Train from Tokyo, Flight from Osaka
- Sendai is the main gateway to Tohoku and the starting city for all Drive Japan itineraries in the region.
- Sendai Station and Sendai Airport (main hub) are about 30 min apart by car or train, so your road trip can start from either.
- From Tokyo, take the shinkansen or drive. From Osaka, domestic flights are recommended.
How to Get Tohoku:
- YES: International Flight
- YES: Domestic Flight
- YES: Bullet Train (Shinkansen)
- YES: Driving
1. International Flight
Taiwan has daily direct flights to Sendai Airport, with regular flights also from South Korea and Hong Kong.
2. Domestic Flight
From Osaka, a domestic flight is recommended.From Tokyo, a domestic flight is not practical because of the short distance and limited service.
From Osaka to Sendai Airport
- Flight time: ~1.5 hours
- Daily frequency:
- Kansai Airport: 3+ flights
- Itami Airport: 10+ flights
- Kobe Airport: 2+ flights
3. Bullet Train
From Tokyo, taking a bullet train is best
You can travel from Tokyo Station to Sendai Station, the city center, within a short travel time, with frequent departures and a reasonable cost.
From Tokyo Station to Sendai Station
- Ride time: ~1.5 hours
- Daily frequency: 80+ departures
- Cost: ~¥ 10,000 one-way
4. Driving
Recommended: 2-3 Days Road Trip
While Tokyo and Sendai are connected by expressway, the long drive and costly one-way fees make the bullet train better for direct travel. However, a 2-3 day sightseeing road trip is highly recommended.
Driving from Tokyo to Sendai
- Distance: 400km
- Driving time: ~5.5 hours
- Total time with break: 7-8 hours
- Cost
- Fuel: ¥1,500-2,000
- Toll: ¥1,000-2,000
- Parking: ¥1,000-2,000
- Total: ¥3,500-5,000
1-Day Drive
Not recommended due to the long distance, time, and high cost.
2-Day Drive
We recommend stopping overnight in “Aizuwakamatsu”, a samurai town. This route includes many great attractions and hidden gems.
3-Day Drive
For a 3-day trip, we recommend spending the first night in Nikko, followed by a night in Aizuwakamatsu. This plan offers a relaxing travel pace.
How can I get to Tohoku?
Train from Tokyo, Flight from Osaka
- Sendai is the main gateway to Tohoku and the starting city for all Drive Japan itineraries in the region.
- Sendai Station and Sendai Airport (main hub) are about 30 min apart by car or train, so your road trip can start from either.
- From Tokyo, take the shinkansen or drive. From Osaka, domestic flights are recommended.
How to get to Sendai
- 1.YES: International Flight
- 2.YES: Domestic Flight
- 3.YES: Bullet Train (Shinkansen)
- 4.YES: Driving
1. International Flight
Taiwan has daily direct flights to Sendai Airport, with regular flights also from South Korea and Hong Kong.
2. Domestic Flight
From Osaka, a domestic flight is recommended.
From Tokyo, a domestic flight is not practical because of the short distance and limited service.
From Osaka to Sendai Airport
- Flight time: ~1.5 hours
- Daily frequency:
- Kansai Airport: 3+ flights
- Itami Airport: 10+ flights
- Kobe Airport: 2+ flights
3. Bullet Train
From Tokyo, taking a bullet train is best
You can travel from Tokyo Station to Sendai Station, the city center, within a short travel time, with frequent departures and a reasonable cost.
From Tokyo Station to Sendai Station
- Ride time: ~1.5 hours
- Daily frequency: 80+ departures
- Cost: ~¥ 10,000 one-way
4. Driving
Recommended: 2-3 Days Road Trip
While Tokyo and Sendai are connected by expressway, the long drive and costly one-way fees make the bullet train better for direct travel. However, a 2-3 day sightseeing road trip is highly recommended.
Driving from Tokyo to Sendai
- Distance: 400km
- Driving time: ~5.5 hours
- Total time with break: 7-8 hours
- Cost:
- Expressway tolls: ~¥10,000
- One-way rental fee (in addition to regular rental cost): ~¥30,000
1-Day Drive
Not recommended due to the long distance, time, and high cost.
2-Day Drive
We recommend stopping overnight in "Aizuwakamatsu", a samurai town. This route includes many great attractions and hidden gems.
3-Day Drive
For a 3-day trip, we recommend spending the first night in Nikko, followed by a night in Aizuwakamatsu. This plan offers a relaxing travel pace.