Why not enjoy the convenience and comfort of traveling around Sendai and Miyagi by rental car?

Here’s an introduction on how to safely get the best out of the most recommended sightseeing spots in Sendai area by rental car.

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An introduction for each sightseeing spot in the Sendai area.

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Akiu area

The Akiu area, a 30 minute drive from central Sendai, is not just a hot spring destination. Its charm is that as well as nature and gourmet dining, visitors can experience traditional handy crafts all over the Akiu area. Currently, there are 14 Hotspring Inns, and the area has a deep history with Sendai clan lord Date Masamune said to have been enamoured with the Akiu hot spring.

Touring Akiu by Rent-a-Car – YouTube

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Sakunami – Jogi area

The Sakunami Area, located approximately 45 minutes by car from Sendai Station, has not only the Sakunami Onsen (hotsprings) but also boasts a whisky distillery that produces the internationally popular Japanese whisky, and it also has a beautiful waterfall. In the Jogi area, where the Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple is situated, there is beautiful scenery for visitors to enjoy throughout all the seasons.

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Central area – Izumi area

In the Sendai central area, as well as the site of Sendai Castle built by Lord Date Masamune, a mausoleum as well has a nationally treasured Shrine, there are museums and sightseeing spots all over the city. Not to be outdone, upon traveling to northern Sendai and Izumi areas, visitors can easily access the Giant Bodhisattva Statue (Sendai Daikannon), an outlet mall as well as the ski slopes at Mt. Izumigatake.

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Eastern area – Matsushima

In the eastern area, visitors can enjoy visiting the factory where the Sendai delicacy kamaboko is made, can visit the Sendai Tanabata decorations at the Sendai Tanabata museum all year round, an aquarium and an outlet mall, among other attractions. From there should visitors head further along and enter Shiogama City, they can see shrines steeped in history and a fish market. Further alone, visitors can enjoy one of the “Three Views of Japan” –  Matsushima, in which there are some 260 islands that can not only be viewed from the mainland and the mountains, but can also be visited by boat.

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For a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

Compared to large cities, many areas in Tohoku have fewer cars and traffic signals, and roads are often wide. For this reason, driving is generally considered easier. However, please take extra care when driving, especially during snowy seasons. Please follow traffic rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Traffic Rules and Safety Tips

• Drunk driving is strictly prohibited.
  In Japan, driving after drinking alcohol is illegal regardless of body weight or the amount consumed. Even a single sip of alcohol before driving is against the law.
• Using or looking at a mobile phone while driving is prohibited under the Road Traffic Act.
• During the snowy season (approximately November to April), even vehicles equipped with winter tires may slip on icy roads.
  Snow accumulated on the roof of a car may also slide onto the windshield, blocking visibility. If a heavy snow warning is issued, please avoid going out by car.
• Children under 6 years old are required by law to use a child safety seat in the rear seat.
• When renting a car, child seats can usually be requested as an option at the time of reservation.

In Case of an Accident or Emergency

• If an accident occurs, please call the police at 110.
• If there are injuries or medical assistance is needed, please call the fire department/ambulance at 119.
• For 119 calls, three-way calls with an interpreter may be available in some cases to provide foreign language support.

Expressways

• When using expressways, please check the latest traffic information in advance.