Discovering Tōhoku Region: a 12-day itinerary
Sendai
Itinerary
Recommended Hotels
Recommended stay for Days 1-3 (Sendai, Matsushima and night before Yamadera)
Recommended stay for Days 1-3 (Sendai, Matsushima and night before Yamadera)
Recommended stay for Days 1-3 (Sendai, Matsushima and night before Yamadera)
Optional stay for the night before Day 3 (Yamadera), after exploring Sendai and Matsushima.
Recommended stay for Days 1-3 (Sendai, Matsushima and night before Yamadera)
Optional stay for Day 2 (Matsushima)
Recommended stay for Days 1-3 (Sendai, Matsushima and night before Yamadera)
Recommended stay for Days 1-3 (Sendai, Matsushima and night before Yamadera)
Recommended stay for Days 1-3 (Sendai, Matsushima and night before Yamadera)
Optional stay for the night before Day 3 (Yamadera), after exploring Sendai and Matsushima.
Recommended stay for Days 1-3 (Sendai, Matsushima and night before Yamadera)
Optional stay for Day 2 (Matsushima)
Sendai
Day 1
12h 2mSendai
Getting started: Sendai is the largest city in Tōhoku and an excellent first stop. You'll find it easy to explore whether you arrive by Shinkansen, airplane, or car. This part of the itinerary can be completed entirely by public transport, using the Loople Sendai Bus, local buses, the subway, or trains. Renting a car isn't necessary. SEASONAL TIP: Sendai Tanabata Festival, held from 6-8 August every year.
1. Zuihōden (Mausoleum of Date Masamune)
23-2 Otamayashita, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0814, Japan
Probably my favourite stop in Sendai! It's the resting place of Date Masamune, Sendai's feudal lord. It's one of the most beautiful historical sites in Sendai, surrounded by a cedar forest.
2. Sendai Castle Ruins (Aoba Castle Ruins)
Kawauchi, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0862, Japan
Although the original castle no longer stands, the hilltop offers a panoramic view over the city. Don't miss the statue of Date Masamune riding his horse.
3. Tanya Zenjirou
Japan, 〒980-0021 Miyagi, Sendai, Aoba Ward, Chūō, 1-chōme−8−３８ ３Ｆ
A great place to try gyūtan (grilled beef tongue), a local speciality. Expect a queue during peak lunch hours.
4. National Treasure Osaki Hachiman Shrine
4-chōme-6-1 Hachiman, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0871, Japan
Built in 1607 by Date Masamune as a family shrine, it's one of the finest examples of Monoyama-period architecture - it's even designated as a National Treasure of Japan. This shrine is very unique because of its black lacquer, gold leaf detailing, and vibrant colours.
5. Zunda Saryo Sendai Station Zunda Komichi Branch
Japan, 〒980-0021 Miyagi, Sendai, Aoba Ward, Chūō, 1-chōme−1−１ 仙台駅3F
No visit to Sendai is complete without trying zunda, a traditional Miyagi specialty made from sweetened mashed edamame. Here you can try the famous zunda shake (their signature item, really delicious!), zunda mochi, or even buy some souvenirs.
6. Louver
Japan, 〒980-0021 Miyagi, Sendai, Aoba Ward, Chūō, 3-chōme−8−８ 第二カネマビル １F
A cozy café where you can enjoy specialty coffee and homemade desserts.
7. Sendai Tanabata Festival
3 Chome-2 Ichibancho, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0811, Japan
SEASONAL TIP: If you're visiting in early August, don't miss the Sendai Tanabata Festival, the largest Tanabata celebration in the country. The city centre is transformed with thousands of colourful handmade streamers and bamboo decorations, creating a very unique atmosphere.
Sendai
Day 2
12h 11mMatsushima
Just 40 minutes from Sendai Station by JR Senseki Line, Matsushima is one of the easiest day trips in the region. It's famous for its pine-covered islands scattered across the bay and it's one of Japan's Three Scenic Views (Nihon Sankei). The area is compact and easily explored by foot.
8. Matsushima Bay Cruise Adventure: Japan's Scenic Highlight
Matsushima
There are several companies run boat tours offering close-up views of the hundred pine-covered islands from Matsushima Bay. Several routes are available, including longer trips to Shiogama.
9. Kanrantei Tea House
Japan, 〒981-0213 宮城県宮城郡松島町松島町内５６
A historical tea house once used by the Date clan as a place to relax while admiring the scenery. Today you can enjoy the same views of the bay while drinking traditional matcha served with wagashi (Japanese sweets). Try to come here early in the day to avoid crowds.
10. Godaido of Zuiganji Temple
Chōnai-111 Matsushima, Miyagi District, Miyagi 981-0213, Japan
Godaidō is a small temple originally founded by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro and later rebuilt by Date Masamune in 1064. The temple enshrines the Five Wisdom Kings, from which it takes its name, and stands on a small island connected to the mainland by a red bridge. It also offers a beautiful view over the bay.
11. Fukuurajima
Senzui-39-1 Matsushima, Miyagi District, Miyagi 981-0213, Japan
If you have extra time for a walk, cross the Fukuura bridge to Fukuurajima where you find a quieter side of Matsushima. The walking paths include a few gentle hills and stairs. It's particularly beautiful during spring and autumn.
12. Shunkai
Chōnai-51-2 Matsushima, Miyagi District, Miyagi 981-0213, Japan
A traditional place to enjoy fresh local seafood and oysters (when in season).
13. Zuiganji Temple
Chōnai-91 Matsushima, Miyagi District, Miyagi 981-0213, Japan
This is one of Tōhoku's most notable Zen Temples and designated as a National Treasure of Japan, and it was extensively rebuilt by Date Masamune in the early 17th century to serve as his official family temple. It has an impressive wooden architecture with painted sliding doors depicting birds and blossoms which show the craftsmanship of the Momoyama period. Don't miss the cedar-lined approach to the temple. (Note: this is one of the four temples of the Shiji Kairō Pilgrimage). instagram.com/reel/DaAT0HTyz_W/?igsi=NDM1bHd0bTNoaGkw
14. Entsūin
Chōnai-67 Matsushima, Miyagi District, Miyagi 981-0213, Japan
Founded in 1647 in memory of Date Mitsumune, the grandson of Date Masamune, this is one of Matsushima's most beautiful temples. It's renowned for its peaceful, moss-covered garden, where the scenery changes with the seasons, making it a beautiful place to visit throughout the year. SEASONAL TIP: Visit in autumn for the evening illuminations.
15. Matsushima Naohide Kokeshi Doll Manufacturers Nihachiya Bussan Shop
Chōnai-80 Matsushima, Miyagi District, Miyagi 981-0213, Japan
If you're looking for a meaningful souvenir from Tōhoku, a handcrafted kokeshi doll is a great choice, and here you can even paint your own! Sometimes you can watch the craftsmen at work and learn about the history of kokeshi. It was a really funny activity to do!
16. Shokado Cafe
Japan, 〒981-0213 Miyagi, Miyagi District, Matsushima, Chōnai−１０９ 2F
Take a seat by the window and enjoy one of their seasonal desserts before heading back to Sendai. I really recommend the anmitsu (anko & agar jelly, dried apricots and red bean paste with brown sugar syrup).