Sendai Airport Guide: The Gateway to the Tohoku Region
- Published on : 03/08/2026
- by : Phoebe
- Youtube
Aéroport de Sendai
@Wikimedia, libre de droits
Located around 15 kilometers south of Sendai, Sendai Airport (Sendai Kūkō) is the main gateway to the Tohoku region. Connected to Japan's major cities, it serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the region's mountains, hot springs, and cultural attractions. Discover Sendai Airport with Japan Experience.
Terminals and Airlines
Originally opened in 1940 as a military airfield before being converted into a civilian airport after World War II, Sendai Airport is now the main aviation hub of the Tohoku region. It welcomes several million passengers each year and has fully resumed operations following its reconstruction after the 2011 tsunami.
Domestic Terminal
The domestic terminal handles the majority of flights operating from Sendai, connecting the Tohoku region with Japan's major cities, including:
- Tokyo (Narita Airport)
- Osaka (Itami Airport and Kansai International Airport)
- Nagoya
- Sapporo
- Fukuoka
- Hiroshima
- Okinawa
The terminal also offers a wide range of restaurants, car rental agencies, shops, and passenger services, making it easy to begin your journey through northeastern Japan.
Aéroport de Sendai
@Wikimédia, libre de droits
International Terminal
The international terminal serves regular flights to several major destinations across East Asia.
Main destinations include:
- Séoul
- Taipei
- Shanghai
- Pékin (selon les saisons)
- Dalian
Both the domestic and international terminals are housed within the same building, making transfers quick and convenient.
Japanese Airlines
Here are some of the main airlines operating from Sendai Airport.
ANA (All Nippon Airways)
ANA operates several daily flights to Osaka (Itami), Sapporo, Fukuoka, Okinawa, and other major Japanese cities.
JAL (Japan Airlines)
Japan Airlines mainly serves Osaka, Sapporo, and Fukuoka with multiple daily flights.
IBEX Airlines
Based at Sendai Airport, IBEX Airlines is one of the airport's leading carriers. Its domestic network includes:
- Nagoya
- Osaka
- Fukuoka
- Hiroshima
- Niigata
Peach Aviation
The low-cost carrier operates several domestic routes, including flights to Osaka (Kansai International Airport) and Sapporo.
Major International Airlines
Several Asian airlines offer direct flights to the Tohoku region from Sendai Airport.
South Korea
- Korean Air
- Asiana Airlines
Destination:
- Seoul (Incheon)
Taiwan
- EVA Air
- STARLUX Airlines
Destination:
- Taipei
China
Depending on the season, several airlines operate flights to:
- Shanghai
- Dalian
- Beijing
The Ideal Airport for Exploring Tohoku
Sendai Airport is the main gateway to northeastern Honshu. Thanks to its direct rail connection to Sendai Station, it provides easy access to many of the region's most popular destinations.
From Sendai Airport, you can easily reach:
- Sendai
- Matsushima
- Yamadera
- Aizuwakamatsu
- Hiraizumi
- Morioka
- Yamagata
- Akita
- Fukushima
- Ginzan Onsen (with a transfer)
The airport is also an excellent starting point for exploring Tohoku's national parks, hot spring resorts, historic villages, and scenic mountain landscapes.
Sendai
@Unsplash
Visiting Tohoku? Discover our tours and excursions!
Getting to and from Sendai Airport
By Train
The train is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between Sendai Airport and the city center.
The Sendai Airport Access Line provides a direct connection to Sendai Station in approximately 25 minutes, with no transfers required.
Trains run several times per hour throughout the day.
Travel times:
- Natori: around 10 minutes
- Sendai: around 25 minutes
The one-way fare is approximately ¥660.
Sendai Airport Transit (ligne de train)
@Wikimedia, libre de droits
The trains are operated by Sendai Airport Transit before joining the JR network at Natori Station. IC cards such as Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, TOICA, and Kitaca are accepted.
Holders of the Japan Rail Pass can travel free of charge on the JR section between Natori and Sendai. However, the Sendai Airport Transit section is not covered by the pass, so an additional fare is required to travel directly to or from the airport.
By Bus
Direct bus services connect Sendai Airport with several destinations across the Tohoku region.
Routes include:
- Sendai
- Matsushima
- Ishinomaki (seasonal)
- Fukushima (limited services)
Additional shuttle buses may also operate during major events and peak travel seasons.
Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines at the airport or directly from the driver, depending on the route.
Taking the bus is a convenient option if your accommodation is not located near a train station.
By Taxi
A taxi is a comfortable option, especially for early morning departures or late-night arrivals.
Approximate travel times:
- Natori: around 15 minutes
- Central Sendai: around 30–40 minutes
Approximate fares:
- ¥3,000–4,000 to Natori
- ¥7,000–9,000 to central Sendai, depending on traffic
Taxi ranks are located directly outside the terminal building.
