Tohoku is home to World Heritage sites such as Hiraizumi and the Shirakami Mountains, traditional rural landscapes, and Japan’s natural beauty at its most authentic.

When winter arrives, the region transforms into a popular destination for skiing and hot springs.

In recent years, more international travelers have turned their attention to Tohoku, seeking quiet, genuine cultural experiences away from the crowds of Tokyo and Osaka.
At the heart of this region lies Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture, which is only about 90 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen.

As the largest city in Tohoku, Sendai offers a unique balance of urban convenience and rich tourism resources, from the legacy of feudal lord Date Masamune to nearby nature, hot spring resorts, fishing ports, and ski areas.
Local specialties such as grilled beef tongue and fresh seafood further enhance its appeal, making Sendai an ideal hub for winter travel in northern Japan.

Sendai, the largest city in Tohoku, offers the perfect combination of accessibility, urban comfort, and rich food culture.

The city is only about 90 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen, with plenty of sightseeing spots and dining options featuring local flavors.

Here I’ve selected five of the best hotels in central Sendai, ideal for travelers who want to make the most of both sightseeing and culinary delights.

All hotels are located close to Sendai Station for convenient transportation, and many offer opportunities to savor local specialties such as gyutan (beef tongue) and fresh seafood, ensuring a comfortable stay and an authentic Sendai experience.

A convenient hotel near Sendai Station, perfect for exploring local markets and tasting regional specialties

Located a 7-minute walk from JR Sendai Station and 4 minutes from the subway, this hotel offers unbeatable convenience for exploring the city. Major attractions like the Sendai Castle Ruins and the Zuihoden Mausoleum—the resting place of Date Masamune, the first feudal lord of Sendai—are about 30 minutes away by subway.

The hotel is also just one minute from the Sendai Morning Market, long known as “Sendai’s Kitchen,” where visitors can enjoy local foods and lively street scenes early in the morning.

Rooms are simple, clean, and functional, designed for a comfortable stay. The entire building uses a purified water system for safe and gentle water, and all payments are fully cashless, including coin laundry, which guests can monitor via their in-room TVs.

The breakfast buffet is a highlight, offering a locally sourced menu inspired by the Sendai Morning Market. Signature dishes include beef tongue curry, a Sendai specialty, and zunda mochi, a local sweet made from mashed edamame beans. Guests praise the buffet for its freshness, variety, and excellent quality.

A premium comfort hotel near Sendai Station, ideal as a base for exploring Tohoku

Hotel Keihan Sendai is located within walking distance of both JR and Metro Sendai Station (about 8 minutes) and JR Aoba-dori Station (2 minutes), making it one of the most accessible hotels in the city.

Nearby attractions include the lively Sendai Morning Market, the historic Sendai Castle ruins, and the vibrant Kokubuncho entertainment district, all easily reachable.
Rooms come in five types, catering to solo travelers, couples, and groups alike. The design is simple yet refined, offering a comfortable space to relax after a day of sightseeing.

A highlight for female travelers is the in-room ReFa showerhead and hairdryer, known for their gentle water flow and hair-friendly technology. For long-stay guests, the smart laundry system—which requires no detergent thanks to ion cleaning and supports cashless payment—is particularly convenient.

Coffee lovers will appreciate the Starbucks coffee machine in the shared lounge, where guests can enjoy unlimited free coffee.

Breakfast is served buffet-style, featuring Tohoku’s regional dishes, Western options, salads, and desserts in a bright, sunlit dining room, perfect for starting your day in Sendai.

A luxury hotel directly connected to Sendai Station — blending art, fine dining, and panoramic city views

Since its opening in 2017, Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East has earned multiple awards as one of Tohoku’s top luxury hotels.

Conveniently connected directly to JR Sendai Station, it offers unbeatable access to trains, shopping malls, department stores, restaurants, and entertainment facilities, all within walking distance.

Each guest room is non-smoking and features separate bath and toilet facilities, ensuring a relaxing stay. The rooms are spacious and designed with refined touches, each floor features wall art inspired by Tohoku’s seasonal flowers. From the upper floors, guests can enjoy stunning night views of Sendai, the “City of Trees.”

