Absolutely! A trip to Sendai, Matsushima, and Tsuruoka is going to be an exciting adventure. Here are some travel tips:
Best Time to Visit:
While the regions are beautiful year-round, Sendai and Matsushima are especially popular during the cherry blossom season in April and the Tanabata festival in August.
Tsuruoka is best visited around May or October when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities.
Route and Accessibility:
All three cities are well-connected by the JR East Railway network. You can use the Tohoku Shinkansen to reach Sendai, and from Sendai, regular lines can get you to Matsushima and Tsuruoka.
Altitude and Acclimatization:
While these are not high-altitude areas, ensure to maintain good health during your trip.
Accommodation and Booking:
It is advisable to book your hotels in advance. Choose from a range of options: luxury hotels, budget guesthouses, or traditional ryokans.
Clothing and Essentials:
Pack according to the season. Warm clothing is essentially in the winter but layers are generally a good idea to adjust to the changeable weather. Don't forget a good pair of walking shoes.
Health and Safety:
Japan is a very safe country, but normal precautions apply, such as keeping an eye on personal belongings.
Local Etiquette and Respect:
Japanese people appreciate it when visitors show respect for their customs. Use polite language, respect queueing, remove shoes when entering ryokans or temples, and remember that eating or drinking while walking on the street is usually not done.