Private Tour

Sendai / Matsushima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

Overview

Available languages

Japanese

English

6 hours

Mobile ticket

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Sendai and Matsushima!

Sendai is a city that sits at the doorstep of the nation’s more wild side. It’s a day trip from secluded mountain retreats, rugged coastlines, and remote islands. At the same time, it’s one of Japan’s most modern and sophisticated cities with a culinary scene that will challenge and surprise.

Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hours tour that's best for you!

Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.

Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Sendai

Licensed Local English Speaking Guide

Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list

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

What To Expect

Zuihoden

Zuihoden is also known as the Mausoleum of Date Masamune who was the first lord of the Sendai Domain. He was also known for being a great architect and is known for having designed this building during the Momoyama Period. Zuihoden is a riot of gorgeous wood carvings and panels as well as some pretty art work and you can also go for a walk around the grounds. The paths are shaded by beautiful cedar trees which are also mean to be a symbol of the longevity of the Date family.

1 minute • Admission Not Included

Sendai Castle Guidance House

The Sendai Castle Ruins were the inspiration for a famous Japanese poem called ‘The moon over the desolate castle’ and this tells you all you need to know about their condition now. The ruins also do include a model of the original gate to give you a feel of how Sendai Castle would have looked in the days of old. There is also a small museum here that takes you through the history of the castle although don’t expect anything too grand as Sendai is not one of the cities in Japan that is best known for a complete or particularly impressive castle. If that is what you are looking for then there are plenty of other options in other cities.

1 minute • Admission Not Included

Options

Sendai / Matsushima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

Pickup included

Reviews

4.94

17 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

This was a great tour with Riko
Peggy M,
Oct 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Riko was our guide for the full-day tour. After we selected the sites we wanted to visit, Riko provided us with a detailed itinerary. Her communication throughout the planning process was clear and thorough, including explanations of the expected admission fees and transportation costs for the day. Our itinerary included visits to Entsu-in Temple, a scenic cruise on Matsushima Bay, and a tour of Zuigan-ji Temple. Riko accompanied us on both the train and ferry, which made it easy for us to relax and fully enjoy each sight without worrying about logistics or directions. In addition to guiding us through the main attractions, Riko went above and beyond by arranging for us to have lunch at a vegan restaurant in Sendai. This thoughtful addition was not part of the original tour, yet it greatly enhanced our overall experience.
Beautiful day in Matsushima
Anat S,
Jul 15, 2025
- Viator
4.00
Thank you very much Mikiko for a fun and interesting day. We got to see special nature and hidden, one-of-a-kind places.
Matsushima Day Trip with Yumi
Steven F,
May 11, 2025
- Viator
5.00
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
Wonderful tour of Matsushima
Louis C,
Oct 23, 2024
- Viator
5.00
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 17, 2024
- Viator
5.00
The recommendation from our very helpful guide to visit Finaoka the next day for the Cherry Blossoms, which were awesome.