Sendai On a Budget: Cultural & Coastal Charm

Discover the hidden gems of Sendai on a budget-friendly journey through Japan.

21 June 2023

Take a walk through the history of Sendai while visiting the traditional Japanese-style homes and the centuries-old Sendai Castle ruins. On a limited budget, you can enjoy street foods and visit the free parks and gardens, such as the historic Aoba Castle Park. Make sure to hop on the Loople Sendai bus, an affordable way to see prominent landmarks along the way.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Heart of Sendai

  • Check in at Hotel Green Park Sendai, a budget option with clean, cozy rooms and friendly staff.
  • Start your day with a visit to Sendai Castle Site, the ruins of the former castle of Date Masamune, with stunning views of the city.
  • Take a stroll in the adjacent Aoba Castle Park, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city with beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.
  • Head to the bustling shopping district of Ichibancho for some retail therapy and local street food delights.
  • Visit the majestic Zuihoden Mausoleum, the final resting place of Date Masamune and one of the most ornate buildings in Sendai.
  • End your day with a relaxing dip in the hot springs of Sakunami Onsen, just a short train ride from the city center.
Day 2

Coastal Charm and Spiritual Sites

  • Start early and take a train to Matsushima, a picturesque bay dotted with over 200 pine-clad islets and one of Japan's Three Scenic Views.
  • Enjoy a scenic boat ride around the bay to fully appreciate the beauty of the landscape.
  • Visit Zuiganji Temple, a National Treasure with stunning architecture and serene gardens.
  • Head back to Sendai and visit Osaki Hachimangu Shrine, a beautiful shrine with a rich history and a majestic Grand Shrine Gate.
  • Take a walk in the lush and peaceful Mikamine Park, with scenic trails, impressive trees and seasonal flowers.
  • End your day with a dinner at Sasaoka, a local restaurant with traditional fare and affordable prices.
Day 3

Cultural Delights and Foodie Finds

  • Start your day by visiting the beautiful Sendai Mediatheque, a state-of-the-art cultural center designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Toyo Ito.
  • Head to the nearby Miyagi Museum of Art, with a great collection of Japanese and Western art and exhibitions showcasing local artists.
  • Visit Akiu Onsen, a charming hot springs town with a relaxing atmosphere and scenic surroundings.
  • Try the local specialty, gyutan (grilled beef tongue), at one of the many restaurants in the city center.
  • Explore the quirky and fun Retro Game Center Nagoya, with vintage arcade games and a nostalgic atmosphere.
  • End your day with a nightcap at Kenta Sakagushi, a cozy bar with a wide selection of sake and shochu.

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.

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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.