Originally Posted by
andreiz
These are great suggestions, I'll take a look. I was also considering something like this (could overnight in Kakunodate on April 25 like you suggest):
- April 25: Train to Kakunodate. See weeping cherry blossoms, Samurai district and its houses, visit the woodcraft museum. Train to Sendai. Dinner at Matsuzakaya (if I can get a reservation).
- April 26: If the weather is good, do Yamadera + one of Sakunami onsens which allow day visitors. If not, then Sakunami onsen + Nikka whiskey distillery tour. Back to Sendai for rest and dinner.
Two nights in Sendai works. Depending on the timing and duration of the distillery tour you could probably combine that with Matsushima. Morning for Matsushima, lunch at Sendai Station while waiting for bus to the distillery, for example if there is a 2PM tour, then:
12:37 Kencho Shiyakusho Mae to Nikkahashi Bus Stop 13:32
or something like that.