Sendai: Latest 2025 Travel Guide

🏙 Introduction to Sendai

Sendai, located in Miyagi Prefecture, is the largest city in the Tohoku region and is known as the "Mori City." It blends history, nature, delicious cuisine, and a modern urban atmosphere. Whether you're looking to experience the samurai culture of Date Masamune or feast on beef tongue and fresh seafood, Sendai has it all.

📍 Must-see attractions in Sendai

1. Sendai Castle Ruins (Aoba Castle Ruins)

  • Highlights : This castle was once the residence of Date Masamune and now overlooks the entire city of Sendai.
  • My personal recommendation : You must take a photo of the bronze statue of Date Masamune on horseback, which is especially handsome at sunset.
  • Access : Take a bus from Sendai Station to the Sendai Castle stop.

2. Zuihoden

  • Highlights : Date Masamune's tomb, with its gorgeous and exquisite carvings and lacquer work.
  • Editor’s Tip : The red leaves in autumn and the cherry blossoms in spring are both very charming.
  • Access : Take a bus from Sendai Station to the Zuihoden-Iriguchi stop and walk for 10 minutes.

3.Jozenji Temple Pass

  • Highlights : The boulevard is lined with beech trees, and the winter illumination festival (Festival of Lights) creates a truly romantic atmosphere.
  • My personal recommendation : The sea of ​​lights in December is a must-see. I suggest you come for a walk and take photos at night.
  • Transportation : Take the Nanboku Line to Kodangtai Park Station.

4. Sendai Morning Market

  • Highlights : Known as "Sendai's Kitchen," it offers fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, and prepared foods.
  • Editor’s Tip : It’s busiest in the morning, and you can buy cheap fresh produce and ready-to-eat snacks.
  • Access : About a 3-minute walk from the West Exit of Sendai Station.

5.Songdao Bay

  • Highlights : One of the three most scenic views in Japan, it has more than 260 islands of various sizes.
  • My personal recommendation : Take a sightseeing boat to see the pine islands on the sea, it’s super therapeutic.
  • Access : Take the JR Senseki Line from Sendai Station to Matsushima Kaigan Station (approximately 40 minutes).

6. Akiu Onsen

  • Highlights : A hot spring town with a 1,500-year history, where you can soak in the hot springs while enjoying the mountain scenery.
  • Editor’s Tip : The autumn leaves are at their most beautiful, and you can also visit Akiu Otaki Falls.

🍜 Must-try food in Sendai

  1. Beef tongue grill (ox たん)

    • A Sendai specialty, thickly cut and juicy, it is often served with barley rice and oxtail soup.
    • Recommended stores: Rikyu, Zenjiro.

  2. Sasakabobo

    • The bamboo leaf-shaped kamagami hoko made from fish paste has a chewy texture.
    • Recommended location: Abe Kamaboko store.

  3. Sushi & Seafood Donburi

    • Close to the Sanriku Coast, the freshness is off the charts.
    • Recommended places: Sendai Morning Market, Sushida.

  4. Edamame paste mochi (ずんだcake)

    • A dessert made with edamame paste, sweet but not greasy.
    • Recommended store: Zunda Saryo.

  5. Fried horse mackerel (Harako rice)

    • Available only in autumn, this dish features rice cooked with salmon and roe to create a fragrant dish.

🚆 Sendai Transportation Guide

City transportation

  • Sendai Subway : The Nanboku Line and the Tozai Line connect the city's major attractions.
  • By bus : We recommend the Loople Sendai sightseeing bus, which takes you to the Sendai Castle ruins, Zuihoden, and other areas.
  • IC card : I recommend Suica or ICSCa , which can be used on the subway and bus.

Traveling from major cities

  • From Tokyo : Take the Tohoku Shinkansen "Hayabashi" for about 1.5 hours.
  • From Morioka : approximately 40 minutes by Shinkansen.
  • From Sapporo : Fly to Sendai Airport (approximately 1.5 hours). From the airport to the city center, take the Sendai Airport Railway (approximately 25 minutes).

One-day tour nearby

  • Yamagata Zao : Skiing and viewing frost-covered trees in winter.
  • Ishinomaki : A pilgrimage site for manga fans (Ishinomori Manga Museum).
  • Naruko Onsen : Enjoy the hot springs and the canyon scenery.

