4 Days 3 Nights in Sendai: Matsushima, Okama Crater, Food and Shopping

Sendai, the capital of Miyagi Prefecture, sits north of Tokyo on Honshu. This packed trip takes in sightseeing, food, and shopping, and getting around is easy throughout, by public transport and by car.

The trip starts with sightseeing around Sendai city, followed by heading to Matsushima, taking a cruise to admire the beauty of Matsushima Bay, then driving out to the wonder of nature at Zao Okama Crater. Ride the chairlift up, taking in breathtaking views along the way. The whole trip will leave everyone with nothing but happy memories.

Whether you're an adventure traveler, prefer a relaxed trip with family, or want a romantic getaway with your partner, this trip won't disappoint.

Trip Plan Day 1: Explore Sendai City - Popular Spots

11:30-12:15 Arrive from the airport into Sendai city, drop bags at Hotel Monterey Sendai

The AirAsia flight arrives at Sendai Airport (Sendai International Airport) at 10:30. After clearing immigration, head into Sendai city and drop your bags off at the hotel.

How to get there: From Sendai Airport Station, take the Sendai Airport Access Line to Sendai Station, use the South Exit, and walk to the hotel. Takes about 40 minutes.

Transport cost: 660 yen

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/W2zsGPEMLG6rkkcW9

12:30-13:15 Lunch at Tanya Zenjirou

Enjoy a lunch of udon topped with beef tongue, one of Sendai's most popular dishes. The beef tongue udon deserves special mention. It's so delicious you'll want to order it again, and it's definitely one dish worth trying.

How to get there: About a 10-minute walk from the hotel

Transport cost: Free

Opening hours: 11:00-22:30

Cost: 2,000-3,000 yen

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/a8fuZH16JbAmKz9C8

14:00-16:00 Explore the history of Aoba Castle Ruins

This was once the castle of the warlord Date Masamune, sitting atop Mount Aoba. Today only the stone walls and a guardhouse remain, since it was destroyed by earthquakes, fires, and World War II. Beyond the shady, pleasant atmosphere, there are several interesting spots inside, such as the statue of Date Masamune, the Honmaru Hall Museum, and Miyagiken Gokoku Shrine.

How to get there: From the restaurant, walk to the bus stop in front of Sendai Station and take the Loople Sendai bus, Aobayama direction (るーぷる仙台青葉山方面). Get off at Sendaijoseki Bus Stop and walk in from there. Takes about 40 minutes.

Transport cost: 260 yen

Opening hours: Open 24 hours

Cost: Free

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6RYmAiLRhSoqYHUp6

16:40-17:30 Stroll and enjoy the evening lights on Jozenji-dori Avenue

This is a famous street in the middle of Sendai. What makes it special is that vendors set up stalls at scheduled times, selling souvenirs and handmade goods. The highlight is at night, when the lights are turned on and the street glows like another world. By day it is simply a pleasant, leafy street to stroll along.

How to get there: From Sendaijoseki Bus Stop, take the Loople Sendai bus toward Aobayama and get off at Jozenji-dori Shiyakusho-mae. Takes about 40 minutes.

Transport cost: 260 yen

Opening hours: Open 24 hours

Cost: Free

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4eSxDukChcEPtvYN6

17:45-19:00 Relaxed shopping at Don Quijote Sendaieki Nishiguchi Honten

Go shopping at Don Quijote, popular with both locals and tourists. It has food, everyday goods, and souvenirs at affordable prices, plus tax-free shopping.

How to get there: From Kotodaikoen Station, take the Namboku Line to Sendai Station. Takes about 15 minutes.

Transport cost: 210 yen

Opening hours: 8:00-2:00

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Znzq3RkKZouEMLqE8

19:15-20:15 Dinner at Serisoan Sendai-Ekimae

End the evening with izakaya-style food in a more upscale atmosphere than a typical spot, though the prices aren't as high as you'd think. Small snacks, sushi, sashimi, soup, sukiyaki, udon, fried dishes and more are all on the menu, so eat as much as you like.

How to get there: About a 5-minute walk from Don Quijote

Transport cost: Free

Opening hours: 12:00-15:00 and 17:00-22:00 (open all day on Saturdays and Sundays)

Cost: 2,500-3,500 yen

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MNbydAry4HP2gQqcA

20:30 Check in and rest at Hotel Monterey Sendai

How to get there: About a 3-minute walk from the restaurant to the hotel

Transport cost: Free

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6d2yJK18zTDUHGC57

Trip Plan Day 2: Explore Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture

8:00-8:45 Breakfast at the hotel

9:45-11:00 Visit the famous Zuiganji Temple and offer a prayer

This temple is nearly 1,200 years old and stands out for its art and architecture, including wood carvings and paintings on the fusuma sliding doors. There's a Zen-style Japanese garden and items collected by the Date family, such as a life-size carved wooden statue of Date Masamune in full armor. The surroundings are shady and pleasant, making it a great visit in any season.

