Sendai Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more in Sendai, Japan. Plan your trip with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Sendai

Nestled in the heart of Miyagi prefecture in Tohoku, Japan lies the bustling metropolitan city of Sendai. Known as the “city of trees,” Sendai boasts beautiful natural scenery, cultural landmarks, and a bustling cityscape. It’s a city that combines traditional Japanese culture with modernity, making it a perfect destination for those interested in both.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about visiting Sendai.

List of Places to Visit in Sendai

Whether you’re interested in exploring historical landmarks or immersing yourself in natural beauty, Sendai has something to offer every traveler. Here are some of the top places you should include on your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Sendai City Museum: A museum dedicated to the history and development of Sendai, featuring exhibits on local folklore, traditional crafts, and more.

  • Osaki Hachimangu Shrine: A Shinto shrine that honors the Hachiman god, with beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.

  • Zuihoden Mausoleum: The resting place of Date Masamune, one of the most famous samurai in Japanese history.

Natural Attractions of Sendai: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Aoba Castle: A ruined castle atop Mount Aoba, offering stunning panoramic views of Sendai.

  • Naruko Gorge: A beautiful natural gorge surrounded by trees that change color with the seasons.

  • Matsushima Bay: A scenic bay dotted with numerous small islands that offer beautiful sunset views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sendai

Sendai offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore its natural beauty. With numerous hiking and biking routes, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the stunning scenery. Some of the best routes to consider include:

  • Mt. Zao: This active volcano offers hiking trails and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

  • Minami-sanriku Kinkasan Quasi-National Park: A beautiful park that offers hiking trails, scenic views, and hot springs.

  • Shiogama Shrine: A famous shrine that overlooks the sea and offers a beautiful hiking trail.

Best Things to Do in Sendai: Activities and Tours

For those looking for more cultural experiences or seeking thrilling adventures, Sendai has an abundance of activities to offer. Some of the best things to do include:

  • Visit the Sendai Tanabata Festival: Held every August, this festival celebrates the legend of two stars who fell in love but were only able to see each other once a year.

  • Explore the Jozenji-dori Avenue: Known as one of the most beautiful streets in Japan, this avenue is lined with trees and sculptures.

  • Take a Samurai Tour: With numerous historical landmarks and samurai history, a tour exploring the city’s samurai history is a must-do.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sendai

If you’re planning to spend a week in Sendai, here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your trip:

Day 1: Arrival and Check-in, Explore the Aoba Castle ruins.

Day 2: Visit the Zuihoden Mausoleum and Sendai City Museum.

Day 3: Take a tour of the Jozenji-dori Avenue and explore the city center.

Day 4: Hike the Mt. Zao trails or visit the Minami-sanriku Kinkasan Quasi-National Park.

Day 5: Take a Samurai Tour and explore historical landmarks.

Day 6: Visit Matsushima Bay and Naruko Gorge for stunning natural views.

Day 7: Departure from Sendai.

Food and Drink Scene of Sendai

Sendai is known for its fresh seafood, rice, and sake. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Gyutan (beef tongue): Grilled beef tongue is a Sendai specialty.

  • Zunda Mochi: A rice cake topped with sweetened soybean paste, a popular Sendai dessert.

  • Sasa Kamaboko: Steamed fish cake served in a bamboo leaf, a Sendai street food classic.

Local Beverages

  • Sake: Sendai is known for its high-quality sake.

  • Suntory Whisky: Sendai is home to one of the top whisky distilleries in Japan.

  • Matcha: A staple drink in Japanese culture, matcha is a popular drink in Sendai.

Where to Stay in Sendai: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options in Sendai, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Some of the top places to stay include:

  • The Westin Sendai: A luxury hotel that offers stunning panoramic views of the city.

  • Nine Hours Sendai: A capsule hotel that provides a unique and cozy sleeping experience.

  • Akiu Grand Hotel: A traditional Ryokan with hot springs and beautiful Japanese architecture for a luxurious stay.

What to Buy in Sendai: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best souvenirs and local products you can bring back from Sendai include:

  • Sendai Tansu: Handmade wooden boxes made in Sendai, great for storage or as a decorative piece.

  • Kokeshi Dolls: Traditional hand-crafted wooden dolls originating from Sendai.

  • Sasakamaboko: Steamed fish cakes, perfect as a souvenir or snack.

Local Culture and Customs of Sendai

Sendai is a city deeply entrenched in Japanese culture and customs. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Bow when greeting people: Bowing is a sign of respect and is a common gesture in Japan.

  • Respect personal space: Japanese culture places a high value on personal space and privacy, so it’s important to be mindful of this.

  • Follow proper etiquette at shrines and temples: When visiting shrines and temples, it’s important to follow proper etiquette to show respect.

Best Time to Visit Sendai

The best time to visit Sendai is during the spring (April-June) or fall (September-November) months. The city boasts beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring, while the fall season is perfect for foliage viewing. The summer months can be hot and humid, while the winter brings heavy snowfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sendai

Do:

  • Remove shoes when entering homes or temples: In Japan, it is customary to remove shoes when entering a home or temple.

  • Carry cash with you: While credit cards are widely accepted, it’s always a good idea to carry cash with you just in case.

  • Be respectful of customs and culture: Take time to learn about Japanese customs and culture to show respect to the locals.

Don’t:

  • Leave chopsticks sticking in food: Leaving chopsticks in food is considered bad luck in Japanese culture.

  • Talk loudly on public transportation: Being loud on public transportation is considered impolite in Japan.

  • Tip servers in restaurants: Tipping is not common in Japan and may be seen as rude.

Safety and Health

Safety in Sendai

Sendai is generally considered a safe city for tourists. However, it’s important to stay vigilant and take precautions as you would in any major city. Always be mindful of your belongings and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas at night.

Health in Sendai

The healthcare system in Japan is known for its high quality, and Sendai is no exception. There are several hospitals and clinics throughout the city that offer medical care to tourists.

Getting to Sendai: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Sendai

Sendai International Airport is the main airport serving Sendai and is located approximately 30 minutes from the city center.

Bus Stations Near Sendai

There are several bus stations in Sendai, including Sendai Station and Sendai Bus Terminal, which offer transportation to nearby cities and towns.

Other Options

The Tohoku Shinkansen line connects Sendai to Tokyo with a direct train taking around 2.5 hours. Additionally, local trains run frequently to nearby towns and cities.

How to Get Around Sendai

Sendai has a comprehensive public transportation system that includes a subway, buses, and taxis. The subway system is clean and efficient, and buses offer convenient routes to popular destinations around the city. If you prefer to travel more autonomously, bike rentals throughout Sendai make it easy to travel at your own pace.

Where to Go Next from Sendai: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Sendai is located in close proximity to several other popular destinations, making it a great starting point for further exploration of Tohoku.

  • Matsushima Bay: A short train ride from Sendai will take you to the stunning Matsushima Bay.

  • Yamadera: A beautiful temple constructed in a mountainside cave.

  • Hiraizumi: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts several historical landmarks.

Conclusion

Sendai is a city that offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural landmarks, making it a must-visit destination in Japan. With so much to see and do, our comprehensive travel guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Sendai. From the best places to visit, to the top things to eat and drink, to where to stay and how to get around, we’ve got you covered. Start packing your bags and get ready to explore the city of trees!

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