10 great day trip destinations from Sendai

It is the largest city in the Tohoku Region that makes up the northern part of Honshu Island and is easily accessible from Tokyo, being only around a 2-hour Shinkansen bullet train ride from the Japanese capital. 

Though it doesn’t see as much tourism as other cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, Sendai stands as a premier cultural hub that is well worth a visit. And not just because of the plethora of experiences to have within the city itself, but also because it serves as a great launching point for amazing day trips!

Take a look at some of the best spots for a quick trip out from Sendai, consisting of storied shrines and temples, gorgeous seacoasts, relaxing hot springs, and more!

Matsushima consists of a collection of around 260 small islands off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture. Many of these islands are characterized by dense forestry of pines on top, providing one of the most unique views to have in Japan. In fact, Matsushima is considered one of the “Three Great Views of Japan,” along with Amanohashidate in Kyoto and Miyajima in Hiroshima. 

The town of Matsushima, right on the bay where the islands can be seen, is directly accessible from Miyagi Prefecture via the Tohoku Line. The journey takes around 50 minutes via train. It takes a similar amount of time by car. Within the town of Matsushima itself, be sure to check out the great Zuiganji Temple that dates back to the year 1609. 

Another natural highlight near Sendai is Okama, a crater lake located on the famous Mount Zao. Okama is also known as “Goshikinuma,” which translates to “5 colored marsh.” It derives this name since the waters and surroundings change color depending on the time of day and even the season. In Japanese, “okama” refers to a type of cauldron-shaped cooking pot, which the shape of the crater lake is reminiscent of and where it gets its name. 

Mount Zao sits at the border of Miyagi Prefecture and Yamagata Prefecture. It is around 60 kilometers away from Sendai and is most easily accessible from Shiroishi-Zao Station (which is also a stop for the JR Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train). From Shiroishi-Zao Station there is one bus a day that goes to a viewing point for the mountain. Simultaneously, there is the option to hike up from the Zao Onsen area, taking around 45 minutes from the Zao Ropeway’s upper station. 

Around 70 kilometers from Sendai in the northwestern part of Miyagi Prefecture is Naruko Gorge. It is located nearby Naruko Onsen, and the combination of warm hot springs and gorgeous views makes the area a great spot to visit during autumn. The gorge is host to the Naruko Gorge Walking Trail with beautiful scenery, with the aforementioned autumn being a time when rich hues of gold and burgundy illuminate the trees. The trail is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM with times of closure during bad weather. 

From Sendai, travelers should go to Furukawa Station via the Tohoku Shinkansen and then transfer to the JR Riku-to Line out to Naruko Onsen. Alternatively, the local JR Tohoku Line train can be taken to Kogota Station before going out to Naruko Onsen. By car, the journey takes around 1.5 hours with great views on the way. 

“Yamadera” literally translates to “mountain temple,” and just one look at it tells you why. A historic Buddhist temple (officially dubbed Risshakuji) dating back to the year 860 stands against a backdrop of towering mountains and lush forests. The journey up the mountain consists of a 1,000-step stone path with statues and lanterns along the way. At Yamadera, the journey is 100% just as significant as the destination. 

The base of the mountain for Yamadera is only a five-minute walk from Yamadera Station, which is on the JR Senzan Line that goes between Yamagata City and Sendai. From Sendai, it takes around one hour and costs around 860 yen. By car, the journey from Sendai takes a bit over one hour as well.

One of the most famous destinations throughout all of Tohoku is Zao Onsen. It sits at the base of the aforementioned Mount Zao, and the volcanic activity of the mountain directly contributes to the area’s warm, mineral-rich waters. Up on the mountain slopes during winter, snow-covered trees take on foreboding silhouettes that are dubbed “snow monsters.” For enjoyers of winter sports, gliding past them on skis or a snowboard is an activity synonymous with the season. Enjoying a day of powder or packed snow, then relaxing in the onsen at night is tough to beat!

To get to Zao Onsen, there is a bus that goes from Yamagata Station. The bus departs hourly and takes around 40 minutes one way. 

Another key onsen town of the area is Akiu Onsen. Considered one of the three best onsen in Japan, Akiu has a history spanning over 1,500 years. Back in the Kofun Period, Emperor Kinmei was said to be cured of his skin disease, and later on Date Masumune would frequent it in the early Edo Period. Into the modern day, Akiu Onsen is renowned for its gorgeous, nature-rich surroundings and rejuvenating hot spring waters that provide a number of health benefits, including improved circulation and skin moisturization. Enjoy both the hot springs and the nearby forests that are home to beautiful waterfalls and the picturesque Rairaikyo Gorge. 

Cat lovers rejoice! Off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture is Tashirojima (Tashiro Island), inhabited by several hundred cats that are tended to by the island’s human residents. The feline population was initially introduced for pest control and has since grown to become the main island populace. They roam freely throughout the island, and while caution should still be exercised, the cats are quite used to humans and tend to enjoy the attention they get from visitors. Be aware that there aren’t many other tourist facilities on the island, but both animal and nature lovers will be sure to enjoy a trip out to the island. 

Out to Tashirojima entails a one-hour ferry ride from Ishinomaki, which in itself is around a 1-hour to 1-hour-and-30-minute train ride from Sendai via the JR Senseki Line.

Hiraizumi is a town located in Iwate Prefecture, directly north of Miyagi Prefecture. It is home to a number of historic sites that have collectively been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Chuson-ji, a Buddhist temple that was initially built in the year 850. On the premises, the Konjiki-do is a small structure with ornate detailing, including gold leaf covering the exterior and interior and mother-of-pearl accented decor. Other notable sites in Hiraizumi include temples such as Motsu-ji and Kanjizaio-in Ato, as well as Mount Kinkeisan.

Hiraizumi Station is directly accessible from Ichinoseki Station via the JR Tohoku Main Line. To get to Ichinoseki Station from Sendai is about a 1-hour Shinkansen bullet train ride.

The seaside charms of Japan are very alive in Shiogama, a coastal fishing town between Sendai and Matsushima. Crisp ocean breeze flows through the town with collections of islands layering against the scenic backdrop, and of course, as a fishing town, the seafood is a major draw for many! Much of Japan’s tuna (maguro) and marlin (mekajiki) are processed through Shiogama’s ports. In fact, the town boasts the most sushi restaurants per capita in all of Japan! Outside of the restaurants, the Shiogama Fish Market is a great place to tour around and try some local delicacies. After a quality meal, be sure to visit Shiogama Shrine, especially in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom!

Shiroishi Castle stands as a symbol of this history within the city, which was a resident castle for the Katakura Clan for around 260 years. Shiroishi plays heavily into its samurai-laden past, with special activities and experiences for visitors to try out that are both fun and educational! To refresh and relax, the area’s well-established ryokan (Japanese-style inns) and hot springs are among the best in the prefecture!

To get to Shiroishi from Sendai, take the JR Tohoku Line towards Fukushima. The commute takes around 1 hour. Alternatively, the Shinkansen bullet train can be taken to Shiroishi Zao Station and then a bus can be taken to the city center. Driving from Sendai takes around 45 minutes one way.