SENDAI - PICTURE & SHARE | TOHOKU x TOKYO (JAPAN)

TRAVELER

Traveled : November, 2015 Boy

Blogger
Reside in Bangkok, Thailand
Traveled : November, 2015 Pok

Journalist
Reside in Tokyo
Home country: Bangkok, Thailand

Suvarnabhumi Airport

JAL34 Examine the directions from your country

Boy

This time we took JAL to Japan. The in-flight meals were delicious. I especially liked the warm green tea.

Haneda Airportmore

The airport serves as an air gateway into Japan. The passenger terminal is filled with various commercial facilities, and visitors can command a panoramic view of Tokyo Bay from the rooftop observation deck, so that everyone, even those who are not flying, can enjoy the terminal.

Tokyo Metropolitan Area

Day1

TOKYO

TOKYO CRUISE Sumidagawa Linemore

Enjoy a tour of the Sumidagawa River on this ferry cruise lasting for about 40 minutes. The 12 bridges that span the river between Asakusa and Hinode Pier, including the Azuma and Kiyosu bridges, are unique in color and shape. Pay attention to the commentary on board the ferry that introduces famous spots and historical sites. Looking at the constantly changing view of Tokyo Bay, you may experience the emotions of the Edo era, and also discover the Tokyo of today.

TOKYO CRUISE Sumidagawa Line
Asakusa Boarding Station→Hama-rikyu
35 minutes

Hama-rikyu Gardensmore

RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS

Featuring a tidal pond with water drawn from Tokyo Bay and duck hunting grounds, Hama-rikyu Gardens is the garden of the Tokugawa Shogunate family, and functioned as the branch castle of the Edo Castle during the Edo era. It's said that the garden's current form was completed during the reign of the 11th-generation Shogun, Ienari. After the Meiji Restoration, it became the detached palace of the imperial family, and was renamed Hama-rikyu.

Boy

Bustling with customers, the shops lined up in front of the temple looked lively and busy.I saw a lot of bridges during the boat cruise and they were all very beautiful. They each had different shapes so I never tired of looking at them. The Hama-rikyu Gardens have a long history. The time when the cherry blossoms are in bloom must surely be especially beautiful.

I was able to feel the chef’s passion from the way each ingredient was delicately prepared to provide delicious sushi.

For overseas visitors, Ginza is famous as a shopping hotspot.
Pok

A large statue of the bodhisattva Kannon is enshrined at Senso-ji and is known as one of Japan’s 3 largest Kannon statues.

After arriving at the Sumida River, I boarded a sightseeing boat so that I could enjoy the sights of Tokyo. I was blessed by the weather on this day and was able to see the most beautiful scenery. The Hama-rikyu Gardens were originally built as a shogun's villa during the Edo Period. In addition, a pier offers access to other areas of Tokyo by boat.The Hama-rikyu Gardens were crafted as a true Japanese garden and are filled with great sights. The blooming of the cherry blossoms in the spring can’t be missed. You are sure to be impressed.

The fish to be used as ingredients were shipped straight from Tsukiji market.

Toei Subway Oedo Line
Shiodome Station→Shinjuku
20 minutes

Shinjukumore

Shinjuku is the center of Tokyo culture, and it is continuously developing. One of the district’s landmarks is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the center of Tokyo’s administration. With plenty of spots to see, the area is centered around JR Shinjuku Station, which is the largest terminal station in Japan. The vicinity of the station’s East Exit is full of bustling streets such as Kabuki-cho and Golden-gai, and shopping areas such as department stores and large-scale stores. On the other hand, the business area of the West Exit is where the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building stands, along with an array of high-rise office buildings, hotels and public art installations. For those who are looking for a pleasant place to walk, the terraces among the buildings of the South Exit are perfect. Visitors can also come across more attractions around town including Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, an oasis in the city.

Boy

The scenery during the day is great, but nightfall takes it to another level. When the skies are clear, you can see all the way to Mt. Fuji.

The shop itself is small, but the quality of the food is extremely high. Every one of the yakitori I ordered was delicious.
Pok

Entering the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is free-of-charge. When the weather is good, Mt. Fuji is clearly visible.

The restaurants in Omoide Yokocho are all small, but are bustling with many customers.

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Boy

The speeds at the Wi-Fi spots were extremely fast. I felt the rooms were spacious enough for one person.
Pok

Visitors to the rooftop can catch a glimpse of the face of a giant Godzilla statue, which can also be seen from the same floor as the hotel lobby. Located near Shinjuku Station, it’s very convenient for sightseeing.

