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| Recreation Clubs and Bars There are many popular nightlife places around Sendai with some places offering entrance and drink packages. There are plenty of small bars for a quiet drink, disco-style places and karaoke bars are also in abundance. There's also a smattering of live house venues which offer a chance to kick back to live music. Many bars are sit-down style with 90 or 120min `all you can drink` offers, these often require each person to order one thing from the menu and pay a seating charge. Live Music For those with a taste in live music, some places offer local bands, some of which include the occasional ALT. There is also a lively classical music scene, and regular concerts are scheduled. Sometimes international acts/artists make it a point to stop in Sendai, some of the more recent big names include Pearl Jam, Jamiroquai, Eric Clapton, Weezer, Prince, Beck, Oasis, Kodo and Yo-Yo Ma and musicals like CATS. Sport Many ALTs take part in sporting activities at their own schools after classes end. Such sports can include football (soccer), baseball and basketball, along with traditional Japanese sports and martial arts such as Judo and Kendo. Several ALTs play football for Miyagi United, a local multi-national team. Some people indulge in both water sports (such as surfing) and snow sports, with snowboarding being the most popular of all outdoor ALT sporting activities. There are several slopes within an hours travel by public transport, or for bigger and better things take a look at the numerous Miyagi snow resorts. Sports equipment can be expensive, think about whether you want to bring gear with you on your way over or have it shipped out to you. That said, the Japanese tend to prefer buying new equipment every year or two, so there is some quality second-hand equipment for amazing prices. Hard-off and B-sports are two of several popular second-hand equipment stores in Sendai that are well known by the ALT community. Gymnasiums Those who want the rigour of the gym they are all over Sendai, depending on the some charge per session while others have a monthly membership fee. Depending on the gym, facilities can include free weights, machine weights, running or stepping machines, basketball courts, golf ranges, saunas and spas. Check with ALTs in your neighbourhood after you arrive about the deals they offer - some big savings can be made on membership fees if you sign-up at certain times and/or get a get a member to recommend you. |
