Yamadera山寺
A mountain temple in Yamagata Prefecture. Climb about a thousand stone steps to halls perched on the rocks, looking over the valley.
- Temples, shrines & churches
- Views
- History & buildings
- about 2 hr
- Paid entry
Train · About 80 min from Sendai ・ JR Senzan Line to Yamadera, then about 7 minutes on foot to the foot of the steps
Sendai guide
A castle town founded by the warlord Date Masamune. Zelkova-lined avenues, the castle site and his mausoleum are in the city; Matsushima Bay and Yamadera are easy train trips. Known for grilled beef tongue.
Things to see 10 classics
"Classics" and "Hidden gems" are this site's editorial picks, not a measured popularity ranking.
By interest
By how you get there
By distance
- 1
Sendai Castle Site (Aoba Castle)
The site of Date Masamune's castle. Stone walls remain, and the hilltop with his statue on horseback looks out over the city.
- History & buildings
- Views
about 60 minFree
Bus · About 30 min from Sendai ・ Loople Sendai bus to Sendai Castle Site ・ 37km from here
- 2
Zuihoden Mausoleum
The mausoleum of Date Masamune. Stone steps through tall cedars lead up to a hall covered in brightly colored carvings.
- History & buildings
- Museums
about 45 minPaid entryMany stairs or slopes
Bus · About 25 min from Sendai ・ Loople Sendai bus to Zuihoden-mae, then about 7 minutes on foot ・ 38km from here
- 3
Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
A shrine built by Date Masamune. Its main hall, in black lacquer with gold and colored carvings, is a National Treasure.
- Temples, shrines & churches
- History & buildings
about 30 minFree
Bus · About 30 min from Sendai ・ Bus from Sendai Station to Osaki Hachimangu-mae ・ 36km from here
- 4
Jozenji-dori Avenue
A broad avenue lined with zelkova trees, with sculptures along the central walkway. The trees are lit up in December.
- Nature
- Night views
about 30 minFree
Subway · About 12 min from Sendai ・ Namboku subway line to Kotodai-Koen ・ 38km from here
- 5
Sendai Morning Market (Asaichi)
A lane of fish, vegetable and deli stalls a short walk from the station. Despite the name, it stays open into the evening.
- Food & markets
- Shopping & strolling
about 30 minFreeFine on a rainy day
Walk · About 5 min from Sendai ・ 39km from here
- 6
Matsushima Bay (Godaido Hall and cruises)
A bay dotted with pine-covered islands, one of Japan's Three Views. Cruise among the islands and cross a bridge to Godaido Hall.
Introduced by JNTO
Matsushima Bay is named in a feature on JNTO's UK site that presents Tohoku as a still little-known region. Source: JNTO (UK feature), Tohoku Travel Guide: Uncovering Japan's Best-Kept Secret
- Nature
- Views
- History & buildings
about 2 hrPartly paid
Train · About 55 min from Sendai ・ JR Senseki Line to Matsushima-Kaigan, then about 10 minutes on foot ・ 55km from here
Facilities & features
- Elevators available (the route may be longer)
Lines from here
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