Key points about Sendai Port (Sendai-Shiogama Port, Sendai Port area)
- Cruise ships primarily dock at Takamatsu Pier No. 2. Because it is a cargo pier, the general public is not allowed inside the pier.
- A taxi and bus waiting area will be set up at the pier. Near the port are Mitsui Outlet Park Sendai Port and Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium, and you can also easily visit Matsushima, one of Japan's three most scenic spots, and the city center of Sendai.
- The number of cruise ships calling at the port is increasing, with the Asuka III making its first port call in 2025 and the Seabourn Sojourn in 2026.
Last verified: September 29, 2026 (Source at the end of this page)
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Visiting Japan on a cruise?
Landing permits, all-aboard time, cash and cards, getting around, tax-free shopping and what to do in an emergency: see our Port Day Guide for cruise passengers. Working on board? See the Crew Guide (shore leave, sign-on, shopping near the terminal).
Emergency: 110 police / 119 ambulance & fire / Japan Visitor Hotline +81-50-3816-2787 (24/7, English, Chinese, Korean)
What kind of port is Sendai Port?
Sendai Port is the Sendai Port section of the "Sendai-Shiogama Port," which spans Sendai City and other areas in Miyagi Prefecture. It is an artificial port created by excavating land and serves as a logistics hub for the Tohoku region. It is also known as a port of call for the Pacific Ferry, which connects Tomakomai (Hokkaido) and Nagoya.
On days when cruise ships dock, a welcome ceremony is sometimes held by a council comprised of Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai City, and the Sendai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and local specialties and traditional crafts are sold. The Date Samurai Troupe may also be there to greet the cruise ships, making for a truly Sendai-style hospitality experience.
History of Sendai Port
| Year | event |
|---|---|
| 1964 | The "Sendai Bay area" was designated as a new industrial city, and plans for a port were decided upon to establish it as a hub for coastal industries. |
| 1967 | Construction commencement (shipping channel, breakwater, land development) |
| July 1971 | Opening of the port |
| 1973 | The piers at Takamatsu Wharf and Nakano Wharf have been completed. Pacific Ferry will begin service between Nagoya, Sendai, and Tomakomai. |
| 1995 | Foreign trade container terminal (Takasago No. 1 Wharf) opens for use. |
| 2001 | The first port in the Tohoku region to be designated as a "Specific Important Port" |
| 2011 | Damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake. After recovery, it was reborn as a logistics and tourism hub. |
| 2025 | Asuka III makes its first port call (October 2nd) |
| 2026 | Seabourn Sojourn makes its maiden port call (April 27) |
Docking location and access
| Docking location | Takamatsu Pier No. 2, Sendai Port District |
|---|---|
| Access to the pier | As this is a cargo terminal, general public access is not permitted (passengers must use the designated boarding/disembarking area within the terminal). |
| traffic | On port days, taxi and bus waiting areas will be set up within the pier. Shuttle bus availability and destinations vary by ship, so please check the onboard information. |
| port manager | Miyagi Prefecture (Sendai-Shiogama Port Office) |
Useful information about the port (tourist information, currency exchange, ATMs, Wi-Fi)
Here is some useful sightseeing information (based on official sources) for the area around Takamatsu Pier 2, where cruise ships dock at Sendai Port.
| Tourist Information Center | Sendai City Tourist Information Center: Located on the 3rd floor of JR Sendai Station. 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM (Staff available from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM). English support available. TEL 022-222-4069 |
|---|---|
| From the port | The pier is far from Sendai Station. Please use a taxi or shuttle bus on the day of your port call. |
If you want to withdraw Japanese yen using a card issued overseas,Seven Bank ATM(Seven-Eleven, etc.)Japan Post Bank ATMIt's convenient. You can find ATMs on the map below.
To Crew Members (Shopping during short shore leave)
Takamatsu Pier No. 2 is a freight pier, so there are very few shops nearby. It's more convenient to shop around Sendai Station or at the shuttle bus destinations. You can find nearby supermarkets and drugstores on the map below. For information on landing procedures, duty-free shopping, and ATMs, please see below.Guide for Crew StaffPlease take a look.
