Well here I am … the last city in my 4 week tour of beautiful Japan. This trip is a tribute journey to my Mother. I’m here for 3 nights …. It feels like the end .. What a journey it’s been. I’m gonna push out 3 more spectacular days in Sendai. Then I’ll spend a full day in Yokohama before leaving the night of May 8. 

I actually extended my stay in Japan. I was going to only do 3 weeks and head to Europe. But instead something kept me there and I’m so glad I stayed. It has been one heck of a beautiful journey so far. As this is my last city, I am hoping to make the most out of it.

Sendai is the largest city in the Miyagi/ Tohoku Region of Japan. Very famous for samurai Lord Date Masamune, and located on the north eastern portion of Honshu island.

Day 1: Sunday May 5, 2024

I left Kanazawa an Unexpected 3 days of Beauty on a Shinkansen bound for Omiya and it was a very comfortable and pretty 2 hour ride. Passing the beautiful Japanese Alps I can only imagine what this place is like during the winter , something I want to experience 

I changed trains in Omiya for another 1 hour Shinkansen ride bound for Sendai. 

I’m staying at the Sendai Metropolitan East Hotel. It is located, as you can only imagine, on the east side of the train station. It is my last JR hotel on my journey as well. Lots of lasts these next few days. I guess I’m a bit sad to be ending my journey. But all good things must come to and end sometimes.

The station reminds me a tiny bit of Shibuya Station in Tokyo, where I spent a fabulous week in Tokyo… See my blog on it here : Tokyo. Thank you!. It has all the shopping one may want. When you exit, you are still elevated above the ground floor. 

I found my hotel fairly easily and checked in on time. 

I inquired about my luggage I sent and it was already here. I also inquired about sending it to Haneda. I was advised that I will need to send it 2 days in advance,instead of the typical 1 day. I’ll make sure everything’s in order for the next two days. My plan is to send my main luggage to meet me in Haneda. I will get it immediately checked in.

I’m staying in a superior double located on the 7th floor. I thought superior would be a little higher floor as it’s two categories above the least expensive one. Anyway. The room is quite adequate. I would not call it spacious, but it’s roomy enough to lay my head. It also has some pretty minimalist decor. 

The biggest pluses are : 

1. Next to train Station and a plethora of shopping 

2. The bathroom has a fabulous Toto toilet , 4 multiple jet spray shower and a jacuzzi capable tub ! Oh my heavens 

So close to pushing 4 pm I dashed out the door headed towards the #16 Loop Bus stop. Sadly, I was on the last bus of the day. I needed to decide how far away I would go and where to.

I decided to visit Date Masamune’s mausoleum at Zuihoden Temple. 

Zuihoden Temple is situated in a beautiful steep forest. The umbrella pines offer their guest shade, and serenity. It’s such a peaceful area. I was almost the last to enter the park before they shudder their ticket offices. 

I visited for about a half hour and it was lovely. 

There was this alarm going off and I noticed this sweet Baba ( granny) trying to figure out her phone. I asked if I may help and shut off her alarm, so cute. She then asked me to take a picture of her so I took several she was the sweetest. 

My concern grew a little as I noticed she was completely alone. 

To get up to the main mausoleum the steps are very very steep and high. 

I waited till she was done and helped her down. I noticed she was all alone. I kept a side eye on her to make sure she was okay. I watched her until she left the area. The elderly in Japan are strong and capable. However, I sometimes wish Japan would offer a bit more reinforcement for their elderly population. A very tiny bit like railings. Japan does an excellent job at accommodating all types of people and I find that very lacking in the USA 

After I walked back toward my hotel. I enjoyed the beautiful walk. I passed over a lovely river. It looks like some people have camped out a bit by the riverside.

I wanted to stop and visit Ichibancho shopping district. I did not realize it would be miles of shopping. Not interested in obtaining anything but wow. It goes on and on and on in different directions. 

There are my favorite pachinko parlors all around I played a bit made some coin and started to get hungry. 

I walked around the Kokubuncho area in search of food. All I saw was the hustle to get the men into their adult establishments. Hey whatever floats your boat. Zero judgment. Just so cool to watch. 

I can feel myself getting back to my old habits of eating. I am avoiding red meat and pork. I am moving to seafood and will eventually be back to vegetarianism when I land in Hawaii. It’s interesting how the body tells me what I need, and that was super healthy Sake (NIhon-Shu) and tempura. I found this place specializing in tempura. I ordered zarusoba with all kinds of fabulous vegetable, shrimp, and a full egg tempura. Sooooooo good. 

I walked off that meal and headed home. 

Packed up my main suitcase really well. Downsized everything to 2 outfits and skin care samples. Packed the rest to be sent in the morning via Yamato. 

Day 2 , May 6,2024

I woke up super early this morning and I just could not go back to bed. Fine I’ll get up.

Today is all about Matsushima and all the floating little islands it’s famous for.

