Day Trips from Sendai. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Nearby Destinations

Discover places of natural beauty and cultural significance just a short journey from Sendai.

Most destinations are easily accessible by public transport. For multi-stop itineraries or guided experiences, consider an organized tour from Sendai Station. Browse day trip options.

Popular Day Trip Locations

Matsushima Bay: One of Japan's Three Scenic Views. Easily reached by JR Senseki Line.
Shiogama City: Adjacent to Matsushima, known for fish and shellfish and Shiogama Jinja Shrine.
Akiu Onsen: Famous hot spring town with Akiu Great Falls. Miyagi Kotsu bus access.
Yamadera Temple: Picturesque mountain temple in Yamagata, accessible by JR Senzan Line.

Natural Escapes

Immerse yourself in the stunning natural landscapes surrounding Sendai.

Parks & Reserves

Experience the region's diverse ecosystems.

Highlights

Zao Quasi-National Park: Features volcanic Mt. Zao and Okama Crater Lake.
Naruko Onsen Gorge: Famous for autumn foliage and hot springs.
Oshika Peninsula: Coastal area with scenic views and fishing villages.

Seasonal Beauty

Witness Sendai's changing natural spectacles.

Seasonal Phenomena

Cherry Blossoms: Late April to early May in Sendai and Matsushima.
Autumn Foliage: The End of october to mid-November at Naruko Gorge, Zao, and Akiu.
Snow Monsters (Juhyo): Late January to February on Mt. Zao.

Cultural Excursions

Historical Sites

Shiogama Jinja Shrine: One of the oldest shrines in Tohoku.
Entsuin Temple, Matsushima: Beautiful garden and mausoleum.
Zuiganji Temple, Matsushima: Prominent Zen temple.
Chusonji Temple, Hiraizumi: UNESCO site with the Konjiki-do Golden Hall.

Pilgrimage Sites

Yamadera (Risshaku-ji Temple): Significant Tendai sect temple.
The region contains numerous smaller spiritual sites for quiet reflection.
Exploring these sites offers unique cultural perspectives.
Local places of worship and shrines provide glimpses into traditional practices.

Regional Connections

TokyoSouth
MoriokaNorth
AomoriNorth
Hiraizumi (Iwate)Tohoku Region

Zao Onsen (Yamagata)Tohoku Region
Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata)Tohoku Region
Hakodate (Hokkaido)North
Sendai AirportInternational Gateway

Extend Your Journey

Consider combining Sendai with other prefectures like Iwate or Yamagata for a richer Tohoku experience. The Shinkansen connects easily to major regional hubs.

Practical Information

Prepare for your trip with essential details on communication, local etiquette, and accessibility.

Conservation Areas

Matsushima Bay and Zao Quasi-National Park work to protect their unique ecosystems.

Waste Management

Japan has strict waste separation rules. Follow guidelines from where you are staying.

Eco-Accommodation

Look for hotels stating eco-friendly practices. Ecobnb lists eco-friendly stays.

Protected Areas

Learn about the protected areas.

Locations

Matsushima Bay: Protecting its unique ecosystem.
Zao Quasi-National Park: Conserving volcanic landscapes.
Water Conservation: Mindful use of water is encouraged.

Sustainable Products

Choose sustainable kit for your outdoor adventures.

Eco Gear

Outdoor Gear: Patagonia for sustainable clothing.
Reusable Items: Package Free Shop for travel essentials.
Carbon Offset: Consider Terrapass for your travel.

Eco-Friendly Tour Operators

Ethical ToursG Adventures

Conservation SupportThe Rainforest Site

Local Community FocusSeek out local companies

Responsible Travel PrinciplesChoose wisely

Nature Focused ExperiencesMany options exist

Fair Trade PrinciplesSupport local artisans

Thoughtful Travel

Your choices support local environmental initiatives and cultural preservation.
Mindful tourism contributes positively to Sendai's future.
Choosing eco-friendly options minimizes your impact.
Backing for local businesses helps community resilience.
Respect for traditions enriches your journey.

Cultural Sensitivity

Engage with local culture respectfully to enrich your experience.

Interaction Guidelines

Show respect through greetings and customs.

Behaviors

Basic Phrases: Learn "Arigato gozaimasu," "Sumimasen."
Remove Shoes: When entering homes, ryokan, temples.
Noise Levels: Keep quiet in public spaces.

Photography & Privacy

Respect local rules.

Considerations

Permission: Always ask before photographing people.
Avoid Intrusive Photos: Be mindful of private spaces.
"No Pictures" Signs: Always obey these.

Economic Impact

Support the local economy and avoid harmful practices.

Support Local

Community-Based Tourism: Seek engaging with locals.
Ethical Shopping: Support local by buying from artisans.
Local Businesses: Eat at local eateries and markets.

Ethical Considerations

Travel with responsibility and contribute positively.

Responsible Choices

Animal Tourism: Research ethical treatment.
Avoid Exploitation: Stay away from harmful activities.
Charitable Giving: Support reputable local non-profits.

Religious Site Etiquette

Respect protocols at sacred locations.

Modest Dress

Dress modestly; cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples and shrines.

Quiet Behavior

Maintain quiet and polite behavior inside religious sites and their grounds.

Follow Rules

Observe instructions like removing shoes, washing hands, or abstaining from photography.

Sacred Spaces

Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines are places of worship and reflection. Your considerate behavior honors local traditions.

Itinerary Suggestions

Tailor your Sendai adventure with these suggested itineraries for different lengths of stay and interests.

-Hour Layover Highlights

1

Sendai Castle Ruins

City views and history.

2

Zuihoden Mausoleum

Ornate architecture.

3

Jozenji-dori Avenue

Evening stroll and atmosphere.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

Day 1: Sendai City History & Culture (Castle Ruins, Mausoleum, Shrine).
Day 2: Matsushima Bay Excursion (Cruise, Temples).
Day 3: Relaxation or Shopping (Rinnoji Garden, S-PAL).
Enjoy local dining experiences.
Public transport for easy access.
Consider a local guided tour for insight.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

Days 1-2: Sendai City Exploration (History, Culture, Museums).
Day 3: Akiu Onsen Relaxation (Hot springs, Waterfalls).
Day 4: Yamadera Temple Trek (Stunning mountain temple views).
Day 5: Rural Miyagi / Zao Fox Village (Unique animal encounter).
Day 6: Tohoku University Area & Local Markets (Botanical Garden, Sendai Asaichi).

Multi-Week & Long-Term Stays

Two-Week Exploration

Combine Sendai with other Tohoku prefectures like Iwate (Hiraizumi), Yamagata (Ginzan Onsen), or Aomori (Hirosaki Castle).

Long-Term Recommendations

Consider renting a serviced apartment or Using airbnb for stays exceeding two weeks for a local living experience.

Immersion

Focus on deeply exploring different Sendai neighborhoods and frequenting local eateries for a real feel.

Flexible Plans

These itineraries are suggestions. Adjust them to match your pace and preferences. For easily bookable experiences, check GetYourGuide.

Day Trips from Sendai