Private Tour
Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Overview
Available languages
4 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 four-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 2-3 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.
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.
Options
Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pickup included
Reviews
16 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sendai in half a day
danielle S,
Jul 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00We 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!
Wonderful day to Matsushima Island.
Amy R,
Apr 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00We 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!
Private Tour with Riko - Superb
Barbara B,
Apr 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00Riko 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.
Great experience!
Melanie N,
Nov 29, 2023
- Viator
5.00We 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!
Shrines and Temples
ToniW,
Oct 9, 2023
- Viator
4.00Enjoyed 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
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Operated by Japan Guide Agency