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.
An introduction for each sightseeing spot in the Sendai area.
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.
- Akiu Otaki Falls
- Akiu Shrine
- Akiu Kogei no Sato (Akiu Traditional Craft Villiage)
- Sendai Kaleidoscope Museum
- Akiu Village Agurienomori
- Kiln Glass Studio
- Banji-iwa Rock
Note: Forest Road (Niguchisen) is closed during the winter season (Avg.year from November to March) - Akiu Onsen
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.
- Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple
- Homei Shijuhachi-taki Falls
- Gorilla Rock
- Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Distillery
Please note: drivers must refrain from alcohol consumption. - Sakunami Hot Springs
- Hiraga Kokeshi Dolls
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.
- Site of Sendai Castle
- Sendai City Museum
- Zuihouden Mausoleum
- Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
- Rinnoji Temple
- Giant Bodhisattva Statue (Sendai Daikannon)
- Sendai Izumi Premium Outlet
- Spring Valley Sendai Izumi
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.
- Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium
- Mitsui Outlet Park Sendai Port
- Kanezaki Sasakama-kan & Tanabata Museum
- JR Fruits Park Sendai Arahama
- Ruins of the Great East Japan Earthquake: Sendai Arahama Elementary School
- Shiogama Seafood Wholesale Market
- Shiogama Shrine
- Matsushima
