Sendai 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle

Discover the history, culture, and scenic beauty of Sendai and Matsushima on this private 8-hour tour with a government-licensed guide and a private vehicle. Built around your interests, this flexible itinerary lets you choose the sites that matter most, traveling in comfort with a local guide and a professional driver. In Sendai, the elegant 'City of Trees,' explore the lavish Zuihoden mausoleum of feudal lord Date Masamune, the hilltop ruins of Aoba Castle with sweeping city views, and the National Treasure Osaki Hachimangu Shrine, then stroll the tree-lined Jozenji-dori Avenue. Journey to Matsushima Bay, celebrated as one of the Three Most Scenic Views of Japan, where over 260 pine-clad islands dot the sea. Visit the famous Zen temple Zuiganji, the photogenic island hall of Godaido, and the tranquil gardens of Entsuin. With a private vehicle and a guide dedicated to your group, enjoy a relaxed, personalized day exploring the gateway to northern Japan.

1. 1

   Zuihoden

   45 min

   Zuihoden is the lavishly decorated mausoleum of Date Masamune, the powerful feudal lord who founded Sendai. Rebuilt in the ornate Momoyama style with vivid colors, gold leaf, and intricate carvings, it stands among towering cedar trees and offers a striking glimpse into the grandeur of the Date clan.

2. 2

   Sendai Castle Guidance House

   15 min

   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 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 best known for a complete or particularly impressive castle.

3. 3

   SS30

   15 min

   If you want to get the best views in Sendai then you need to head to SS30 Observation Lounge. This building is actually an office block, so there is not much to check out here except for two observation decks on the 29th and 30th floors. These are free to visit and give you panoramic vistas across all of Sendai, so try to come in the morning or the late afternoon when you will get the best photo opportunities from the decks.

4. 4

   Chiteinomori Mueum

   15 min

   Closed for long-term renovation from August 31, 2026, through the end of March 2029. The Museum of the Forest of Depths of the Earth tells the story of the Stone Age in Japan. On a visit here you can find out how the Sekki Stone Age would have looked in the days of old and learn more about the excavation of the Tomizawa Ruins. The museum has a huge number of galleries and is the best place to come if you want to know more about the 20,000 year Sekki Stone Age.

5. 5

   Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory Miyagikyo Distillery

   15 min

   A free tour walks visitors through the different stages and buildings of production. Even though it is only about 45 minutes long, it gives a good overview of how and where they produce their whisky. A highlight is the barrel room where you can see rows and rows of whisky being aged to perfection, followed by a tasting at the end.

6. 6

   Matsushima Bay

   15 min

   Located half an hour outside of Sendai, Matsushima is famous for its bay, which is dotted by many pine-clad islets and has been ranked one of Japan's three most scenic views for centuries. The small town is also known for Zuiganji, one of the Tohoku region's most important Zen temples. Matsushima was hit by the earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011, but escaped major damage thanks to its protected location inside the island-dotted bay.

7. 7

   Zuiganji

   15 min

   Zuiganji is one of the Tohoku Region's most famous and prominent Zen temples, well known for its beautifully gilded and painted sliding doors (fusuma). Zuiganji was originally founded in 828 as a temple of the Tendai sect, and was converted into a Zen temple during the Kamakura Period (1192-1333). After years of decline, it was restored to prominence by the feudal lord Date Masamune, who rebuilt it as his family temple in 1609.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   15 min

   Oshima is a small, pine tree-covered island close to the pier of Matsushima. The island can be accessed over a short bridge free of charge and offers some pleasant, short walks, with multiple small shrines and viewpoints dotted about. Oshima used to be a retreat for monks, and decorated meditation caves can still be found on the island. The bridge to Oshima was destroyed in the 2011 tsunami, but was rebuilt and reopened two years later.

9. 9

   Entsu-in Temple

   15 min

   Entsuin Temple was built in 1647 next to Matsushima's most important temple, Zuiganji Temple, to house the mausoleum of Date Mitsumune, the son of the ruling local feudal lord Date Terumune. The temple was built in mourning and is devoted to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, as Mitsumune died an untimely death at the age of 19.

10. 10

    Kanrantei

    15 min

    Kanrantei is a Momoyama-style tea house originally built in Kyoto by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who gave it to Date Masamune for his service. Date's son eventually moved it to its current location overlooking Matsushima Bay. Kanrantei means 'place to view ripples on water', due to its beautiful view over the water and surrounding islands.

11. 11

    Godaido

    15 min

    Godaido is a small temple hall on an islet just next to the pier. Due to its prominent location, it has become a symbol of Matsushima. Godaido was built in 807 and contains five statues which were enshrined by the same priest who founded nearby Zuiganji. The statues are displayed to the public only once every 33 years, and were last displayed in 2006.

12. 12

    Fukuurajima

    15 min

    Fukuura Island is one of the few pine-covered islands in Matsushima Bay that is accessible to the public. The island is reached via a 252 meter long, red painted bridge that costs 200 yen (round trip) to cross. The bridge was damaged by the tsunami of March 11, 2011 and had to undergo repair works.

13. 13

    Sendai City Museum

    15 min

    Sendai City Museum was built in the Sannomaru enclosure on the site of the remains of Sendai Castle for the purpose of preserving, exhibiting, and studying a set of materials donated by the Date family of Sendai. The museum houses a collection of documents from the Keicho mission to Europe, including a portrait of Hasekura Tsunenaga that is a national treasure and a registered UNESCO Memory of the World, along with historical and artistic collections mostly from the Edo period.

14. 14

    Shiogama Shrine

    15 min

    Shiogama Jinja is a Shinto shrine in the city of Shiogama, Miyagi Prefecture. Known since the ninth century, fifteen of its buildings have been designated Important Cultural Properties. It is the head shrine of several hundred Shiogama shrines located throughout Japan.

15. 15

    Shiogama City Fish Market

    15 min

    The Shiogama Fish Wholesale Market was established in its current location in 1965. The box-shaped, generously proportioned building is home to over 100 seafood stalls dealing in fresh fish, processed marine products, and salted and dried seafood. With Shiogama Port located right next door, the wholesale market sees large hauls of fresh fish unloaded daily. Closed on Wednesdays.

16. 16

    Osaki Hachiman Shrine

    15 min

    Osaki Hachimangu, a National Treasure in Sendai, features stunning Momoyama-style architecture with intricate wood carvings and vivid lacquer. Built by warlord Date Masamune in 1607, it attracts visitors with its historical value and is designated a National Treasure of Japan.

17. 17

    Mitakisan Fudoin

    15 min

    Mitakisan Fudoin is a Buddhist temple in Sendai 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 busy shopping area, it draws visitors seeking good fortune, safety, and success.

18. 18

    Tohoku History Museum

    15 min

    Tohoku History Museum, located in Tagajo City, Miyagi Prefecture, 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.

19. 19

    Sendai City Museum of History and Folklore

    15 min

    Discover the traditional lifestyle and cultural heritage of the Sendai region at the Sendai City Museum of History and Folklore. The museum displays a variety of historical artifacts, including farming tools, household items, clothing, and local crafts from the Edo to early Showa periods. Surrounded by peaceful greenery, it offers a relaxing and enriching cultural experience for all ages.

• Specialized infant seats are available
• 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

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