This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 10:15 Meet at Sendai Station
- 11:10 Arrive at Matsushimakaigan Station via the Senseki Line
- 11:20 Tour Oshima Island
- 12:30 Lunch
- 13:40 Tour Entsuin Temple
- 14:30 Tour Zuiganji Temple
- 15:30 Tour Godaido Hall
- 15:50 Shopping
- 16:12 Travel to Sendai Station via the Senseki Line
- 17:00 End of guided tour
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Miyagi began at 10:15, when the guide met the guests at Sendai Station, and finished at 17:00. The day ran to 6 hours and 45 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch at 12:30.
From there the group visited Matsushimakaigan Station via the Senseki Line at 11:10, Tour Oshima Island at 11:20, Tour Entsuin Temple at 13:40, Tour Zuiganji Temple at 14:30, Tour Godaido Hall at 15:30, Shopping at 15:50 and Travel to Sendai Station via the Senseki Line at 16:12.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Sendai Station to Matsushimakaigan Station by train (418JPY); Matsushimakaigan Station to Sendai Station by train (418JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 836JPY per person.
Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Matsushima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
When we met at Sendai Station, there was a mix-up about the arrival platform, which cost us some time and caused a bit of inconvenience, but it did not significantly affect the tour schedule. Before heading to our first destination, Oshima Island, we stopped at a cafe, and the tour began in a friendly atmosphere. Oshima has fewer tourists compared to other places, but because of that, I think the guests were able to enjoy its mysterious, sacred atmosphere and quiet nature. For lunch, since one of the guests preferred a vegetarian option, I chose a cafe on a hill overlooking Matsushima Bay that could accommodate this to some extent, so they were also able to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Entsuin Temple is famous as a beautiful spot for autumn foliage, and although it was crowded, the timing was just about perfect for viewing, which I think was fortunate. Zuiganji Temple is the greatest highlight of Matsushima, and I believe the guests thoroughly enjoyed the magnificent and gorgeous interior decorations rarely seen at other tourist spots. At Godaido Hall, they enjoyed the unique architecture and the beauty of Matsushima Bay, and afterward they enjoyed shopping for local crafts and specialties of Matsushima. The guests did not request it this time, but if I have the opportunity to guide again, I would like to add variety by including experiences such as making prayer beads or a Matsushima Bay cruise if time allows.
Click here for more details: Sendai & Matsushima Customized Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Sendai Station～Matsushimakaigan Station | 418JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Matsushimakaigan Station～Sendai Station | 418JPY |
| Total | 836JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Miyagi tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Sendai Station at 10:15, and the tour finished at of guided tour at 17:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 45 minutes in total, from 10:15 to 17:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Matsushimakaigan Station via the Senseki Line, Tour Oshima Island, Tour Entsuin Temple, Tour Zuiganji Temple, Tour Godaido Hall, Shopping and Travel to Sendai Station via the Senseki Line.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 836JPY per person across 2 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Nobuko is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Miyagi itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
I am an experienced tour guide mainly for FIT tours.
I have also guided several tours on this website.
Aizu, Sendai, and Matsushima are very popular sightseeing spots for foreign travelers.
They have different charms from other areas, such as Tokyo, Kyoto.
I hope to help you enjoy the scenic beauty away from the hustle and bustle of the city, historical sights, unique samurai culture, local delicacies and wonderful traditional art craft.
I will customize the best plan for you according to your requests and make your trip a special and memorable one.
May 31, 2026
M8743JTgaryl
Tripadvisor review: Aizu 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great value and flexibility
We had a great tour with Nobuko of…
May 31, 2026
M8743JTgaryl
Tripadvisor review: Aizu 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great value and flexibility
We had a great tour with Nobuko of Aizuwakamatsu. We learned how sake was made and tasted some great samples, ate some local specialties for lunch, and visited cultural and historical landmarks. Nobuko took our experience to the next level by suggesting options that we would have missed as we are English-only. She even recommended a dinner location for after our tour, so it felt like we had her guidance for the entire day! I’d easily recommend this tour to anyone looking for a great day in Aizu.
Apr 22, 2026
LuizFilipe_M
Great day great guide
Viator review: Ouchijuku 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We had a lovely day with our…
Apr 22, 2026
LuizFilipe_M
Great day great guide
Viator review: Ouchijuku 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We had a lovely day with our guide Nobuko. She shared lots of interesting stories about the life in old Japan and explained everything to us. She also had many trivia to keep us engaged and answered all our questions.
We went to Ouchi-juku first and had lunch there (the local buckwheat noodles). Because we chose to do it all by taxi instead of public transportation we had some extra time so we visited Tsuruga Castle and the Samurai House in Aizuwakamatsu. Finally she left us at Sazaedo Temple.
Oct 29, 2025
K
KC357
Great history and culture
Viator review: Aizu 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Wonderful way to explore the history of…
Oct 29, 2025
K
KC357
Great history and culture
Viator review: Aizu 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Wonderful way to explore the history of Aizu-Wakamatsu! Our guide No uso was so helpful. She communicated with us weeks before our trout to make sure we had the itinerary best suited for us. We learned so much about the history of the area and so many fascinating stories.
Sep 7, 2024
Sergio_O
My Amazing trip
Viator review: Aizu Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
The cemetery of samurais was the best experience to…
Sep 7, 2024
Sergio_O
My Amazing trip
Viator review: Aizu Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
The cemetery of samurais was the best experience to see how can people follow the honor, the samurais house was interesting, the design for castle showing how can make a secure defense and the hexagonal temple is the best design that I never saw before.
The guide is very polite and explained everything about the history for each location with perfect English language