A key highlight is the exclusive guest lounge, where visitors can unwind with complimentary drinks while overlooking the city. The lounge also showcases traditional Tohoku crafts and serves as a quiet space to relax between sightseeing excursions. Guests also have free access to a private fitness gym, ideal for a refreshing workout.

Breakfast is served buffet-style, focusing on locally sourced ingredients from Miyagi and across Tohoku. Popular options include fresh smoothies made with local produce and the hotel’s signature French toast prepared with “Taketori” eggs, a Miyagi specialty.

A sky-high luxury retreat with panoramic views of the “City of Trees,” where all five senses are indulged

Rising 180 meters above the city, The Westin Sendai occupies the upper floors of the iconic Sendai Trust Tower, making it one of the highest hotels in the Tohoku region.

Its concept combines the refined aesthetics of Date Masamune’s era with elements of international art and design, creating a serene environment that delights all five senses.

Though slightly removed from the main bustle—about a 9-minute walk from JR Sendai Station—the hotel sits in a peaceful district within easy reach of the city center and key attractions like Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle).

A highlight of the hotel is the Executive Club Lounge on the 26th floor, available exclusively to guests staying on the Executive Club Floors (35th–36th) and Marriott Bonvoy Platinum members. The lounge offers breakfast, afternoon tea, and cocktail service, all with sweeping city views, an elevated experience in every sense.

For a truly memorable dining experience, the Japanese restaurant Ichimuan on the top (37th) floor serves exquisite Kyoto-style cuisine crafted with seasonal ingredients from Miyagi. The artistry of presentation and panoramic backdrop of the city lights make for a one-of-a-kind evening.

A serene Japanese-style retreat with natural hot springs, a sauna, and a beloved local breakfast buffet

Located a short walk from Hirose-dori Subway Station and about 12 minutes from JR Sendai Station, Onyado Nono Sendai offers the perfect balance of accessibility and relaxation. It’s also just five minutes away from Kokubuncho, Sendai’s most vibrant nightlife and entertainment district.

Part of the popular Dormy Inn Group, the hotel is renowned for its authentic Japanese atmosphere and luxurious amenities, including a natural hot spring bath, dry sauna, and cold-water plunge, a paradise for “sauna enthusiasts.”

Guests can enjoy an impressive lineup of complimentary services: a welcome drink, late-night ramen known as “Yonaki Soba”, post-bath ice cream, and probiotic drinks. The entire property, including guest rooms, features tatami flooring, allowing guests to relax barefoot and experience traditional Japanese comfort in a modern setting.

The highlight is undoubtedly the breakfast buffet, offering over 50 dishes that showcase the rich flavors of Tohoku. You can create your own seafood rice bowl (kaisendon) with local ingredients, savor freshly fried tempura, or taste Sendai’s famous zunda mochi (sweet soybean paste rice cake). The menu is especially popular among international visitors seeking authentic Japanese flavors.

With its high level of comfort, exceptional hospitality, and proximity to the city’s main attractions, this hotel is a top choice for both leisure and business travelers exploring Sendai.

One of the biggest advantages of staying in Sendai is the ability to explore Tohoku’s breathtaking winter scenery on day trips. From the ice-covered trees known as the “snow monsters” of Mount Zao to the serene snow views of Matsushima Bay, magical seasonal landscapes await you.

In this section, I’ve selected five hotels with excellent access to these scenic spots, which function as perfect as travel bases for day tours. Some offer convenient shuttle services to major destinations, while others are tranquil hot spring inns where you can relax and admire snowy views right from your room. Each stay promises to make your journey through Tohoku even more memorable.

A timeless hot spring loved by Date Masamune, experience the legacy of Akiu’s most historic ryokan

Known as “the inner parlor of Sendai,” Akiu Onsen is one of Japan’s Three Imperial Hot Springs (“Nihon San-Miyu”), with a history spanning over 1,500 years. Sakan has long served as the yomori (hot spring guardian) of Akiu and once flourished as the Yuami Goten (bathing palace) of Date Masamune, making it one of the most historically significant and prestigious ryokan in the area.

