Sendai Airport is one of the main gateways to the Tohoku region and is used by many travelers every day. But did you know that it’s more than just a place to catch a flight?

Inside the airport, you’ll find plenty of fun things to enjoy before or after your flight, including restaurants serving Sendai’s famous beef tongue, shops packed with Tohoku souvenirs, and an observation deck where you can get a close-up view of airplanes.

In this article, we visited Sendai Airport to check out its restaurants, souvenir shops, observation deck, shower facilities, lounge, and other useful services. If you’re looking for ways to make the most of your time at the airport or want to explore somewhere before or after your trip, this guide is for you!

▼What You’ll Find in This Article

※ The information in this article is based on our visit and was accurate at the time of publication. Please note that information and details may change.

What is Sendai Airport? An Introduction to Tohoku’s Major International Airport

Sendai Airport is a major gateway to the Tohoku region and an international airport serving travelers from Japan and overseas. One of its biggest advantages is its convenient location.

It takes about 25 minutes from Sendai Station by the Sendai Airport Access Line, making it easy to get to and from the city. The airport offers both domestic and international flights, as well as plenty of facilities to make your time there more enjoyable.

Inside the airport, you’ll find popular restaurants serving beef tongue, shops selling Tohoku specialties, and an observation deck where you can watch airplanes take off and land. There are also convenient facilities such as a lounge and the Runners Port shower facility, making it a comfortable place to relax before or after your journey.

Whether you’re a tourist or a local traveler, Sendai Airport has plenty to offer!

Convenient Access to Sendai Airport: Take the Yamagata–Sendai Airport Highway Bus!

For this trip, we took the Yamagata–Sendai Airport highway bus, jointly operated by Miyagi Transportation and Yamagata Transportation, from Yamagata Station to Sendai Airport.

When traveling by train, the usual route is to take a train from Yamagata Station to Sendai Station and then transfer to the Sendai Airport Access Line. With the highway bus, however, you can travel directly to the airport without changing trains.

This is especially convenient if you have large pieces of luggage or simply want to avoid the hassle of transfers.

We took the bus departing from Yamagata Station at 12:40 p.m.

It was a weekend afternoon, and there were around 10 passengers on board, so we had plenty of space to relax during the journey. We arrived at Sendai Airport at 1:55 p.m., near the International Arrivals exit.

We had a smooth journey with no traffic delays on the day of our visit. However, travel times can vary depending on road and weather conditions, so if you’re catching a flight, we recommend allowing plenty of extra time. If you’re traveling from Yamagata Station to Sendai Airport, why not give this convenient and comfortable highway bus a try?

＼ Travel directly to Sendai Airport! Check seats and fares for the Yamagata–Sendai Airport highway bus ／
Check Seats & Fares

【Food】Enjoy Sendai’s Famous Beef Tongue at Gyutan Restaurant Jinchu

If you want to try Sendai’s famous beef tongue, Gyutan Restaurant Jinchu Sendai Airport is a great choice!

The restaurant is located on the first floor, in front of the Domestic Arrivals Lobby, so it’s easy to find as soon as you arrive. The restaurant has counter seating only, making it a convenient option even if you’re traveling alone.

There is also space to store your luggage, so you can easily stop by even if you’re traveling with a large suitcase.

We ordered the limited-time Marugoto Gyutan Shio Set Meal, which allowed us to enjoy beef tongue from mature cattle and veal. Each order is grilled fresh by a chef, and you can watch the cooking right from your counter seat.

The veal tongue was soft with a pleasantly springy texture. The longer we chewed, the more its natural sweetness came through. The mature beef tongue had a firmer texture and a rich, concentrated flavor.

The veal tongue was especially tender and, in our opinion, some of the easiest-to-eat and most delicious beef tongue we’ve ever tried!

We also highly recommend adding Gyutan Sendai La-Yu, a spicy chili oil topped with tender pieces of beef tongue.

The combination of tender beef tongue and mildly spicy chili oil goes perfectly with rice!

Enjoy the Taste of Freshly Grilled Beef Tongue at Home

There are also refrigerated beef tongue products that allow you to enjoy the taste of freshly grilled beef tongue at home. We were curious whether it would really taste good cold, so we had the chance to try it. To our surprise, it had a delicious smoky aroma and plenty of beef tongue flavor, with a taste surprisingly similar to freshly grilled beef tongue.

