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

Fall in love with Sendai, Japan - where culture and romance collide.

22 April 2023

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.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the City

  • Check-in at the luxurious Hotel Metropolitan Sendai and enjoy a welcome drink at the bar
  • Visit the historical site of Zuihoden Mausoleum, where the founder of Sendai, Date Masamune, is buried
  • Take a stroll through the beautiful Aoba Castle Park and catch a glimpse of the statue of Date Masamune on horseback
  • Browse the unique shops and cafes in the lively shopping district of Ichibancho
  • End the day with a delicious bowl of Gyutan (grilled beef tongue) at Rikyu Restaurant
Day 2

Nature and Culture

  • Escape the city and board the train to Matsushima, one of the three most scenic spots in Japan
  • Take a boat tour around the picturesque bay and admire the 260 small islands covered in pine trees
  • Visit the Zuiganji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the stunning architecture and artwork
  • Stroll through the serene Kanrantei Tea House and sip on matcha while enjoying the beautiful scenery
  • Enjoy a sunset dinner at the atmospheric Matsushima Fish Market, sampling fresh seafood caught from the bay
Day 3

Hot Springs and Relaxation

  • Start the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the hotel
  • Take a short train ride to Akiu Onsen and soak in the natural hot springs at Rantei Ryokan
  • Visit the nearby Akiu Great Falls, one of the three most beautiful falls in Japan
  • Enjoy a relaxing foot massage at the traditional Amayado no Kaze Japanese-style cafe
  • Experience the unique "soba no shiki" (buckwheat noodle-making) and enjoy freshly made soba noodles at Yamasan Soba
Day 4

Foodie Adventures

  • Embark on a culinary journey at the vibrant Sendai Morning Market, sampling local delicacies like sasakamaboko (bamboo leaf fish cake)
  • Visit Kokubuncho, the nightlife district and try some authentic ramen at Mutekiya Ramen or Sakanaya Ramen
  • Take a cooking class at Tsutaya Juku and learn to make the popular dish, beef tongue stew
  • Visit Yokocho, the retro alleyway and try some street food, such as grilled scallops or yakitori (grilled chicken skewers)
  • End the day with a drink at the chic bar, Bar Laut, sipping on locally brewed sake
Day 5

Art and History

  • Visit the Sendai Mediatheque, a modern architectural marvel designed by Toyo Ito
  • Explore the Miyagi Museum of Art and admire the stunning collections of Japanese and Western art
  • Learn about the history of Sendai at the Sendai City Museum and see the replica of Date Masamune's armor
  • Visit the Osaki Hachiman Shrine, an important spiritual site in Sendai
  • End the trip with a romantic dinner at the elegant Aoi Restaurant, featuring French cuisine with a Japanese touch.

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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