Exploring Sendai & Surrounds

#Sendai.

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).

#Daytrips from Sendai.

For day trips out of Sendai, consider the following:

1. Matsushima.

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.
Sightseeing cruises: The following website offers reservations in English
https://www.marubun-kisen.com/english/reservations/index.html

2. 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.

3. Yamagata.

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.
Rail Pass: A JR Rail Pass is valid for travel between Sendai and Yamagata.

4. Yonezawa.

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 for travel on this journey.