Planning your journey from Tokyo to Sendai and looking for the best travel option? With various methods to choose from, we will take you through the process and share the fastest and cheapest way to travel between Tokyo and Sendai. We’ll explore the speed of Shinkansen bullet trains, and other transport methods to see what suits your itinerary best!
How to get from Tokyo to Sendai
Sendai, the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture, is a gem nestled 350km northeast of Tokyo. It’s often on the bucket list of travelers, with its stunning attractions like the Sendai City Museum and the Rakuten Kobo Stadium Miyagi, home to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles. But what’s equally impressive is how accessible it is from Tokyo.
Whether you favor the speed of the Shinkansen, the price appeal of highway buses, or the convenience of a flight, there are numerous travel options to choose from. Here are some options to consider!
Travel from Tokyo to Sendai via Shinkansen
The Tohoku Shinkansen trains, featuring the Hayabusa and Komachi bullet trains, will whisk you away from Tokyo Station to Sendai Station on a journey that takes only 90 minutes, with no need for transfers.
The iconic Hayabusa Shinkansen will whisk you from Tokyo to Sendai
The Hayabusa, with its iconic design and unmatched speed, is the epitome of convenience and efficiency on this route. The one-way ticket starts at ¥10,560, and it’s worth every penny considering the comfort and time saved. There is also the Yamabiko Shinkansen train that operates the same route but with more stops, making the journey around 2 hours instead. Imagine whizzing past scenic landscapes on Japan’s iconic bullet train - it’s an adventure that’s hard to beat.
Both Green Car and Ordinary Car options are also available on these Shinkansen trains.
How to Book Tokyo to Sendai Shinkansen Tickets
Securing train tickets for the Tokyo to Sendai Shinkansen journey is straightforward and hassle-free. You have the option to reserve your reserved seat in advance at the JR ticket offices or online via Klook. Klook offers an easy online booking experience and multiple local payment methods, allowing you to secure your seats from the comfort of your home.
Looking for ways to lower costs? Opting for unreserved seats is another great way to save some yen outside of peak travel seasons. So, with a bit of planning, you can enjoy the Shinkansen experience without burning a hole in your pocket.
Using the Japan Rail Pass
The Japan Rail Pass, provided by Japan Railways, is a valuable resource for travel on the Tohoku Shinkansen line and the JR Senseki Line. The Whole Japan JR Pass is an all-you-can-ride pass, making it an excellent choice for those planning extensive travel across Japan. You can also easily book your Tokyo to Sendai tickets easily at the JR Stations using your JR Pass.
If you're visiting Tokyo and the Tohuku areas, then you should consider a regional JR Pass, like the JR East Tohoku Area Pass and JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass, which are cheaper. Whether you’re exploring major cities or venturing into quaint towns, the JR Pass still offers unparalleled convenience and value.
Sightseeing Spots En Route
The trip from Tokyo to Sendai exceeds a simple travel route, transforming into a sightseeing trail filled with captivating stops. Nasu Shiobara, for one, is a haven for nature lovers and hot springs enthusiasts. Here, you can hike through scenic trails or take the Nasu Ropeway to the volcanic peak of Mt. Nasudake. Imagine soaking in a hot spring with a panoramic view of a volcano - it’s an experience you wouldn’t want to miss.
Further along the route, you’ll come across:
- Koriyama, the gateway to Aizu-Wakamatsu, a historic samurai stronghold known for its traditional sake
- The city of Fukushima, which offers a spiritual retreat with its Iwaya-Kannon and the 60 Buddhas carved into the rock, along with a stunning view of the city from atop Mt. Shinobu
- Shiorishi Zao, where you can explore a traditional merchant house, a doll museum, a samurai house, and a restored castle, all in one place
Travel from Tokyo to Sendai via Local Train
For budget-conscious travelers or those who relish slow travel, the journey from Tokyo to Sendai via JR Tohoku Main Line trains takes approximately 6 hours - and requires a few transfers - costing around ¥6,000. Instead of a JR Pass, you can get the seasonal Seishun 18 ticket that covers 5 days of unlimited travel on local and rapid JR trains.
