How to Get to Sendai. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Sendai Airport (SDJ) is the main air gateway to the city and the Tohoku region.

Flight Information

Domestic Airlines: Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), Peach Aviation, Jetstar Japan, Skymark Airlines, IBEX Airlines. Routes connect Sendai to major Japanese cities including Tokyo (Narita, Haneda), Osaka, Sapporo, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Okinawa.
International Airlines: Limited direct international flights. Routes often include Seoul (Asiana Airlines, Jin Air), Taipei (EVA Air, Tigerair Taiwan), Shanghai (China Eastern Airlines), and Beijing (Air China). International flight availability fluctuates, so check current schedules.
Direct Global Flights: Generally not available. Most international travelers connect via Tokyo (NRT/HND) or Osaka (KIX), then take a domestic flight or Shinkansen to Sendai.

Airport Services & Transfers

Sendai Airport offers a range of facilities and easy transfer options to the city.

Airport Details

Airport Facilities: Restaurants, shops (including duty-free), car hire companies, tourist information counter, and ATMs. Free Wi-Fi is available.
Sendai How To get to the airport Line (train): Connects directly to Sendai Station in approximately 17-25 minutes. Fares are JPY 660 (standard) or JPY 980 (rapid).
Buses & Taxis: Local bus services connect the airport to various destinations. Taxis are available outside, with fares to Sendai Station approximately JPY 6,000-8,000.

Price Fluctuations

Prices rise during peak travel seasons like cherry blossom viewing, autumn leaves, New Year, Golden Week holiday period in japan, and Obon holidays. Dollar Flight Club can help track deals.

Seasonal Availability

Some international routes may be seasonal or have reduced frequency during off-peak times. Always verify current schedules on sites like Skyscanner.

Connecting Flights

For foreign visitors, connecting through Tokyo's Narita or Haneda airports is the most common and efficient option.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

An International Tourist Tax of JPY 1,000 per person is levied upon departure. This tax is usually included in airfare or ship fare.
Domestic Flights: Arrive at Sendai Airport at least 1.5-2 hours before departure.
International Flights: Arrive at Sendai Airport at least 2-3 hours before departure.
Shinkansen/Bus: Arrive at Sendai Station 15-HALF an hour before departure for comfortable boarding.

Departure Facilities

Sendai Airport: Shops, restaurants, cafes, duty-free for international flights, lounges, and ATMs.
Sendai Station: Wide-ranging shopping (S-PAL, Loft), many eateries, cafes, souvenir shops, convenience stores, luggage lockers, and tourist information.
Tip: Utilize available services to make your departure as seamless as a arrival.
Luggage: Securely pack whatever last-minute purchases.

Navigating Airport Connections

From Tokyo Narita/Haneda

Take a domestic flight to Sendai Airport or use the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Sendai Station.

From Osaka Kansai

Fly domestically from KIX to SDJ, or take the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Sendai (via Tokyo).

Check Connection Times

Allow ample time between connecting flights or between flights and Shinkansen for transfers and potential delays.

Land Transportation

Train Services

Land travel offers efficient connections to Sendai from across Japan, with trains a main option.

Train Lines

Tohoku Shinkansen (bullet train): Sendai Station is a major stop. It connects Sendai to Tokyo (approx. 1.5-2 hours), Morioka, Aomori, and Hakodate (Hokkaido).
JR Local Lines: Various local JR lines connect Sendai to the surrounding areas within Miyagi Prefecture and outside the area.
Japan Rail Pass: Contemplate this pass if planning extensive train travel throughout Japan.

Long-Distance Buses

An alternative for budget-conscious travelers or those seeking direct routes to specific cities.

Bus Network

A comprehensive system of highway buses (e.g., JR Bus Tohoku, Willer Express, Seibu Bus, Kanto Bus) connects Sendai to major cities.
Routes: Connects to Tokyo (approx. 5-7 hours), Osaka, and Nagoya. Services can be day or overnight.
Cost-Effective: Long-long-distance coaches are usually cheaper than Shinkansen.

Self-Driving

Driving provides flexibility for discovery the Tohoku region, but has specific requirements.

Driving Information

Requirements: An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention and your original driving license.
Road Conditions: Roads are usually in good condition-maintained. Traffic drives on the left. Toll roads are frequent on expressways.
Car Rentals: Can be rented from main companies (Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nissan Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-A-Car) at Sendai Station and the Airport. Explore DiscoverCars.com.

Driving Laws & Safety

Adhere to local driving regulations for a safe journey.

Regulations

Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
Strict laws against driving under the influence of alcohol are enforced.
Winter weather (December-March) can involve heavy snow and icy roads, requiring winter tires or chains.

Important Driving Notes

Congestion can occur in city centers during peak hours.
Parking in central Sendai can be limited and expensive. Pay-per-hour parking lots are common.
Always exercise caution and obey all traffic signs and signals.

Toll road fees can add to your travel costs. Plan your route with a navigation app that shows tolls.
Navigation systems in rental cars often include English options.
Many traffic signs include English translations, particularly on major routes.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry & Cruise Ports

While less common for tourist arrivals, some sea routes connect to Sendai. Sendai Port mainly functions as a cargo port.

Sea Travel Overview

Ferry Services: Limited passenger ferry services exist, notably a ferry route to Tomakomai (Hokkaido) operated by Taiheiyo Ferry.
Cruise Ships: Cruise ships occasionally visit Sendai Port, but it is not a main cruise embarkation or disembarkation point for tourists.
Immigration Procedures: For international ferry or cruise arrivals, standard immigration and customs procedures apply, similar to airport entrys.

River Transport & Connections

Sendai's river systems do not currently offer tourist transportation options.

Local Waterways

River Transportation: No significant river transit choices exist for tourist travel in Sendai.
Connections to Land Transport: From Sendai Port, local buses and taxis connect to Sendai Station and other parts of the city.
Note: Water-based activities are primarily recreational (e.g., Hirose River boating in parks), not for transport.

Limited Ferry Options

Ferry services from Sendai Port are mainly for selected journeys, like to Hokkaido.

Cruise Ship Visits

While not a major cruise hub, Sendai Port receives occasional cruise ship calls. Check itineraries.

Port Accessibility

From Sendai Port, public buses and taxis offer straightforward connections to the city center and Sendai Station.

Departure Checklist

Pre-Departure Tasks

Before heading to the airport or station, confirm these items for a smooth departure.

Final Checks

Passport and any necessary onward travel documents are secure and accessible.
Boarding passes (digital or printed) or train/bus tickets are ready.
Luggage is packed according to airline weight and size restrictions.

Logistics & Connectivity

Ensure your travel to the departure point and final communications are handled.

Departure Day

Confirm transport to Sendai Airport or Station (train, bus, taxi booking).
Return any rented Pocket Wi-Fi devices as per agreement.
Charge all electronics for your journey.

Final Preparations

Souvenir Space

Be certain you have enough capacity for any last-minute gifts or personal purchases.

Currency Check

Ensure you have enough local currency for any small purchases or unexpected needs at the airport/station.

Accommodation Check-out

Confirm your check-out time and procedures with your accommodation.

Safe Travels

Departing Sendai marks the end of your travels through Tohoku. Carry cherished memories and plan your next visit!

How to Get to Sendai