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
- 9:00 Meet @ The Westin Sendai
- 9:28~10:01 Travel from Aoba-dori Station to Higashi-Shiogama Station
- 10:15 @ Shiogama Seafood Wholesale Market
- 11:41~11:49 Travel from Higashi-Shiogama Station to Matsushimakaigan Station
- 12:00 @ Matsushima Sightseeing Boat
- 13:00 Disband @ Fukuura Bridge Entrance
What's a Private Sendai and Matsushima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Fish Market and Bay Cruise
The guests were visitors based in Tokyo. One of the group had worked as a chef in North America, so they had been very much looking forward to the fish market. During the journey, they asked many questions comparing the train lines in Sendai with Tokyo's transportation system, and mentioned that since they were used to Tokyo's system, they would be fine in Sendai. At the fish market, when I explained that tuna landed in Shiogama goes through a bidding process, and the high-priced ones are sent to Toyosu for re-bidding before reaching the market, they excitedly said, "Then we must try the Shiogama tuna." I took them to a place that serves the fatty otoro of the pictured bluefin tuna for 500 yen a plate. They also seemed to enjoy local Miyagi salmon and gaze sea urchin. As we relaxed making our own seafood rice bowls at the market, I mentioned that we might miss the scheduled train and that I had reserved the sightseeing boat for 12:00. They said, "We eat fast, and we arrive in Matsushima at 11:49? Then let's run!" Since we could not catch the 21-minutes-past train from Higashi-Shiogama Station, the 41-minutes-past train would be cutting it close. I called Marubun Matsushima Kisen and said, "I'm sorry, we're running behind and will arrive at the station at 11:49. Could you wait two or three minutes? If not, we'll take the next boat." They replied, "We won't set sail until we see your face, so don't rush, just come carefully." How grateful I was! On the way to the station, we took a shortcut I don't usually use, walking through a tunnel at the back entrance of the station, which the guests found adventurous and fun. Getting off the train, we dashed and somehow arrived five minutes before departure. When I said, "I'm sorry for making you run," they laughed and said, "Don't worry, it was to make good use of our time. It was good exercise." The boarding tickets from Marubun had a "first-class cabin" stamp. "Thank you as always," said the staff, giving us yet another free upgrade. When I told the guests, they were delighted and exclaimed, "Wow, amazing!" On the boat, when I explained that the islands of Matsushima are likened to bonsai, one of the group said that speaking of bonsai, they practice ink painting. In fact, I also do ink painting, and we had a lively conversation showing each other our teachers' works online. The other guest freely went out on the deck to take photos and spent the time as they pleased. When they asked where I live, I pointed out this town facing Matsushima Bay, saying you can see it from here. They asked about the tsunami damage and what kinds of leisure activities are available, and when I mentioned that I have an acquaintance who does SUP, they said, "I'd like to come back to Miyagi and try SUP." By chance, a friend from my elementary school days who works at Marubun was on the boat and, as a courtesy, gave the guests small packets of Matsushima nori seaweed and sasa-kamaboko, which I passed along to them as a nice souvenir. After disembarking, they wanted to freely stroll around Matsushima. We parted at the entrance to Fukuura Island. Since I had given them a map, they planned to visit Oshima Island and various shops. The next day they were going to visit the Sendai Daikannon and then return to Tokyo. I was tired from all the running before boarding the boat, but even though it was only four hours, it was a fulfilling tour.
Click here for more details: Sendai & Matsushima Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Aoba-dori～Higashi-Shiogama | 350JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Higashi-Shiogama～Matsushimakaigan | 200JPY |
| Total | 550JPY | ||
Hello! I’m Riko, your local guide. During the week, I work at a local university, but on weekends, I love to guide visitors like you. This year(2024) marks my 6th year as a guide, and I’m thrilled to continue sharing the beauty of Japan with you.
I’m a certified Sake Navigator, so I have a wealth of knowledge about Japanese sake. Additionally, I’m well-versed in the gourmet scene of Sendai, Shiogama, and Matsushima, allowing me to tailor your tour to your culinary preferences!
I look forward to creating a memorable tour experience for you, full of fun and lasting memories of Japan. Thanks for choosing me as your guide!
May 10, 2026
Nate_K
Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fun Day in the bay!
Be ready to walk briskly…
May 10, 2026
Nate_K
Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fun Day in the bay!
Be ready to walk briskly to make the ferry boat! Our guide Riko-san was wonderful and her
local knowledge was very informative.
Apr 30, 2026
Tanakainmaui
Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Riko-san is the best guide!
I originally booked with TripAdvisor,…
Apr 30, 2026
Tanakainmaui
Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Riko-san is the best guide!
I originally booked with TripAdvisor, but cancelled it in order to get a longer tour–8 hours instead of 6. Riko-san was our guide, and she was very knowledgeable about the Sendai/Matsushima area and the attractions we visited. She was also flexible with times and at the end of a long day she even shared the location of her favorite sushi restaurant! Riko-san also helped us locate a guide for our izakaya tour. She went above and beyond the definition of service. We’d love to book with her and her izakaya friend, Mai, again!
Mar 31, 2026
NHDBuilder
Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
GO WITH “RIKO” FROM JAPAN GUIDE AGENCY
This is our…
Mar 31, 2026
NHDBuilder
Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
GO WITH “RIKO” FROM JAPAN GUIDE AGENCY
This is our first time to Japan, and it can be very confusing but we went with Riko from Japan Guide Agency, and this made this the easiest day possible. We came from North Carolina to Tokyo and now our adventure starts in Sendai after our visit in Tokyo. We wanted a guide to help us navigate this area and we were lucky enough to be assigned “Riko” for the half day. The moment we met her my wife and I were thrilled to be spending a day with her. She speaks wonderful English and with my horrible hearing, I could hear her clearly which makes it so enjoyable. I normally cannot hear soft Japanese voices but she made it so easy for us to hear and understand. We spent the day with her and yes we were tired at the end but it was so worth it to stick it out all day. One of the best things about Riko is; she meets you at your hotel and returns you to your hotel when you are so tired you cannot possibly take another step. Another amazing thing about Riko is she knows the trains and knows how to get the client moved around quickly and efficiently. We had no idea where to go to get the right trains but Riko make it smooth as possible. It was raining all day but we pushed through and that caused all the tourists to not be at the stops we were going to. It was like the shut down the area for us. Since it was raining, Riko would call taxi’s for us and they came almost immediately. Riko is a wealth of information and we even met some of her friends along the way. If you are going to book a tour with this firm, ASK FOR RIKO, I know you will have a great day.
Oct 3, 2025
P
Peggy_M
This was a great tour with Riko
Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Riko was…
Oct 3, 2025
P
Peggy_M
This was a great tour with Riko
Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Riko was our guide for the full-day tour. After we selected the sites we wanted to visit, Riko provided us with a detailed itinerary. Her communication throughout the planning process was clear and thorough, including explanations of the expected admission fees and transportation costs for the day. Our itinerary included visits to Entsu-in Temple, a scenic cruise on Matsushima Bay, and a tour of Zuigan-ji Temple. Riko accompanied us on both the train and ferry, which made it easy for us to relax and fully enjoy each sight without worrying about logistics or directions. In addition to guiding us through the main attractions, Riko went above and beyond by arranging for us to have lunch at a vegan restaurant in Sendai. This thoughtful addition was not part of the original tour, yet it greatly enhanced our overall experience.