Sendai, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Sendai, Japan? If you're planning to go to Sendai, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Sendai
- Important essentials for Sendai
- Activities for Sendai
- Sendai in January: weather and what to pack
- Sendai in February: weather and what to pack
- Sendai in March: weather and what to pack
- Sendai in April: weather and what to pack
- Sendai in May: weather and what to pack
- Sendai in June: weather and what to pack
- Sendai in July: weather and what to pack
- Sendai in August: weather and what to pack
- Sendai in September: weather and what to pack
- Sendai in October: weather and what to pack
- Sendai in November: weather and what to pack
- Sendai in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Sendai, Japan
Based on the climate and weather in Sendai, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for Sendai, Japan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Sendai, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly product.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently get worn. An unreadable vaccination card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to have an emergency water purifier like this one.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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For families with young children
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Sendai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be appropriate for most locations, but you may want to check with your hotel.
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Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Sendai, Japan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January for Sendai is cold. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Lip balm
Our pick: here
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Sweaters
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
February
If you are traveling to Sendai in February, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: here
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
March
If you are traveling to Sendai in March, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
April
If you vacation in Sendai during April, you are likely to find that it is chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
May
May in Sendai is cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
June
June for Sendai is mild. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
July
Traveling to Sendai in July, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
August
If you go to Sendai in August, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
September
September for Sendai is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
October
October in Sendai is mild. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
November
November in Sendai is crisp. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) to 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
December
December in Sendai can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
Activities for Sendai, Japan
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Sendai.
If you go to The Museum of the Forest of Depths of the Earth, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
If you visit a temple, such as Ōsaki Hachiman Shrine, wear:
If you go to the Miyagi Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
Castle hopping? For Sendai Castle Ruins, take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you can carry your stuff.
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