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The definitive list · Sendai–Shiogama10 things to do in Sendai–Shiogama
Ranked by one question: if you had a single call here, what would you regret missing? Every entry carries the round-trip time from the berth.
Checked · Visited in person · times from official timetables and operators · Takumi Yamada
Matsushima: Godaido, the bay and Zuiganji
Some 260 pine-topped islets in a shallow bay, counted as one of Japan’s three classic views since the 17th century. Walk to Godaido, take a fifty-minute boat among the islands, and finish at Zuiganji. Or arrive from the water, as Basho did in 1689: train to Hon-Shiogama (9 min, ¥199), 10 minutes on foot to Marine Gate Shiogama, and the boat on the hour from 9:00 to 15:00, about fifty minutes, ¥1,500 (¥2,100 and ¥2,900 for the upper decks); wind can change the route. Coming back, trains leave Matsushima-Kaigan about every 20 minutes on weekdays; on Saturdays and holidays some afternoon trains run on certain days only, so take the 13:52 or earlier.
Taxi + train ~55 minFull guide: Matsushima, Zuiganji and the Bay CruiseBuild a tuna bowl at Shiogama market
Buy rice at one stall and slices of tuna and whatever else looks good at the others. Shiogama lands more fresh tuna than any port in Japan. The eating area closes at 12:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and at 13:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and holidays; the market shuts all day Wednesday.
Taxi ~20 minGoogle MapsShiogama Shrine
The head shrine of the region, up 202 stone steps on a hill over the harbour, with a vermilion gate and a view of the bay. Free and open every day; only the small museum (¥500) does not open on Thursdays.
Taxi + train ~30 minFull guide: Shiogama ShrineGyutan in Sendai
Thick-cut beef tongue grilled over charcoal, with barley rice and oxtail soup: Sendai’s own dish since the late 1940s. Gyutan Street on the station’s third floor puts several of the best-known houses side by side.
Taxi + train ~30 minGoogle MapsSendai Umino-Mori Aquarium
A large modern aquarium beside the port, built around the Sanriku coast’s own sea, with a dolphin and sea-lion show. The closest sight to the ship and indoors if it rains. ¥2,400.
Taxi ~10 minGoogle MapsCastle hill and Zuihoden
Date Masamune, one-eyed founder of Sendai, on horseback over the city from the castle hill, and his gilded mausoleum in the cedars nearby. Zuihoden is ¥570, open 9:00–16:50, last entry 16:30 (December and January to 16:20, last entry 16:00). The Loople bus (¥300 a ride, ¥700 day pass) links both to the station.
Taxi + train + LoopleGoogle Maps
Arahama Elementary School
The school where 320 people sheltered on the roof on 11 March 2011, kept as the tsunami left it and opened as a memorial. Free; open 9:30–16:00 (to 17:00 in July and August), closed Mondays and the fourth Thursday of the month. Go by Senseki Line to Sendai, the Tozai subway to Arai, then the city bus to its last stop (about 15 min). A long trip, and one to make only if you mean to.
Train + subway + busGoogle Maps
Zunda and sasa-kamaboko
Mochi under sweet mashed green soybeans, and fish cake shaped like a bamboo leaf and grilled. Both are sold on the station’s third floor, next to the gyutan.
Taxi + train ~30 minGoogle Maps
