Can I take the Shinkansen directly from Koriyama to Sendai?

Question

Or do I need to transfer at Fukushima?

Answer 1

Yes, there is no need to transfer at Fukushima. The Shinkansen that goes to Yamagata actually splits off from the Tohoku Shinkansen at Fukushima, but as long as you are not in the Yamagata bound cars you stay where you are to go to Sendai and points north. Some of the local trains go all the way between Sendai and Koriyama, others require a transfer at Fukushima. Usually you don't have to wait long at Fukushima even if you take the local.

If you headed to a location on the Sendai Subway line by local from points south, you don't need to go all the way to Sendai station. You can transfer from the Tohoku main line/Joban line to Sendai Subway at Nagamachi and skip the crowds at Sendai station.

Answer 2

The Shinkansen will *stop* in Fukushima but you don't have to change trains.

I lived in Koriyama and went to Sendai several times. The trip should take you about an hour.