Exploring Sendai & Surrounds

#Sendai.

Perhaps not as lively as Tokyo or Osaka, still the city of Sendai has plenty to keep one occupied without being inundated by massive crowds. It is also an ideal base for exploring not only the Miyagi Prefecture but also the neighbouring Yamagata and Iwate Prefectures, making it an excellent place to spend a few days.

Highlights: Aoba Castle Ruins, Osaki Hachiman Shrine, Zuihoden (pictured), Sendai Toshogu Shrine, Tsutsujigaoka Tenmangu Shrine, SS30 Observation Lobby (free observation deck in the SS30 Building), AER Observation Terrace (free observation tower in the AER building - take lift to level 31).
Bonus Tip:

#Daytrips from Sendai.

Looking to get out of the city for a while? The following places may appeal to you.

1. Matsushima:

Increasingly popular with day-trippers, Matsushima is best visited in the early morning when early risers can enjoy the bay and its many islands bathed in the glow of the early morning sun.

Journey Duration: From Sendai Station take the train to Matsushimakaigan Station. The trip will take around 40 minutes and there is no need to transfer.
Highlights: Matsushima Shoreline, Oshima Island (via Togetsukyo Bridge), Godaido of Zuiganji Temple, Fukuurajima Island (via Fukuurabashi Bridge), Zuiganji Temple, Entsuin (pictured), and Matsushima Retro Museum.
Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass can be used for this journey.
Bonus Tip: Sightseeing cruises can be quite popular, the following website offers reservations in English https://www.marubun-kisen.com/english/reservations/index.html

2. Hiraizumi.

If temples and teahouses set within picturesque landscapes sound appealing, the town of Hiraizumi will not disappoint. Accessible within one hour by train, Hiraizumi is an ideal place to decompress. The city of Morioka, known for its cherry blossoms and Autumn colours, can be reached in under an hour from Hiraizumi.

Journey Duration: From Sendai Station to Ichinoseki Station the Shinkansen takes around 30 minutes then just under ten minutes onto Hiraizumi.
Highlights - Hiraizumi: Motsuji Temple, Kumanosansha, Muryoko-in Ato, Chūsonji Temple (pictured), and Hiraizumi Rest House.
Highlights - Morioka: Morioka-jo Castle Park, Sakurayama Shrine, Ishiwashizakura (Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree), Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building, Morioka Tenmangu Shrine, and Morioka Hachimangu Shrine.
Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass is valid for the entire journey between Sendai, Hiraizumi, and Morioka.
Bonus Tip: Those hoping to venture onto Morioka as well are recommended to make an early start or do this as a separate day trip.

3. Yamagata.

The city of Yamagata, offering plenty of sightseeing opportunities, is another excellent day trip option for those staying in Sendai.

Journey Duration: Local trains run between Sendai and Yamagata Stations taking around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Those headed to Yonezawa can ride the Shinkansen (change at Fukushima) which will take just over an hour.
Highlights - JR Yamagata Station: Old Saiseikan Hospital Building, Kajo Park, Yamagata Castle Ruins, Water Town Shop Nanukamachi 5 Stores (pictured), Yamagata Folk Museum Bunshokan, Yudonosan Shrine, Yamagata prefecture Gokoku shrine, Momiji Park.
Highlights - Jr Yamadera Station: Yamadera Bashō-kinenkan Museum, Yamadera Station Observation Deck, Imoni, Yamadera Retro Hall, 1,015 stone steps of Yamadera, Rissyakuji Temple (Yamadera), Senjuin, Minenoura Tarumizu Iseki, Tachiya river Shibazakura(moss phlox).
Highlights - JR Omoshiroyama: Omoshiroyama Cosmos Berg, Arare Fall, Fujihana Falls, Kinuito Falls, Omoshiroyama Autumn Leaves River Gorge.
Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass is valid for travel between Sendai, Yamadera and Yamagata Stations using the JR Lines.
Bonus Tip: Head to Omoshiroyama during the month of October to catch the cosmos at their best.

4. Yonezawa.

Home of the world renowned Yonezawa Beef, the historic castle town of Yonezawa makes for the perfect escape from the bustling city of Sendai.

Journey Duration: Yonezawa Station can be reached by Shinkansen from Sendai in just over an hour (change at Fukushima).
Highlights - JR Minami-Yonezawa Station: Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum, Toko Sake Museum, Yonezawa Castle Ruins, Uesugi Shrine, Mausoleum of the Uesugi Family, Sasano Mingeikan, Sasanodera Temple (pictured), Yamagata University Engineering Department.
Rail Pass: The JR Rail Pass is valid fro travel on this journey.
Bonus Tip: For those planning to visit the Mausoleum of the Uesegi Family it is recommended to alight at Nishi-Yonezawa Station first.

5. Shiroishi.

Shiroishi can be reached in under an hour from Sendai by regular train. The city not only offers plenty to see but is also convenient for those planning to head to the Zao Fox Village.

Journey Duration: From Sendai Station to Shiroishi Station a regular train will take around 45 minutes. The journey does not involve any transfers.
Highlights: Kessanji Temple, Shiroishi Castle, Shinmeisha Shrine, Bukeyashiki, Enmeiji Temple, and Zao Fox Village (bus from Shiroishi Station).
Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass is valid for train travel between Sendai Station and Shiroishi Station.
Bonus Tip: To get to Zao Fox Village take the bus from Shiroishi Station East Exit towards Aone Onsen and alight at the second stop - see timetable at: http://www.takeyakoutu.jp/assets/miyagizao20230401_2.pdf. Note: only a couple of buses run there and back each day, making it important to note bus departure times.

6. Fukushima (inc. Iizaka Onsen).

Less than a half-hour away by Shinkansen and offering many sightseeing opportunities, Fukushima is a great place for travellers to set out and explore for the day.

Journey Duration: The Shinkansen from Sendai Station to Fukushima Station will take around 20 minutes. From Fukushima Station to Iizakaonsen Station, regular trains take around 25 minutes.
Highlights - Fukushima Station: Alight at Fukushima Station for Ogura-tei House, Fukushima Inari Shrine, Fukushima-ken Gokoku Shrine, and Mt Shinobu Park (hilltop park with observation decks).
Highlights - Iizakaonsen Station: Alight at Iizakaonsen Station for Kyu Horikiri-tei, Iizaka Hachiman Shrine, Totsuna Bridge, Nishine Shrine, Iizaka Hanamomo no Sata, Sabakoyu, and Fudoji Temple.
Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass is valid between Sendai and Fukushima only. For travel onto Iizakaonsen use an IC card or purchase a ticket at the station.
Bonus Tip: Those with time to spare may like to consider heading out to Daishoji Temple. To get there take the bus bound for Nakano, or Michinoeki Fukushima via Nakano, from Izumi Station and alight at Nakanofudoson-Iriguchi (stop located just on the other side of the O River).