Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Sendai?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Sendai?
Most people spend two to three days in Sendai during their visit. The lively city offers amazing highlights such as the famous sights and museums, the nightlife scene, the shops and boutiques, and the beaches.
Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku Region on Honshu Island in Japan. It grew as a castle town, and today there is a park surrounding what is left of the castle. The city has a vibrant energy and mixes old and new into a dynamic and colorful setting.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Sendai? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Sendai?
The popular city of Sendai has many activities and attractions for visitors. Three days is just right for checking out pretty much everything in Sendai. Most visitors prefer to spend two to three days here, and we have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting. Also, Sendai is popular with families which enjoy visiting because the city offers activities specifically for them.
How to spend 3 days in Sendai
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Sendai, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. The city grew up as a castle town, and today the castle ruins are a popular tourist destination. A park surrounds the area, Aobayama Park, and while only the stonewalls remain, you can visit the Sendai City Museum in the park as well. Zuihoden Temple is another landmark worth visiting, as is the AER observation terrace.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. Head to Kokubuncho for the best nightlife scene in the area. This downtown neighborhood is filled with bars, clubs, and karaoke that come alive in the evening. For live music, check out Rensa, which is one of the city's largest live music venues.
Sendai is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. There are many parts of the city that are walkable, especially around Sendai Station as well as in the Chuo-dori arcade and the the Kokubuncho neighborhood.
Shopping in Sendai is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. You'll find shopping arcades in the downtown area like Ichibancho, which is one of the most popular shopping districts in the city. If you head out of town towards the suburbs, you'll find malls and other outlet stores.
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. There are a number of local specialties in the area and if you're an adventurous eater, then this is your place. Many of the dishes are influenced by the city's proximity to the ocean. Make sure you try the harako-meshi (rice with fish eggs), sea squirts, and sashimi. Another local favorite is beef tongue.
The public transit in Sendai is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.
The beautiful beaches await you in Sendai, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. There are a number of beaches in the area, but for the best options you'll want to head a bit out of town.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 4 days enough time in Sendai?
Four days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Sendai at your own pace to experience the famous sights and museums, the nightlife scene, the shops and boutiques, and the beaches. Then you can use this city as a convenient base for venturing into smaller destinations nearby where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
Sendai, Japan
How to spend 4 days in Sendai
Having 4 days in Sendai will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
Sendai is large enough to spend at least a full day exploring the local neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. It's the largest city in the Tohoku region and it has a lively atmosphere with a thriving downtown.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Sendai?
With five days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Sendai has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Sendai as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the famous sights and museums, the nightlife scene, and the shops and boutiques at your own pace, as this medium sized city offers a variety of fun activities for families. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 5 days in Sendai
With 5 days in Sendai, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
After you've explored most of Sendai, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Sendai, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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