When it comes to exploring the Tohoku Region (東北地方), most visitors are very likely to visit Miyagi Prefecture (宮城県), especially Sendai (仙台市), the region’s largest city as well as the prefecture’s capital city. And of course, the city has a generous share of attractions for visitors to explore.
Sendai is one of the most well-connected cities in Tohoku, as it has direct access to Tokyo and other major cities thanks to the Tohoku Shinkansen (東北新幹線). Visitors from Tokyo can hop on the Tohoku Shinkansen and reach Sendai in less than 90 minutes, and from there, they can continue their journey to other parts of the city by switching to local trains.
Sendai is often seen as the gateway to Tohoku, and there are more than enough attractions for all visitors to explore in the city and around it. For a start, if there is one landmark visitors should prioritise above all else, it would be Matsushima Bay.
Matsushima Bay, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Spots
Matsushima Bay (松島湾) is one of the Three Scenic Spots in Japan, and is one of the most visited spots in Miyagi Prefecture. Located less than an hour’s train ride away from Sendai, the bay is home to approximately 260 islands, and each island has something special to offer.
One of the most prominent landmarks in Matsushima Bay is Zuiganji Temple (瑞巌寺), which is designated as one of Japan’s National Treasures. Located just a short walk away from Matsushimakaigan Station, the temple was originally built in the 17th century and is known for its beautiful rooms. One of the most recognised rooms is Kujaku no Ma (孔雀の間), also known as the Peacock Room, with its beautiful peacock images and gold leaf-covered sliding doors.
With so many islands, how does one explore Matsushima Bay the best way possible? With a cruise ride, of course! Hopping on a cruise is one of the most popular ways to discover the vast bay area, and visitors can soak in the amazing sights around them as the boat cruises between the many islands.
Visitors can spend half to a whole day exploring Matsushima Bay, so if they have the time, they can head back to Sendai to continue the second part of the day in the city. Let’s see what they can check out there!
Matsushima Bay (松島湾)
Address: Matsushima-machi, Miyagi, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0213
Access: 40-minute train ride on the Senseki Line from JR Sendai Station
Step inside the final resting place of Sendai’s founder
After exploring Matsushima Bay, visitors can make their way back to Sendai by train and explore the city. But where does one start in a city as big as Sendai? Perhaps the best place to start is Zuihoden (瑞鳳殿), which is one of the most significant landmarks in the city. It is a mausoleum for Date Masamune, one of the most powerful feudal lords during the Edo Period and the founder of modern-day Sendai.
Visitors to the mausoleum will be swept away by the elaborate woodwork and designs that decorate the compound. Date Masamune’s final resting place is one of the most popular spots among visitors to Sendai, who can explore the city’s rich history and learn more about the founding father’s legacy.
Zuihoden (瑞鳳殿)
Address: 23-2 Otamayashita, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0814
Access: 15-minute ride on the Loople Bus from JR Sendai Station, get off at Zuihoden-mae (瑞鳳殿前) bus stop
Admire the Statute of Date Masamune & Sendai City city skyline
Before wrapping up the day, make a trip to the Sendai Castle Ruins Park to admire the imposing statue of Date Masamune. Mounting atop his horse, Date Masamune oversees the modern city that he founded generations ago, and visitors can also enjoy the amazing view of the city skyline. A tip for all visitors: one of the best times to visit the park is near sunset, when the view of the setting sun shining across the city would leave you breathless!
See you in Sendai!
As the gateway city to the Tohoku Region, Sendai has plenty to offer for all types of visitors, from a UNESCO World Heritage Site to delicious foods found all over the city, and impressive landmarks that tell the story of the city’s rich history. If you are visiting Tohoku, Sendai is a city that you don’t want to miss!
If you want to visit Sendai, then guess what: JAPAN RAIL CLUB has a tour plan just for you! Together with an English-speaking guide, you will take a trip to Matsushima to admire the splendid scenery, have lunch, and admission tickets for Entsu-in Temple and a sightseeing cruise around Matsushima, Zuihoden, and Sendai Castle Ruins Park. Click here and follow the steps to find out more; plus, there are three variants if you want to travel solo, with a friend, or in a small group. Hope to see you at Sendai soon!
Header image credit: ©photoAC
