Let’s create a 2-day itinerary packed with the charm of Sendai! This course will allow you to enjoy history, nature, delicious food, and the city’s beautiful streets. The bullet train is the most convenient way to get to Sendai.
【A beginner’s guide to Sendai and Matsushima】
2-day itinerary. Let’s explore the beautiful city of Sendai and Matsushima over two days. This itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors.
Want to experience the best of both Sendai and Matsushima? Consider this: For budget-conscious travelers, starting in Sendai and staying in a business hotel is a great option.
After exploring the city, head to the stunning Matsushima on the second day.
If relaxation is your priority, begin your journey in Matsushima and unwind at a traditional Japanese inn with a soothing onsen bath.
This article also introduces onsen (hot spring) accommodations in Matsushima.
Let’s look at a model course starting from Sendai Station, where you’ll stay overnight in Sendai before heading to Matsushima the next day.
Access
While you can travel from Tokyo to Sendai by plane and train, taking the train is recommended for both time and cost efficiency.
The bullet train ride from Tokyo Station to Sendai Station takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Day 1: Explore Sendai’s Historical Sites and Indulge in Delicious Local Cuisine.
Morning: Once you arrive at Sendai Station, head to your hotel to check in and store your belongings. Then, set off to explore the charming city of Sendai!
・Sendai Castle Ruins
Let’s enjoy the panoramic view of Sendai city from a spot with historical significance.
Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle), the former residence of the Date clan, offers a breathtaking panorama of the city.
Built on a natural fortress with steep cliffs to the east and south, the castle was intentionally built without a main tower to avoid arousing the suspicion of Shogun Ieyasu.
Although the castle itself no longer exists, the remaining stone walls and reconstructed turrets offer a glimpse into its past. Standing in front of the statue of Date Masamune, you can imagine the ambitious warlord’s view of the city.
ACCESS
We recommend taking the loop bus from Sendai Station to access Sendai Castle Ruins.
It takes about 20 minutes by loop bus from Sendai Station to Sendai Castle Ruins.
Please board the loop bus at the ”West Bus Terminal” of Sendai Station and get off at the “Sendai Castle Ruins” stop.
Lunch: Savor the authentic flavor of Sendai beef tongue near the station.
・“Gyutan Ryori Kaku” Sendai Station East Exit Hatsukoi Dori Branch
This renowned restaurant, a Bib Gourmand recipient in the Michelin Guide Miyagi 2017, is a must-visit.
The beef tongue, grilled to perfection over charcoal using a secret family recipe, boasts a delightful contrast of crispy exterior and tender interior.
Due to its immense popularity, be prepared for a potential wait, especially during lunchtime.
ACCESS
3 minutes walk from Sendai Station
・”Gyutan Senmonten Tsukasa” East Exit Branch
Tsukasa, a renowned beef tongue restaurant, boasts four branches in Sendai and one in Los Angeles.
They use only the finest cuts of beef tongue from top-quality Australian and American cattle.
The beef tongue is cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender and juicy texture that is sure to impress.
Tsukasa’s signature way to enjoy the beef tongue is with wasabi.
ACCESS
２ minutes walk from Sendai Station
・”Tanya Zenziro”
The beef tongue at Tanya Zenjiro is seasoned simply with salt.
By using a special finely ground salt, they can bring out the full flavor of the beef tongue.
The beef tongue is cut to a perfect thickness, resulting in a crispy texture that is both satisfying and delicious.
ACCESS
２ minutes walk from Sendai Station
Afternoon: Immerse yourself in art at the Miyagi Museum of Art before taking a stroll down Jozenji-dori Street, lined with majestic zelkova trees.
・Miyagi Museum of Art
The Miyagi Museum of Art houses and exhibits works by leading artists from the Tohoku region, as well as a collection of art from Japan and around the world.
With a wide range of exhibits, including Western and Japanese paintings, original picture books, and sculptures, you can easily lose track of time exploring the museum.
The museum also has a creative studio equipped with tools for painting, printmaking, and other art forms, allowing visitors to enjoy hands-on art experiences.
ACCESS
The Miyagi Museum of Art can be accessed by train and bus.
By train: Take the Sendai Municipal Subway Tozai Line to Kokusai Center Station.
From West Exit 1, walk north for about 7 minutes.
By bus: It takes about 15 minutes from Sendai Station.
Get off at the “Nidaiko, Miyagi Prefectural Museum of Art” stop from Bus Stop No. 9 at Sendai Station West Exit.
The museum is a 3-minute walk from the bus stop.
・Jozenji Dori Keyakinamiki
A leisurely 20-minute stroll from the Miyagi Museum of Art will lead you to the serene Jozenji-dori Street, where a magnificent avenue of zelkova trees graces the cityscape.
Discover an open-air sculpture garden as you wander along the promenade adorned with bronze masterpieces by renowned artists. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of dappled sunlight and find your moment of peace.