How to get there: From Sendai Station, take the Senseki-Tohoku Line to Takagimachi Station, then transfer to the Senseki Line heading back to Matsushimakaigan Station and walk into the temple from there. Takes about 50 minutes.

Transport cost: 420 yen

Opening hours: 8:30-16:30

Cost: 700 yen

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1Uwk1LRSUACNi4Up6

11:15-12:00 Enjoy beautiful sea views at Godaido Hall

This area is actually part of Zuiganji Temple, but it was built along the edge of Matsushima Bay. You'll cross a red bridge to reach the viewpoint above, making it another great photo spot with a refreshing atmosphere. The mood changes with the season, but the view is always beautiful.

How to get there: About a 5-minute walk from the temple's main hall to Godaido Hall

Transport cost: Free

Opening hours: 8:30-17:00

Cost: Free

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sESCLbkcgRuhcNLc7

12:10-13:30 Stroll around Matsushima Fish Market for lunch

Refuel by exploring Matsushima's famous fish market for fresh seafood. The fresh oysters, delivered straight from the sea, are the highlight not to miss. There are plenty of seafood restaurants to choose from, or you can buy from a stall and find a seat to eat. Prices are affordable too. Recommended restaurant: Yakigaki House (Grilled Oyster House)

How to get there: About a 5-minute walk from Godaido Hall to the fish market

Transport cost: Free

Opening hours: 9:00-16:00

Cost: Free (depends on food prices)

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LE6hAyHNSY3UAnHH7

13:45-14:45 Date Masamune Historical Museum

This museum tells the story of Date Masamune, the warlord who founded Sendai and ruled it for decades. It features over 250 life-size wax figures depicting scenes from his life in various poses. Both the exterior and interior of the building are beautifully designed, so it's well worth a visit.

How to get there: The museum is diagonally across from the fish market

Transport cost: Free

Opening hours: 9:00-17:00

Cost: 1,000 yen

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/K6jqzejutGBPXzjm6

15:00-16:30 Matsushima Sightseeing Cruise

Matsushima Bay is one of Japan's three most scenic bays, so taking a cruise to admire the views is an activity you shouldn't miss. You can book tickets in advance or buy them right at the pier. You'll see more than 260 islands, including the large Fukuurajima Island, a view you will not get from land.

How to get there: About a 10-minute walk from the museum to the ticket counter

Transport cost: Free

Opening hours: 9:00-16:00

Cost: 1,500 yen

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/c1wkAeDjavmbqJzm6

17:30-18:30 Enjoy shopping at S-PAL Sendai

Head back into Sendai city to shop for well-known brand-name goods at this popular mall located near Sendai Station. Take a relaxed stroll and treat yourself to whatever catches your eye.

How to get there: From Matsushimakaigan Station, take the Senseki Line to Sendai Station. Takes about 50 minutes.

Transport cost: 420 yen

Opening hours: 10:00-20:00 (closes at 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays)

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uu1KMjMSPV4a3mWaA

18:30-19:30 Dinner at Hachi Sendai

Finish the evening with Japanese-Western comfort food, such as spaghetti with hamburger steak, Japanese-style fried shrimp salad, hamburger steak, fried shrimp served with Japanese rice, and more. Prices are reasonable too.

How to get there: The restaurant is on the 3rd floor of Sendai Station

Transport cost: Free

Opening hours: 10:00-21:30

Cost: 1,500-2,500 yen

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/heNNfQURzbwwN7Cn7

19:40 Return to the hotel

Trip Plan Day 3: Drive to Zao Okama Crater

8:00-8:45 Breakfast at the hotel

9:00 Rent a car at Toyota Rent a Car Sendai Station West Exit Shop

Contact Toyota Rent a Car Sendai Station West Exit Shop for a convenient way to get around. They offer several types of rental cars, but we recommend booking online in advance, and you'll need an international driving permit under the 1949 Geneva Convention.

How to get there: No more than a 10-minute walk from the hotel to the rental shop

Transport cost: Free

Opening hours: 8:00-20:00

Cost: Depends on the car type, ETC card (expressway pass), car insurance, and fuel

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oScFZppvKHvj82bi6

9:15-10:00 Visit Zuihoden, Sendai's colorful mausoleum complex

This is a famous, well-designed and well-built mausoleum in Sendai, standing out with its striking colors and excellent sculptural work on the historic buildings. There's a forest garden, plus a museum housing artifacts found in the mausoleum. The grounds are quiet and green, and pleasant to walk in any season.

How to get there: Follow GPS from the rental shop. Takes about 10 minutes.

