Sendai on a budget: 5 days of adventure!

Experience traditional Japan on a budget with a trip to Sendai.

21 June 2023

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.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Discovering Downtown

  • Check-in at Hotel Monterey Sendai
  • Walk around Aoba-dori, the city's main shopping street
  • Visit the Zuihoden Mausoleum of Date Masamune, the city's founder
  • Explore the bohemian atmosphere of Jozenji-dori avenue
  • Have dinner at Gyutan-dori, the famous grilled beef tongue street
Day 2

Mystic Temples and Forests

  • Take a train to the Matsushima Bay area
  • Visit the Zuigan-ji Temple, a national treasure with 400 years of history
  • Rent a bicycle to explore the pine-covered islands of the bay
  • Walk through the serene forests of the Entsuin Temple
  • Have a picnic lunch on the waterfront
Day 3

Samurai Adventures

  • Take a bus to the Osaki Hachimangu Shrine, home to the legendary Soma clan
  • Watch the Yabusame horseback archery show at the shrine's festival grounds
  • Explore the castle ruins and gardens of the Aoba Castle
  • Visit the Sendai City Museum to learn about Masamune's life
  • Have a cold beer at a local izakaya
Day 4

Relaxing Retreats

  • Take a train to the Sakunami Hot Springs area
  • Spend a day in traditional Japanese baths and hot saunas
  • Try the local delicacy of soba noodles with mountain vegetables
  • Take a walk through the serene valley and waterfalls surround the hot springs
  • Have dinner at a traditional ryokan inn
Day 5

Hirosaki Castle and Apple Orchards

  • Take a train to the nearby town of Hirosaki
  • Visit the stunning Hirosaki Castle, a national treasure with pristine gardens
  • Take a bus to the nearby apple orchards to pick your own fruit
  • Have lunch at a local restaurant serving apple-based dishes
  • Return to Sendai for a last night in town

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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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.

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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.