💡Editor 's warm reminder

  • Sendai beef tongue restaurants often have long queues during peak hours, so it is recommended to avoid 12:00 noon to 1:00.
  • The Matsushima Bay cruise will stop operating in case of heavy fog or strong winds, so please check the weather before departure.
  • Winter is windy and cold, so remember to wear a windproof jacket and a warm hat and scarf.

🗓 Sendai＋Matsushima＋Akiu Onsen 3 days and 2 nights itinerary

Day 1｜Sendai City Culture & Food

morning

  • Sendai Castle Ruins (Aoba Castle Ruins)
    • Overlooking the city of Sendai, taking photos of the equestrian statue of Date Masamune.
    • Transportation : Take the Loople sightseeing bus from Sendai Station to the Sendai Castle Ruins stop.
  • Zuihoden
    • Experience the history of the Date family at the magnificent samurai mausoleum.

Lunch

  • Beef tongue set meal (recommended: Rikyu Main Store or Zenjiro)
    • Thick-cut beef tongue + barley rice + oxtail soup, a classic Sendai combination.

afternoon

  • Jozenji Street Walk
    • In winter, you can watch the Festival of Lights, and on weekdays, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the boulevard.
  • Sendai Morning Market
    • Try the seafood donburi and sasa-kamaboko, and buy some souvenirs.

dinner

  • At the city's izakaya, we recommend trying local sake and seafood dishes.

stay

  • Stay in the center of Sendai (convenient for going to Matsushima the next day).

Day 2｜One-day trip to Matsushima Bay

breakfast

  • After enjoying the meal at the hotel, take the JR Senseki Line to Matsushima Kaigan Station (approximately 40 minutes).

morning

  • Songdo Cruise
    • Enjoy the beautiful scenery of more than 260 pine islands on the sea.
  • Godaido & Fukuura Bridge
    • The Five Great Halls are the symbol of Matsushima, and the red arch of Fukuura Bridge is a great place to take photos.

Lunch

  • All-you-can-eat seafood donburi or grilled oysters (restaurants around Matsushima Fish Market).

afternoon

  • Yuantongyuan
    • Japanese gardens are beautiful in all seasons, but the autumn leaves are particularly charming.
  • Zuigenji Temple
    • An important temple associated with Date Masamune.

evening

  • Take the JR train back to Sendai Station and transfer to a bus to Akiu Onsen (approximately 50 minutes).

Dinner & Accommodation

  • Akiu Onsen Ryokan
    • Enjoy a kaiseki meal and relax in the hot springs.

Day 3｜Akiu Onsen & Natural Landscapes

breakfast

  • Enjoy a Japanese-style breakfast at the hotel.

morning

  • Akiu Falls
    • One of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan, this waterfall has a majestic flow.
  • Leilei Gorge
    • The canyon trail offers magnificent views along the way.

Lunch

  • Snacks at Akiu Onsen Street (Recommended: Akiu Onsen Bakery's "Curry Bread").

afternoon

  • Return to Sendai city for shopping (Sendai Station S-PAL Department Store, PARCO, Loft).
  • If time permits, you can try beef tongue again or buy some ずんだ餅 (ずんだ餅) as a souvenir.

evening

  • Depart from Sendai by Shinkansen or flight.

🚆 Traffic Cheat Sheet

  • In Sendai City : The Loople sightseeing bus one-day pass (620 yen) is very convenient.
  • Sendai ↔ Matsushima : JR Senseki Line, about 40 minutes by local train.
  • Sendai ↔ Akiu Onsen : Approximately 50 minutes by Miyagi Kotsu Bus.
  • IC Card : Suica or ICSCa can be used.

🍽 Must-eat food list

  1. Beef tongue (Riku, Zenjiro)
  2. Seafood Donburi (Sendai Morning Market, Matsushima Fish Market)
  3. Grilled Oysters (Matsudo)
  4. Zunda Saryo
  5. Sasa Kamaho (Abe Kamaho store)

💡Editor 's Tips

  • It is best to choose a sunny day or sunset time for a boat tour in Songdao for the best photos.
  • It is recommended to book accommodation in Akiu Onsen in advance, especially during the autumn leaves season and long holidays, when rooms are quickly filled up.
  • Winter is windy and cold, so be sure to bring a windproof jacket, gloves and a hand warmer.
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