3-Day Sendai Adventure: Sake, Samurai, and Scenery

Discover the beauty of Japan's northeast in Sendai.

03 May 2023

A trip to Sendai, Japan offers a unique blend of culture, history, and nature. Visitors can explore the city's historic sites, such as the ornate Osaki Hachimangu Shrine and the imposing Aoba Castle. For nature enthusiasts, the nearby Matsushima Bay, with its countless tiny islands, offers breathtaking scenery and delicious seafood.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Sake and Samurai

  • Stay at Hotel Metropolitan Sendai, conveniently located near the train station
  • Visit the Osaki Hachimangu Shrine, famous for its cherry blossom festival and samurai history
  • Grab lunch at Sushimasa, a sushi restaurant popular among locals
  • Take a tour of the Kameki Sake Brewery and learn about the traditional sake-making process
  • Enjoy dinner at Shichifukujin, a cozy izakaya that serves delicious grilled meat skewers
  • End the night at Jozenji-dori Avenue, a lively street with bars and clubs perfect for a night out
Day 2

Nature and Noodles

  • Start the day with a hike up Mount Aoba for stunning views of the city and its surroundings
  • Have a traditional Sendai breakfast of zundamochi, a rice cake topped with sweet soybean paste, at Zunda Saryo
  • Visit Matsushima Bay, famous for its picturesque islands and temples
  • Have lunch at Kunimi, a restaurant that serves hearty udon noodles made with local ingredients
  • Explore the Sendai Castle ruins and its adjoining museum to learn about the city's history
  • End the day with a relaxing soak in the Akiu Onsen hot springs
Day 3

City Culture and Cuisine

  • Start the day with a visit to the Zuihoden Mausoleum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the final resting place of the famous feudal lord Date Masamune
  • Take a stroll along the bustling shopping street of Ichibancho and browse for souvenirs
  • Have lunch at Usagiya, a cozy restaurant famous for its gyutan, grilled beef tongue
  • Visit the Miyagi Museum of Art to admire the extensive collection of Japanese and Western art
  • Have dinner at Kajiya, a stylish restaurant specializing in traditional Sendai cuisine
  • End the day with a drink at the Sendai Mediatheque rooftop bar, a unique and modern building with stunning views of the city.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Sendai, Japan by plane is to fly into Sendai Airport. There are multiple airlines such as Japan Airlines, ANA, and Delta Airlines that offer daily flights to Sendai Airport from major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo.

Car

Driving to Sendai from Tokyo is a straightforward route via the Tohoku Expressway. The journey takes around 4-5 hours and offers stunning views of Japanese countryside. However, please note that parking in Sendai can be difficult and expensive.

Train

If you prefer to travel by train, take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Sendai Station. The journey takes around 90 minutes and offers stunning views of Japanese countryside. Once you arrive at Sendai Station, you can take the subway or bus to reach your destination.

Boat

There is no direct boat service to Sendai as it is not a coastal city. However, you can take a ferry from Tokyo to Sendai via the Shinjuku Ferry Terminal in Tokyo. The journey takes around 12 hours but can be a relaxing and unique way to experience Japan's coastline.

Bus

Traveling to Sendai by bus is a cheaper alternative to trains and flights. Major bus providers like Willer Express, JR Bus, and Tobu Bus have daily services from Tokyo, Osaka, and other major cities. The journey takes around 5-6 hours depending on where you are coming from and where you are going.

Destination

Sendai

Welcome to the land of delicious sushi, picturesque landscapes, and home to the world-famous statue of a giant samurai that will leave you feeling rather inadequate about your own height. Come explore Sendai, a city that promises to leave you mesmerized and your stomach full.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Sendai on a Budget: Culture, Nature, and Food

Despite being one of the largest cities in Japan, Sendai can be explored inexpensively by using the city's efficient public transportation system to visit historic sites such as Sendai Castle and the Osaki Hachiman Shrine. For affordable meals, visit Sendai's bustling street food markets or try the local specialty, gyutan (grilled beef tongue), at one of the city's budget-friendly restaurants. For lodging, consider staying at a capsule hotel or a budget-friendly business hotel near the city center.

Fall in love with Sendai: A 5-day romantic getaway

A romantic trip to Sendai, Japan offers a picturesque blend of traditional and modern cultures. The city's dramatic natural scenery of lush green expanses invites visitors to explore tranquil parks, waterfalls and cedar forests. The city also boasts of world-class cuisine, art, and trendy shopping districts, making it an ideal destination for a romantic getaway.

Sendai on a budget: 5 days of adventure!

A trip to Sendai, Japan on a limited budget is still achievable with the abundance of affordable accommodations like capsule hotels and guesthouses. Take advantage of free attractions such as visiting the historic Sendai Castle Ruins and the peaceful Zuihoden Mausoleum. Don't forget to taste the local specialty, gyutan (grilled beef tongue), at affordable prices in the many restaurants around town.

Sendai on a Budget: A Day of Japanese Delights

On a limited budget, a trip to Sendai, Japan can still be enjoyable. The city offers affordable accommodations such as guesthouses and low-cost transportation options including a one-day bus pass. Visitors can explore the city's rich history and culture by visiting historical sites and participating in local festivals without breaking the bank.