Sendai Splendors: A 5-Day Family Adventure on a Budget!

Discover family adventures and cultural wonders in enchanting Sendai, Japan!

19 July 2023

A family friendly trip to Sendai, Japan offers a perfect blend of historical and modern attractions. Visit the highly acclaimed Sendai City Museum to explore exhibits showcasing the city's rich history, followed by a serene stroll in the picturesque Kamakura Avenue. Kids will cherish the opportunity to interact with adorable foxes at the Zao Fox Village, making it an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Confectionary Capital

  • Stay at Hotel Metropolitan Sendai, an elegant oasis for families.
  • Begin your sweet adventure at Zunda Saryo, famous for their green tea parfaits.
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the bustling shopping street of Ichibancho, with dozens of charming boutiques.
  • Admire the impeccable craftsmanship of the historic Osaki Hachimangu Shrine.
  • Linger at Nichigasuki, a whimsical store offering a delightful variety of traditional Japanese sweets.
  • Treat yourself to a dazzling array of macarons at the heavenly Pierre Hermé Paris boutique.
Day 2

Serene Sights and Street Food Delights

  • Indulge in a scrumptious breakfast at Krispy Kreme for a sweet kickstart to your adventures.
  • Explore the picturesque ruins of Aoba Castle, with breathtaking views of the city from its hilltop perch.
  • Get lost in the maze of stalls at the Sendai Asaichi morning market, feasting on local delicacies like gyutan (grilled beef tongue).
  • Spend the afternoon walking through the peaceful oasis of Kotodai Park, perfect for picnics and people-watching.
  • Savor a delicious dinner of gyoza (Japanese dumplings) at the lively Gyoza no Ohsho restaurant.
  • End the day with a soothing onsen soak at Akiu Onsen, just a short train ride away.
Day 3

A Cultural Extravaganza

  • Start with a hearty breakfast at Café de Meursault, known for its fluffy pancakes.
  • Immerse yourself in the kaleidoscope of art at the Sendai Mediatheque, a futuristic architectural wonder.
  • Enjoy a lunch of soba noodles at the quaint Sasaya Soba, a local favorite for its elegance and flavor.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful Jozenji-dori Avenue, lined with impressive sculptures and charming cafes.
  • Explore the history and traditions of the region at the Sendai City Museum, featuring fascinating exhibits.
  • Satisfy your sushi cravings at Sushitetsu, where the freshest seafood melts in your mouth.
Day 4

Nature's Splendors and Culinary Gems

  • Begin the day with a delightful brunch at Chocolatier Palet d'Or, known for its decadent chocolate creations.
  • Discover the magical world of Zuihoden Mausoleum, the final resting place of Date Masamune, an iconic figure in Japanese history.
  • Delight in the natural beauty of the Rakutei Gorge, with its crystal-clear waters and picturesque hiking trails.
  • Indulge in a mouthwatering seafood feast at the bustling Shiogama Fish Market, offering a plethora of treasures from the sea.
  • Experience the perfect harmony of flavors at Sumibiyakiniku Nakahara, a top-notch yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant.
  • End the day with a relaxing evening at the Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium, discovering the wonders of the ocean.
Day 5

Festivities, Parks, and Farewell Wishes

  • Celebrate your last day with a delightful breakfast at Café de Étoile, known for its whimsical atmosphere.
  • Join in the vibrant festivities at Sendai Pageant of Starlight, where millions of twinkling lights transform the city into a magical wonderland.
  • Enjoy a serene walk through Hirose-gawa Riverside Park, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature.
  • Treat yourself to a delectable lunch at Warajiya, a charming restaurant specializing in Sendai's local specialty, gyutan.
  • Bid farewell to Sendai with a visit to the stunning Rinnoji Temple, an architectural gem nestled amidst lush gardens.

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

5 Days of Adventure in Sendai, Japan

A trip to Sendai offers visitors the chance to explore the largest city in the Tohoku region, known for its beautiful scenery and rich history. Popular attractions include the historic castle ruins of Aoba, the scenic Matsushima Bay, and the bustling shopping streets of the city center. Visitors can also indulge in the local food, including specialty dishes such as beef tongue and zunda mochi.

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.

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 Samurai Adventure: Sake, Sushi, and Soulful Memories

A family-friendly trip to Sendai, Japan would be a delightful experience filled with cultural immersion and exciting adventures. Explore the famous Sendai Castle, where kids can dress up as samurais while learning about the city's history. Take a scenic boat ride along the Matsushima Bay, dotted with picturesque islands, and indulge in the delicious local cuisine, including mouthwatering seafood and delectable street food.