Home Search by budget Destinations Beaches Interactive map Services Booking Collections Ratings VIP Club
Find flights Book transfer
Home / Destinations / Sendai

Sendai

Japan · Coast · JPY · 38.268200, 140.869400
Family friendly 7.3/10 · Rank 506 of 2 709
Best season: June-September

Best for

Suitable for history, gastronomy and beach holiday lovers

Best season

June-September

Daily budget
$121.00 (≈ 10 154 ₽ · ≈ 18 150 JPY)
For 7 days
$847.00 (≈ 71 080 ₽ · ≈ 127 050 JPY)
Sendai is a major city in northeastern Honshu, known as the "City of Trees" for its green avenues. It is home to the mausoleum of Date Masamune and the majestic Aoba Castle. The city is also famous for its annual Tanabata Festival and serves as a starting point for exploring the scenic Tohoku region.
Summer
29.0°C
Winter
-1.0°C
Sea
26.0°C
Search by budget Atmosphere Pros and cons Climate Sea and beach Hazards Attractions Excursions Prices FAQ
Search by budget
Enter an amount — we'll show destinations within your reach
Description and atmosphere

Energy

moderate

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Sendai residents are friendly, hospitable and proud of their city, known for their sense of humour

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Rich history
  • Excellent gastronomy
  • Scenic Matsushima Bay
  • Beaches
  • Developed infrastructure

Cons

  • Cold winters
  • Distance from Tokyo
  • High prices
  • Limited nightlife
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
24.4°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
27.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
29.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
2.5°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
6.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
-1.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
24.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
26.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
June-July
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gradual
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
moderate
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Fukunuma Beach
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
No
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Beaches are generally safe, jellyfish possible in the warm season, watch for tides

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins are found on rocky bottoms in Sendai waters. Protective footwear is recommended when swimming.

Corals and reefs — details

  • Temperate water coral formations, including soft corals and gorgonians, are found in Sendai waters. Risk of cuts on contact.

Jellyfish — details

  • Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) — most common species, stings are mild but unpleasant
  • Jellyfish are more common in July-August, especially after storms

Sharks — details

  • Small shark species inhabit Sendai waters and do not pose a danger to humans. No attacks have been recorded.
Attractions

Aoba Castle

Castle ruins on a hill with panoramic views of the city and a museum

Zuihoden Temple

Mausoleum of Date Masamune, famous samurai warlord, a cultural heritage site

Matsushima Bay

Scenic bay with pine-covered islands, one of Japan's three most beautiful views

Miyagi Museum of Art

Museum with a collection of Japanese and Western art, including works by Monet and Picasso

Ichibancho Street

Main shopping street of the city with shops, restaurants and cafes

Best areas

Sendai Centre

Area around the station with hotels, shops and restaurants

Ichibancho

Main shopping street with shops and cafes

Matsushima

Coastal area with a scenic bay and islands

Must-try food

Gyutan

Grilled beef tongue, Sendai's signature dish, served with rice and salad

Zuihoden

Traditional dish of seafood and vegetables, named after the temple

Sasakamaboko

Grilled fish cakes, a local speciality

Hiyoshi-Mochi

Sweet rice cakes, a popular dessert in the Tohoku region

Where to go next

Matsushima

Scenic bay with pine-covered islands 30 minutes away

Yamadera

Thermal resort with traditional inns 1 hour away

Ginzan

Historic silver mines 1.5 hours away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
medium
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт Сендай (SDJ).
Check flight prices Putivator
Compare prices from 800+ airlines — Putivator
Search
Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
June-September
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$28.00
≈ 2 350 ₽ · ≈ 4 200 JPY
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 12 000 JPY
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽ · ≈ 18 000 JPY
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽ · ≈ 30 000 JPY
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$180.00
≈ 15 106 ₽ · ≈ 27 000 JPY
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 10 500 JPY
Book a hotel Partner
Over 2 million hotels — Trip.com
Find
Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 1 500 JPY
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 3 750 JPY
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽ · ≈ 525 JPY
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 600 JPY
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽ · ≈ 225 JPY
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 1 500 JPY
Burger
Average price for a burger
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 1 200 JPY
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 600 JPY
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 1 050 JPY
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 6 000 JPY
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 300 JPY
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 1 500 JPY
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 7 500 JPY
Airport transfer Putivator
Comfortable transfer — Putivator
Book
Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 1 800 JPY
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 3 750 JPY
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 6 750 JPY
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 12 000 JPY
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Sendai Partner
Museums, parks, tours - Tiqets
Find
Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 10 500 JPY
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽ · ≈ 2 700 JPY
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 3 000 JPY
eSIM for travellers Partner
Internet in 200+ countries — Yesim
Connect
Frequently asked questions
Sendai: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is June-September. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Sendai: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +29.0°C, during the day — up to +27.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Sendai: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +-1.0°C, during the day — up to +6.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Sendai: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +26.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Sendai: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on June-July. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Sendai: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, golden sand, moderate water. The most popular beaches: Fukunuma Beach. The beaches have cafes and bars.
Sendai: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Sendai: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: jellyfish. Beaches are generally safe, jellyfish possible in the warm season, watch for tides. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Sendai: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $121.00 (≈ 10 154 ₽ · ≈ 18 150 JPY) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Sendai: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $28.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $80.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $120.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $200.00 per night, an apartment — $70.00 per night, a villa — $180.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Sendai: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $10.00, dinner at a restaurant — $25.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.50, a 0.5L beer — $4.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Sendai: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $40.00, a single public transport ticket — $2.00, a short taxi ride — $10.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Sendai: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Aoba Castle — Castle ruins on a hill with panoramic views of the city and a museum; Zuihoden Temple — Mausoleum of Date Masamune, famous samurai warlord, a cultural heritage site; Matsushima Bay — Scenic bay with pine-covered islands, one of Japan's three most beautiful views; Miyagi Museum of Art — Museum with a collection of Japanese and Western art, including works by Monet and Picasso; Ichibancho Street — Main shopping street of the city with shops, restaurants and cafes. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Sendai: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Gyutan — Grilled beef tongue, Sendai's signature dish, served with rice and salad; Zuihoden — Traditional dish of seafood and vegetables, named after the temple; Sasakamaboko — Grilled fish cakes, a local speciality; Hiyoshi-Mochi — Sweet rice cakes, a popular dessert in the Tohoku region. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Sendai: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Sendai Centre — Area around the station with hotels, shops and restaurants; Ichibancho — Main shopping street with shops and cafes; Matsushima — Coastal area with a scenic bay and islands. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Sendai: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Sendai: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Сендай (code SDJ). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $40.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Sendai: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — JPY. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $121.00 (≈ 10 154 ₽ · ≈ 18 150 JPY). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Sendai: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Sendai: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as medium. There is a good choice of bars and restaurants, but without excessive noise.
Sendai: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Matsushima — Scenic bay with pine-covered islands 30 minutes away; Yamadera — Thermal resort with traditional inns 1 hour away; Ginzan — Historic silver mines 1.5 hours away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.3/10
Overall rank: 506 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 374

Best season

June-September

Useful information

Currency: JPY
Coordinates: 38.268200, 140.869400