The popular city of Sendai is famous for the 17th-century Sendai Castle, the world’s first kaleidoscope museum and culture inherited from the Edo period. Thanks to the bullet train and excellent transport links, this city is an easy place to get to from anywhere in Japan. This reason also makes the things to do around Sendai easy and perfect pursuits for a weekend trip. During your visit, do checkout Akiu Great Waterfalls and the many sites related to Masamune, the founder of the area. We think that with such a long-spanning history, it is important to pay homage. Accommodations such as hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals in Sendai are also a reflection of the city’s heritage. But still, nothing compares to ryokans when it comes to honoring tradition. So you too can experience the roots of the Edo period, scroll down for the best ryokans in Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.
1. Rantei (from USD 96)
This unique-looking building offers both smoking and non-smoking rooms, so be sure to select carefully. The onsite hot-spring baths are open 24 hours a day and, in the summer, guests can enjoy the pool. Both Japanese and western-style rooms benefit from the beautiful mountain views.
There are also plenty of additional amenities which make this a great ryokan to stay in. For example, you can pick-up local souvenirs from the gift shop, enjoy free Wi-Fi in the lobby, test your skills in the karaoke rooms, book a massage and enjoy award-winning food in the dining area. Rooms include traditional tatami flooring in the Japanese rooms and carpets in the western rooms. All rooms have a television, fridge, complimentary toiletries and a yukata for each guest to wear.
Rantei
Address: Taihaku-ku Akiu Yumoto Kidoho 7-1
306 meters (0.2 ft) from Rairaikyo Gorge
2. Saryo Souen (from USD 856)
If you are planning to visit Sendai Castle, this ryokan might be your ideal base, as the castle is just 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) away. You can enjoy the pretty views of the garden as you relax in the seating area of your room or in the hot-spring bath. There is also a communal lounge and free Wi-Fi in the rooms, making guests feel like they’re staying in one of the Sendai hotels with an onsen. In the morning, guests can enjoy a delicious Asian-style breakfast in the main dining area before heading out to explore the local environment.
Saryo Souen
Address: Taihaku-ku Akiumachiyumoto Higashi 1
444 meters (0.3 ft) from Rairaikyo Gorge
3. Bansuitei Ikoiso (from USD 39)
We love that this traditional ryokan includes free Wi-Fi and a yukata robe for each guest. The property itself is in an excellent location, near both Kita Yobancho Subway Station and the JR Sendai Train Station. There is a shared bath on site, which is meticulously clean and stylish. The property also offers photocopying and laundry services.
The bedrooms are comfortable and welcoming, with tatami flooring and Japanese futon beds. There is also a television and a teapot for green tea. It is worth noting that the bathrooms are shared. A Japanese-style breakfast is served daily in the main dining hall.
Bansuitei Ikoiso
Address: Aoba-ku Kimachidori 1-8-31
12.76 km (8.0 mi) from Rairaikyo Gorge
4. Chitoseya Ryokan (from USD 81)
This property has private parking available, but it is at an additional cost. The nearest station is Sendai, which is a 20-minute walk from the ryokan. There is a delicious breakfast served every day here and the menu changes regularly. The dishes are made with local, fresh water and Sendai Hitomebore rice. This ryokan is a great option for those of you traveling in a big group because they even have rooms which can comfortably hold 15 futons. they also have a western-style single bedroom available.
Chitoseya Ryokan
Address: Aoba-ku Odawara 6-3-8
14.69 km (9.2 mi) from Rairaikyo Gorge
5. Satoya Ryokan (from USD 78)
This ryokan welcomes guests with traditional yukata clothing and warm, welcoming smiles. There is only one type of room available at this property and it is perfect for up to three guests. Each bedroom has a television and a small fridge. An Asian-style breakfast can be enjoyed daily at the Satoya Restaurant. There is free parking and free Wi-Fi on site.
Satoya Ryokan
Address: Taihaku, Akiumachi, Yakushi 108
801 meters (0.5 ft) from Rairaikyo Gorge
6. Sakan (from USD 228)
Located near the infamous Sendai Kaleidoscopes Art Museum, this ryokan is an absolute must-stay if you are planning to visit the museum. This ryokan is a perfect mixture of both Japanese and western cultures. You can enjoy the tatami-mat flooring and low table or choose to sit at the western-style coffee table – perfect for those of you who feel a bit nervous about diving headfirst into traditional Japanese culture. The rooms also include air-conditioning and a fridge. We love that there are a number of restaurants at the ryokan and each one specializes in its own menu.