I’m out the door around 8:00 AM and Sendai doesn’t seem to be as busy as it was yesterday

I fired up Google Maps and of course it got me spinning around like a record baby.

I’m supposed to find the Senseki Line. I had the hardest time finding it according to my maps. I finally put my phone away and just followed signs. Guess what? It was right outside of my hotel. I just had to go downstairs.

Well, that was fun

The whole entire ride to Matsushima took about 37 minutes

I got off and followed some great advice and this is how I did my day. This is based off some information I got, so this is a cut and paste. And by the way, it worked perfectly.

From : Sendai Station: JR Senseki Line (40 min.) to Matsushima Kaigan Station.

Walk (10 min.)

01. Entsuin Temple

Walk (5 min.)

02. Zuiganji Temple

Walk (10 min.)

03. Godaido Temple

Walk (5 min.)

04. Kanrantei Tea House

Walk (3 min.)

05. Sightseeing Boats

Walk (10 min.)

Matsushima Kaigan Station

JR Senseki Line (30 min.)

Sendai Station

And I did everything in that order.

So first up was Entsuin temple. 

It is so very peaceful here. The Zen garden is lovely. The other gardens and all the graves in the caves against the wall are very unique and interesting. They are serene and beautiful.

Pretty close next-door I went to Zuiganji Temple 

This was absolutely beautiful

To do the course you do have to takeoff your shoes and you walk through the temple itself, but there’s so much interesting information and beautiful artwork

The Floors are so clean I never can get mine to stay like that

The woodwork and design is so beautiful. It was so worth it. I absolutely enjoyed myself and learned a few things.

Next up Godaido temple

But first, I had to try kamaboko ( fish cake ) that Matsushima is famous for. So I cooked my own sasa Kamaboko. And it was delicious. Took about 7 to 8 minutes to cook on both sides. You can’t overcook it then because it’ll turn sour.

After that, I headed to the temple. It’s on a piece of land that jets out from the coast. You have to cross these very beautiful bridges. There is space in between them, so you need to be cautious. I later discovered that it was built that way. The sign explained they want you to pay attention and be present. You should mind every single step you take and be in the moment.

I skipped the teahouse, because the clouds were really coming in and I felt like it might rain soon so I took the 11 o’clock boat cruise around the islands

There are a few companies providing service for a round trip boat ride around the little islands. They are really adorable as they all share and take turns getting clients. They help each other out. That is so impressive to me.

It took about 50 minutes and it was packed with people and the waves were a little rough. I did survive it though even though I normally get seasick.

The islands were so pretty. In hindsight I probably would’ve come closer to sunset. I think you can see the islands much prettier at that time rather than closer to high noon.

Hungry for actual lunch now I decided to sit at this place and have Kaki (oysters ). Matsushima Is famous for their oysters.

I had two fresh. Then, I got a set menu with three small cooked ones. It included some sashimi, soup, rice, and tsukemono.

After lunch, I wanted to go to the Sendai Kanon. The colossus statue of the Bodhisattva . But again, Google maps got me all the way to Sendai and then had me running around in circles, trying to find the bus because it didn’t tell me which side of the street or which number platform to go and board the bus when I looked at the bus numbers I never saw my number for the bus that I wanted to catch 

I have to say, though I think this is quite a blessing. I had to use the bathroom so badly all of a sudden.

I popped into the Pachinko place that I saw to use the bathroom. Let’s just say I went to the bathroom and stayed there for quite some time.

Afterwards, I said well, maybe I’ll just play a little pachinko.

Well, that never lasted because I had to go back to the bathroom again, and again.

I told myself I think it’s time I should just go straight to the hotel.

Almost never made it to my room in time!

I had been going to the bathroom since I’ve been back at the hotel about five times. I know it sounds gross. I’m sorry.

I’m not sure if it’s the oysters or the kamaboko. It could also be the coffee with cream I had afterwards. They might have mixed altogether and created this fiasco.

I just stayed in my room. I was laying down and monitoring myself. I tried to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. I hoped this would pass soon, literally and figuratively.

Fortunately, I don’t have any other symptoms no fever no stomach aches no vomiting

Just the other thing

So I guess me missing the bus was for a reason. I don’t know how I would’ve handled almost 30 minutes on it and not exploded. That would’ve definitely been something to write home about.

That was my day 2

I can tell I’m ready to go home. I’m not even interested in seeing things. Everything‘s kind of not annoying me and feels like I’m on repeat.

I have one more day tomorrow and I’m supposed to do Yamadera Temple. 

I don’t know if I have it in me now. But tomorrow’s another day and today is not over yet

Day 3: Tuesday May 7,2024

Today had been a very full day for me.  I was up by 6:30 am and out the door before 8 am.

With a full gigantic breakfast first as I knew I would need it badly. Energy ! lol

I took the Senzan line bound for Yamadera.

The train left about 10 minutes past its slated departure time. This is unusual for Japan. Everything, especially trains, tends to be exactly on time.

The train was packed with highschool and intermediate students. 

