Location and access

Sendai is located 350 kilometers from Tokyo and is a major city in the Tohoku area. The Tohoku area is in the north part of Japan and has a cooler climate compared to Tokyo. It’s also packed with lush natural landscapes, great food, and rich cultural traditions. Summer is a great time to visit.

You can combine an Olympic game with your visit to Tohoku—some of the soccer games are set to be held in Sendai. Hop on the Shinkansen trains Hayate, Hayabusa, or Komachi, and you’ll be in Sendai in just 90 minutes.

Many games in the Tokyo venues are scheduled to take place early in the morning to avoid the summer heat, so you can catch a game in Tokyo in the early morning and then head to Sendai to watch a soccer game in the evening. For example, you can check out the triathlon match at Odaiba Seaside Park on July 27 from 6:30 to 9:05, and then arrive in Sendai before noon.

Admire one of Japan’s most iconic views

After you arrive at Sendai, head to the picturesque Matsushima area on the Pacific coastline. You can see more than 200 small pine-covered islands rising out of the pristine Matsushima Bay—this has been known as one of Japan’s three most scenic views since ancient times.

While some neighboring areas were affected by the 2011 disaster, Matsushima escaped extensive damage because the islands acted as natural breakwaters.

You can access Matsushima via Matsushima-Kaigan Station, about 40 minutes from Sendai Station.

Sail around Matsushima Bay

There are two ways to enjoy Matsushima—you can take a boat cruise around the islands or explore the coast on foot.

Taking a boat lets you get up-close views of the beautiful azure waters and the emerald-colored islands, as droves of seagulls soar past.

Cruises depart from the port located about 8 minutes from Matsushima-Kaigan Station. There are three major routes, and each takes about 50 to 60 minutes. You can even take a sunset cruise to see the sky and sea tinged with beautiful colors.

Another option is to explore points of interest on the coastline. The Matsushima coast is home to Zuiganji Temple, a prominent Zen temple built in 828. It houses several important cultural artefacts and a pristine traditional garden. The temple is a short walk from the port.

For beautiful panoramic views of the area, head to the 45-meter high Shintomiyama Observatory, located 15 minutes on foot from the docks.

Have your fill of fresh seafood

Once you’ve worked up an appetite after exploring Matsushima, treat yourself to a seafood lunch. The Sanriku Coast stretches from Sendai to the north part of Iwate and has a complex terrain of bays, coves, and cliffs. A rich variety of seafood are caught in the area and you can enjoy fresh oysters, scallops, and sushi at the Matsushima Fish Market, located close to the docks.

Soccer at Miyagi Stadium

After exploring the Matsushima coast, head to Sendai to catch a game. A total of six games are set to be held in Sendai, including the qualifying rounds and quarterfinals for men’s and women’s soccer.

All the games will kick off at 17:00 at Miyagi Stadium, located in the north part of Sendai City.

There will be shuttle buses running to the venue from Sendai and Izumi-Chuo Station. If you are planning to catch a game right after your visit to Matsushima, hop on a shuttle bus from Tagajo Station. Note that the routes starting from Sendai, Izumi-Chuo, and Rifu Station are all barrier-free routes.

On the way from Tagajo Station, look out for the beautiful crescent-shaped roof of the stadium—the design was inspired by the helmet of the 16th century feudal lord Date Masamune.

You can purchase beer and snacks at the stadium. Get there early to enjoy the Olympic energy!

Dine on Sendai specialties

After the game, take the shuttle bus back to the center of Sendai City for dinner.

Grilled beef tongue is the local specialty—the thick slices are seasoned with just salt and pepper before they are char-grilled. You can also find restaurants serving fresh seafood dishes as well as vegetarian food made with locally-grown herbs and vegetables. For a casual dinner with plenty of dishes to choose from, head to an izakaya. If you prefer fine dining, it’s best to make reservations in advance.

Enjoy summer festivities

Take a stroll around the shopping streets of Sendai after dinner. Look out for large, colorful paper ornaments that mark the Tanabata Festival.

Other notable festivals that take place in the Tohoku area include the Aomori Nebuta Festival and the Kanto Festival in Akita.

Sendai’s Tanabata Festival takes place from August 6 to 8 every year. You can spot extravagant bamboo ornaments throughout the city during this period. Note that the Tanabata Festival does not coincide with the Sendai Olympic games.

Head to a historic temple

Spend the next day exploring the lush Tohoku mountains. Take a train from Sendai to the beautiful Risshaku-ji Temple. Commonly known as Yamadera, this temple was extolled by famous haiku poet Matsuo Basho.

The entire mountain which the temple sits on is a place of ascetic training and worship. It was built in 860, and revered as a place to dispel bad luck for over a millennium.

The trailhead is about a 10-minute walk from the station. Walk 1,015 stone steps to the highest point, Okunoin Temple. Set aside about an hour and a half to explore the area. Although you don’t need hiking gear to hike the route, it’s best to wear sturdy shoes.

Stunning views and haiku poetry

From the Konponchudo Hall (the main temple hall), ascend past the Sanmon. The trailhead is about a 10-minute walk from the station. Walk 1,015 stone steps to the highest point, Okunoin Temple. Set aside about an hour and a half to explore the area. Although you don’t need hiking gear to hike the route, it’s best to wear sturdy shoes.

Gate and the enormous Mida-hora rock to Okunoin Temple, the highest point in the complex. You can take in spectacular views of the surroundings from various parts of the temple.

Located along the cliffside are Kaisando Hall and Godaido Hall. The view of the village below from Godaido Hall is particularly noteworthy.

One of Matsuo Basho’s most famous haiku poems was written to commemorate his visit to Yamadera: Such stillness… / the sound of the cicadas / seep into the rocks.

You can find a monument erected by Basho’s followers in the temple premises.

Once you’ve descended, sample some local treats like konjac jelly balls, zunda mochi (edamame rice cakes), soba, and dango rice cakes.

Konjac jelly balls

Take a relaxing hot spring bath

After a light hike, relax and rejuvenate at a hot spring. You’ll find plenty near Yamadera with varying efficacies and views. While hot spring facilities are open to day-trippers, you can also opt to spend the night at a hot spring inn.

Return to Tokyo via the Yamagata Shinkansen

After visiting hot springs, you can head back to Tokyo via the Yamagata Shinkansen. The journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. You can make it back in time to catch an evening game in Tokyo.

If you have the JAPAN RAIL PASS or the Seishun 18 Ticket, you can opt to further explore the Tohoku region—you can choose from Akita, Aomori, Iwate, or Fukushima Prefecture. Each area has something unique to offer, from beaches and mountains to hot springs and culinary hot spots.