 2-minute walk from the station exit. You can also take a bus or taxi from Sendai Station, which takes about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic.
Sendai Mediatheque offers a public library with books and digital resources, art galleries for rotating exhibitions, multimedia studios, conference rooms, a cafe, and free WiFi throughout the building. The facility also provides language learning materials and computer access for visitors.
Yes, tourists can freely use most Sendai Mediatheque facilities including the library reading areas, galleries, and cafe. While some services require registration with a local address, visitors can browse books, use WiFi, attend exhibitions, and enjoy the architectural space designed by Toyo Ito.
Sendai Mediatheque, designed by renowned architect Toyo Ito, features a unique transparent glass facade and distinctive tube-like structural columns that create an open, flowing interior space. The building is considered a masterpiece of contemporary Japanese architecture and offers Instagram-worthy photo opportunities for architecture enthusiasts.
Traveler reviews
One can freely explore architect Toyo Ito's work in Sendai. It's a public space with library, exhibition space and design shop. Thoughtful movable Walls and comforting lighting. There was a small 311 Earthquake recovery documentary exhibition on the library floor. A design grad show was also held on the 6F when I visited. Don't miss the elevator with clear windows that travel between floor. Make the place transparent, and certainly a futuristic experience for a public space!
We are glad we took the time to visit this building. We were able to visit Level 7, 5 and 1. Level 7, were studio rooms, but we saw pictures of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami on the building and Sendai. Very educational. We saw photo galleries in Level 5. The photos were from local artists and were worthy of a visit. Level 1 was also an interesting decoration. We learned about the architect and interior designs for every floor. It is the most interesting building to visit.
An architect by Toyoo Ito, born in Seoul, South Korea in 1941.
This is a representative example of a building that blends in with its surroundings.
Starting in the 1990s, he gradually moved toward a style that was more experimental in structure, with sensual exterior and interior spaces, most notably the "Sendai Mediatheque."
Sendai Mediatheque is located right next to Jozenji-dori. It is a versatile building that serves as both a public library and an exhibition space.
When I passed through Jozenji-dori, the unique architecture design of this building attracted my attention. From the outside, it appears as a massive glass box with intriguing, unconventional structures within. But step inside, and you’ll realize that these structures are actually elevators. It’s a clever blend of form and function.
While it is free to enter, during your exploration, please remember that many visitors are quietly immersed in their reading or study sessions. Please keep the noise level down and respect their peaceful experience.
This building is undoubtably a visual orgasm for architects.
There are many free spaces that we can use for relaxing. However, for those who want to find a place to work with laptop, this place is not recommended at all. No free electricity plug even in the cafe area.
There is a design shop at the ground floor selling fancy stuffs.
More about Sendai Mediatheque, Miyagi from our blog
