4 day itinerary for Sendai

Itinerary

Sendai is a beautiful city with a rich history, stunning nature, and delicious food. Here’s a fun and engaging 4-day itinerary that will help you make the most of your time there!

## Day 1: Explore the City and Historical Sites

Morning:

• Breakfast at a Local Café: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café. Try some Sendai specialties like zunda (sweet edamame paste) on toast or pancakes.
• Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle): Head to Aoba Castle, which offers a fantastic view of the city. The castle itself is a reconstruction, but the history and the surrounding park are lovely for a morning stroll.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at a Gyutan Restaurant: You can’t visit Sendai without trying gyutan (grilled beef tongue). There are many great restaurants, but one popular spot is “Gyutan Senboku.”
• Zuihoden Mausoleum: After lunch, visit Zuihoden, the mausoleum of Date Masamune, the founder of Sendai. The intricate carvings and serene atmosphere are captivating.

Evening:

• Dinner in the Kokubuncho District: This area is known for its nightlife and dining options. Try some local izakayas (Japanese pubs) for a casual dinner.
• Stroll through the Streets: After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the streets, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

## Day 2: Nature and Relaxation

Morning:

• Breakfast at your Hotel or a Local Bakery: Enjoy a light breakfast before heading out.
• Matsushima Bay: Take a train to Matsushima, one of Japan’s three most scenic views. You can take a boat tour to see the beautiful islands and maybe even visit a temple on one of them.

Afternoon:

• Lunch in Matsushima: Try some fresh seafood at a local restaurant. The area is famous for its oysters!
• Visit Zuiganji Temple: After lunch, explore Zuiganji, a stunning temple with beautiful gardens and historical significance.

Evening:

• Return to Sendai: Head back to Sendai and relax at your hotel.
• Dinner at a Local Ramen Shop: End your day with a warm bowl of ramen. There are many great spots, so just pick one that looks inviting!

## Day 3: Culture and Shopping

Morning:

• Breakfast at a Local Café: Fuel up for a day of exploration.
• Sendai Mediatheque: Start your day at this architectural marvel. It’s a library, gallery, and media center all in one. Check out any exhibitions that might be happening.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Sendai Station: Grab a bento box or some sushi at the station. It’s a great place to sample local flavors.
• Shopping in the Ichibancho Shopping Arcade: Spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs, local crafts, and snacks. Don’t forget to try some zunda mochi from a local vendor!

Evening:

• Dinner at a Local Izakaya: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at an izakaya, where you can try various small dishes and drinks.
• Night View from Sendai’s AER Building: Head to the observation deck for a stunning view of the city at night.

## Day 4: Day Trip to Yamadera

Morning:

• Early Breakfast: Have an early breakfast and prepare for a day trip.
• Travel to Yamadera: Take a train to Yamadera, a beautiful mountain temple. The hike up the stairs to the temple is invigorating and offers breathtaking views.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at a Local Eatery in Yamadera: Enjoy a simple meal at one of the local eateries. Try some soba noodles!
• Explore Yamadera Temple: Spend your afternoon exploring the temple grounds and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Evening:

• Return to Sendai: Head back to Sendai and take some time to relax.
• Farewell Dinner: For your last night, treat yourself to a nice dinner at a restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. Maybe indulge in some sushi or a kaiseki meal!

And there you have it! A delightful 4-day itinerary in Sendai that balances history, nature, culture, and delicious food. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 🌸✈️