[From Sendai to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka] Access to three popular cities

• Table of Contents
• Japanese cities selected as “Favorite Cities in the World” in 2023
• Transportation base in Sendai
• Hotel near Sendai Station

Japanese cities selected as “Favorite Cities in the World” in 2023

Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka were ranked 3rd, 7th, and 25th, respectively, in the 2023 edition of the American travel media Travel + Leisure's ``Favorite Cities in the World.''

The three cities that represent Japan boast deep-rooted popularity as cities where you can experience rich cultural assets and history, as well as cities that are full of energy and power as economic centers.

Sendai, the gateway to Tohoku, has convenient access not only to popular spots in Tohoku, but also to the Tokyo metropolitan area and the Kansai region, which includes Kyoto and Osaka.

We would like to introduce you to a transportation base in Sendai that can be used as a starting point to visit popular cities, or where you can take a break after returning from a city full of tourists.

Transportation base in Sendai

Sendai station

Sendai Station

1-1-1, Central, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture 980-0021

Sendai Station is a major station in Tohoku where lines such as the Tohoku Shinkansen, JR, and municipal subway intersect.

You can also pick up JAPAN RAIL PASS , which is specially issued for foreign visitors tourists, at Sendai Station.

It takes about 90 minutes (no transfers) to get to Tokyo Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen (JR East) Hayabusa train, thus it is easy for a day trip. In addition, foreign tourists can purchase JR EAST PASS , which allows you to use the Shinkansen connecting Sendai Station and Tokyo Station as well as major stations in the Tohoku region, and JR East lines, at very special fare for foreign tourist.

To get to Kyoto Station , transfer at Tokyo Station and take the Tokaido Shinkansen (JR West) Nozomi train for about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

To get to Osaka (Shin-Osaka Station) , transfer at Tokyo Station and take the Tokaido Shinkansen (JR West) Nozomi train for about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

From Sendai, traveling to Kyoto and Osaka in the Kansai region takes about 4 hours on the Tohoku Shinkansen and Tokaido Shinkansen.

Wifi is available on Shinkansen cars, so you can check your next itinerary, sightseeing spots, and relax during your journey. You can also place your carry-on-sized suitcases at your feet or in the overhead luggage rack.

JR East website

JR West website

Sendai International Airport

Sendai airport

Shimomasuda Minamibaru, Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture 989-2401

Sendai International Airport is approximately 25 minutes from Sendai Station on the Sendai Airport Access Line (no transfers).

Domestic and international flights are available.

Flight destinations as of January 2024 are as follows.

Domestic flights: Sapporo (New Chitose), Nagoya (Chubu), Osaka (Itami), Osaka (Kansai), Kobe, Izumo, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Naha

International flights: Seoul, Taipei, Dalian, Beijing, Shanghai, Bangkok

(There is also a service to Narita Airport in Tokyo , but it is currently suspended.)

Osaka has flights to Itami Airport and Kansai Airport.

Kyoto can be accessed by train from Osaka (Itami or Kansai) or Nagoya (Chubu).

Hotel near Sendai Station

Sendai Kokusai Hotel

4-6-1 Central, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture 980-0021

5 minutes walk from the station, specializing in gourmet food.

Sendai Kokusai Hotel is a 5-minute walk from Sendai Station.

Enjoy a buffet-style breakfast with the concept of ``travelling through Miyagi'' and recharge your energy with plenty of Miyagi's delicious food! Enjoy a lively trip to popular cities, tourist attractions within the city, and recommended spots in Tohoku.

How about Sendai as a relaxing place to stay while traveling in Japan, which has plenty of Shinkansen and air routes?

Click here to make a reservation for Sendai Kokusai Hotel