I forgot what stop they all got off on. Soon, I was able to stretch my legs. I enjoyed the absolutely beautiful train ride to Yamadera. 

As I passed Kitayama station, I saw my favorite celestial being towering over the small hill and town. It was Kanon Sama. I’ve always had a HUGE affiliation to her. I also call her by her other name, Kwan Yin. 

It was such a site to see her towering like that. I only saw her head but that alone was out of this world. 

About 1 hour and 20 minutes by train, I traveled past beautiful forests, creeks, waterfalls, and foliage. Then I landed in the misty mountain town of Yamadera.

The time was around 9:30 am. 

A quick walk to the start of the hike up the mountain and I was ready. When you look up the mountain, it’s like you’re in a dream. So serene, so peaceful. I am so glad , at least for now, that I decided to climb this beautiful mountain. The town leading up to it looks very quaint and very touristy. As I was early, not too many things were open yet.  

Risshaku-ji ( Yamadera) was founded in 860 on the slopes of Mt. Hogu. People have been doing a pilgramage here since the 9th century. The hike takes you through a little temple complex at the foot of the mountain. The climb itself while steep, was manageable.

I took little breaks in between where myself and this elder aunty kept pushing each other along. Gambate!!! Gambarimasu! 

It’s a beautiful hike that keeps you stimulated visually. The higher you go up the more beautiful everything becomes 

There were barely anyone on this trail. It was just myself, a couple from Missouri, this Japanese aunty, and an elderly gentleman. He bypassed me going up twice. My gosh I want his health, strength and stamina. 

The view from the top and from a few steps down even , are breathtakingly gorgeous. 

I was so happy to have made it to the top and give offering. I feel like this day is going to be the day of full on gratitude. 

Gratitude for making the climb and seeing the beautiful breathtaking views. I am grateful for being allowed the opportunity to do so. I am also thankful to pay respects to the Buddha and the Kami of the area. I am grateful for a month-long journey of healing and re-connection with Japan. I am thankful to be alive and alive in Japan. 

This trip has been everything for me. I feel so grateful. 

The hike up and down normally takes an hour. But with my resting and soaking it in, I did it in 90 minutes 

As I was descending I heard screams. I immediately thought. Oh no, the monkeys are causing havoc. Maybe there’s a viper, like I was fearing when I visited Miyajima during my trip to Hiroshima, where there is Peace, there will be light . Hahaha. I’m so dramas. Alas, it was a large group of middle school students. They were all practicing their English hellos to me by saying “Harro.” I would reply with “Konichiwa.” So cute and so respectful 

I also love that Japan school excursions takes them hiking up very steep mountains lol 

I am so fulfilled 

I made the 11:15 train (late again ) so I decided I’m going to visit Kanon Sendai colossus. 

I got off at Kitayama and walked down to catch the bus. 

Six minutes later I was in the presence of her. Towering over me. Actually this is how I would envision her majesty to be if I ever met her in person. Towering high above us all like we are ants. 

The fee to go in is only ¥500 

You take the elevator up to the 12th floor. Then, wind your way down visiting all 108 Buddhas. I think that’s the accurate number. Each one is different.

About a half hour Later I was heading to the bus stop to catch the bus back to Sendai. 

I am sooooooooo elated I got to see Kanon Sama. It was top priority in my list. But as we all know , yesterday, she wanted me to stay home and nurse my stomach. 

I feel so happy and acomplished 

I got off before the Sendai train station as I was starving. It was already 2:30 pm and I had not eaten.

I need foooood. 

I chose a place on the bottom floor of some building. I had 2 beers and an amazing chicken dish. It only sort of resembles katsudon. It was soooooooooooo delicious. 

I walked around a bit , on my way to Jozenji- Dori avenue. 

What a pretty green spot filled with flowers, statues and trees 

I started a walk back to the hotel , popping into pachinko halls here and there hahaha. Oh and those impossible to win gaming halls where you try to capture the prize with a claw. I think it’s called taito. Anyway after much deliberation and a few hundred yen I got me a tiny piece. Hahaha I won and that was good enough for me. 

I went back to the hotel and caught up on everything met gala. Oh my stars ⭐️ how amazing 

For my last meal there were two things I must have. 

1. NIhon Shu ( sake ) 

2. Katsudon. I haven’t had that yet. It’s been decades since I last had this. I wanted to try it again because it always reminds me of my childhood. I was obsessed with it growing up. That and Inari zushi It made me happy. 

So here I am. Finishing my second Ichego of NIhon Shu. Reliving the best possible last full day in Sendai and feeling grateful. 

Tomorrow … home bound but first, I’m taking the Shinkansen in  Gran class to Tokyo ( a first and I decided to splurge a skoshi) 

Tokyo to Yokohama, store my carry on luggage and visit this beautiful city.

First stop … Catholic Church on the hill where my parents got married in 1956. 

Final meal ? Absolutely Ramen !!!!!!!!!! 🍜