Spanning approximately 700 meters, Jozenji-dori Street is home to 166 majestic zelkova trees arranged in four rows and has earned its place among Japan’s Top 100 Roads.
There are many cafes in the area, so a tea break is recommended
Dinner: In-hotel dinner or dinner in the downtown area
・“Koshitsu Okageya” Sendai Branch
This restaurant is said to be the place where you can taste all of Miyagi Prefecture!
Their specialty is the “Tairyo Oke Mori,” a platter overflowing with fresh seafood delivered daily from the fishing port.
We also recommend the “Seri Nabe,” a representative local dish of Miyagi Prefecture.
ACCESS
1 minutes walk from Sendai Station
・Saiyuki
Our menu boasts a variety of dishes made with carefully selected ingredients and prepared by our skilled chefs.
You won’t find these unique flavors anywhere else.
We also highly recommend our “okonomiyaki” cooked on a hot plate. Our “Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki” features noodles directly from Hiroshima and is crafted by our skilled chefs to perfection.
ACCESS
3 minutes walk from Kotodai Koen Station
7 minutes walk from Kita-Yonbancho Station
・Sukiyaki Kappo Kato
Indulge in the exquisite taste of Sendai beef sukiyaki.
Our carefully selected Sendai beef, known for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich flavor, is prepared to perfection in a variety of ways.
Experience the true essence of Sendai beef at a price that won’t break the bank.
Celebrate your special occasions with our ultimate sukiyaki.
ACCESS
3 minutes walk from Kitayonbancho Station
6 minutes walk from Kotodai Park Station
Day 1 Recommended Accommodations
・Hotel Monterey Sendai
Relax and rejuvenate at our hotel featuring natural hot springs and a spa lounge.
Enjoy a variety of dining options including French, Japanese, and Chinese cuisine, and a breakfast buffet with both Japanese and Western dishes.
Our on-site facility, “Sara Terena,” offers natural hot springs, esthetic treatments, and body care services.
ACCESS
About 3 minutes walk from the west exit of Sendai Station.
・Sendai Washington Hotel
We offer both convenience and comfort. With our smart check-in system, you can check in and out quickly and easily, even during busy periods.
Our guest rooms come in a variety of types, including single, twin, double, and universal, and all offer ample space.
ACCESS
About 3 minutes walk from the west exit of Sendai Station.
・Natural Hot Spring Tonoyu Onyado Nono Sendai
If you’re looking for a traditional Japanese inn, this is the place for you! The entire inn is tatami-matted, and guest rooms feature modern tatami mats with low beds.
You can take off your shoes and relax your tired feet on the soft tatami.
The large public bath has indoor and outdoor baths, a cold plunge pool, and a high-temperature sauna for both men and women.
The water is a natural hot spring! It’s the perfect place to soothe your tired body or warm up on a cold day.
ACCESS
About 10 minutes walk from the west exit of Sendai Station.
1 minute walk from Hirosedori Station East Exit 2 on the subway next to Sendai Station
Day 2: Enjoy a scenic tour of Matsushima, celebrated as one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views.
From the sightseeing boat, you can enjoy the view of the numerous islands floating on Matsushima Bay.
There are many shrines and temples in the area that you can visit.
Depending on the time of your visit, you can enjoy different sceneries such as fresh greenery in spring or autumn foliage.
ACCESS
To travel from Sendai to Matsushima, take the train.
It takes about 40 minutes from Sendai Station to Matsushima-Kaigan Station.
A sightseeing tour of Matsushima
Matsushima boasts over 260 islands, each with a unique name, creating a stunning seascape.
The area is rich in history, with numerous attractions linked to the powerful Date Masamune.
Enjoy a traditional matcha tea ceremony at Kanrantei or savor a delicious lunch at one of the many local restaurants.
・A sightseeing cruise around Matsushima
When visiting Matsushima, be sure to take a boat tour to enjoy the beautiful scenery and islands all at once.
There are large ships with second-floor observation decks and jet boats (medium and small). Each has different courses and durations, so you can choose the one that best suits your sightseeing plans.
There are four ticket booths for the boat tours, but it’s best to purchase your ticket at the Matsushima Kaigan Station ticket booth near the station.
There are several types of courses, but the most popular is the 50-minute Nio-maru course.
This course takes you on a journey of about 17 kilometers around the bay, allowing you to see the famous islands of Matsushima Bay.
・Exploring the island of Oshima
Oshima is said to be the origin of the place name “Matsushima.” To reach the island, you cross the vermilion-colored bridge, Togetsukyo.
It is said that when monks crossed this bridge to enter Oshima in the past, they severed ties with the secular world, making it a bridge that “cuts off evil ties.” It has long been a training ground for monks and a sacred place for memorial services for the dead.
It is also known as a poetic place visited by Matsuo Basho.
ACCESS
6 minutes walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station
・Kanrantei
This building was used as a “Moon-viewing Palace” by the Date clan. Tadamune, the second Date feudal lord, relocated the tea room of Fushimi Momoyama Castle, which had been given to Date Masamune by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, to this location, keeping its original structure.
