8 Days Exploring Sendai and Surroundings Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to Aoba Castle (Sendai Castle) ruins located on Mount Aoba. Although only ruins remain today, it offers panoramic views of Sendai city and has an informative museum about the castle's history. Enjoy breakfast at Ichibancho Terasu Coffee, known for its excellent coffee and pastries.

After exploring Aoba Castle, join Sendai: Local Foodie Tour, wander around the gourmet town. This tour will take you through various food stalls and restaurants where you can taste local specialties such as gyutan (beef tongue), zunda mochi (sweet soybean paste), and other regional delights. Have lunch during this tour as you'll be sampling various dishes along the way.

In the evening, head over to Gyutan Sumiyaki Rikyu, one of Sendai's most famous restaurants specializing in gyutan. After dinner, visit Kokubuncho district for some nightlife fun; stop by Bar Islay for some expertly crafted cocktails.

Start your day early with a trip to Matsushima Bay via train from Sendai Station (approximately 40 minutes). Matsushima is considered one of Japan's three most scenic views due to its picturesque bay dotted with pine-covered islands. Have breakfast at Matsushima Sakanamachi Ichiba, which offers fresh seafood dishes.

Take part in Open Trip Ginzan Onsen, which includes transportation from Matsushima Bay area to Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture (approximately 1 hour by bus). Ginzan Onsen is renowned for its charming hot spring town ambiance reminiscent of historical Japan. Enjoy lunch at one of Ginzan Onsen's quaint eateries like Nobesawa Ramen before soaking in one of their public baths or private onsens.

Return to Sendai in the evening (approximately 1 hour by bus). For dinner, indulge in some sushi at Sushi Tetsu. Conclude your night with a relaxing walk along Hirose River before heading back to your accommodation.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Mozart Atelier, known for its relaxing atmosphere and delicious pastries. Afterward, prepare for an exciting adventure as you join Sendai, Okama: Private tour from Sendai city to Okama. This private tour will take you to the stunning Okama Crater, also known as the 'Five Color Pond' due to its changing colors depending on the weather. The crater is located in the Zao Mountain Range and offers breathtaking views that are perfect for photography enthusiasts.

After exploring the Okama Crater, enjoy a picnic lunch with a view of the surrounding mountains. The tour guide will provide insights into the geological significance of the area and its natural beauty. Once you return to Sendai, take some time to relax at your accommodation or explore nearby shops.

For dinner, head over to Date no Gyutan Honpo, another excellent spot for gyutan dishes. Afterward, visit Ichibancho Lounge for some evening drinks in a sophisticated setting. If you're up for more exploration, take a leisurely walk around Sendai's shopping arcades like Clis Road and Sunmall Ichibancho.

Start your day with breakfast at Blue Leaf Café, which offers a variety of Western and Japanese breakfast options. Then get ready for an unforgettable experience with Zao Snow Wall 1DAY Bus tour with Ohanami ExperEence. This tour will take you through the impressive Zao Snow Walls, towering walls of snow that can reach up to 10 meters high during peak season.

During this tour, you'll also have the chance to enjoy 'ohanami' or cherry blossom viewing if you're visiting during spring. The contrast between the snow walls and blooming cherry blossoms creates a unique and picturesque scene that's truly one-of-a-kind. Lunch will be provided during the tour at a local restaurant specializing in regional cuisine.

Return to Sendai in the evening and dine at Kisuke Ekimae, known for its delicious tempura dishes. After dinner, unwind at Café de Lucille, a cozy café bar offering a wide selection of drinks and desserts. Reflect on your day's adventures while enjoying some live music or simply relaxing in this charming spot.

Begin your cultural immersion day with breakfast at Café Haven, which offers healthy breakfast options including smoothie bowls and freshly baked bread. Afterward, visit Sendai Mediatheque – an architectural marvel designed by Toyo Ito that serves as a library, gallery space, and cultural center all in one.

For lunch, head over to Matsushima Sakanamachi Ichiba once again as it is highly recommended by locals for fresh seafood delicacies! Post-lunch join one more wishlist item - Sendai: Local Foodie Tour wander around gourmet town . This guided foodie tour will allow you sample various local delicacies such as zunda mochi (sweet soybean paste), gyutan (beef tongue) along other regional delights while learning about their history & preparation methods from knowledgeable guides!

Conclude your cultural immersion day by dining at Kuroge Wagyu Senmon Ten Kuroshi , famous among locals & tourists alike due their premium quality wagyu beef dishes cooked perfectly every time! End night sipping cocktails made expertly crafted mixologists found only within chic ambiance provided by upscale bar called R-Bar Islay .

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Café Mozart Atelier, known for its relaxing atmosphere and delicious pastries. Afterward, head to the scenic Hirose River for a peaceful morning walk. The river is lined with cherry blossom trees that create a picturesque scene, especially during spring. This is a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Sendai.

In the afternoon, embark on Open Trip Ginzan Onsen. This tour will take you to the charming hot spring town of Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture (approximately 1 hour by bus). Ginzan Onsen is renowned for its historical ambiance and picturesque setting. Enjoy lunch at one of Ginzan Onsen's quaint eateries like Nobesawa Ramen before soaking in one of their public baths or private onsens.

Return to Sendai in the evening (approximately 1 hour by bus). For dinner, indulge in some sushi at Sushi Tetsu. Conclude your night with a relaxing walk along Hirose River before heading back to your accommodation.

Sendai: Local Foodie Tour wander around gourmet town is an excellent way to start your final day in Sendai. This guided foodie tour will allow you sample various local delicacies such as zunda mochi (sweet soybean paste), gyutan (beef tongue) along other regional delights while learning about their history & preparation methods from knowledgeable guides! Enjoy breakfast during this tour as you'll be sampling various dishes along the way.

Zao Snow Wall 1DAY Bus tour with Ohanami ExperEence is another must-do activity if you haven't experienced it yet! This tour will take you through the impressive Zao Snow Walls, towering walls of snow that can reach up to 10 meters high during peak season. During this tour, you'll also have the chance to enjoy 'ohanami' or cherry blossom viewing if you're visiting during spring. Lunch will be provided during the tour at a local restaurant specializing in regional cuisine.

Kuroge Wagyu Senmon Ten Kuroshi is famous among locals & tourists alike due their premium quality wagyu beef dishes cooked perfectly every time! End night sipping cocktails made expertly crafted mixologists found only within chic ambiance provided by upscale bar called Bar Islay.