The inn features three types of buildings to suit different occasions, with the most luxurious being the Hiten-kan, which offers panoramic views of Akiu’s natural landscape, spacious rooms, and refined interiors that create an atmosphere of timeless elegance.

The hot spring facilities are especially impressive, offering a wide variety of baths: two large communal baths, indoor baths, deep baths, silk baths, and multiple types of saunas. Guests can enjoy yu-meguri (a tour of the baths) within the premises, including private baths and open-air baths with natural spring water overlooking the valley.

Of particular note is “Natori no Miyu,” a mystical bath designed to recreate the bathing palace of Lord Masamune. The rising steam within its traditional wooden architecture evokes a sense of ancient serenity, making it a must-visit spot for history enthusiasts.

Dinner features kaiseki cuisine crafted from seasonal ingredients sourced from both the mountains and the sea, including Sendai’s local specialties. Guests can choose between a private Japanese-style dining room and a half-buffet option.
At the breakfast buffet “Premium Morning,” the live kitchen performances by chefs and the build-your-own sandwich station are especially popular.

A free shuttle bus operates from JR Sendai Station, making access convenient and stress-free.

A scenic hot spring resort surrounded by waterfalls and the gentle glow of firelight

Perched on a hill in the forests of Akiu, this secluded inn offers a peaceful escape surrounded by the serenity of nature.

A highlight of the property is its expansive Japanese garden and open-air baths fed by its own natural hot spring source. The garden showcases the beauty of the seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vivid autumn leaves, and tranquil snow scenes in winter. Simply strolling through the grounds brings a sense of calm and fulfillment, as each visit reveals scenery unique to the season.

The dynamic open-air bath, featuring stonework and a flowing waterfall, becomes even more enchanting at night when the kagaribi firelight illuminates the steam. Guests can soak in the famous hot springs while gazing at the snowy landscapes of Akiu, experiencing a truly magical atmosphere.

Guest rooms are designed in a serene wa-modern style, with panoramic views of the surrounding nature. For an upgraded stay, the open-air bath suites are highly recommended, offering private hot springs and breathtaking views. Guests can choose from three interior styles: Japanese, Asian, and Southern French.

Dinner features exquisite kaiseki cuisine prepared with locally sourced seasonal ingredients, including Sendai beef and abalone. The breakfast buffet offers both local Sendai dishes and freshly made fluffy omelets, which are a guest favorite.

Another highlight is “Bīruya,” a cozy bar featuring a 100-year-old antique bar counter imported from England, where guests can enjoy original craft beer after bathing.
A free shuttle bus service operates from JR Sendai Station.

Enjoy stunning ocean views, open-air baths that blend with the sea, and a feast of fresh seafood cuisine

Alongside Amanohashidate in Kyoto and Miyajima in Hiroshima, Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture is one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views. Comprising over 260 small islands, the breathtaking beauty of Matsushima has earned a three-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide.
This resort hotel offers panoramic views of this world-renowned scenery.

The hotel’s highlight is its open-air bath overlooking the islands of Matsushima. With a design that creates a sense of unity with nature, the bath offers an infinity-like experience as if you were soaking directly in the sea itself. It’s a truly unique and luxurious way to unwind while taking in the ever-changing views of Matsushima. On clear mornings, you may even catch a glimpse of the sunrise over the bay.

Guest rooms are available with either ocean or mountain views, designed in a calm wa-modern style that provides a simple yet relaxing atmosphere. Both offer a sense of escape from everyday life and a soothing connection to nature.

The buffet dining offers two styles to choose from: Japanese-Western-Chinese or Japanese-Western-Seafood. Both feature dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients and fresh local produce from Miyagi. The seafood buffet in particular is exceptional, serving the day’s catch from nearby fishing ports with sushi, sashimi, tempura, and robatayaki grilled seafood.

Access is convenient: about 40 minutes from JR Sendai Station to Matsushima-Kaigan Station, where a complimentary shuttle bus is available. The same shuttle also stops at JR Matsushima Station and the Matsushima Tourism Association Rest House, making it ideal for sightseeing around the area.

