5 Days of Adventure in Sendai, Japan

Discover the serenity of Japan's cultural capital with a trip to Sendai.

22 April 2023

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.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival in Sendai

  • Check in at Hotel Monterey Sendai, a chic hotel with tranquil surroundings and comfortable rooms.
  • Take a stroll through Aoba-dori Street, the city's main street, adorned with fashion boutiques, restaurants and souvenir shops.
  • Visit the Zuihoden Mausoleum, the final resting place of Date Masamune, one of the city's most prominent historical figures.
  • Head to Jozenji-dori Avenue to see the unique street art sculptures that run down the middle of the avenue.
  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Gubikiya, a cozy local restaurant that serves up mouth-watering beef tongue and other Japanese delicacies.
Day 2

Nature and Sake

  • Make your way to Matsushima Bay, a picturesque bay dotted with hundreds of small islands, and take a boat ride to admire the stunning scenery.
  • Visit the Godaido Temple, located on an islet in the bay, and enjoy the panoramic views.
  • Head to Osaki Hachimangu Shrine, a stunning Shinto shrine with a beautiful surrounding park.
  • Stop at the Miyagikyo Distillery for a sake tasting and tour of the facility.
  • Have dinner at Kokeshi Dining Sakaeya, a cozy restaurant that serves traditional Sendai cuisine and local sake.
Day 3

Samurai and Markets

  • Visit the Sendai Castle Ruins, an old castle with stunning views of Sendai city.
  • Walk around the Tsutsujigaoka History Park, which tells the story of Sendai's founder, Date Masamune, and his legacy.
  • Head to the Sendai Morning Market, a bustling market that sells fresh produce, seafood and local delicacies.
  • Visit the nearby Rinno-ji Temple, a beautiful temple with a peaceful garden and ancient statues.
  • Have dinner at Butayaro, a quirky restaurant that specializes in grilled pork and unusual side dishes.
Day 4

Culture and Relaxation

  • Head to the Sendai City Museum, which exhibits the city's history, art and culture.
  • Take a relaxing bath at the Akiu Onsen, a hot spring resort located in a serene setting.
  • Visit the Yagiyama Zoological Park, a fun family-friendly zoo with various animals.
  • Take a tour of the Osaki Hachimangu Museum and discover the history of the shrine and its artefacts.
  • Enjoy dinner at Obana, a traditional Japanese restaurant that serves dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
Day 5

Food and Shopping

  • Explore the Ichibancho Shopping Arcade, a bustling covered shopping arcade that houses a variety of shops and restaurants.
  • Visit the Izumi Food Market, a large wholesale market that sells fresh seafood and produce.
  • Take a tour of the Nikka Whiskey Sendai Factory, which produces whiskey using locally sourced ingredients.
  • Have lunch at Sushikou, a sushi restaurant that serves fresh, delicious sushi rolls.
  • Spend the afternoon at PARCO shopping mall and enjoy shopping for unique and trendy items.
  • Reach the end of the itinerary.

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 in Four: History, Nature, and Cuisine

Visiting Sendai, Japan on a limited budget can still be an enjoyable experience. Opt for inexpensive accommodations such as hostels, capsule hotels, or Airbnb. Explore attractions like the Sendai City Museum, Osaki Hachimangu Shrine, and the Zuihoden Mausoleum, many of which offer free admission. Sample local cuisine at affordable eateries like Gyutan restaurants and food stalls at the Sendai Morning Market.

Sendai: Unleash Your Inner Adventurer

A family-friendly trip to Sendai, Japan offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and outdoor adventures. Explore the historic sites such as the stunning Sendai Castle and marvel at the beautiful cherry blossoms in Nishi Park. Take your children to the Sendai City Museum to learn about the region's history, followed by a visit to the sprawling Yagiyama Zoological Park to see a wide range of animals and enjoy fun-filled attractions.

4-day Adventure Guide to Serene Sendai, Japan

Enjoy the culture and history of Sendai, Japan by visiting Matsumoto Castle, one of the oldest castles in the country. Sample local cuisine such as beef tongue and sasakamaboko at the Sendai Asaichi Market. Take a relaxing stroll through the picturesque Sendai City Park and marvel at the beauty of the Hirose-gawa River.

Romantic Long Weekend in Sendai, Japan

Sendai, Japan offers a perfect mix of nature and urban bliss. A romantic getaway here is a must-do adventure for couples as it features stunning scenery, delicious cuisine, and rich culture. A visit to the hot springs or a stroll through the historic sites of Matsushima will be sure to create memories to last forever.