In Japan it could be difficult to find a place to skateboard or inline skate that is safe and also allowed without the complaints of local police or residents. Therefore, parks and skate parks are heavens the skating community often seek out. I really enjoy skating, so I checked out a place I heard about in Sendai's Taihaku ward called: Lucky Oldies Show. The skate park is inside a large brick building with a small sign over the entrance.It is adjacent to the Sendai bypass highway. If using public transportation, getting your skate on is just a ten minute walk from the JR Taishido Station. That is just one station from JR Nagamachi Station, so it is easily accessed from the JR line or transfer from the subway station there.
The main attraction are the mini ramps. They are well maintained, easy to use, and the perfect size for beginners learning the ropes or more professional skaters wanting to practice new tricks. You can skate for 4 hours for 600yen (12:00-16:00 or 16:00-20:00) or 1000yen all day if you just can't enough. There are no rental skates or boards, so you'll need to bring your own. Wearing protective gear is not mandatory, so you are advised to skate at your own risk. There are drinks sold in the store or at the vending machine outside. You'll be able to find restaurants and convenience stores in the area, so you won't need to worry much about food.
Also inside Lucky Oldies Show you'll find skater fashion and accessories sold. These street clothes are popular with some people and seem to mirror the freedom and carefree attitude some people enjoy about skate boarding culture.
Lastly, for the want-to-be skater, you can enroll in skate boarding school. Learn lessons from an experienced skater. Then you can come back later to practice on the same park again and again on your own. Many parents seem to enroll their children in these courses, but anyone is welcome.
In my view, a visit to Lucky Oldies Show is not a bad deal to enjoy an adults' playground. If you own a skateboard, why don't you stop by the store and shred on some mini ramps?
