Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Sendai, Japan
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Make the most of your time in Sendai and Matsushima with a customizable half-day private tour. Select 2-3 of your favorite attractions from the list of options so there’s no need to waste time at places you’re not interested in. You could choose to visit Sendai Castle, a whisky factory, the Miyagi Museum of Art, or the islands of Matsushima.
- Receive personalized attention on a private half-day tour
- Ideal for travelers short on time in the area
- Entry tickets, food, and transport cost extra
- Choose between a variety of cultural, history, and natural attractions
What's Included
- Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
- Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 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 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
2
Sendai Castle Guidance House
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
3
SS30
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
4
Chiteinomori Mueum
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
5
Kirin Beer Sendai Factory
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
6
Matsushima Bay
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
7
Zuiganji
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
8
Fukuurajima
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
9
Entsu-in Temple
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
10
Kanrantei
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
11
Godaido
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
12
Oshima - Matsushima
1 minute • Admission Ticket Free
13
Sendai City Museum
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
14
Shiogama Shrine
1 minute • Admission Ticket Free
15
Shiogama City Fish Market
1 minute • Admission Ticket Free
16
Shiogama
1 minute • Admission Ticket Free
17
Osaki Hachiman Shrine
1 minute • Admission Ticket Free
18
Mitakisan Fudoin
1 minute • Admission Ticket Free
19
Tohoku History Museum
1 minute • Admission 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
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 22 reviews
Kaitlin_L, Jan 2026
My husband had an excellent time on a tour with Sanichi that was tailored to his interests in temples and ramen. It was the perfect activity for him to do while I was busy watching figure skating shows. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you very much for your kind review.
We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed your walking cultural tour!
We hope to welcome you again on another tour in the future!
Kathy_N, Nov 2025
Our guide, Yumi san, is very good. She was very knowledgeable about the local history and provided context that made us appreciate the history of Matsushima and its sites. She is very enthusiastic and friendly and we appreciated her positive energy as she led us throughout Matsushima. She contacted me immediately after booking and wanted to know more about our interests so she could personally tailor the tour to our liking. She went the extra mile and we truly appreciated her efforts. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a tour in Sendai and the surrounding area.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words. I also had a great time with you both. There are so many other wonderful places in Tohoku besides Matsushima that you have not seen yet ! Please come visit again sometime ! Your guide, Yumi
danielle_S, Jul 2025
We only had a half day in Sendai and Yumi made the most of it for us. We visited a shrine, the castle remains, a museum and she still had time to take us for requested treats! Yumi was amazing and she made Sendai fun and interesting for us!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for a great review. I am so happy to read it. It was a hot day, but you were very energetic. I am glad you enjoyed the foodie tour , especially Taiyaki ! besides Zuihoden, Sendai Castle Ruins and a museum. I also had a great time with you. There are many more wonderful places in the Tohoku region. Please come back! Once again, Thank you for joining me on a tour in the hot summer weather. Enjoy the rest of your trip! Your guide, Yumi
Amy_R, Apr 2025
We hired Ichiro Kusaka, aka Bob, to take us on a half-day tour from our ship that was docked in Sendai port. He communicated before we arrived asking what our interests were, and based on our discussion, chose to take us to Matsushima Island. It was an excellent choice. What a fabulous place, and unlike everywhere else we’ve been, it wasn’t crowded at all. We could have spent two days there easily there was so much to do, but Bob expertly guided us through what he thought we should see in our half-day. We even had time to stop and do a bit of souvenir shopping and grab an ice cream. Bob is very knowledgeable and funny, and was a wonderful companion for the day. He also made sure we got back to our ship on time since they moved our departure time up on us. Thanks Bob!
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you very much for your visiting us and your warmful review. I also would like to say thank you for your interest in our disasters we had in 2011.
The separation by mountains and rivers give us many varieties of cultures. So, you will be able to find another Japan in your next trip to Japan.
I feel deeply grateful for your comment. Thank you again. Bob
Barbara_B, Apr 2025
Riko made our visit to Sendai very memorable. Because we communicated via email many times months prior to our visit, she was able to create a very personalized experience for us. She arranged a car service to pick us up at our cruise ship and bring us to the meeting point. Riko’s enthusiasm and knowledge along with her friendly personality made our day. She had a well thought out itinerary that included history, amazing shrines, water views, parks, a tea room and stunning special cherry blossoms. She introduced us to local food options and showed us local souvenirs. We traveled by train and foot and laughed a lot. Riko was superb. And Japan is stunning.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review.
It was a pleasure planning the tour together with you over the past few months. I’m truly glad that you and your husband enjoyed your time in Shiogama and Matsushima.
On the day of the tour, I was waiting at Shiogama Shrine, hoping you would arrive smoothly, and admiring the beautiful Shiogama cherry blossoms. I had designed the tour especially to show you those stunning blossoms, and I was so happy to share them with you.
If you ever have the chance to visit the Sendai–Matsushima area again, it would be wonderful to welcome you back.
Thank you once again for your kind and detailed review.
Riko
Melanie_N, Nov 2023
We were able to enjoy our trip around Matsushima Bay with Koh-san. We took a boat tour and went to Zuiganji temple. Both experiences were exciting and we were able to have great discussions with Koh-san. We would love to go back again!
Response from Host, Nov 2023
It is nice to hear that you enjoyed staying in Matsushima very much. Matsushima is the place I frequently visit as a tour guide. But every time I visit there I find something new. Next time, let's visit some place to eat delicious seafood. Matussima is famous for oysters and scallops. Please visit us again. Thanks.
KOH
ToniW, Oct 2023
Enjoyed the shrine and temple the most. Riko was very pleasant and worked hard to get us around in a short time. Could have used a bit more Japanese life facts, ie: cultural, life style etc. we like to learn about the country we are visiting
Response from Host, Oct 2023
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
From $107.42
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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