Sendai
7 tours available
Why Visit Sendai
Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku region and serves as a gateway to northeastern Japan's rugged coastlines, hot springs, and mountain scenery. Known as the “City of Trees” for its broad, zelkova-lined avenues, Sendai combines urban convenience with a relaxed pace of life that sets it apart from Tokyo's intensity.
The city is deeply tied to the legacy of Date Masamune, the one-eyed samurai lord who founded it in 1601. His mausoleum at Zuihoden and the hilltop ruins of Aoba Castle remain must-see landmarks. Sendai is equally famous for gyutan — grilled beef tongue — a local speciality found at restaurants throughout the city and especially along Gyutan Street near the station.
Best Time to Visit
August (Tanabata Festival) — Sendai's Tanabata Matsuri (6–8 August) is one of Japan's three great festivals. The arcades fill with thousands of handmade streamers and paper decorations.
Spring (April – May) — Cherry blossoms at Tsutsujigaoka Park and along the Hirose River. Pleasant weather for exploring the castle ruins.
December (Pageant of Starlight) — Jozenji-dori avenue is illuminated with hundreds of thousands of LED lights, creating a magical winter atmosphere.
Insider Tips
- Take the Loople Sendai bus, a circular sightseeing route that stops at all major attractions for a single flat fare.
- Visit the morning market at Sendai Asaichi near the station for fresh seafood, pickles, and local produce at bargain prices.
- Matsushima Bay, one of Japan's three most scenic views, is just 30 minutes away by train and makes an easy half-day trip.
- Try zunda mochi — rice cakes with sweet edamame paste — a beloved Sendai treat available at shops citywide.
Tours Visiting Sendai
Hakuba Tsugaike & Zao with Snow Monkeys
Ski Resort Hopping: Standard Room Plan
14-day ski tour at Hakuba Tsugaike and Zao with Snow Monkey Park. Intermediate-friendly slopes, hot spring stays, and Shinkansen transfers.
Hakuba Misorano & Zao with Snow Monkeys
Ski Resort Hopping: Premium Room Plan
14-day ski tour at Hakuba Misorano and Zao: upgraded resort rooms, Snow Monkey Park, and onsen stays. Shinkansen and luggage delivery included.
Shiga-Kogen & Zao with Snow Monkeys
Ski Resort Hopping: Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel ＆Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso
Ski Shiga Kogen and Zao, visit Snow Monkey Park, see famous snow monsters, and explore Tokyo on this 14-day self-guided Japan ski tour.
Zao Snow Monsters – Twin Resort Plan
Ski Resort Hopping: Suite Room Plan
11-day ski tour to Zao with twin-room stays in Tokyo Ueno and Takamiya Rurikura Resort. Snow monsters, hot springs, and Tokyo time included.
Zao Snow Monsters – Premium Ryokan Plan
Ski Resort Hopping: Premium Room Plan
11-day Zao ski tour with upgraded stays at Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno and Miyamaso Takamiya. Snow monsters, onsen, and Tokyo included.
Zao Snow Monsters – Suite Resort Plan
Ski Resort Hopping: Suite Room Plan
11-day Zao ski tour with upgraded suite stays at Takamiya Rurikura Resort and Tokyo Ueno. Snow monsters, hot springs, and city time included.
★8/1 ONLY!★ Matsuri Special 10 Days
Japan’s Iconic Summer Festivals: The Tohoku Experience
Stay in Tokyo, Morioka, Aomori, Akita, Atsumi Onsen, Yamagata, Sendai, Tokyo
Recommended Reading
Related Destinations
Region
Tohoku
Location
Available Tours
7 tours