Taxis in Japan
@Unsplash
Renting a Car
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Tohoku, giving you easy access to the region's hot spring resorts (onsen), mountain areas, and rural destinations that are often difficult to reach by public transport.
Several major rental companies operate near the airport, including:
- Toyota Rent a Car
- Nippon Rent-A-Car
- Nissan Rent a Car
- Times Car Rental
- ORIX Rent a Car
- Budget Rent a Car
Most agencies provide a free shuttle service between the terminal and their rental office.
A rental car is especially recommended for visiting:
- The Oshika Peninsula
- Naruko Onsen
- Mount Zaō
- Ginzan Onsen
- The Sanriku Coast
- The villages of southern Tohoku
Need to have your driver's license translated? Japan Experience can help
Services at Sendai Airport
Although Sendai Airport is much smaller than Japan's major international hubs, it offers all the essential facilities for a comfortable journey, along with a variety of shops and restaurants showcasing the flavors of the Tohoku region.
Dining
The terminal features several restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy local specialties before your flight.
Options include:
- Restaurants specializing in gyūtan, Sendai's famous grilled beef tongue
- Soba and udon noodle restaurants
- Sushi restaurants serving fresh seafood from the Sanriku Coast
- Cafés offering pastries and regional sweets
It's also a great place to try zunda mochi, a Miyagi specialty made with sweetened edamame soybean paste.
Gyutan
@polomanbo sur Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Shopping
Sendai Airport is a great place to pick up regional souvenirs and local specialties before leaving Tohoku.
The airport's shops offer a wide selection of products, including:
- Traditional kokeshi dolls
- Sasakamaboko, Sendai's famous fish cakes
- Sake from Miyagi Prefecture
- Local sweets and confectionery
- Wooden crafts and ceramics
You'll also find products from the neighboring prefectures of Akita, Iwate, and Yamagata.
Convenience Stores
Like most Japanese airports, Sendai Airport has several convenience stores (konbini) where you can buy drinks, snacks, travel essentials, and other everyday items.
These include:
- Lawson
- FamilyMart
Kokeshi
@Unsplash
Duty Free
The international departure area features a duty-free shop offering a range of products, including:
- Japanese cosmetics
- Alcoholic beverages
- Regional specialties
- Electronics
- Luxury goods
Airport Lounges
Business Class passengers and travelers with eligible airline status can access the airport's lounges.
Typical amenities include:
- Complimentary drinks
- Light snacks
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power outlets
- Workspaces
- Comfortable seating
Luggage Storage and Delivery
Coin lockers are available throughout the terminal, allowing travelers to store bags and suitcases for a few hours or an entire day.
The airport also offers a Takkyubin luggage delivery service, making it easy to send your luggage directly to a hotel or another destination anywhere in Japan.
Coin Lockers
Flickr haru__q
Hotels Near the Airport
If you have an early morning flight or a late-night arrival, several hotels are located close to the airport or are easily accessible by train.
Popular options include:
- Super Hotel Mitazono : Located near Mitazono Station on the Sendai Airport Access Line.
- Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East : Directly connected to Sendai Station, making it an excellent base for continuing your journey through the Tohoku region.
Looking for more space and a local experience? Discover our holiday homes available for rent across Japan.
Hôtel Metropolitan Sendai East
@site officiel de l'hôtel
Things to Do Near Sendai Airport
Several of Tohoku's top attractions can be reached within an hour of the airport.
Sendai City
Founded by the feudal lord Date Masamune in the early 17th century, Sendai is now the largest city in the Tohoku region.
Highlights include:
- The ruins of Sendai Castle
- Zuihōden Mausoleum
- Jōzenji-dōri Avenue
- The city's many restaurants specializing in gyūtan (grilled beef tongue)
Matsushima
Ranked among the Three Most Scenic Views of Japan, Matsushima Bay is famous for its hundreds of pine-covered islands. Sightseeing cruises offer spectacular views of the bay, while Zuigan-ji Temple and Godaidō Hall are among the region's most popular attractions.
Akiu Onsen
Located about 30 minutes from Sendai, Akiu Onsen is one of Tohoku's best-known hot spring resorts. The area is home to numerous ryokan (traditional Japanese inns), as well as the Akiu Great Falls, which are especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season.
Matsushima
@matsushima / unplash
Yamadera
Easily accessible by train from Sendai, Yamadera is a mountain temple founded in the 9th century. After climbing more than 1,000 stone steps, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views over the surrounding valley.
The Sanriku Coast
Northeast of Sendai, the Sanriku Coast is known for its dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and picturesque fishing ports. It is an ideal destination for discovering Tohoku's coastal scenery while enjoying some of the region's freshest seafood.
Looking to explore northern Japan at a slower pace? Discover the region by train!
Create the trip of your dreams with our experts!
Whether guided or independent, our itineraries adapt to your travel style. Let our agency and local experts handle the logistics of your trip to Japan for an unforgettable and stress-free experience.
