A-League championship-winning coach Graham Arnold has joined J-League club Vegalta Sendai on a two-season deal, his Central Coast Mariners club said Thursday.

Arnold left for Japan Thursday and finalised his deal with club officials at Sendai's Yurtec Stadium, the club said in a statement.

Arnold will begin work with Vegalta in January and will replace outgoing manager Makoto Teguramori, who is taking up the position of head coach of Japan's Under-23 team.

Arnold said the chance to coach in one of Asia's top leagues and at a club with grand ambitions, was an opportunity too good to turn down.

"Together at the Mariners we have achieved a lot over the past three seasons," Arnold said. "But just like players I have the determination and drive to coach at the highest level I possibly can."

"Naturally, this opportunity with Vegalta Sendai excites me. The J-League is an amazing competition with quality players, highly professional clubs, and passionate fans.

"I hope to help Sendai achieve success, and help pave the way for more Australian coaches to work in top leagues around the world."

Phil Moss, who has been Arnold's assistant at the Mariners since 2010, will take over as head coach of the defending A-League champions.