A Northeast Japan itinerary can combine time in Sendai with coastal scenery around Matsushima or a night in an onsen town. Decide which evenings need station access and which are for a slower bath-and-dinner stay, then choose properties along that route.
4 recommended stays
Hoshino Resorts KAI TsugaruExplore this stay →4 recommended stays
Recommended staysAomori / Owani
A one-minute walk from Owani Onsen station, this 40-room ryokan pairs its own hot-spring bath with kaiseki dining. Complimentary full breakfast and station transfers are listed as well, useful for reaching the onsen town without renting a car.
Recommended staysSendai / Aoba Ward
For time in central Sendai, Hotel Monterey Sendai is about five minutes on foot from Sendai Ginza and Aoba-dori. The 37-storey property has 292 rooms, a restaurant, round-the-clock fitness facility and room service.
Recommended staysMatsushima
Matsushima Bay and the Kyohei Fujita Glass Museum are near this 81-room spa ryokan. Return from the coast to its garden, onsen and sauna; a shuttle service is also listed for getting around the area.
Recommended staysZao / Togatta Onsen
Near Togatta Onsen and Zao National Park, the 32-room mountain property combines a full-service spa and garden with hiking and cycling trail access. Ski storage gives winter visitors a practical place for gear between days outdoors.
Start by deciding whether you will travel without a car. By rail, Hoshino Resorts KAI Tsugaru, a minute from Owani Onsen station with listed station transfers, and Matsushima Ichinobo, with its shuttle service, are the easiest. Chikusenso Onsen sits in the mountains by Togatta Onsen, so confirm shuttle and road access first.
Season and activity also shape the choice. For coastal scenery and a museum by day with a slow evening at the inn, Matsushima Ichinobo near the bay fits; for hiking, cycling or skiing followed by a soak, Chikusenso Onsen has trail access and ski storage; and for a trip built around kaiseki and the bath, KAI Tsugaru is seven minutes from the Owani gondola.
For a city base, Westin Sendai is in Aoba Ward, about five minutes on foot from Sendai Ginza and Aoba-dori. Its 37 floors, 292 rooms, 24-hour fitness facility and room service offer a different stay from the region's hot-spring inns.
Rates and availability depend on dates, guests and selected options. Check the terms on the product page.
