Lying ninety minutes north of Tokyo’s urban sprawl by bullet train, the less frenetic city of Sendai  also make a great base for exploring some key beauty spots in the region. An hour westwards, Yamadera temple complex clings to the mountainside, and nearby Akiu Onsen offers picturesque outdoor hot spring baths to unwind in after the hike. Just east of Sendai, Matsushima bay with its dozens of islets is one of Japan’s official top three scenic views. An hour to the north, Naruko Gorge is one of Japan’s most impressive autumn leaf vistas.