Three days, Sendai plus Matsushima and Yamadera

Morning

Zuihoden

Adult ¥570. Open 9:00-16:50 from 1 February to 30 November, last entry 16:30; 9:00-16:20 in December and January. Closed 31 December.

Late morning

Sendai Castle ruins (Aoba Castle)

The ruins themselves are open ground with no gate. The Kenbunkan exhibition hall is free, 9:00-17:00, open every day.

Eat near the castle site before heading back down. There is more choice up there than you would expect.

Afternoon

Jozenji-dori

A public avenue. Nothing to pay and nothing to enter.

The zelkova-lined avenue. An easy afternoon after a morning of hills.

Early morning

Sendai Station, heading for Yamadera

JR Senzan Line, ¥860 one way, about 60 minutes. Yamadera is en route to Yamagata rather than a terminus, so look for the through services.

The JR Senzan Line runs to Yamadera. There are over a thousand steps waiting at the other end, so wear the right shoes.

Morning

Risshakuji, better known as Yamadera

Adult ¥500, cash only. Open 8:00-16:00 from April to September and 8:30-15:00 from December to March, with the gate closing at 16:00. The temple publishes no hours for October or November.

The climb to the inner shrine and back is the bulk of the day. Give it more time than you think you need.

Afternoon

Around Sendai Station

The station has dedicated gyutan and sushi lanes on its third floor, and a zunda area that opens earlier.

You will have very little left in your legs. Do not schedule anything demanding for this afternoon.

Morning

Sendai Station, heading for Matsushima

JR Senseki Line to Matsushimakaigan, ¥420 one way, about 40 minutes. Both the Marugoto Pass and the SENDAI AREA PASS cover it.

Mid-morning

Matsushima-Kaigan

The sightseeing cruise leaves hourly from 9:00 to 16:00. The standard Nio-maru course is ¥1,500 for an adult and takes about 50 minutes.

If you want the sightseeing cruise, head for the pier first. Departures are fixed.

Late morning

Zuiganji

Adult ¥1,000 since 1 April 2026. Opens 8:30; closing runs from 15:30 in December and January to 17:00 from April to September.

Afternoon

Sendai Morning Market

Five minutes on foot from the station. Closing days are published month by month rather than as a standing rule, so check the market association before you go.

A short walk from Sendai Station. Many stalls close on Sundays.