Happy new year from Team JTB Sendai! For as long as I've lived in Sendai, I've never been the famous Sendai Hatsuuri Sale. So, on the second day of January I decided to wake up early at 6:00 a.m. to see what all the commotion was about! Despite always hearing stories of all the eager shoppers lining up for a chance at a once-in-a-lifetime bargain, I was still shocked at the sheer number of people waiting at that early hour for stores in the city center to open! Some had been there since 4:00 a.m.! There was an undercurrent of excitement running through the crowds, as everyone envisioned the deep discounts, special gifts, and "lucky bags" full of brand name goods. As soon as the doors opened department store staff was ready to guide over-eager shoppers dashing towards the merchandise. Watching the spectacle unfold before me, I immediately decided to start putting some money aside to join the bargain-hunters next year!

For an experience only to be had in Sendai, and for a chance to get high class merchandise at an incredible price, the Hatsuuri Sale can't be beat! Why not take a chance on one of Sendai's famous lucky bags next year? I'll be there!

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