A timeless hot spring inn with over 600 years of history, a sanctuary of silence, tradition, and healing waters

Located in Kamasaki Onsen, Shiroishi City, this luxury ryokan offers convenient access to the Zao area, which is famous for its world-class ski resorts, the rare natural phenomenon of “juhyo” (ice-covered trees), and the popular Miyagi Zao Fox Village.

The inn has served as the yumori (hot spring guardian) of Kamasaki Onsen for more than six centuries. Its current wooden main building, constructed between the Taisho and Showa periods, was built without a single nail using traditional carpentry techniques and is designated as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property.

One of the inn’s greatest charms is the opportunity to enjoy two distinct hot springs with different water qualities. The large communal bath, Dokutsu no Yu (“Cave Bath”), is surrounded by nature and renowned for its skin-beautifying effects. Guests can soak while enjoying seasonal scenery: fresh greenery in spring and summer, colorful leaves in autumn, and snow views in winter.
The “Yakuyu” medicinal bath, believed to aid in healing wounds, provides a unique texture and experience, making it another guest favorite.

In the private dining rooms, guests can savor “Forest Banquet,” an exquisite kaiseki meal created by a Michelin three-star chef featured in the Michelin Guide Miyagi. Each dish showcases seasonal local ingredients prepared with exceptional artistry.

Recommended guest rooms include luxurious suites with open-air or semi open-air baths. These wa-modern rooms feature spacious layouts and serene views, offering the ultimate in relaxation.

From Sendai Station, it takes about 13 minutes by Shinkansen to JR Shiroishi-Zao Station, where a free shuttle service is available.

Experience the beauty of Minamisanriku through breathtaking ocean views, open-air hot springs, and fresh abalone grilled to perfection

Surrounded by the vast sea and mountains, this hotel boasts a spectacular location where guests can enjoy scenic views, gourmet cuisine, and local culture all in one stay.

The hotel’s highlight is its natural hot spring, drawn from 2,000 meters underground, and its open-air bath that seems to extend into the ocean. The women’s bath is inspired by a cave onsen, while the men’s features a stone bath that blends greenery with a traditional Japanese ambiance. Both offer the unique experience of feeling one with the sea while soaking in pure relaxation.

Because the hotel faces the open sea, guests staying in ocean-view rooms may be visited by wild black-tailed gulls and seagulls, an enchanting interaction unique to this coastal retreat.

Meals feature the freshest seafood delivered daily from Kesennuma Port, one of Japan’s top fishing harbors. The menu includes luxurious ingredients such as natural abalone and sea urchin, prepared with utmost care. Signature dishes include the hotel’s famous “Dancing Abalone,” grilled live on your table, and “Braised Shark Fin from Kesennuma,” both served at their freshest and most flavorful.

A particularly meaningful experience is the “Kataribe Bus,” a local guided tour led by hotel staff who serve as storytellers (kataribe) sharing firsthand accounts of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. The tour is part of the hotel’s ongoing commitment to preserving the memory of the disaster and educating future generations.

Guests can also take advantage of the popular sightseeing shuttle bus from Sendai Station, which stops at notable attractions along the way. From this hotel, visitors can easily explore the majestic nature of the Sanriku Coast, the scenic Matsushima Bay—one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views—and the historic World Heritage Site of Hiraizumi.

Winter in Tohoku is a season like no other, a time when the region’s vast nature, local cuisine, and deep-rooted traditions can be savored in serene, snow-covered silence.

Blanketed in powder snow, the landscape transforms into a pure white wonderland that offers a sense of calm and beauty you won’t find in the big cities. It’s also the best time to enjoy Japan’s finest seafood, as the cold waters bring out the richest flavors of the season. Truly, there’s no better place to experience the essence of a Japanese winter than Tohoku.

With easy access from Tokyo, Tohoku is the perfect destination for travelers seeking breathtaking scenery and an authentic winter escape. Use Sendai—the gateway to the region—as your base, and set out to discover the magic of northern Japan in its most captivating season.

Don't worry if the recommended hotels introduced in this article are fully booked. There are other attractive hotels in the Sendai area that have received positive reviews. Why not book a hotel that suits your travel style?

Once you've decided where to stay, why not explore some popular experiences during your trip to Sendai and Tohoku? Book tours of popular tourist spots and activities unique to Tohoku to create unforgettable memories.