Sendai Private with Government Licensed Guide and Vehicle Tour

This is the ideal tour for travelers who want to discover the highlights of Sendai and Matsushima efficiently in a private vehicle with a government-licensed guide. Known as the City of Trees and the castle town of the legendary lord Date Masamune, Sendai blends rich samurai history with relaxed green cityscapes and a beautiful coastline. With your own private guide and driver, you can customize the day to your interests. Visit the hilltop ruins of Sendai Castle for panoramic views, the gorgeously decorated Zuihoden mausoleum, the National Treasure Osaki Hachimangu Shrine, and the tranquil garden of Rinnoji Temple. Continue to scenic Matsushima Bay, one of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views, and explore the historic Zen temples of Zuiganji and Entsuin among the pine-clad islands. Travel comfortably between sights and enjoy insider stories, photo stops and local tips from a friendly expert guide. Perfect for first-time and returning visitors who value comfort and authentic insight.

1. 1

   Zuihoden

   1 min

   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.

2. 2

   Sendai Castle Guidance House

   1 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 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.

3. 3

   SS30

   1 min

   If you want to get the best views in Sendai then you need to head to SS 30 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

   1 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 is dedicated to telling you the story of the stone age in Japan. On a visit here you can find out all how the Saki 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 if you want to know more about the 20,000 year Saki Stone Age then this is the best place to come.

5. 5

   Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory Miyagikyo Distillery

   1 min

   The free tour walked a group of us through different stages and buildings of production. Even though it was only about 45 minutes long, it gave a good overview as to how and where they produce their product. My favorite part (besides the sampling at the end of course) was the barrel room where you could see rows and rows or whiskey being aged to perfection.

6. 6

   Matsushima Bay

   1 min

   Located half an hour outside of Sendai, Matsushima (松島) 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. Most tourist attractions, shops and hotels reopened within a few weeks or months of the earthquake.

7. 7

   Zuiganji

   1 min

   Zuiganji (瑞巌寺) is one of the Tohoku Region's most famous and prominent Zen temples, and is 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, Zuiganji was restored to prominence by the feudal lord Date Masamune who rebuilt it as his family temple in 1609.

8. 8

   Entsu-in Temple

   1 min

   Entsuin Temple (円通院, Entsūin) 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.

9. 9

   Kanrantei

   1 min

   Kanrantei (観瀾亭) 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.

10. 10

    Godaido

    1 min

    Godaido (五大堂, Godaidō) 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.

11. 11

    Oshima

    15 min

    Oshima Oshima (雄島) 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. There are multiple small shrines and viewpoints dotted about the island. 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.

12. 12

    Sendai City Museum

    1 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 (cultural assets) donated by the Date family of Sendai (One of the samurai families that has continued since the Kamakura Era.). The museum houses a collection of documents from the Keicho mission to Europe—a national treasure that includes a portrait of Hasekura Tsunenaga that is also a national treasure as well as a registered UNESCO Memory of the World—and historical and artistic collections, mostly from the Edo period, that concern Sendai.

13. 13

    Shiogama Shrine

    1 min

    Shiogama Jinja (鹽竈神社) is a Shinto shrine in the city of Shiogama, Miyagi Prefecture. Known from 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.

14. 14

    Shiogama City Fish Market

    1 min

    Shiogama Fish Wholesale Market. This large-scale market was established in its current location in 1965 and boasts a history of 50 years. 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 Wednesday)

15. 15

    Shiogama

    1 min

    Shiogama is located in Miyagi Prefecture and lies close to the center of the Tohoku region, approximately 16 km from Sendai. The city embraces Chiganoura (Shiogama Bay), a portion of the beautiful scenic bay of Matsushima. Urakasumi brewery is the most famous sake brewery located in Motomachi area. If you are interested in architecture, Former Kamei Residence is worth to visit the building with modern methods would be extremely difficult making this structure one of high historical value.

16. 16

    Osaki Hachiman Shrine

    1 min

    Osaki Hachimangū, 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

    1 min

    Mitakisan Fudoin is a Buddhist temple in Sendai, Japan, 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

    1 min

    Tohoku History Museum, located in Tagajō 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

    1 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. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase everyday life and seasonal customs while gaining a deeper understanding of the area's history. Surrounded by peaceful greenery, the museum offers a relaxing and enriching cultural experience for all ages.

20. 20

    Fukuurajima

    1 min

    Fukuura Island (福浦島, Fukuurajima) 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.

• 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.