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Takanawa Travel K.K.,
Kitashinagawa 5-11-1
Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan

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Sendai Mediatheque
Sendai Mediatheque
Sendai Mediatheque
Sendai Mediatheque
Sendai

Sendai Mediatheque, Miyagi

4.1 (2753)Cultural CenterCommunity CenterEvent VenueServicePoint Of InterestEstablishment

The Sendai Mediatheque stands as one of Japan's most innovative cultural facilities, designed by renowned architect Toyo Ito and completed in 2001. This groundbreaking structure redefined the concept of public libraries and cultural centers, earning international acclaim for its revolutionary transparent design that blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.

The building's cultural significance lies in its role as a catalyst for Sendai's urban renewal and its influence on contemporary Japanese architecture. Ito's design philosophy emphasized creating a "mediatheque" rather than a traditional library, fostering multimedia interaction and community engagement. The structure features 13 distinctive steel tube columns that serve both structural and aesthetic purposes, creating an iconic silhouette that has become synonymous with modern Sendai.

Visitors can explore seven floors of diverse cultural spaces, including extensive library collections, art galleries, multimedia studios, and performance venues. The building houses approximately 450,000 books and materials, along with rotating contemporary art exhibitions and digital media installations. The transparent glass facade offers panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape, while the unique tube structure creates dramatic interior perspectives that shift throughout the day as natural light filters through the building.

The Mediatheque is located in Aoba-ku district, easily accessible via the Tozai Subway Line to Kokusai Center Station, followed by a 5-minute walk. Alternatively, take the JR Sendai Station and walk approximately 15 minutes or use local bus services. Admission is free for the general library areas and most public spaces, though special exhibitions may charge separate fees ranging from ¥300-800. The facility serves as both a functional public library and an architectural pilgrimage site, attracting design enthusiasts and casual visitors alike who come to experience this masterpiece of contemporary Japanese architecture.


Hours
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Phone
+81 22-713-3171
Website
www.smt.jp


The area

Address
Japan, 〒980-0821 Miyagi, Sendai, Aoba Ward, Kasugamachi, 2−1 1F

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Phone

+81 22-713-3171

Website

www.smt.jp

What other travelers are saying about Sendai Mediatheque, Miyagi

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.

Nearby attractions to see

Zuihōden (Grave of Date Masamune)

Zuihōden (Grave of Date Masamune), Sendai

Sendai Tanabata Festival

Sendai Tanabata Festival

Tsutsujigaoka Park

Tsutsujigaoka Park

Nearby attractions to see

Zuihōden (Grave of Date Masamune)

Zuihōden (Grave of Date Masamune), Sendai

Sendai Tanabata Festival

Sendai Tanabata Festival

Tsutsujigaoka Park

Tsutsujigaoka Park


Frequently Asked Questions

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.
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Susan Lam
Jun 20, 2023
Enjoyed our time here, it’s a stunning contemporary building with great spaces to read, flooded by daylight from the huge glass windows. Gift shop has done wonderful items.
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Jennifer Duvalier
Jan 9, 2026
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.
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Javin Yam
Mar 4, 2024
Really good place to both read and quietly relax if you want a library. There are plenty of seats with power source so you can charge your phone here. All the books are mostly in Japanese. There is a cafe and shop that you get stationary.
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Henry Chew
Oct 30, 2025
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.
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andhang rt
Mar 14, 2018