Travel from Tokyo to Sendai via Highway Buses
Highway buses is another great travel choice for those managing a tight budget. Starting at ¥3,000, this is the cheapest way to get from Tokyo to Sendai, yet doesn’t skimp on comfort or convenience. Direct bus services from Tokyo to Sendai usually take around 6 hours, making them a viable alternative to other modes of transportation.
For those who don’t mind traveling at night, highway buses offer overnight travel, taking roughly the same time as the daytime journey. Imagine waking up to the sight of Sendai after a comfortable night’s sleep on the bus. It’s economical and time-efficient, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.
Travel from Tokyo to Sendai via Domestic Flights
For those prioritizing speed, a domestic flight from Tokyo’s Haneda or Narita Airports to Sendai Airport could be a suitable option. The flight typically lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes, not accounting for the time needed to travel to and from the airports. So all in all, taking the Shinkansen that will take you from one city center to the other might be the best choice!
Drive from Tokyo to Sendai
Travel from Tokyo to Sendai at your own pace and with your own rules! Credits: @robmaxwell on Unsplash
It’s time to take the wheel! Renting a car allows you the flexibility to create your itinerary and explore attractions that might not be accessible by other modes of transportation. You can choose your route, take detours, and experience the journey on your own terms. For families or groups of friends traveling together, renting a car can be cost-effective and convenient, especially when dividing the expenses.
In Tokyo, you can pick up and drop off your cars at major stations like Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station, Ueno Station, Haneda Airport, or Narita Airport. Make sure you have the following with you when you rent your car:
- Driver’s licence
- International Driving Permit
- Credit card
- Valid ID
Driving between Tokyo and Sendai can take around 6 to 8 hours, depending on the route and traffic. Keep this in mind before deciding on your stops and which type of vehicle to book.
Getting around Sendai
Once you reach Sendai, navigating the city is straightforward. The city boasts a comprehensive public transport system, including buses, subways, and JR train lines, making it easy to explore at your leisure.
Transportation options in Sendai include:
- The Loople Sendai loop bus, which offers unlimited use and provides easy access to Sendai’s main attractions.
- Two subway lines, city buses, and certain Miyagi Kotsu buses, which offer flexible and convenient transport around the city.
- The JR Senzan and JR Senseki lines, which offer connections throughout the city and beyond.
Traveling from Kyoto and Osaka to Sendai
If you’re in Kyoto or Osaka and planning a trip to Sendai, rest assured there are multiple convenient travel options available. One of the most convenient methods is the train, which includes a transfer at Tokyo Station.
From Kyoto
From Kyoto, you’ll need to board the Tokaido Shinkansen train to reach Tokyo Station, where you can seamlessly transfer to the JR Tokaido Shinkansen line to continue your journey to Sendai. The fastest journey will take you just around 4 hours.
From Osaka
For those departing from Shin-Osaka Station, the Tokaido Shinkansen train journey to Sendai provides equal convenience. Like the journey from Kyoto, it includes a transfer at Tokyo Station to the Tohoku Shinkansen line and you’ll be in Sendai in just over 4 hours!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to travel from Tokyo to Sendai by Shinkansen?
It takes approximately 90 minutes to travel from Tokyo to Sendai by Shinkansen, without the need for transfers.
What are some sightseeing spots en route from Tokyo to Sendai via Shinkansen?
You should consider exploring Nasu Shiobara, Koriyama, Fukushima, and Shiorishi Zao along the Shinkansen route from Tokyo to Sendai. These spots offer beautiful sights and unique experiences.
What is the cheapest way to get from Tokyo to Sendai?
The cheapest way to get from Tokyo to Sendai is by taking highway buses starting at only ¥3,000.
How can I get around Sendai?
You can easily get around Sendai using the city's convenient public transportation system, which includes buses, subways, and JR train lines.
What are some must-see attractions in Sendai?
You must visit Aoba Castle, Osaki Hachimangu Shrine, Zuihoden, and Matsushima Bay when in Sendai. These attractions offer a mix of historical, cultural, and natural beauty to explore.
