7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Sendai

Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku region of Japan, offers digital nomads a unique blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. While the city itself is known for its tree-lined streets and cultural sites, the surrounding area is rich with destinations perfect for weekend getaways. From popular tourist spots to hidden gems, there's something for every type of traveler. Here are seven fun weekend getaways from Sendai, including three off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Matsushima Bay

Matsushima Bay is renowned for its scenic beauty and is considered one of Japan's three most scenic views. The bay is dotted with over 260 pine-clad islands, creating a picturesque landscape that has inspired poets and artists for centuries. Visitors can take a sightseeing boat tour to appreciate the views from the water, visit historical temples like Zuigan-ji, and enjoy fresh seafood at the local restaurants.

How to Get There: Matsushima Bay is easily accessible from Sendai by train. The JR Senseki Line takes about 40 minutes to reach Matsushima-Kaigan Station.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to walk across the red bridge to Fukuurajima Island. The island offers walking paths with stunning views of the bay and its islands.

Where to Stay: For a comfortable stay, consider the Hotel Matsushima Taikanso with its ocean views and traditional onsen baths.

Where to Eat: Sample the local oysters at one of the waterfront restaurants, such as Uminekoya, known for its grilled oysters and seafood dishes.

Zao Onsen

Zao Onsen is a hot spring resort nestled in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture. It's a popular destination for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. The onsen town is also famous for its 'snow monsters' – frost-covered trees that take on unique, eerie shapes during the winter months. The hot springs themselves are said to have healing properties, and there are numerous baths and ryokan (traditional inns) where visitors can soak and relax.

How to Get There: From Sendai, take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata Station, then a bus to Zao Onsen, which takes about 1.5 hours in total.

Travel Tip: If you're visiting in winter, make sure to take the night-time snowmobile tour to see the illuminated snow monsters – a truly magical experience.

Where to Stay: Zao Kokusai Hotel offers both Western and Japanese-style rooms and features outdoor hot spring baths with mountain views.

Where to Eat: Robata Chitose provides a cozy atmosphere to enjoy robatayaki (Japanese fireside cooking) with a selection of local sake.

Yamadera

Yamadera, or Risshakuji Temple, is a stunning mountain temple complex that offers breathtaking views and a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The temple is perched on the side of a steep mountain and is reached by climbing over a thousand steps through beautiful, ancient cedar trees. The climb is well worth it, as visitors are rewarded with panoramic views and the serene atmosphere of the temple grounds.

How to Get There: Take the JR Senzan Line from Sendai to Yamadera Station, which takes about an hour.

Travel Tip: Visit the temple in the early morning to enjoy the tranquility and avoid the crowds. The morning light also provides excellent photo opportunities.

Where to Stay: Stay at the traditional ryokan, Yamadera Onsen Motoyu, which offers hot spring baths and traditional Japanese meals.

Where to Eat: After your climb, replenish with soba noodles at one of the local eateries, such as Yamadera Udon, known for its handmade noodles and tempura.

Ginzan Onsen

Ginzan Onsen is a picturesque hot spring town that looks like a scene straight out of a Studio Ghibli film. With its historic ryokan lining a river and gas lamps lighting the streets at night, it's a romantic and nostalgic place to unwind. The town is also close to several hiking trails and waterfalls, making it an excellent spot for nature lovers.

How to Get There: From Sendai, take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Oishida Station, then a bus to Ginzan Onsen, which takes around 3 hours in total.

Travel Tip: For a unique experience, visit the Shirogane Park with its blue pond, especially stunning in the winter when the contrast with the snow is breathtaking.

Where to Stay: Notoya Ryokan offers a traditional experience with its Showa-era architecture and onsen baths.

Where to Eat: Enjoy kaiseki cuisine, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, at your ryokan, which often includes local specialties and seasonal ingredients.

Tashirojima (Cat Island)

Tashirojima is a small island off the coast of Ishinomaki, known for its large population of free-roaming cats, which outnumber the human residents. The island has become a quirky destination for cat lovers and those looking to escape to a slower pace of life. There are no restaurants or hotels, so it's a true off-the-beaten-path adventure, with visitors able to rent traditional fishermen's houses for overnight stays.

How to Get There: Take a train from Sendai to Ishinomaki Station, then a ferry from Ajishima Line ferry terminal to Tashirojima, which takes about 3 hours in total.

Travel Tip: Bring cat treats and a camera, as you'll have plenty of opportunities to interact with the friendly felines and capture memorable photos.

Where to Stay: Overnight stays are limited, but you can rent a Minpaku (private house) for a truly local experience.

Where to Eat: Since dining options are scarce, it's recommended to bring your own food and snacks to the island. Some Minpaku may offer kitchen facilities for cooking.

Kinkasan Island

Kinkasan Island is one of the three holiest places in the Tohoku region and is less frequented by tourists, offering a serene and spiritual getaway. The island is home to Koganeyama Shrine, which is said to bring financial prosperity to those who visit. Wild deer roam freely, and the island provides a beautiful setting for hiking and wildlife watching.

How to Get There: From Sendai, take a train to Onagawa Station, then a ferry to Kinkasan Island. The journey takes approximately 3 hours.

Travel Tip: Visit during the first weekend of June for the annual Koganeyama Shrine Grand Festival, which includes traditional dance and music performances.

Where to Stay: Accommodations are limited, but you can stay at the Shukubo (temple lodging) for an authentic experience.

Where to Eat: Dining options are limited on the island, so it's best to eat at the Shukubo where you stay, which typically serves vegetarian temple cuisine.

Okama Crater

Okama Crater, located on the Zao Mountain range, is a stunning, emerald-green crater lake that changes color depending on the weather and light. It's a lesser-known destination that offers hiking opportunities and breathtaking views. The area around the crater is also known for its beautiful alpine plants and wildlife.

How to Get There: From Sendai, take a bus to Zao Echo Line, which operates from late April to early November, and then hike up to the crater. The trip takes about 2.5 hours.

Travel Tip: The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn when the Zao Echo Line is open, and the weather is more predictable.

Where to Stay: There are several hotels and ryokan at the base of the mountain, such as Zao Onsen Tsuruya Hotel, with hot spring baths and traditional accommodations.

Where to Eat: Try the local specialty, Zao beef, at one of the restaurants in Zao Onsen town, like Zao Shizen Shokudo, which offers dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.

These destinations offer a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and unique adventures, making them perfect for digital nomads looking to explore the area around Sendai during their weekends. Whether you're soaking in an onsen, hiking to a mountain temple, or befriending cats on a remote island, there's no shortage of memorable experiences to be had.