#Japan #Tourism #Sendai #Sendai City #Park 24

Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Tourist Transport in Sendai

In a significant move to improve the tourism experience in Sendai, the city, alongside the Sendai Tourism International Association and Park 24 Co., Ltd., has embarked on a promising initiative focused on expanding secondary transportation options for visitors. This initiative stems from a partnership established in April 2025 aimed at boosting convenience for both travelers and residents while driving economic sustainability through tourism.

The agreement strives to refine the local travel infrastructure, ensuring that both visitors and locals have easy access to transportation options. The overarching goal is to support the "Sendai City Tourism Strategy 2027," which aims for a remarkable target of 6.8 million overnight stays. Strengthening the reception environment in Sendai, this collaborative endeavor includes the establishment of a dedicated parking facility for tourist buses and an expansion of car-sharing services.

Overview of Proposed Services

The planned pilot project is set to take off in 2026, focusing on the following key components:

• - Parking Facility: Designed specifically for tourist buses, the parking area will provide a significant number of spaces, starting with 10 spots and later increasing to 15. This facility is strategically located just three minutes from the Sendai City Subway’s Kawauchi Station, making it an ideal hub for tourist transport.
• - Car-Sharing Expansion: Alongside the bus parking service, a new car-sharing option will be introduced featuring Nissan's Note e-POWER and Suzuki's Swift. These vehicles will be available for rental starting in late April 2026, catering to the flexible transport needs of visitors.

Parking Details

• - Location: Sendai Kawauchi Tourist Bus Parking Facility

Address: 43-4 Kawauchi, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
(3-minute walk from Kawauchi Station, North Exit 1, Sendai City Subway Tohoku Line)

• - Opening Date: Expected to commence on March 20, 2026
• - Rates: The basic rate for parking is set at 1,000 yen for every 60 minutes, with a maximum charge of 5,000 yen for night parking between 6 PM and 8 AM. Reservations will be mandatory, and bookings are expected to begin by mid-February.

Goals of the Initiative

By launching these services, Sendai City aims not only to alleviate existing concerns over secondary transportation in tourism but also to implement solutions that enhance the overall visitor experience. The collaboration with Park 24 is rooted in a commitment to sustainable tourism development, focusing on improving accessibility and convenience for incoming travelers while creating a welcoming environment for local residents.

As the partnership deepens, all three organizations are dedicated to continuing their efforts toward utilizing tourism as a means for sustainable local economic growth, thus benefiting the broader community. The ultimate objective is not merely immediate gains in transport availability but to establish a robust framework that supports long-term growth in the region.

Conclusion

Sendai's initiative to improve tourist transportation signals a transformative approach to regional tourism management. With structured plans ensuring accessibility and convenience, the partnership between Sendai City, the Sendai Tourism International Association, and Park 24 marks a hopeful endeavor to make Sendai a more attractive destination for both visitors and locals alike.