Transport cost: Fuel cost

Opening hours: 9:00-17:00

Cost: 570 yen

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cUUrHVi9JGaFhqca7

10:15-11:45 Stop by the Anpanman Museum

The lower floor is a museum-like space where you can learn more about Anpanman, while the 2nd floor is a small mall selling official Anpanman merchandise. Both kids and adults are sure to fall in love with this legendary cartoon character.

How to get there: Follow GPS from the shrine. Takes about 10 minutes.

Transport cost: Fuel cost

Opening hours: 10:00-17:00, closed on Wednesdays

Cost: 2,000 yen

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LUz9VcZHnQXeDDX97

12:45-13:30 Lunch at ToraShin Ramen

A truly authentic Japanese ramen shop with a wide range of options. The noodles, made with great care, deserve special praise, and the chashu pork practically melts in your mouth. The gyoza are also fried perfectly crisp outside and soft inside, all at affordable prices.

How to get there: Follow GPS from the museum, take expressway E4, then E48, and exit at Yamagata Zao. Takes about 1 hour.

Transport cost: Fuel + expressway toll

Opening hours: 11:00-14:00 and 17:00-20:00, closed Monday-Tuesday

Cost: 1,000-2,000 yen

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2bEsSXsKpb8F53beA

14:30-16:00 Marvel at the view of Okama Crater

Admire the beauty and wonder of Okama Crater, which holds water in emerald green, dark green, blue, and other shades, five colors in total, depending on the intensity of the sunlight at the Zao Okama viewpoint. However, from November to May, the Zao Highline road closes due to heavy snowfall. In that case, we recommend heading to the Zao Katta Lift, where a chairlift takes you up for the view from above.

How to get there: Follow GPS. Takes about 30 minutes.

Transport cost: Fuel cost

Opening hours: 9:00-16:30

Cost: Zao Highline road toll 550 yen, or round-trip chairlift 900 yen

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MNXdzWvsJuvgtnCS8

/ https://maps.app.goo.gl/KsBwM8xSGxXfB1BY9

18:00 Return the car at Toyota Rent a Car Sendai Station West Exit Shop

How to get there: Follow GPS from the viewpoint, take expressway E48, then E4, and exit at Sendai-Miyagi. Takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.

Transport cost: Fuel + expressway toll

Opening hours: 8:00-20:00

Cost: Depends on the car type, ETC card (expressway pass), car insurance, and fuel

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oScFZppvKHvj82bi6

18:10-18:50 Browse cartoon figures and try gachapon at EBeanS

If you love cartoon figures, model toys, or trying your luck with gachapon, this mall is worth stepping into. Each floor is filled with characters, from classic transforming-hero series to the latest releases. Prices are affordable, so you're sure to enjoy browsing.

How to get there: No more than a 5-minute walk from the rental car shop

Transport cost: Free

Opening hours: 10:00-20:00

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5sWzAXF4PHGDL1W58

19:00-20:00 Dinner at Sakana ga Sakana

Round off the day with sushi in a smart setting that costs less than it looks. The raw fish varies from day to day, guaranteeing freshness straight from the sea. There are individual pieces and set options, plus plenty of side dishes to choose from.

How to get there: No more than a 5-minute walk from the mall

Transport cost: Free

Opening hours: 11:00-23:00

Cost: 2,500-3,500 yen

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Cje4vt5ygE6PE9mb9

20:10 Return to the hotel

Trip Plan Day 4: Head Back to Sendai Airport

7:45 Check out, leave bags at the hotel

8:00-9:00 Stop by Sendai Morning Market for breakfast

This is a large morning market in Sendai, nearly as old as Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market. You can pick up a delicious breakfast here made with fresh seafood delivered straight from the sea. There are also coffee shops, butchers, florists, and plenty more to try. We recommend picking up sashimi, which many stalls will slice for you and serve with soy sauce and wasabi.

How to get there: No more than a 5-minute walk from the hotel

Transport cost: Free

Opening hours: 8:00-17:00

Cost: 2,000-3,000 yen

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hDBAmAJ8YUuf3b3QA

9:15-10:00 Head to Sendai Airport

How to get there: Walk back to pick up your bags at the hotel, then walk to Sendai Station (arrive by 9:15 at the latest) and take the Sendai Airport Access Line to Sendai Airport Station

Transport cost: 660 yen

12:00 Depart on the AirAsia flight home

_____________________________________________________________

Estimated Cost Summary

Transport cost: 2,890 yen

Car rental: 3,500 yen / person (not including fuel or expressway tolls)

Sightseeing costs: 6,670 yen / person

Food: 16,000 yen / person

Accommodation: 22,500 yen / person

Total: 51,560 yen / person (not including fuel, expressway tolls, parking, or shopping)