Major Highways & Driving Tips in Sendai, Japan

Sendai, Japan, Sendai, Travel & Transportation, Major Highways & Driving Tips

Major Highways & Driving Tips in Sendai, Japan

1. Sendai Expressway (Tohoku Expressway)

A major highway connecting Sendai to other cities in Tohoku region. Offers quick transportation and reduces travel time significantly.
  • High-speed Travel: Allows for fast travel through the Tohoku region, reducing overall journey times.
  • Toll Road: Toll fees are required for using this expressway.
  • Emergency Services: Emergency services, such as rest areas and repair shops, are available along the route.

2. Route 4 (National Highway)

Connects Sendai to Tokyo and is a vital road for transportation between the two cities.
  • Long Distance Travel: Useful for long-distance travel, linking Sendai to Tokyo.
  • Multiple Lanes: Features multiple lanes for smooth and efficient driving.
  • Service Areas: Service areas are available along the route, offering rest facilities, food, and fuel.

3. Zoshicho Road

A major inner-city road that connects Sendai Station with the Zao and Mt. Akadake areas.
  • City Connectivity: Connects central locations in Sendai, such as the station and popular sightseeing spots.
  • Rush Hour Congestion: Prone to traffic congestion during peak hours. Plan accordingly.
  • Parking Availability: Limited parking options along the road, best to use public transportation when possible.

4. Sendai Loop Line (Route 109)

Circular highway surrounding Sendai City that offers a scenic drive and easy access to various attractions.
  • Scenic Drive: Offers picturesque views of the city and surrounding nature.
  • Easy Access: Provides easy access to popular attractions in Sendai City.
  • Local Sightseeing: Ideal for local sightseeing and exploring lesser-known areas of the city.

5. Route 459 (Sendai-Kudamatsu Highway)

Connects Sendai City with Kudamatsu and offers a scenic drive through rural areas.
  • Scenic Drive: Provides beautiful views of rural Japan, making for an enjoyable drive.
  • Rural Experience: Allows travelers to experience the tranquil, picturesque countryside.
  • Rest Areas: Rest areas and service stations are available along the route.

6. Sendai-Atsuma Road (Route 342)

Connects Sendai City with Atsuma and offers access to popular onsen (hot spring) destinations.
  • Onsen Access: Ideal for travelers seeking hot spring experiences in the Atsuma area.
  • Mountainous Scenery: Features stunning mountain scenery and offers a peaceful driving experience.
  • Local Cuisine: Rest stops along the route serve local Tohoku cuisine, providing delicious dining options.

7. Sendai-Shiobara Road (Route 458)

Connects Sendai City with Shiobara and offers access to the Ishikawa Onsen area.
  • Onsen Access: Ideal for travelers seeking hot spring experiences in the Ishikawa Onsen area.
  • Scenic Drive: Provides a picturesque drive through rural Japan, with beautiful mountain views.
  • Local Cuisine: Rest stops along the route serve local Tohoku cuisine, providing delicious dining options.

8. Sendai-Higashimatsushima Ferry

Connects Sendai City with Higashimatsushima and offers ferry service to the Matsushima Bay area.
  • Matsushima Access: Ideal for travelers wishing to visit the stunning Matsushima Bay.
  • Scenic Ferry Ride: Offers a beautiful, scenic ferry ride through the bay.
  • Ferry Schedule: Check the ferry schedule for departure times and frequencies.

9. Sendai-Kesennuma Road (Route 4)

Connects Sendai City with Kesennuma and offers access to the Sanriku Coast.
  • Coastal Experience: Allows travelers to experience the beautiful Sanriku Coast.
  • Scenic Drive: Provides a picturesque drive along the coast with stunning ocean views.
  • Fishing Villages: Visit fishing villages and experience local seafood cuisine.

10. Sendai-Ichinoseki Road (Route 457)

Connects Sendai City with Ichinoseki and offers access to the Dewa Sanzan.
  • Dewa Sanzan Access: Ideal for travelers wishing to visit the sacred Dewa Sanzan shrines.
  • Scenic Drive: Provides a beautiful, scenic drive through rural Japan.
  • Local Cuisine: Rest stops along the route serve local Tohoku cuisine, providing delicious dining options.

11. Sendai-Hachinohe Road (Route 456)

Connects Sendai City with Hachinohe and offers access to the Oga Peninsula.
  • Oga Peninsula Access: Ideal for travelers wishing to explore the Oga Peninsula and its unique attractions.
  • Scenic Drive: Provides a picturesque drive through rural Japan, with beautiful ocean views.
  • Local Cuisine: Rest stops along the route serve local Tohoku cuisine, providing delicious dining options.

12. Sendai-Naruko Gorge Scenic Drive

A scenic drive offering beautiful views of the Naruko Gorge and nearby mountains.
  • Scenic Drive: Offers stunning, picturesque views of the Naruko Gorge.
  • Nature Experience: Ideal for travelers seeking a nature-focused experience.
  • Rest Areas: Rest areas and scenic viewpoints are available along the route.

13. Sendai-Kesennuma Expressway (Tohoku Expressway)

A toll expressway connecting Sendai City with Kesennuma and offering a quicker route to the Sanriku Coast.
  • High-speed Travel: Allows for fast travel through the Tohoku region, reducing overall journey times.
  • Toll Road: Toll fees are required for using this expressway.
  • Emergency Services: Emergency services, such as rest areas and repair shops, are available along the route.

14. Sendai-Hachinohe Tohoku Expressway

A toll expressway connecting Sendai City with Hachinohe and offering a quicker route to the Oga Peninsula.
  • High-speed Travel: Allows for fast travel through the Tohoku region, reducing overall journey times.
  • Toll Road: Toll fees are required for using this expressway.
  • Emergency Services: Emergency services, such as rest areas and repair shops, are available along the route.

15. Sendai City Public Transportation (Bus & Tram)

Provides an affordable and convenient alternative to driving for exploring Sendai City.
  • Cost-Effective: Offers a cost-effective transportation option compared to car rentals.
  • City Coverage: Covers most areas of Sendai City, making it easy to explore the city.
  • Multi-Language Support: Many buses and trams offer multi-language route information for travelers.