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
- 09:45 Meet at Sendai Station
- 10:10 Ride on a bus bound for Rin-no-ji temple
- 10:30 Rin-no-jitemple, Deva gate, walking a pathway leading to the main temple, strawling around Japanese style garden.
- 11:30 Visiting a Shu-rinji Temple, Deva gate, hearing a explanation at Main precinct, warship a Daikoku-ten stature.
- 12:02 Going back to the Sendai Station
- 12:30 Strawling around Sendai Morning Market, finding fresh sea-food
- 13:00 Having lunch at the restaurant near market
- 13:55 End of tour at the Sendai Morning Market
What Is a Private Sendai Temple and Shrine Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guest came to Sendai and expressed an interest in visiting shrines and temples. They requested Rinno-ji and Shurin-ji, both of which they had never visited before, and enjoyed viewing the gardens and Buddhist statues as well as listening to a monk's talk. Along the approach leading from the Nio-mon gate to the main hall of Rinno-ji, we explored in depth the meaning of the mudras formed by the Buddhist statues, and in the garden we took a commemorative photo beneath fragrant blossoms with the plum flowers just beginning to bloom. At Shurin-ji, the guest was awed by the glossy black statue of Daikokuten with three faces and six arms. Over a lunch of tempura, soba, and a sushi set, the conversation flowed lively about the introduction of Buddhism to Japan and the history of how Japan acquired its writing system, and the tour concluded successfully after the guest shared that their understanding of Japanese history had deepened.
Click here for more details: Sendai & Matsushima Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Sendai Station front／Sendai City Bus～Rin-no-ji Temple front／Sendai City Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Rin-no-ji Temple front／Sendai City Bus～Sendai Station front／Sendai City Bus | 230JPY |
| Total | 460JPY | ||
For all the guest who may have an interest on my career, This is Sanichi,a government certified guide interpreter, inaugurated my guide interpreter business career since 2023. My guide interpreter work include all aspect of business scene ranging from simultaneous interpretation at convent visitor, Tsunami-torn area guide tour,Municipal government supported exchange student welcome party official interpretation, International cruise ship on shore excursion guide, and so on, and keep doing business by fair and fast manner with reasonable cost without any prejudice against client’s objectives, race or gender.
I can attend anyone, anywhere, anytime upon request! I’m confident that I’m a shoulder you may count on here in Japan!
Apr 3, 2026
V2097LInickd
Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
15,000 Steps thru Sendai History
Sanichi is a very help…
Apr 3, 2026
V2097LInickd
Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
15,000 Steps thru Sendai History
Sanichi is a very help and knowledgeable guide around Sendai. He devised an itinerary based on our preference for gardens and nature so we visited themes and shrines in Japanese gardens and huge forests via public transport as part of the experience. We had lunch together in a Japanese restaurant where it was very handy having someone who read Japanese. A 15,000 step tour, with a lot of Sendai history thrown in, which was well worth it.
Jul 14, 2025
carlanS8210WG
Merveilleux !
Tripadvisor review: Yamagata / Yamadera 6hr Private Trip with Licensed Guide
La visite du château de Kaminoyama était très…
Jul 14, 2025
carlanS8210WG
Merveilleux !
Tripadvisor review: Yamagata / Yamadera 6hr Private Trip with Licensed Guide
La visite du château de Kaminoyama était très intéressante. Nous avons ensuite visité une maison de samouraï. Puis nous sommes allés au temple de Yamadera et avons gravit ses 1000 marches !
Sanichi est le meilleur guide, avec de bonnes recommandations culinaires, d’impressionnantes connaissances historiques et plein d’anecdotes.
素晴らしい！
Tripadvisorレビュー：山形・山寺6時間プライベートツアー（有資格ガイド付き）
上山城の見学はとても興味深いものでした。その後、武家屋敷を訪れ、山寺へ向かい、1000段の石段を登りました！
サンイチさんは最高のガイドです。美味しい食べ物のおすすめ、素晴らしい歴史の知識、そしてたくさんの面白いエピソードを教えてくれました。
Nov 23, 2024
ym360
Exploring Yamagata with Sanichi
Tripadvisor review: Yamagata / Yamadera 6hr Private Trip with Licensed Guide
Our guided tour with Sanichi was…
Nov 23, 2024
ym360
Exploring Yamagata with Sanichi
Tripadvisor review: Yamagata / Yamadera 6hr Private Trip with Licensed Guide
Our guided tour with Sanichi was an absolute delight. His deep knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and etiquette brought our visits to life. From the serene Risshaku-ji Temple to the commanding view from Kajo Central building, each stop was enriched by his insightful commentary.
We were particularly impressed by Sanichi’s dedication to ensuring we had the best possible experience. He patiently translated for us, allowing us to fully engage with the exhibits and local culture. We loved every part of the trip, especially the unique part where we got to explore a Samurai home and learn about some of the strategies they employed! The soba restaurant he recommended was a culinary highlight, and the pear-flavored ice cream was a delightful surprise.
Sanichi’s thoughtful assistance in finding a vegetarian dining option for one of our group members was truly appreciated.
Overall, this tour was an extraordinary way to explore Yamadera and Yamagata. We highly recommend it to anyone seeking a rich and immersive cultural experience.
Oct 11, 2024
D2725MMjamesb
Yamagata and Yamadera trip with Sanichi
Tripadvisor review: Yamagata / Yamadera 6hr Private Trip with Licensed Guide
The tour organizers where…
Oct 11, 2024
D2725MMjamesb
Yamagata and Yamadera trip with Sanichi
Tripadvisor review: Yamagata / Yamadera 6hr Private Trip with Licensed Guide
The tour organizers where very helpful throughout the planning stage. They quickly put us in touch with out tour guide Sanichi, who then worked to ensure the tour was tailored to us. We visited Kaminoyama Castle, the nearby Samarai dwellings before moving onto to Yamadera. We traveled by train to make the most of our JR passes.
Sanichi provided a lot of insight into these locations that would have been very difficult to gain without a guide. He had a good grasp of the military, political and social history of the area. His company was very enjoyable throughout the trip.
Kaminoyama castle is very impressive from the outside but is more of a modern museum on the inside. The views from the top of the castle are first rate.
Yamadera is a breath taking mountainside temple complex and requires a moderate degree of fitnesss to get up its 1000 steps. Provided you can manage the hike, Yamdera is an amazing slight, with its network of temples and shrines, surrounded by towering woodland, steep cliffs and trickling streams.