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Sendai & Matsushima Customized Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Sendai, Japan
  • 6 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Group discounts
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

    What's Included

    • Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
    • Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list
    • Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Sendai
    • Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
    • Private transportation
    • You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
    • Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.

    Meeting and Pickup

    Pickup points

    Select a pickup point

    Pickup details

    Cruise port pick-up is not available. This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs. If you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please contact us directly. All Private vehicles must be booked 5 days in advance. Maximum number of passengers: 7.

    Itinerary

    1

    Zuihoden

    1 minuteAdmission Ticket Not Included

    2

    Sendai Castle Guidance House

    1 minuteAdmission Ticket Not Included

    3

    SS30

    1 minuteAdmission Ticket Not Included

    4

    Chiteinomori Mueum

    1 minuteAdmission Ticket Not Included

    5

    Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory Miyagikyo Distillery

    1 minuteAdmission Ticket Not Included

    6

    Matsushima Bay

    1 minuteAdmission Ticket Free

    7

    Zuiganji

    1 minuteAdmission Ticket Not Included

    8

    Oshima - Matsushima

    1 minuteAdmission Ticket Free

    9

    Entsu-in Temple

    1 minuteAdmission Ticket Not Included

    10

    Kanrantei

    1 minuteAdmission Ticket Not Included

    11

    Godaido

    1 minuteAdmission Ticket Not Included

    12

    Fukuurajima

    1 minuteAdmission Ticket Not Included

    13

    Sendai City Museum

    1 minuteAdmission Ticket Not Included

    14

    Shiogama Shrine

    1 minuteAdmission Ticket Free

    15

    Shiogama City Fish Market

    1 minuteAdmission Ticket Free

    16

    Shiogama

    1 minuteAdmission Ticket Free

    17

    Osaki Hachiman Shrine

    1 minuteAdmission Ticket Free

    18

    Mitakisan Fudoin

    1 minuteAdmission Ticket Free

    19

    Tohoku History Museum

    1 minuteAdmission Ticket Not Included

    20

    Sendai City Museum of History and Folklore

    1 minuteAdmission Ticket Not Included

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    • Stroller accessible
    • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
    • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

    Reviews

    5.0
    based on 22 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
    Sort by: Most insightful

    Enjoyable Trip at Sendai

    Lontang_L, Mar 2026
    The guide confirmed our places of interests. and organized the sightseeing timely. He explained history of Japanese samurai well. We were escorted until the trip was over.

    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    I am very happy if you have enjoyed and found the beautiful nature and the particular stories of Sendai and Matsushima with me. Please continue to discover deep side of Japan. Thank you very much for choosing us. Sergio

    Riko is a super star guide

    Elizabeth_W, Dec 2025
    Riko was an excellent guide! We had never booked a private tour before and weren't sure what to expect, but by the end of the day we both agreed that we made the right call. Riko is very energetic, fun and friendly. She knew so much fascinating information about Matsushima, from ancient history to pop-culture lore, and we got so much out of our day trip from Sendai. Had we just gone on our own, we would never have learned so much!

    Response from Host, Jan 2026

    Thank you so much for your lovely review. I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed your time in Japan during the year-end season and had a great day exploring Matsushima. Oshima is one of the hidden gems in the area, and it’s a place I especially enjoy sharing with guests because of its peaceful atmosphere and the beautiful winter scenery. I’m glad I was able to introduce you to this spot. I hope you’ll have a chance to visit the Tohoku region again in another season and experience a different side of its charm. Thank you again for joining the tour! - Riko

    Riko-san was a stupendous guide!

    Alyssa_C, Nov 2025
    Riko-san was a wonderful guide! Very friendly and knowledgeable. They made sure we had authentic Japanese experiences and provided context to some of the area’s cultural sites and norms. We greatly enjoyed our time in the beautiful natural wonderland that is Matsushima Bay, with Riko-san making it an unforgettable experience.

    Response from Host, Dec 2025

    Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a kind review. I truly appreciate your warm words. I hope your visit to Matsushima became a memorable part of your trip. For me as well, it was a special day. Not only did we enjoy the beautiful scenery of Matsushima Bay together, but by chance, the family seated next to us at lunch allowed me to explain a traditional Japanese celebration for welcoming a newborn. I felt there was a special connection in that moment, and I’m glad I was able to share that cultural experience with you. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Japan again, I hope you will return to Tohoku and explore even more of what this region has to offer. Wishing you both continued happiness. - Riko

    Beautiful day in Matsushima

    Anat_S, Jul 2025
    Thank you very much Mikiko for a fun and interesting day. We got to see special nature and hidden, one-of-a-kind places.

