Overview
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I'm Mai, a national licensed tour guide who grew up this region.
Let’s enjoy the beauty of Matsushima, see historical places, enjoy local food with a knowledgeable guide!!!!
Matsushima is one of Japan's three best scenic places!
The bay is famous for about 260 small island covered with pine trees.
Matsushima also has been a place of worship, holy and spiritual place. Many temples there has hundreds of years history.
You can discover Matsushima more and get recommendation from your guide.
the bay around this area is know for having the best seafood in Japan. and Matsushima has many street food. so you can enjoy local food in this tour!
this tour stars from sendai and we take a local train to Matsushima (if you stay in Matsushima, we can start the tour Matsushima).
Matsushima is a small city so we visit all attractions on foot.
in the end we take a local train and go back to Sendai.
this tour is private so i can arrange it according to your preferences,
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Sendai Station
take a train to Matsushima. it costs 420yen. if you have JR pass you can use it.
visit a small island with lots of caves Buddhist monks made. it's said the history of Matsishima started from this island. while walk around this island you can find many ruins.
Options
Matsushima Private Guided Tour
What‘s Included
guide fee
your food and drink. Guide’s lunch.
transportation fee for you(local train for a round trip 840yen. you can use JR pass)
your entrance fee (Zuihoden 700yen, Entsuin 500yen, Fukuura island 200yen)
your Bay cruise fee(1500 yen. if I book it in advance it can be 1350yen)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Matsushima Gorgeous Sights
Surry S,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mai did a great job telling us about Matsushima, the beautiful landscapes and small islands in the area, and the spiritual elements. It was amazing views and great food, would go back!
Main is an excellent guide
Jonvilliers,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Main was an excellent tour guide. She customized to our needs and even found a store that sold used kimono jackets at a reasonable price. While the focus of the day was on Matsushima, she also included a stop at a seafood market in Shigoma. Also had a nice lunch in Matsushima. Highly recommended.
A Day in Matsushima
Karen S,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our day was a great experience. We left Sendai by train. Our guide Mai did a great job of showing us this town on the bay. We especially liked the Buddhist caves on a small island. They were carved out of solid rock on the island.
Excellent tour with a lovely guide, Mai
NINA N,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience but just that people should know that the amount paid is only for the guide, everything else we need to pay for.
Mai as guide.
Sunrisenewday,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mai was amazing. We did a four day tour of Matsushima. We had several sessions of Zazen instruction with a Buddhist Monk, toured several places around Mastsushima and other near by cities.
A real addition to the trip
jennifercO4903ZW,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic day. Mia is a guide who will show you the most beautiful spots of Matsushima and knows local places to have a delicious lunch. We learned a lot about the area as well as Sendai. Highly recommended.
Versatile, exciting and informative
matthiasg2017,Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Due to the really rainy weather forecast, our Japanese travel companion Mai suggested we adjust the tour program and visit the fish market in Shiogama instead. For us as lovers of seafood a great suggestion and we have really learned and learned a lot about local fishing. The subsequent visit to the Samiyabonden Shrine, located just outside and elevated, where we are instructed in the temple rituals from May, was also really worthwhile. Mai is a world-experienced and well-read conversation partner and the time on this tour passed far too quickly. We would have liked to have continued discussing with her for hours.
Wonderful Matsushima!
Brian S,Sep 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Both the temples and the cruise were fascinating! And Mai took us to an amazing local restaurant. Matsushima was a wonderful place to visit, even on a hot day!
A wonderful tour of Matsushima with local expert, Mai
WaiCheong T,Sep 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an excellent private tour with local guide, Mai Honda. Her knowledge of the area and its history is outstanding. We learned a lot about the history of Matsushima including its famous samurai, Lord Date. She is also very flexible with the itinerary, customising and adapting it to suit the wishes of her clients. The tour from Sendai to Matsushima was well paced and smooth, aided by her expert knowledge of transportation and eating places. She knew which boat tour to take in order to avoid the crowds and which restaurant served the best sashimi and sake. We can say that this was the best tour by far we’ve had in Japan and also the best value. Highly recommended.
A private tour was a...
jane h,Jul 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A private tour was a great experience... like travelling with a friend. Mai proudly showed me around Matsushima. It is beautiful. Mai was a perfect host... so easy to talk with
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