There are two flavors:
Salt: Perfect for enjoying the natural flavor of beef tongue
Black Pepper: Spicy and flavorful, making it a great snack with drinks

Another great thing is that you can eat it straight from the package without any cooking. It would also make a fantastic souvenir!

Takeout menu

There are also takeout meals, sometimes called airport lunch box, available at the airport restaurant.

They’re a convenient option if you’re short on time before your flight and still want to enjoy Sendai-style beef tongue. On the second floor, you’ll also find Gyutan Souvenir Shop Jinchu, which is a great place to look for beef tongue souvenirs.

◎Gyutan Restaurant Jinchu Sendai Airport

Hours	10:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (Last order: 7:30 p.m.)
Closed	Open daily
Google Maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/4P1UVEnsYVbQVbpt9
Phone	022-383-3429
Official Website	https://www.jinchu.jp/shop/airport_restaurant.html

【Souvenirs】Looking for Tohoku Souvenirs? Visit “Hagi”

If you want to pick up some souvenirs before leaving Sendai, be sure to stop by Hagi, the airport’s general souvenir shop.

The shop has a wide selection of treats and specialties from Sendai and across the Tohoku region, including sweets, kamaboko fish cakes, and beef tongue products.

Sendai Airport Exclusive! “Hagi no Tsuki” Airplane Package

One of the souvenirs we picked up was Hagi no Tsuki, available in a special Sendai Airport package.

The soft, fluffy sponge cake and gently sweet cream filling are delicious and never get old! The three-piece package is perfect for yourself, while the eight or ten-piece packages are great for family, friends, or coworkers.

The Sendai Airport exclusive box has a fun design that turns into an airplane when assembled! There are easy-to-follow instructions included, so we were able to put it together without any trouble. It would make a particularly fun souvenir for children!

A Popular Souvenir: “Gyutan Sendai La-Yu”

You can also purchase Gyutan Sendai La-Yu from Jinchu here. The product has been featured on TV, and its popularity is easy to see from the many promotional signs in the shop.

About 90% of the ingredients are beef tongue, creating a delicious combination of rich beef flavor and mildly spicy chili oil. We tried it topped with an egg yolk, and the creamy egg yolk went perfectly with the gentle spiciness of the chili oil. It was so good that we couldn’t stop eating it with rice!

There is also a spicier version called Gyutan Sendai La-Yu Karakuchi, as well as Sendai Soboro, so you can choose according to your taste. Even if you don’t have time to eat beef tongue at the restaurant, these products are an easy way to enjoy Sendai’s famous flavor at home.

◎Hagi

Hours	7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Closed	Open daily
Google Maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/SDZEdeEfmARpCpDA8
Phone	022-383-6205
Official Website	https://www.sendai-airport.co.jp/guide/hagi-sweets.html

【Observation Deck】Get a Close-Up View of Airplanes at “Smile Terrace”

Sendai Airport has a free observation deck called Smile Terrace, where you can enjoy watching airplanes take off and land from up close.

With the Pacific Ocean in the background, the observation deck offers an open and relaxing atmosphere.

How to Get to Smile Terrace

Take the escalator up to the third floor and walk to the left. Look for the sign for “Rooftop Observation Deck”, then take the elevator up to the rooftop.

A Relaxing Place to Spend Your Time

The rooftop observation deck has plenty of benches, making it a great place to sit back and enjoy the airport scenery. If you have some time before your flight, why not grab a snack or drink and relax while watching the airplanes?

You can also use a 20x telescope to get a closer look at the airplanes and beautiful scenery around Miyagi. Fee: ¥100 per use

As the name “Smile Terrace” suggests, there are smiley face symbols hidden throughout the area. Looking for them can be a fun activity while you’re there!

One thing to keep in mind is that Sendai Airport is located near the coast, so it can get quite windy depending on the weather. When we visited in April, we found it a little chilly outside. If you’re visiting in spring or autumn, we recommend bringing a light jacket.

◎Smile Terrace

Hours	6:45 a.m.–8:00 p.m. ※May close in bad weather
Closed	Open daily
Google Maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/KTwoCjFSpWnvmj2TA
Phone	022-382-0080(Sendai Airport Information)
Official Website	https://www.sendai-airport.co.jp/service/smile-terrace.html

 

【Shower】Freshen Up at “Runners Port”

Runners Port is a convenient facility where you can use showers and changing rooms.

It’s a great place to freshen up after arriving at the airport or before heading out on your trip. It’s especially useful after taking an overnight bus or spending the day traveling.

