• Zuihoden - Also known as the Mausoleum of Date Masamune, Zuihoden is the final resting place of the first lord of the Sendai Domain. Renowned for his architectural prowess, Date Masamune designed this stunning structure during the Momoyama Period. Visitors can admire the exquisite wood carvings and artwork, and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the grounds, shaded by majestic cedar trees symbolizing the Date family’s enduring legacy.

• Sendai Castle Guidance House - The ruins of Sendai Castle inspired the famous Japanese poem ‘The Moon Over the Desolate Castle,’ reflecting their current state. A model of the original gate offers a glimpse into the castle’s past grandeur. A small museum on-site provides insights into the castle’s history, though it may not be as grand as other Japanese castles. For those seeking more impressive castles, other cities offer numerous options.

• SS30 - For breathtaking views of Sendai, visit the SS 30 Observation Lounge. This office building features two observation decks on the 29th and 30th floors, offering free access to panoramic vistas of the city. The best photo opportunities are in the morning or late afternoon.

• Chiteinomori Museum - The Museum of the Forest of Depths of the Earth explores Japan’s Stone Age history. Visitors can learn about the Saki Stone Age and the excavation of the Tomizawa Ruins. With numerous galleries, this museum is the ideal destination for those interested in the 20,000-year history of the Saki Stone Age.

• Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory Miyagikyo Distillery - The complimentary tour guides visitors through various production stages and buildings, providing a comprehensive overview in just 45 minutes. Highlights include the barrel room, where rows of whiskey age to perfection, and a sampling session at the end.

• Matsushima Bay - Just 30 minutes from Sendai, Matsushima (松島) is renowned for its bay, dotted with pine-clad islets, and is one of Japan’s top three scenic views. The town is also home to Zuiganji, a significant Zen temple in the Tohoku Region. Despite the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Matsushima’s protected location spared it from major damage, and most attractions, shops, and hotels quickly reopened.

• Zuiganji - Zuiganji (瑞巌寺) is a prominent Zen temple in the Tohoku Region, famous for its gilded and painted sliding doors (fusuma). Founded in 828 as a Tendai sect temple, it became a Zen temple during the Kamakura Period (1192-1333). Restored by feudal lord Date Masamune in 1609, it serves as his family temple.

• Oshima - Matsushima - Oshima (雄島) is a small, pine-covered island near Matsushima’s pier, accessible via a short, free bridge. The island offers pleasant walks, small shrines, and viewpoints. Once a monk retreat, it still features decorated meditation caves. The bridge, destroyed in the 2011 tsunami, was rebuilt and reopened two years later.

• Entsu-in Temple - Entsuin Temple (円通院, Entsūin), built in 1647, is adjacent to Matsushima’s Zuiganji Temple. It houses the mausoleum of Date Mitsumune, son of feudal lord Date Terumune, who died at 19. The temple, dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, was built in mourning.

• Kanrantei - Kanrantei (観瀾亭) is a Momoyama-style tea house originally constructed in Kyoto by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and gifted to Date Masamune. Date’s son relocated it to its current spot overlooking Matsushima Bay. “Kanrantei” means “place to view ripples on water,” reflecting its stunning views.

• Godaido - Godaido (五大堂, Godaidō) is a small temple hall on an islet near the pier, symbolizing Matsushima. Built in 807, it houses five statues enshrined by the founder of nearby Zuiganji. These statues are displayed to the public every 33 years, last shown in 2006.

• Fukuurajima - Fukuura Island (福浦島, Fukuurajima) is one of the few publicly accessible pine-covered islands in Matsushima Bay. A 252-meter-long, red-painted bridge, costing 200 yen for a round trip, connects the island. The bridge, damaged by the March 11, 2011 tsunami, underwent repairs.

• Sendai City Museum - Located in the Sannomaru enclosure on Sendai Castle’s site, the Sendai City Museum preserves, exhibits, and studies cultural assets donated by the Date family. The museum’s collection includes the Keicho mission to Europe documents, a national treasure, and a portrait of Hasekura Tsunenaga, also a national treasure and UNESCO Memory of the World.

• Shiogama Shrine - Shiogama Jinja (鹽竈神社) is a Shinto shrine in Shiogama, Miyagi Prefecture. Known since the ninth century, fifteen of its buildings are designated Important Cultural Properties. It is the head shrine of hundreds of Shiogama shrines across Japan.

• Shiogama City Fish Market - Established in 1965, the Shiogama Fish Wholesale Market boasts over 100 seafood stalls offering fresh fish, processed marine products, and salted and dried seafood. Located next to Shiogama Port, the market receives large daily hauls of fresh fish. (Closed on Wednesdays)

• Shiogama - Situated in Miyagi Prefecture, Shiogama is near the Tohoku region’s center, about 16 km from Sendai. The city encompasses Chiganoura (Shiogama Bay), part of the scenic Matsushima Bay. The Urakasumi brewery, a renowned sake brewery in the Motomachi area, is a must-visit. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the Former Kamei Residence, a structure of high historical value.

• Osaki Hachiman Shrine - Osaki Hachimangū, a National Treasure in Sendai, showcases stunning Momoyama-style architecture with intricate wood carvings and vibrant lacquer. Built by warlord Date Masamune in 1607, it is a National Treasure of Japan, attracting visitors with its historical significance.

• Mitakisan Fudoin - Mitakisan Fudoin, a Buddhist temple in Sendai, Japan, was founded in 1865 by nun Kato Tane to pray for healing eye diseases. It enshrines Fudo Myo-o, a deity believed to protect eyesight and offer spiritual support. Located in a bustling shopping area, it attracts visitors seeking good fortune, safety, and success.

• Tohoku History Museum - Located in Tagajō City, Miyagi Prefecture, the Tohoku History Museum offers a comprehensive overview of the Tohoku region’s history from the Paleolithic era to modern times. Its main exhibition hall is divided into nine chronological sections, showcasing artifacts and cultural materials that highlight the region’s unique heritage.

• 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.

This valuable journey with a state-certified, professionally experienced, and multilingual tour guide offers a splendid and time-efficient way to traverse Sendai and Matsushima!

Sendai, positioned at the threshold of the country’s more untamed aspects, is a single day’s travel from secluded mountaintop hideaways, craggy shorelines, and isolated islands. Concurrently, it’s one of Japan’s most up-to-date and refined metropolises with a culinary environment that promises to both challenge and astound.

Let us know your preferences and we will tailor a six-hour tour to perfectly suit you!

Note1: Please choose your preferred sights from the list provided in the tour details to craft your personal itinerary.
Note2: The official recognition of being a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, issued by the Japanese government, necessitates a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the Japanese culture and history.

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

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