Matsushima, 30 minutes by train, is the mandatory day trip: a bay scattered with several hundred pine-covered islands that has been considered one of Japan's three most beautiful views since the 17th century. The poet BashÅ was reportedly so moved by it that he could not write verse about it. Several of the islands are accessible by short bridges, and boat trips circle the bay. The area has good seafood restaurants around the station. Take the Senseki Line from Sendai Station to Matsushima-Kaigan Station.
Yamadera (Risshakuji Temple) is a more demanding excursion: a mountain temple complex in Yamagata Prefecture, reached by an hour's train ride and then a climb of 1,015 stone steps up a wooded mountain. The views from the top over the valley are spectacular. Carry water and allow half a day for the climb and explore.