Day2

TOHOKU(SENDAI)

8：20 Tokyo Stationmore

October 2012 saw completion of the preservation and restoration work on the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building. The red brick facade long loved as the symbol of Tokyo Station has made a comeback, along with the history and grandeur of the original building dating nearly a hundred years back. The occasion also saw the reopening of Tokyo Station Hotel and Tokyo Station Gallery. The former is the hotel situated within an important cultural property of Japan. The interior is designed in a sophisticated, classical European style to blend with the splendor of the Marunouchi Building exterior.

Boy

I decided to buy an ekiben for breakfast. For me, this was also one of the Japanese-style food culture experiences I was looking forward to.
Pok

Before getting on the Shinkansen, stop by the ekiben shop and buy an ekiben to get the full experience of traveling by train. The deliciousness of ekiben makes them worthy of being deemed one of the must-buy items during visits to Japan. Since there are so many different varieties, you may have trouble choosing.

JR Shinkansen Hayabusa 5（JR EAST PASS）
Tokyo→Sendai

Boy

If you have the time, the JR East Pass would let you get off at each station and enjoy each city, which could be a lot of fun.

9：51 Sendai Stationmore

Sendai Station is a central sightseeing location in Tohoku, and allows visitors to gain access to tourist attractions all throughout Tohoku. Yamadera, Matsushima, and Hiraizumi can all be reached within 1 hour by using JR train lines. Sendai Station has many souvenir shops selling Sendai specialties. The Gyutan-dori and Sushi-dori streets have a lineup of stores where you can eat beef tongue, a local specialty, and sushi. These shops have multilingual menus, making this a friendly spot for visitors from overseas. The zunda shakes served at the Zunda Saryo restaurant are a blend of special zunda green soy beans. It's an original shake with a fun bumpy texture that can't be found elsewhere. Be sure to give this delicious beverage a try as shakes are freshly made at the shop.

Walk
1 minute

Loople Sendaimore

Loople Sendai starts at Sendai Station, and goes around the recommended sightseeing spots in the heart of Sendai City on a trip lasting for about 70 minutes. Passengers are free to alight and board the bus at various points, making it easy to visit the attractions on their own time schedules.

Loople Sendai
Sendai Station→Zuihoden Mausoleum
15 minutes

Zuihoden Mausoleummore

RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS

Zuihoden is a luxurious and gorgeous mausoleum built in 1637, the year after the passing of Date Masamune, the first feudal lord of Sendai Domain. It was designated as a national treasure in 1931, but was burned down during World War 2. It was reconstructed after the war in its current state. Stairs on a gentle incline near the entrance and a grove of quiet cedar trees make for a perfect setting to take a walk.

Boy

On this bus, you will be taken in sequence to all the main sightseeing spots. I went to Zuihoden Mausoleum, and the leaves of the trees were changing color, so I was able to enjoy the beautiful townscape filled with autumn foliage. Continuing on, I visited Sendai Castle, which is a wonderful place with an aura of refinement. There is little remaining of the original castle itself, but the outer wall still remains and is undeniable evidence that the castle stood here long ago. From here, visitors have a great view of the city of Sendai, as well as the bronze statue of Date Masamune, a symbol of Sendai. I've also heard that after descending into the city, the samurai helmet that Date wore can be found everywhere.
Pok

I took the Loople Sendai bus that loops around sightseeing spots and takes you to places that are reminiscent of ancient Europe.It was autumn and right at that time, the leaves were changing color. On the way to Zuihoden Mausoleum, I saw trees with leaves colored yellow and red.The exquisite harmony between the two colors was so beautiful. Inside the garden was a building similar to a shrine or temple. It was the mausoleum for Date Masamune.

Loople Sendai
Zuihoden Mausoleum→Site of Sendai Castle
7 minutes

Site of Sendai Castlemore

Sendai Castle was built on the natural strategic position of Mt. Aoba by Date Masamune. While none of the castle keep buildings remain, the stone walls from long ago and the castle turrets are reminders of a history long past. A mounted statue of Date Masamune stands on the castle tower foundation, from where visitors can gaze down upon the city of Sendai.

Pok

The mounted statue of Masamune Date is a sightseeing spot that can’t be missed. The view of Sendai from Tenmondai in Sendai Castle is also a must-see.

Pickled cow’s tongue is soft and mild. One taste and you’ll be hooked. It’s a taste that you won’t quickly forget.

Loople Sendai
Site of Sendai Castle → Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
21 minutes

Pok

The beauty of the Oosaki Hachimangu Shrine has led it to be designated one of Japan's national treasures. When visiting, don't forget to stop by one of the shops that sells amazake, a traditional sweet, low- or non-alcohol drink made from fermented rice.

