Sendai, the biggest city in the Tohoku region of Honshu Island in Japan offers you a little bit of everything. The city not only has observation towers, museums, and galleries, but also more traditional attractions such as mausoleums of famous families, the ruins of its ancient castle, and thriving nightlife. 

The cuisine will leave your mouth watering. The local favorite is gyutan, which is a grilled beef tongue. If you’re not a fan of meat, don’t worry; the city also has tons of vegetarian options. 

Although the city has almost one million residents, the tourist crowd is usually low. Hence, you don’t have to worry about oversold touristy destinations. You can enjoy the city just as the locals do. 

However, in order to get the most out of your Sendai trip, you’ll first need to research and purchase travel medical insurance or travel insurance.

Sendai Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs

Your trip to Japan can leave you vulnerable to diseases like Zika, malaria, COVID-19, and dengue. But you shouldn’t cancel your trip because of the fear of these diseases. Instead, make the smart choice of securing yourself against the financial risk of contracting an ailment during your stay. Purchase travel medical insurance. Your insurance can help compensate you for your medical expenses. 

Do I need travel medical insurance for Sendai? 

Travel medical insurance is not mandatory to visit Sendai unless you are part of a tour group that requires it. Japan may institute additional rules regarding travel medical insurance due to COVID-19 infection rates, so be sure to check with official Japanese sources when planning your trip. 

Regardless, we recommend that you get a travel medical insurance plan irrespective of requirements. Even in safe locations, no one is completely immune to illness, or a sudden injury. You will need insurance that provides coverage for medical care in Japan, and travel medical insurance can provide this coverage. 

Why buy travel medical insurance for Sendai? 

Your domestic insurance will not be accepted at hospitals in Sendai. In the best-case scenario you may be granted partial coverage, but this is far from guaranteed, and likely insufficient to cover a medical emergency. 

The only viable solution is to have a travel medical insurance plan for the duration of your trip. This way, you will have financial protection against high medical costs should you suffer a sickness or get hurt while visiting Sendai. 

Sendai Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs

There’s more to having a successful trip than just planning and booking. You also have to make plans for when the unexpected happens, like a sudden cancellation. Not only are trip cancellations disappointing; they can also be expensive, as many of your pre-paid trip costs, such as airfare, hotels, and other reservations are not refundable. Protect yourself from the uncertainties of international travel with trip cancellation insurance. 

Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Sendai? 

There is always a risk of earthquakes and tremors in Sendai. In such cases, your flight could get canceled, your accommodation could get damaged, or the state could restrict travel, forcing you to cancel your trip. Likewise, you could become seriously ill right before you’re planning to depart, or you could have a personal emergency such as a death in the family. 

In any case, you are at risk of a huge financial loss if you’re unable to use all those prepaid, nonrefundable bookings. 

Trip cancellation insurance provides you with security against such situations. You can get reimbursed for your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses if your trip is cancelled for a reason that’s covered by the policy. 

What can be covered under trip cancellation insurance for Sendai? 

The exact coverage offered will depend upon the plan you choose. This is why it is important to research and compare several plans, paying special attention to read their policy documents. Depending on your needs, you may look for coverage that includes:

• Trip cancellation
• The option to cancel for any reason with some plans
• Trip interruption
• Flight delay
• Loss of baggage
• Baggage delays

Things to Do for Travelers in Sendai

View the city from the SS 30 Observation Lounge 

Head to SS 30 Observation Lounge to enjoy the best view of this beautiful city. There are two observational decks on the 29th and 30th floors.

Entry is free, and the panoramic vista across all of Sendai is a sight you must experience in person, and share to social media, of course. We recommend that you come in early in the morning or in the late afternoon for the best shot. 

Celebrate the festival of Tana Bata 

If you’re in the city on August 5, you have the opportunity to participate in the magical festival of Tana Bata. From August 6 to August 8, the whole of Sendai is decorated with myriad paper balls adorned with decorative flowers. Be sure to find a good viewing spot in order to enjoy the fireworks display.

If you don’t already know the legend, chat up some locals to learn about the festival of two star-crossed lovers, Vega and Altair. 

Hike Up to Sendai Castle

The ruins of Sendai Castle are so beautiful that they have even inspired the famous Japanese poem called ‘The moon over the desolate castle’. View the statue of Date Masamune who built the castle in 1600.  

If you’re not a history fan, you should still come to enjoy the view of the city from Mount Oaba. You can even get a picture with an actor impersonating Masamune. 

Shop at the Morning Market

Visit the Morning Market in Sendai any day of the week. The market boasts of 40 stalls that sell the best produce in the city. You can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, and delicious sushi. Use those ingredients and try to whip up a Japanese meal. If you can’t be bothered to cook, you can go to the stalls that sell those authentic Japanese meals. Enjoy a dish of fish soup and noodles, or some fried snacks. 

Have a fun night out

Sendai is famous for its clubs and bars, and is abundant with nightlife. Go to Chuo-dori, which usually attracts a young crowd. Kokubuncho is the main center of nightlife in Sendai.

Visit the traditional Japanese pubs called izakaya and enjoy some Japanese drinks. 

Travel Risks for International Travelers in Sendai

Getting around in the city

The safest means to travel in Sendai is public transportation. 

Driving can be complicated, as traffic moves on the left side of the road. You also need to get Japanese Compulsory Insurance (JCI) to drive. In case of an accident, all parties are held liable. You must also obtain an international driving permit (IDP) issued in your country of residence prior to arriving in Japan if you plan to drive.

It is highly recommended that you use the ‘Loople Sendai,’ which is a city loop bus. The bus loops around the major tourist spots in Sendai. If you get a one-day pass for Loople Sendai and Sendai Subway, you can get free rides on both the Loople Sendai buses and Sendai Subway. 

Alternative to driving

If you don’t want to look for public transport or rent a taxi all the time, you can rent a bike. Many people in Sendai use bicycles as a means of transportation. You can get a rental plan from ‘DATE BIKE Service Station’ and use this service. You can even practice riding a bike at Sankyozawa Bicycle Safety Park. 

Petty theft

In crowded areas, people may try to distract you and steal your wallet. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure. Do not carry your passport and other documents with you. Leave them in your hotel safe.

Solo Travelers

Solo travelers are generally safe in Sendai. However, you should still take some precautions. Do not reveal your personal information, such as your hotel name, in public. Do not leave food or drinks unattended. as the possibility of it being spiked or tainted exists. If possible, keep someone updated with your location.

Contacting emergency services 

You can reach the police throughout Japan by dialing 110, and fire and ambulance services by dialing 119. You may not be put in touch with English-speaking dispatchers, though. So, look for a person who can convey your problems to the services. We recommend that you have a translator in your emergency contact list. 

Before You Travel to Sendai - Do This

• Download a free tour guide here.
• Make sure that your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay
• Buy travel medical insurance or travel insurance.

DISCLAIMER: The information within this article is intended as a broad summary of benefits and services and is meant for informational purposes only. The information does not describe all scenarios, coverages or exclusions of any insurance plan. The benefits and services of an insurance plan are subject to change. This is not your policy/certificate of insurance. If there is any discrepancy between the information in this article and the language of your policy/certificate wording, the language of the policy/certificate wording will prevail.

The insurance plans available on this website are not specifically targeted towards the destination mentioned in this article. They can provide coverage while traveling away from home, according to the terms and conditions and geographic restrictions applicable to the specific plan.