Home / Ports / Sendai–Shiogama / Top 10
The definitive list · 仙台塩釜Ranked by one question: if you had a single call here, what would you regret missing? Every entry carries the honest round-trip time from the berth.
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.
Arrive at Matsushima from the water, as the poet did in 1689: the boat leaves Marine Gate Shiogama on the hour and takes about fifty minutes through the islands. Train back from Matsushima-Kaigan.
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. Closes at 13:00 or 14:00, and all day Wednesday.
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; the small museum is closed on Thursdays.
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.
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.
Date Masamune, one-eyed founder of Sendai, on horseback over the city from the castle hill, and his gilded mausoleum in the cedars nearby. The Loople bus links both to the station.
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; closed Mondays. A long trip by public transport, and one to make only if you mean to.
A licensed guide who knows which order makes the Matsushima boats, the temples and Sendai fit your clock. The highest-rated day tour in the region.
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.
No typing needed — jump straight in:
Just docked? — the gangway toolStart from your shipThe ride from every berthAsk the editorGlossary
