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Tokyo to Sendai by Shinkansen

The Tokyo to Sendai Shinkansen runs up the Tohoku line on the Hayabusa, reaching the largest city in the north east in about an hour and a half. Reserve from Australia, pay in AUD, and board with a QR code.

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Fastest

1h 30m (Hayabusa)

Typical

2h 05m (Yamabiko)

Transfers

Direct, no transfers

Distance

about 352 km

Daily services

frequent through the day

JR Pass

All trains covered; the Hayabusa needs a free seat reservation

Tokyo to Sendai ticket prices

One-way fares by seat class. Return simply doubles the fare.

Seat class	Price (AUD)	Good to know
Non-reserved, Ordinary Car	from AUD 103	Cheapest, on the Yamabiko only
Reserved, Ordinary Car	from AUD 110	Required on the Hayabusa, free reservation
Reserved, Green Car	from AUD 150	Business class 2 by 2 seating, more room

Fares are indicative from prices and vary by date, train and season. The live fare is shown when you search. As a guide, an Ordinary reserved seat is around ¥11,410.

Which train: Nozomi, Hikari or Kodama?

All three run the Tokyo–Sendai route direct — they differ in how many stations they skip.

Train	Journey time	Stops	Japan Rail Pass
Hayabusa	1h 30m	Fastest, all seats reserved	Covered by JR Pass
Yamabiko	2h 05m	A few more stops, has non reserved cars	Covered by JR Pass
Nasuno	2h 40m	Local Shinkansen, southern section	Covered by JR Pass

Timetable & departures

A sample of daily Tokyo → Sendai departures.

Depart Tokyo	Arrive Sendai	Train	Duration
06:00	07:30	Hayabusa	1h 30m
08:20	09:52	Hayabusa	1h 32m
10:44	12:15	Hayabusa	1h 31m
13:08	14:40	Hayabusa	1h 32m
17:20	18:52	Hayabusa	1h 32m

Indicative departures. Hayabusa services run roughly every 30 minutes through the day. Search your date for live times.

Tips for the journey

The Hayabusa is all reserved

Every seat on the Hayabusa is reserved, so book ahead. With a Japan Rail Pass the reservation is free, you just cannot ride in a non reserved car.

Yamabiko for non reserved seats

If you want a cheaper non reserved seat, take the slightly slower Yamabiko, which has open cars you can walk onto.

Gateway to the north

Sendai is the base for Matsushima Bay, the Zao snow monsters in winter and the hot springs of Naruko.

Luggage

Two bags per person up to 30 kg go on the racks; oversized bags need a reserved oversized baggage space.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Tokyo to Sendai bullet train?

From about AUD 103 one way for a non reserved seat on the Yamabiko, with a reserved seat from around AUD 110 and Green Car from about AUD 150.

How long does the Tokyo to Sendai Shinkansen take?

About 1 hour 30 minutes on the fastest Hayabusa, and around 2 hours on the Yamabiko which makes more stops.

Is it covered by the Japan Rail Pass?

Yes. The whole Tohoku Shinkansen, including the Hayabusa, is covered by the standard pass. The Hayabusa still needs a free seat reservation as it has no non reserved cars.

Do I need to reserve a seat?

On the Hayabusa yes, since every seat is reserved. On the Yamabiko you can ride a non reserved car without booking.

What is there to see in Sendai?

Sendai is known for the Zuihoden mausoleum, the nearby islands of Matsushima Bay and easy access to the Zao and Naruko hot spring areas.

Related routes

Planning more of Japan by rail?

Tokyo → Kyoto Tokyo → Osaka Tokyo → Kanazawa All train tickets →

Ready to book Tokyo to Sendai?

Reserve your seat, pay in AUD, and board with a QR code.

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