Sakan
Address: Taihaku-ku Akiumachiyumoto Yakushi 28
833 meters (0.6 ft) from Rairaikyo Gorge
7. Sendai Akiu Onsen Iwanumaya (from USD 92)
This ryokan feels much more western than many others on our list. The decor hints at an era of glamor – we’re particularly fond of the chandeliers. The natural spring water baths are very spacious and relaxing. There is even one with floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can enjoy nature outside. Along with the traditional amenities, this ryokan also has karaoke rooms (a favorite pastime in Japan), a gift shop, massage services, and complimentary toiletries in the ensuite bathrooms. This ryokan with onsen also has family baths, which can be reserved for private use.
Sendai Akiu Onsen Iwanumaya
Address: Taihaku-ku Akiu-machi Yumoto Yakushi 107
743 meters (0.5 ft) from Rairaikyo Gorge
8. Yamaboshi (from USD 279)
This 3-star ryokan has a pretty garden area and both hot spring baths and a sauna. The rooms are air-conditioned and have free Wi-Fi access, but the bathrooms are shared. This ryokan is in an excellent location if you are interested in skiing. There is also a satellite television in each room, as well as a small seating area. We think it’s great that this ryokan provides books and DVDs for children to enjoy, making this a great family option.
Yamaboshi
Address: Izumi-ku Fukuoka Kamiitachibara 13-1
16.53 km (10.3 mi) from Rairaikyo Gorge
9. Katakuri-no-Yado (from USD 71)
With both indoor and outdoor baths, you are spoiled for choice at this ryokan. After a busy day exploring, you can book a massage and then enjoy the free Wi-Fi available in the communal lobby area. Obviously, the whole property is stunning, but we are particularly in love with the paper sliding screens. Additional amenities in the room include a television, a fridge and a toilet. The main bathrooms are shared but come with complimentary toiletries.
Katakuri-no-Yado
Address: Aoba-ku Sakunami Motoki 2
15.32 km (9.6 mi) from Rairaikyo Gorge
Nearby ryokans
10. Tokinenoyado Yunushiichijoh (from USD 248)
If you are interested to embark on a trip to the Kamasaki Onsen district in Shiroishi, consider taking refuge in Tokinenoyado Yunushiichijoh. The property is a 60-minute drive from Sendai proper and makes the trip beneficial by offering great amenities. To help you get settled, it provides free parking for your vehicle. Commuting guests can take advantage of the shuttle service from Shiroishi Station.
The rooms and suites here are appointed with standard amenities such as flat-screen TV and air-conditioning. If you fancy a private soak, you can choose a suite with a hot spring. There is also an in-house restaurant serving Japanese cuisine for breakfast and dinner.
Tokinenoyado Yunushiichijoh
Address: Fukuokakuramoto Kamasaki 1-48
25.96 km (16.2 mi) from Rairaikyo Gorge
11. Tabist Oshiro Ito Tagajo (from USD 38)
The relaxing establishment of Tabist Oshiro Ito is situated in the city of Tagajo and is approximately 16.3 kilometers (10.1 miles) from central Sendai. Its Japanese-style rooms offer the convenience of air-conditioning and a flat-screen TV. The accommodations also feature a shared bathroom. You can enjoy complimentary perks such as Wi-Fi and parking should you stay here.
If you plan to explore the area, you can find several cafes and restaurants within a short walking distance. Nishi-Shiogama and Geba railway stations are also nearby. While in Tagajo, you may also want to visit top attractions such as Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium and Sendai Bungakukan.
Tabist Oshiro Ito Tagajo
Address: Oshiro 4-6-25
28.09 km (17.5 mi) from Rairaikyo Gorge
12. Hotel Urashima-so (from USD 69)
Located in the coastal town of Matsushima, Hotel Urashima-so is an inviting accommodation that is a 40-minute drive from Sendai proper. It is a go-to facility for relaxation that features gender-separated public hot springs. However, if you wish to enjoy a private soak, you are welcome to rent a separate bath to peacefully soothe your muscles. There are two types of rooms available here, Japanese and Western-style, to cater to a wide range of guests. But whichever you choose, you can expect in-room conveniences such as air-conditioning and TV.
This ryokan has an on-site restaurant serving seasonally fresh seafood for breakfast and dinner. There are also services such as free Wi-Fi in the lobby, massage treatments, and car rentals.
Hotel Urashima-so
Address: 129 Itojiri Akanuma
30.84 km (19.2 mi) from Rairaikyo Gorge
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
Ryokans are the most traditional way to experience Japanese culture. Whether you decide to dive in 100 percent and immerse yourself in the culture, or would still rather have some western comforts, it’s up to you to decide. However, we know that if you book one of these best places to stay in Sendai, Miyagi, Japan you’re guaranteed an amazing time. Book early and start planning your own unique Japanese trip.
Frequently asked questions about the best ryokans in Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
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