Loople Sendai
Osaki Hachimangu Shrine → Jozenji-dori Ave./Sendai City Hall
15 minutes

Jozenji-dori Ave.more

The Japanese Zelkova trees lining Jozenji-dori Ave. are the symbol of Sendai. People walking down the path at the center of this road can encounter sculptures such as Emilio Greco's Memories of Summer. In this way, this path is the perfect place to enjoy works of art and the changing seasons. In addition, a shopping area in the center stretches all the way to Sendai Station. It is filled with a variety of stores from large stores to small shops frequented by locals.

Boy

The park and the tree-lined streets were very beautiful. There’s no doubt in my mind that this is the kind of photo spot people from overseas would like.
Pok

There are a lot of shops, so you can pick and choose from among many kinds of souvenirs and local specialties.

Walk 15 minutes

Hotel Metropolitan Sendai

Boy

Amazingly, they held a fish auction right in the middle of the restaurant with the fish being sent straight to the kitchen.
Pok

I went to the Tsuda Fish Company to enjoy some special cuisine. The sashimi... the tempura... every item on the menu was exquisite.

The hotel was just a short walk from the station.

Day3

Hotel Metropolitan Sendai

JR Senzan Line （JR EAST PASS）
Sendai→Yamadera
About 1 hour

Yamadera(Risshaku-ji Temple)more

Yamadera(Risshaku-ji Temple) was built more than 1000 years ago, and attracts faithful worshippers as a representative holy ground of the Tohoku region. Ascend 1,015 stone steps in a cedar grove on the mountainside marked by strangely shaped rocks, and enter a world of serene stillness. This temple is also famous for being where one of Japan's most prominent poets, Matsuo Basho, wrote his well-known haikus.

Boy

You can get to Yamadera Station from Sendai in just over an hour. Along the way, you can see beautiful, dream-like mountain peaks shrouded in mist.
Pok

After the climb of approximately 1,000 steps up from Yamadera Station, the refreshing nature around you and the artful Japanese-style architecture of the temple before your eyes will make you forget any tiredness you might have. The impressive view from the summit achieves a perfect balance with the hardship of climbing the mountain.

JR Senzan Line （JR EAST PASS）
Yamadera→Sendai
About 1 hour

JR Senseki Line（JR EAST PASS）
Sendai→Matsushimakaigan
40 minutes

Matsushima Islands Areamore

As a member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club, Matsushima Bay has charmed a great many people since long ago with its picturesque scenery. Places like Entsu-in Temple are illuminated, particularly in the autumn foliage season, to produce a wondrous atmosphere. The Kanrantei, where visitors can enjoy all-season matcha green tea, is also highly recommended! Visitors are also encouraged to visit the Date Masamune Historical Museum. Date Masamune helped build the foundations of Sendai, as well as the Yakigaki House, where visitors can have all-you-can-eat oysters, a Matsushima specialty, and even try oyster burgers. Before embarking on a sightseeing cruise through the islands, head to a high vantage point, such as at Saigyomodoshi no Matsu Park, to see the entire scope of the bay. It will add another level to your enjoyment of the cruise. At Entsu-in Temple, the Buddhist rosary-making workshop is popular.

Boy

I rode the local train to visit Matsushima Islands Area. Being able to conveniently enjoy both the mountains and the sea at the same time left me very satisfied.

At Matsushima Islands Area, I had oysters for lunch, and all I can say is, “wow!” At the shop, I was given an apron and gloves before digging into a bunch of oysters. The Matsushima Bay Cruise takes you near many islands both big and small, all with a variety of shapes. I was overwhelmed by the artistry of the surrounding nature.
Pok

Matsushima Bay was one of the areas struck by the tsunami in 2011, but has since recovered. Matsushima Archipelago in Matsushima Bay consists of an impressive number of 300 islands ranging from big to small.

Oysters can be enjoyed in a buffet style for just 2,500 yen a person. The taste combination of fresh oysters with the shop’s specially-made sauce was outstanding. Then, for dessert, we went to Kanrantei, once a resort for Masamune Date. Long ago, Masamune Date used this place as a getaway to admire the moon.
*Prices are for travelers at the time of use.

The islands have a variety of shapes. None of the islands are very big or have people living on them. What a charming way to spend your time while traveling.

JR Senseki Line（JR EAST PASS）
Matsushimakaigan →Sendai
40 minutes

Sendai Station

JR Shinkansen Hayabusa （JR EAST PASS）

Tokyo Station or other places

Boy

I was warmly welcomed from the first day to the last. I am extremely grateful and happy for everyone’s thoughtfulness, right down to the smallest detail.
Pok

I felt that Sendai was one of those cities that everyone has to go to at least once. The seafood is fresh and can be enjoyed at a reasonable price.

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM TRAVELERS

I was extremely impressed. What made me the happiest was being able to use public transportation for sightseeing and getting to have an authentic experience from the same point-of-view as Japanese people.

Boy

Blogger
Reside in Bangkok, Thailand