Sendai & Matsushima Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Riko

What Is a Private Matsushima and Sendai New Year Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were an older group visiting from North America. They had visited Matsushima some 60 years ago and chose it again out of nostalgia. On the day, they arrived in Sendai after taking the Shinkansen from Hiraizumi, where they had stayed the previous night. They wanted to experience the New Year atmosphere in Japan, and up until the day itself there were ongoing communications with the taxi company and the guests to finally make it happen.

On the day, I asked the driver, "Would shrines be difficult?" and he replied, "During the first three days of the New Year the areas around shrines are extremely crowded, so I'd prefer to avoid getting close if possible." The guests understood this, but I felt bad that they had extended the tour by an hour only to spend it mostly on travel time. Anticipating an early return to Sendai, I told the driver that we would have to be flexible, and that if we had time to spare I wanted to be dropped off in front of the arcade (in front of Fujisaki) so I could walk the guests to the hotel while showing them the New Year "hatsuuri" first-sale scenery.

One of the guests was not very steady on their feet, so at Oshima we avoided the steeper stairways. The guests knew about Koyasan, so they were impressed that this distinctive landscape is called "the Koyasan of Oshu." Having seen Chusonji the previous day, they seemed to have developed an interest in the Buddhist world. There is a bit of a distance from Oshima to Kanrantei, but since the roads in Matsushima were congested and would eat into travel time, we decided to see everything on foot until 2:30. I also made adjustments such as choosing slopes over stairs wherever possible. After walking at Oshima, Kanrantei was a good place for a rest, and the guests enjoyed a matcha set with zunda mochi, a Sendai specialty.

Because we proceeded slowly through Zuiganji and Godaido, I felt Fukuurabashi would be difficult, so I contacted the taxi driver to say, "We're running about 10 minutes behind, so we'll get back in the car around 2:40." I also explained to the guests that visiting Fukuura Island requires at least 40 minutes to go and return, and that a full photo of Fukuurabashi could be taken from Godaido, so we could omit the visit, which they understood.

While riding the taxi back toward Sendai, they asked about visiting the fox village the next day, so I told them the easiest and quickest way was Shinkansen plus taxi, and sent them a link by message. Central Sendai was terribly congested, but even so we arrived 30 minutes early, and they experienced the atmosphere of the Sendai first-sale by walking through the arcade. They were surprised to learn that the first-sale tradition originated in Sendai, and that this year a Ferrari and a trip to North America were among the department store's lucky bags. Wanting them to experience the atmosphere of the first shrine visit of the year, we also stopped by Mitakisan Fudoin. It was crowded, but they seemed satisfied to make their visit.

They also wanted to exchange dollars (cash) into yen, so I took them to a currency exchange in the arcade that was open even on the holiday. They had also been asked by a relative to buy a snack called dondonyaki, and when we inquired at the nearby Don Quijote it turned out to be in the traditional sweets section, and they were delighted to find it. We walked slowly to the hotel, running a little over time, but I saw them off safely. They asked about places for dinner, so I let them know there is a restaurant area in the basement of Sendai Station and suggested a few recommended spots. I hope tomorrow's trip to Shiroishi goes well.

Lastly, thank you again for your continued support this year.

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Tour Report by Riko

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!