City in Miyagi, Japan
Sendai
Tohoku's largest city is green, walkable and relaxed, with Shinkansen links to Tokyo in 90 minutes, beef tongue, nearby Matsushima Bay and easy hot spring trips. Cold winters; nightlife is mostly one district.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,270–1,900Comfortable, one person · ¥200,000–300,000Details
- Value for money77/100Better value than 76% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, Sep–NovWarmest: Aug, 29°CDetails
- Air quality7.3 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2019) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet234 MbpsFixed broadband, Japan medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe to drink; restaurants serve free water or tea.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$19–51Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGOVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards and IC cards work at stations, malls and chains; small restaurants, izakaya and some shrines still want cash.Details
Where to stay in Sendai
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Sendai Station area | Trains, shopping and first-time visitors |
| Kokubuncho | Bars and izakaya; the nightlife district |
| Jozenji-dori and Ichibancho | Tree-lined streets, cafés and shopping arcades |
| Aoba-dori and Tohoku University area | Quieter, student and long-stay base |
Apps that work in Sendai
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| GO | Taxi hailing app; pay in-app |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: LINE
- Visit Japan Web: Immigration and customs QR codes
- Suica or PASMO: Trains, buses and konbini payments
- Safety tips: Official quake, tsunami and weather alerts in English
- Taxis: Metered taxis are plentiful at the station and on main streets; no haggling and no tipping.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Japan.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards and IC cards work at stations, malls and chains; small restaurants, izakaya and some shrines still want cash.
- Currency: Yen (JPY). US$1 ≈ ¥157.82 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: 7-Eleven, Japan Post and AEON ATMs take foreign cards; ¥100,000 per withdrawal at 7-Eleven; small fee; decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not done and can confuse staff. Some restaurants add a 10% service charge, and izakaya often add a small seating charge (otoshi).
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless cards widely accepted; Suica or PASMO in Apple Wallet; PayPay shops take Alipay+ wallets.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on Visit Japan Web before flying to get immigration and customs QR codes instead of paper forms.
- JESTA, an online pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors, is planned by fiscal 2028; it is not required yet.
- The International Tourist Tax rose to ¥3,000 per departure on 1 July 2026, normally included in airfares.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 050-3816-2787
Plugs
Type A, B. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Data-only SIMs and eSIMs sold at airports and Bic Camera or Yodobashi, about ¥2,000–6,000; voice numbers need a residence card. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Japan
Going to Sendai solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.