Facilities and operating hours may vary depending on the port call date and time of year. (Date confirmed: September 30, 2026 Source:Sendai Travel Guide "Sendai City Tourist Information Center"）
Recommended ways to spend your time depending on the length of your port call
Around the port (2-3 hours)
- Mitsui Outlet Park Sendai PortA large outlet mall in the port area. You can enjoy shopping and dining all in one place.
- Sendai Umino-Mori AquariumThe large aquarium recreating the Sanriku coast and the dolphin and sea lion performances are popular attractions.
Half a day to one day
- MatsushimaOne of Japan's three most scenic spots. A popular way to visit is by taking a sightseeing boat tour around the islands.
- Shiogama: Known as a town of sushi,Shiogama ShrineThere are also others.
- Central Sendai: Famous beef tongue, the ruins of Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle Ruins) associated with Date Masamune, andZuihodenetc.
Port town cuisine
- Beef tongue: A specialty dish representing Sendai. Specialty restaurants are concentrated in the city center.
- Sushi and Seafood: Enjoy the bounty of the Sanriku coast. Nearby Shiogama is famous for its abundance of sushi restaurants.
- Oysters: Miyagi Prefecture is a major producer of oysters. You can enjoy fresh oysters in winter.
- Zunda mochi: A local Miyagi sweet topped with sweet bean paste made from mashed edamame beans.
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Map of shops around the port
These are restaurants around Sendai Port. Clicking on a restaurant on the map will show you its opening hours and customer reviews (Google Maps). Please check in advance whether the restaurant is open on the day of the port call.
Upcoming cruise ship calls (next 30 days)
- Wed, Oct 7 This weekSeabourn Encore
- Sun, Oct 11Norwegian Jade
- Fri, Oct 30Norwegian Jade
See all arrivals in Japan Source: WEB CRUISE arrival calendar (Japanese). Schedules may change due to weather. Most piers are restricted areas; please watch ships from public parks and observation spots.
Major passenger ships that call at this port
The number of port calls was compiled based on scheduled arrivals from July 2026 to October 2026 (as of September 29, 2026). You can view the ship's introduction page by clicking on the ship name link. Source:WEB CRUISE "Cruise Ship Port Arrival Calendar"Please note that schedules are subject to change, so check the port's official website for the latest information.
From July to October, typhoons can cause skipped port calls or changed port times. See our typhoon and cruise guide for refunds and how to prepare.
FAQ
Q1Is it possible to tour the cruise ship?
Takamatsu Pier No. 2, where the passenger ship docks, is a cargo pier, so it is not open to the general public.
Q2Can I get to Matsushima from Sendai Port?
Yes, you can. If your port call is longer than half a day, I recommend visiting Matsushima, one of Japan's three most scenic spots, by taking a tour organized by the cruise company or by taxi.
Q3Where can I check the scheduled port calls?
You can check this information on Miyagi Prefecture's port information page or in the "Cruise Ship Port Call Schedule for Ports in the Tohoku Region" published by the Tohoku Regional Development Bureau.
Q4Is there an English-language tourist information center at Sendai Port?
While there isn't one at the pier, the Sendai City Tourist Information Center on the 3rd floor of JR Sendai Station offers English-language services (8:30 AM to 7:00 PM, with staff assistance available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
Source/Reference Information
- Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Ports and Harbors Bureau, "Ports Nationwide"
- Miyagi Prefecture: "Overview of Sendai-Shiogama Port (Sendai Port Area)"(History of the port)
- Miyagi Prefecture: "Regarding the first port call of the Asuka III to Sendai-Shiogama Port (Sendai Port area)" (September 24, 2025)
- Miyagi Prefecture: "Regarding the Seabourn Sojourn's First Port Call at Sendai-Shiogama Port (Sendai Port Area)" (April 20, 2026)
- Miyagi Prefecture "Information on ports within the prefecture"
Last updated: September 29, 2026. Information is subject to change. Please let us know of any inaccuracies or issues you notice through reviews or inquiries.
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