    Response from Host, Jul 2025

    We appreciate your kind feedback and our guides do too! We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour with your guide. We look forward to your next visit to Japan! Japan Guide Agency

    Matsushima Day Trip with Yumi

    Steven_F, May 2025
    Yumi is an excellent guide. She took us around the the Matsushima area and we were able to visit most of the locations on our itinerary in 6 hours. She is very knowledgeable and thoroughly explained the history of Matsushima. We had a great time

    Response from Host, May 2025

    Thank you very much for your kind review. We were so lucky to have had a beautiful weather ! I am glad to hear that you both enjoyed the tour with me. I hope that you enjoy the rest of your trip. Please come back to discover Japan you don't know yet! Have a safe trip home. Your guide, Yumi

    Wonderful tour of Matsushima

    Louis_C, Oct 2024
    Riko gave a wonderful tour of Matsushima and surrounding areas. The tour was perfectly paced and very enjoyable. We toured the shrines around Matsushima bay, the beautiful islands and bridges, ate wonderful food and learned a lot about the area and its culture. I would highly recommend a tour in Matsushima. I highly recommend Riko as a tour guide there!

    The recommendation from...

    Robert_M, Apr 2024
    The recommendation from our very helpful guide to visit Finaoka the next day for the Cherry Blossoms, which were awesome.

    Matsushima tour

    Anna_K, Apr 2024
    The tour of Matsushima and the tour guide, Yumi, were excellent. Yumi ensured that the sites visited were organized based on my interests and her knowledge of the sites enhanced the experience.

    Response from Host, Apr 2024

    Thank you so much for your kind review. I am very happy to read it. It was a gorgeous day. I really enjoyed the tour, too. You were so adventurous and did everything you wanted to do. I am impressed ! I am glad I could help you with that. Thank you very much for visiting the Tohoku region. I hope you can come to see Japan again. from your guide, Yumi

    Fun with Riko

    David_S, Apr 2024
    Incredible day with our experienced, knowledgeable and friendly tour guide Riko. What a beautiful part of Japan she shared with us. Great memories to cherish.

    Response from Host, Apr 2024

    Thank you for the great review. I had a wonderful time guiding you through my local places, and it was a delight to see the cherry blossoms in Sendai with you. Thank you once again for choosing Tohoku for your first visit to Japan. Riko

    Riko - Our Great Guide for Matsushima Bay tour!

    Robert_D, Mar 2024
    Riko was a really great guide - we had been in touch by email to agree content, as well as the pick-up point as Sendai station - Riko was there as arranged. Riko made our tour of Matsushima Bay a great day out! Riko had valuable insights and explanations about all kinds of aspects of the tour, which added so much to the overall experience. Her restaurant recommendations were excellent as well. Riko added a few quick extra sites in addition to our agreed itinerary, all of which were very good experiences. Thank you Riko - we all had a truly great day!

    Response from Host, Mar 2024

    Thank you for your kind review. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed your tour of Matsushima Bay. It was a pleasure to guide you and I'm glad you found my insights and explanations valuable. I'm also pleased that you enjoyed the restaurant recommendations and the additional sites I added to the itinerary. Despite the cold weather and the slight blizzard, I'm happy that you were able to experience the famous snow of Matsushima, which I hope will be a good memory for you. I hope the rest of your trip in Japan is equally enjoyable and memorable. Thank you once again for choosing Sendai for your first visit to Japan. Riko

    What a great day!

    Joyce_G, Jun 2023
    We truly had a very pleasant day despite the hot weather that particular day. Our guide Riko was especially accommodating to our pace and request. We would recommend her to other guests. We particularly like Matsushima Bay. Very pretty. Sendai itself is just like any other Japanese small city.

    Response from Host, Jun 2023

    It's great to hear from you that you really enjoyed the tour! For me, the tour with you was a precious experience to learn about "barrier-free" trips. Also, I'm happy to know you love my Matsushima/Sendai area! I hope you will visit Sendai again! Riko

    From $137.33

    per person

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 61 days in advance.

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