Places You'll See
Highlights
- Marvel in the beauty of one of Japan's Top Three Scenic Views
- Discover the unique samurai history of Sendai
- Partake in spiritual pilgrimages important to Japanese Buddhism
- Climb the 1,000+ stone steps of Yamadera and see a panoramic view of the valley below
- Visit the the tallest statue of a goddess in Japan
- Witness architecture and artifacts that are designated National Treasures
- Taste a Miyagi delicacy zunda mochi paired with traditional matcha
Description
Located roughly 2 hours north of Tokyo, Sendai is known as the gateway to the north and is the largest city in the Tohoku region. This modern and innovative city has a diverse food scene, great access to nature, and vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal place to stay as you travel across Japan, especially those looking to make their way to Japan's northernmost region Hokkaido.
Only have time for a short trip to Sendai? This 3-day itinerary allows you to make the most of your time in the region and conveniently returns to Sendai each night—thus making it possible to stay in the same hotel during your stay.
*ESTIMATED BUDGET – Please note that the estimated budget advertised on this page is only for the cost of the tours and what they include. Some tours may include transportation between tour destinations via tour buses. However some tours do not include transportation between tour destinations, and you will need to book your own transportation in such cases. Please refer to each tour listed on this page for further information on what is not included.
Day 1 SENDAI
How to Start Your Day
As the largest and most easily accessible city in Tohoku, Sendai is well suited to a multi-day visit combining popular locations within the city and surrounding regional highlights.
Sendai was founded by a powerful samurai lord named Date Masamune during the Edo Period. Thanks to the foundations he set, Sendai has thrived over the centuries and continues to be a cultural hub of the north. Known as the "City of Trees," spend your first day visiting the central historic highlights.
Historic Sendai Tour: Date Masamune’s Legacy / All Year Round
This is the perfect tour for history lovers – especially samurai history! This tour of Sendai gives you insight to the city's dynamic heritage and to the influential Date Clan that fostered the city’s prosperity into what it is today. Starting with a in-depth storytelling of Date Masamune and his family at the mausoleum, you will then venture throughout the city hitting many of the significant highlights. This includes a museum tour which offers an overarching look at samurai history, the Date Clan, and Sendai's roots in general. You will then visit locations such as the site of the Sendai Castle Ruins, a preserved Edo period tea house, and an architecturally significant Date Clan shrine.
This tour allows you to take in not only the interesting history of the city, but also get a close look at the National Treasures that exemplify the power of the Date Clan and artistic style of early seventeenth century architecture.
How to End Your Day
After your tour concludes, you'll have free time to explore the vibrant city of Sendai at your own pace. We highly recommend staying near the Sendai Station area, offering convenient access to transportation and easy access to a variety of dining options, museums, and shopping experiences, ensuring that your time in Sendai is both enjoyable and hassle-free.
Recommended Accommodation
As Tohoku's largest city, Sendai has a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler’s preferences and budget.
The area immediately around Sendai Station has many hotels—ranging from high-end to budget—including some inside the station itself. Located within walking distance from the station, the Ichibancho area of Sendai is the city’s main shopping and entertainment district. As such the area has many great options for travelers looking to enjoy the city’s fine dining or nightlife. For travelers looking for a more traditional stay, Akiu or Sakunami Onsen and the surrounding areas also have many traditional ‘ryokan’ to choose from.
Check out our Tohoku & Nikko destination page for more information.
Day 2 DAIKANNON STATUE & YAMADERA
How to Start Your Day
Sendai's location makes it ideal for exploring both large cities and remote hidden gems alike. One of the most fascinating locations in the region is Risshaku-ji Temple, also known as Yamadera. Located in the western adjacent prefecture of Yamagata, this scenic and historic temple offers a perfect day getaway from the busy city life of Sendai. Paired with a brief stop at the iconic Sendai Daikannon Statue, you can reach two spiritual locations in one day. The travel in between is just as lovely thanks to the scenic train ride through lush mountains. Whether you’re after spiritual discovery or breathtaking landscapes, our second day of the itinerary provides a perfect counterpoint to Sendai's urban energy.
Spiritual Pilgrimages of Sendai Daikannon Statue and Yamadera Temple / March - November
Day Tour
¥26,400
This tour will grant you a day of spiritual significance, historical interest, and natural beauty. Sendai’s Daikannon (White Robbed Colossus) Statue and Yamagata’s Yamadera Temple (Risshaku-ji) are some of the most breathtaking sights located in the Tohoku region of Japan. You will not only witness Daikannon's impressive statue outside, but also venture inside to learn about the spiritual artifacts housed within its 100 meter walls. Then your journey will take you to Yamadera Temple. Here you will partake in the 1,000+ stone step pilgrimage up the mountain temple while learning about its history, spiritual importance, and artistic influence. The temple is surrounded by gorgeous nature during all seasons, and its tranquil yet inspiring aura provide the perfect scenery for reflection. These two spiritual behemoth destinations are on the must-see list when visiting Tohoku.
How to End Your Day
Once your tour concludes, we recommend grabbing dinner in one of Sendai's popular shopping districts, Clis Road. This covered shopping arcade houses a plethora of restaurants from familiar chains to street food to unassuming hidden gems. We recommend grabbing a beef tongue dinner at a yakiniku restaurant as grilled beef tongue is a popular delicacy of the Miyagi Prefecture. Don't forget to try zunda mochi or shake too as a dessert!
Recommended Accommodation
For your convenience, all tours in this itinerary start and end in Sendai, making it easy for you to return to the same hotel each night.
Day 3 MATSUSHIMA
How to Start Your Day
On this day, your adventure continues as you head towards one of Japan's Top Three Scenic Views. This beautiful bayside town is full of historic intrigue and iconic sights.
Matsushima Bay — Highlights from One of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views / All Year Round
Day 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
¥26,400
Located in the northeastern part of Miyagi Prefecture, Matsushima Bay’s 260 pine-clad islands create a breathtaking view that is a must-see while visiting the Tohoku region. On this tour, you will walk through history, take in the ocean-side views, and discover the unique charms of this bayside town. Starting with a tranquil stroll through a Zen garden, you'll experience it's serenity while learning about its history and importance. You will then head to Zuiganji and its museum where you can witness preserved historic artifacts and structures. This tour also includes a quirky retro museum visit, a picturesque bayside view with green tea and sweets, and concludes with a peaceful boat cruise of the bay where you can witness some of the 260 islands up close.
How to End Your Day
That's all for the 3-day itinerary! From here you can continue on to many unique destinations in the region such as Ichinoseki, Akita, and Aomori, or jump further north to Hokkaido. For those looking to head north to Hokkaido, a convenient and easily accessible option is to fly out of Sendai Airport. We also recommend quick trips out of Sendai Airport to other exciting locations such as Nagoya and Hiroshima. International trips out of Sendai Airport are limited to major destinations across East Asia.
Of course, a main source of transportation for many travelers within Japan is the shinkansen. The Tohoku Shinkansen from Sendai easily connects north to Hokkaido and south to Tokyo. This is especially recommended for travelers who've purchased the JR Pass or JR East Pass.
Recommended Accommodation
For those with early morning flights, Sendai Airport offers a couple of hotels in the airport itself with more options in the nearby area. Bookings tend to fill up quite fast, so even if you can't get a hotel immediately nearby the airport, the Sendai Airport Access Line runs every 20 mins and costs 680 yen.
