Known for being Tohoku's largest city, areas in and around Sendai offer a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler’s preferences and budget.
Located around 90 minutes north of Tokyo via shinkansen (or 25 minutes by train from Sendai Airport), Sendai (仙台) is the capital of Miyagi prefecture, Sendai makes for a great base offering easy access to day trips further north or west to Yamagata. Sendai tends to be the first trip travelers take once going north of Tokyo, and for good reason! It's convenient, less crowded than other major cities, and is a great stop on your travels up the main island toward Hokkaido.
Where to stay when visiting Sendai
Sendai is known as the "City of Trees," and is the largest city in the Tohoku region. Not only is it the gateway to the deep north of Japan, but also a city that has perfected the harmony of nature and metropolis. Sendai has lots to offer including shopping centers, historic sites, unique food, and awe-inspiring festivals. Below are some of the more popular lodging areas in and around Sendai.
Sendai Station Area
Best for: Travelers looking to spend a couple days in Sendai and planning to take the shinkansen to their next destination.
The immediate area around Sendai Station has many hotels—ranging from high-end to budget—including some inside the station itself. Most hotels are within walking distance and offer great amenities depending on your needs. The Sendai Metropolitan is a popular hotel for its convenient distance from the station (less than 1 min) and for its luxury restaurants and lounge. Another highly recommended hotel is the Sendai Kokusai Hotel. It's located just a 6 minute walk from the station and is close to the Sendai Morning Market as well as other popular tourist destinations and restaurants. Regardless of which hotel you choose, finding one that is within a reasonable distance from the station won't be too difficult and is a perfect way to get the most out of your stay in Sendai.
Akiu Onsen Area
Best for: Travelers looking for that traditional Japanese onsen feel but westernized hotel stays.
Akiu Onsen is a highly popular natural hot springs area located southwest of Sendai city central. There is a long history in Akiu including stories of Date Masamune, the powerful samurai lord of the Sendai Domain during the Edo Period, staying in the area and enjoying the hot springs. The area is accessed via shuttle bus (depending on which hotel or ryokan you've booked), by car, or by Sendai city bus. Akiu is a great area to stay at traditional Japanese ryokan or ryokan-inspired hotels while relaxing in the many natural hot springs in the area. There are also beautiful natural views including Akiu Otaki Falls and Rairaikyo Gorge. For samurai history buffs, staying at the Hotel Sakan comes highly recommended. Hotel Sakan is famous for flourishing during the Tokugawa Shogunate rule and being the host of Date Masamune himself.
Matsushima Bay Area
Best for: Travelers looking for scenic bay views and resort-styled stays.
The Matsushima Bay area is located an easy 40 minute train ride from Sendai Station via the JR Senseki Line. Matsushima is arguably one of the fastest growing tourist spots in Miyagi Prefecture, already famously known as one of Japan's Top Three Scenic Spots alongside Amanohashidate in Kyoto Prefecture, and Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture. Hotels in the Matsushima Bay area vary from guesthouses, ryokan, to ocean-view hotels. For guests looking to get the guided tour of Matsushima before ending their day relaxing at their hotel in the area, consider joining our Matsushima Highlights tour.
Small Group
1-Day Tour from Sendai: Matsushima Bay — Highlights from One of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views
- Spots:
- Matsushima
- Pick-up:
- Sendai
- Drop-off:
- Sendai
Sendai Airport Area
Best for: Travelers with a short overnight stop in Sendai and headed to Hokkaido next.
Sendai Airport is a common way for guests looking for convenient and quick travel to Hokkaido during their Japan trip via plane. Staying near the airport is a great way to ease your mind on the day of your flight out of Sendai. There are a couple hotels affiliated specifically with Sendai Airport that offer shuttle services such as Hotel Route-inn Natori. There is also a Sendai Airport Access Line that goes directly to Sendai Station for those looking to get a day-trip of the city out of their brief stay near Sendai Airport. The trip is about 25 minutes one way and costs 680 yen.
How to Get to Sendai
Sendai is situated along the Pacific coast of Honshu, Japan’s main island, and is easily accessible via the Tohoku shinkansen from Tokyo. It is often referred to as the gateway to Tohoku thanks to its convenient location which offers a pathway into the lesser traveled roads of northeastern Japan.
Plan Your Visit to Japan with Snow Monkey Resorts
Snow Monkey Resorts is committed to aiding you in your travels to Japan to create lasting memories. We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide in several locations in Central Japan.
Looking to Experience More?
Heading to Sendai using the rail system is quick, easy, and comfortable. Unfathomable in its size and efficiency, moving around the country by train opens-up all regions of Japan for exploration. For the northeastern region specifically, see our Tohoku Tours page for more information about current tours we offer.
Our ‘Plan Your Visit’ page has everything you need to know about visiting Japan in general – from tips on the best time to travel, times to avoid, entering and exiting the country, money matters, staying connected, accommodation, staying safe and healthy, and plenty more to ensure that you get the most out of your time here.
Got a question about visiting Central Japan? Contact us and let’s get planning together!
