Sendai

๐ŸšŒ

Buses

Overview of the bus network in Sendai for local and regional transportation.

Sections

1. Overview of the Bus System in Sendai

Sendai's bus network is operated by several companies, with the two main operators being:

  • Sendai City Transportation Bureau (ๅธ‚ๅ–ถใƒใ‚น, Shiei Bus): Operates city buses within Sendai.
  • Miyagi Kotsu (ๅฎฎๅŸŽไบค้€š): Covers both urban and suburban routes, including areas outside Sendai.

Additionally, there is the Loople Sendai bus, a tourist-friendly loop bus that connects major attractions in the city.

2. Types of Buses

  • City Buses: These operate within Sendai city and are used by locals for daily commutes.
  • Suburban Buses: These connect Sendai to nearby towns and rural areas.
  • Loople Sendai: A retro-style sightseeing bus that runs a loop around Sendaiโ€™s key tourist spots.
  • Highway Buses: Long-distance buses connecting Sendai to other cities like Tokyo, Aomori, and Akita.

3. Costs and Payment Methods

City and Suburban Buses

  • Fares:
    • Fares are distance-based, starting at ยฅ150โ€“ยฅ200 for short trips and increasing with distance.
    • Children (ages 6โ€“12) pay half the adult fare, and children under 6 ride free (up to two children per adult).
  • Payment Options:
    • Cash: Exact change is required. If you donโ€™t have exact change, use the coin-changing machine near the driver.
    • IC Cards: Sendai buses accept prepaid IC cards like Suica, PASMO, and the local icsca card. Simply tap your card on the reader when boarding and alighting.
    • One-Day Passes: For unlimited rides on city buses and subways, consider the Sendai Area Pass or the Loople Sendai Pass (details below).

Loople Sendai Bus

  • Fare: ยฅ260 per ride or ยฅ630 for a one-day pass (unlimited rides on the Loople bus for the day).
  • Payment: Cash, IC cards, or the one-day pass.

Highway Buses

  • Fares vary depending on the destination. Tickets can be purchased online, at bus terminals, or via convenience stores.

4. Procedures for Riding the Bus

Boarding the Bus

  1. City and Suburban Buses:
    • Enter through the rear door (or middle door on some buses).
    • Take a boarding ticket from the machine near the door. This ticket has a number that corresponds to your boarding stop.
    • If using an IC card, tap it on the card reader when boarding.
  2. Loople Sendai:
    • Enter through the front door and pay the fare upfront (or show your one-day pass/IC card).

During the Ride

  • Stops are announced in Japanese and often in English, especially on buses serving popular areas.
  • Digital displays near the front of the bus show the next stop.

Exiting the Bus

  1. Press the stop button (located on the walls or handrails) when your stop is announced.
  2. Exit through the front door.
  3. Pay your fare:
    • If you took a boarding ticket, check the fare chart near the driver to see the fare corresponding to your ticket number. Deposit the exact fare and your ticket into the fare box.
    • If using an IC card, tap it on the card reader near the driver.
    • If you have a one-day pass, show it to the driver.

5. Navigating Local Routes

Route Maps and Timetables

  • Sendai City Bus Website: The official website provides route maps, timetables, and fare information (available in Japanese and sometimes English).
  • Google Maps: Reliable for planning bus routes in Sendai. Enter your destination, and it will suggest the best bus routes and schedules.
  • Sendai Subway and Bus App: A mobile app that integrates subway and bus information for easy navigation.
  • Bus Stops: Each stop has a signboard listing the routes, destinations, and schedules. Major stops often have maps and timetables in English.

Key Routes for Tourists

  • Loople Sendai: Covers attractions like Sendai Castle Ruins, Zuihoden Mausoleum, and the Osaki Hachiman Shrine.
  • Sendai Station Hub: Most city and suburban buses start or pass through Sendai Station, making it a convenient transfer point.

6. Cultural Considerations

  1. Queuing: Always line up at the designated bus stop area. Japanese people are very orderly when boarding buses.
  2. Quietness: Keep conversations quiet and avoid talking on the phone while on the bus.
  3. Priority Seating: Seats near the front are reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Offer your seat if needed.
  4. No Eating or Drinking: Itโ€™s considered impolite to eat or drink on public transportation.
  5. Politeness: Greet the driver with a simple "Arigatou gozaimasu" (thank you) when exiting the bus.

7. Tips for Tourists

  • One-Day Passes: If you plan to use buses and subways extensively, purchase a one-day pass for unlimited rides. The Sendai Marugoto Pass also includes access to some regional trains.
  • Loople Sendai: Ideal for sightseeing. The one-day pass also includes discounts at certain attractions.
  • Language Barrier: While many bus drivers donโ€™t speak English, signage and announcements are often bilingual. Have your destination written in Japanese if you need assistance.
  • Peak Hours: Avoid riding during rush hours (7:30โ€“9:00 AM and 5:00โ€“7:00 PM) to ensure a more comfortable experience.

8. Additional Resources

  • Sendai City Transportation Bureau Website: https://www.kotsu.city.sendai.jp/ (Japanese, with some English pages).
  • Tourist Information Centers: Located at Sendai Station and other major hubs, these centers provide maps, brochures, and assistance in English.
  • IC Card Purchase: IC cards like Suica or icsca can be purchased and recharged at Sendai Station or convenience stores.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll find it easy to navigate Sendaiโ€™s bus system and enjoy the cityโ€™s attractions. Let me know if you need further assistance or have specific destinations in mind!