It was also known as the “Moon-viewing Palace” and was used as a resting place for successive feudal lords.
Today, matcha tea is served on the veranda.
It is located on a slightly elevated garden adjacent to the central ticket booth for island tours.
ACCESS
6 minutes walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station
・Entsuin Temple
In addition to the mountain gate and the matchmaking Kannon statue, there are many other attractions, including San’keiden, said to be the oldest spiritual hall building in Miyagi Prefecture, and Daibitei, a gabled thatched-roof building.
There are also many gardens, such as a rock garden and a rose garden, where you can spend a peaceful time.
ACCESS
7 minutes walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station
・Zuiganji Temple
Founded in 828 by Jikaku Daishi, Zuiganji is one of the most prominent Zen temples in the Tohoku region and the family temple of Date Masamune.
The current buildings, a magnificent example of Momoyama architecture, were completed in 1609 after five years of construction under the direction of Masamune himself.
The kuri, or kitchen building, of this Zen temple has been designated as a National Treasure.
ACCESS
7 minutes walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station
・Godaido Hall (National Important Cultural Property)
Because Jikaku Daishi Ennin enshrined the Great Unmoving Wisdom King and the Five Great Kings (Eastern Descending to the Three Worlds, Western Great Virtue, Southern Military Host, and Northern Vajrayaksa) when he founded Enfukujji Temple (present-day Zuiganji Temple), with the Great Unmoving Wisdom King at the center, the hall came to be called Godaido.
There is also a red bridge called Sukashi-bashi (the bridge of matchmaking) in Matsushima.
ACCESS
8 minutes walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station
・Fukuura Island
Famous for its vermilion-lacquered “Encounter Bridge,” Fukurajima Island is a natural park that you can walk across over the sea.
It’s perfect for a stroll, offering unique views of islands and trees that can only be seen from the island itself.
A complete circuit of the island takes about 45 minutes.
ACCESS
15 minutes walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station
The course introduced above is one of the most recommended model courses in Japan.
You can walk from island to island in order.
Day 2 Recommended Gourmet
・”Santorityaya”
Located near the coast, this restaurant specializes in fresh seafood dishes.
A popular choice is the “Oyster Extravaganza Set,” which features three different ways to enjoy oysters: grilled on the half shell, served with ponzu sauce, and as deep-fried oysters.
Other menu items include sea urchin and salmon roe bowls, as well as local specialties like mekabu seaweed.
The “Matsushima Anago (Conger Eel) Bowl” is also highly recommended.
ACCESS
10 minutes walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station
・”Matsushima Sakana Ichiba”
If you’re visiting Matsushima, be sure to check out this commercial facility.
It’s a great place to enjoy a casual meal with its food court-style seating and an extensive menu of fresh seafood from the Sanriku coast.
ACCESS
10 minutes walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station
・”Magurotyaya” Matsushima Branch
Discover the flavors of the sea at this sushi restaurant in Matsushima.
Their signature “oke-chirashi” is a feast for the senses, filled with over 20 kinds of fresh seafood from the Miyagi coast.
For a truly unique experience, try their large steamed conger eel nigiri, a local specialty.
ACCESS
3 minutes walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station
Time to shop for souvenirs after we eat!
Matsushima attracts many tourists throughout the year, and as a result, there is a wide variety of local products available, from sweet confectionery to Matsushima beer, kamaboko (fish cakes), and oyster snacks.
Be sure to enjoy all that Matsushima has to offer!
Matsushima Recommended accommodation
・Hotel Matsushima Taikanso
Located on a hill overlooking the ocean, this Japanese-style resort offers stunning panoramic views of Matsushima.
The property boasts a wide range of amenities including a large public bath, karaoke rooms, an esthetic spa, and a seasonal outdoor pool.
ACCESS
A 5-minute shuttle bus ride from Matsushima Kaigan Station.
・Matsushima Ichinobo
Matsushima Bay spreads out right in front of the inn, allowing guests to enjoy the ocean up close.
Matsushima Ichinobo is an all-inclusive resort where meals in the lounge and restaurant, as well as various activities, are included in the accommodation fee, allowing guests to enjoy a carefree stay.
ACCESS
A 5-minute shuttle bus ride from Matsushima Kaigan Station.
・Komatsukan Kofu-tei
Surrounded by pine trees on the coast, our rooms offer beautiful traditional Japanese views.
You can enjoy the exclusive use of our private baths, where you can luxuriate in the sunset over Matsushima, and watch the ever-changing sea and sky.
ACCESS
5 minutes by car from Matsushima Kaigan Station (pick-up service available)
Departing Matsushima
A short 40-minute train ride from Matsushima Kaigan Station will bring you to Sendai Station.
From there, you can hop on a high-speed Shinkansen bullet train and reach Tokyo Station in about 1 hour and 40 minutes.