According to the staff, the facility is used not only by runners but also by travelers returning from concerts and people who have arrived on overnight buses.

How to Use the Facility & Prices

Clean and Comfortable Shower Facilities

There are two shower booths for both men and women. Each shower is separated by a curtain, so you can use the facilities comfortably and privately.

Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided, which is very convenient.

The changing area has a large mirror, hair dryers, and power outlets. You can even use your own hair iron or charge your smartphone.

There are also lockers with keys and a space for suitcases, so you don’t have to worry about your luggage.

The staff can also lend you a suitcase strap free of charge to help secure your suitcase.

There were also posters introducing running and walking routes around the airport, which may be useful if you want to get some exercise during your visit.

◎Runners Port

Hours	7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. (Last reception: 8:30 p.m.)
Closed	Open daily
Google Maps	ー
Phone	022-382-0080(Sendai Airport Information)
Official Website	https://www.sendai-airport.co.jp/service/runners-port.html

【Lounge】Relax Before Your Flight at “Business Lounge EAST SIDE”

“Provided by Sendai International Airport Co., Ltd.”

Business Lounge EAST SIDE is available to passengers traveling on a flight departing from or arriving at Sendai Airport that day. It’s a comfortable place to relax in a quiet atmosphere before or after your flight.

【Admission Fee】
¥1,100 per hour (tax included)

Free for eligible gold card members and other qualifying cardholders when they present their card and boarding pass Check Eligible Card Companies ※ Some gold cards may not be eligible. Please check with your card company for details.

【Facilities & Services】
Soft drinks
Wi-Fi
Smoking room
Snacks and other refreshments for purchase Canned beer (for an additional fee)
Massage chair (for an additional fee)
Copying and fax services (for an additional fee)
Delivery service from M.M.C ORGANIC CAFE

“Provided by Sendai International Airport Co., Ltd.”

The lounge has comfortable seating, tables, and desk spaces. During our visit, many people were relaxing with a soft drink or working quietly at their desks. With its calm and peaceful atmosphere, it’s a great place to take a short break or get some work done before your flight.

◎Business Lounge EAST SIDE

Hours	7:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Closed	Open daily
Google Maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/MAaXe3cABjtRTWyr9
Phone	022-382-0080(Sendai Airport Information)
Official Website	https://www.sendai-airport.co.jp/service/business-lounge.html

Checking Out the Rental Car Counters at Sendai Airport

“Provided by Sendai International Airport Co., Ltd.”

Rental car counters are located near the Arrivals Lobby on the first floor of Sendai Airport.

To make a reservation, please contact your preferred rental car company directly. Same-day rentals may be available, but rental cars can sell out during busy seasons and holidays, so advance reservations are recommended. After completing the reception process at the airport, customers are generally taken to the rental car office by shuttle.

◎Rental Car Counters

Hours	Please contact each rental car company
Closed	Please contact each rental car company
Google Maps	ー
Phone	ー
Official Website	https://www.sendai-airport.co.jp/service/rentacar.html

A Look at the Bus Stops at Sendai Airport

The bus stops for local and highway buses are located outside Exits 3 and 4, near the International Arrivals area.

Please note that Bus Stops 1, 2, and 3 serve different destinations, so be sure to check the destination before boarding.

“Provided by Sendai International Airport Co., Ltd.”

The sightseeing bus stop is located separately from the other bus stops, so it’s a good idea to check its location in advance.

◎Bus Stops

Hours	ー
Closed	ー
Official Website	https://www.sendai-airport.co.jp/access/bus.html

Enjoy Your Time at Sendai Airport

Sendai Airport has plenty of ways to enjoy your time before your flight, from delicious Sendai specialties and Tohoku souvenirs to the observation deck overlooking the runway.

Instead of simply waiting for your flight, why not make the most of your time at the airport and enjoy a little taste of Sendai? Take the Yamagata–Sendai Airport Highway Bus to Visit Sendai Airport

If you’re traveling from Yamagata to Sendai Airport, the Yamagata–Sendai Airport highway bus is a convenient choice.

If you’re traveling from Yamagata to Sendai Airport, the Yamagata–Sendai Airport highway bus is a convenient choice.

The biggest advantage is that you can travel directly to the airport without changing trains, even if you have a large suitcase or other luggage.

＼ Travel directly to Sendai Airport! Check seats and fares for the Yamagata–Sendai Airport highway bus ／
Check Seats & Fares