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
- 10:25 Visit Rinnoji Temple Garden
- 11:25 Visit Shurinji Temple, Nio statues, Daikokuten
- 12:15 Visit Zuihoden Mausoleum
- 13:00 Tour Ryokusaikan
- 13:20 Visit Sendai City Museum
- 14:00 Tour ends at Omachi Nishi Koen Station on the Sendai Subway
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Rinnoji Temple Garden at 10:25, Shurinji Temple, Nio statues, Daikokuten at 11:25, Zuihoden Mausoleum at 12:15, Tour Ryokusaikan at 13:00 and Sendai City Museum at 13:20.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Sendai Station Front／Sendai City Bus to Rinnoji Temple Front／Sendai City Bus by bus (230JPY); Rinnoji Temple Front／Sendai City Bus to Sendai Station Front／Sendai City Bus by bus (230JPY); Sendai Station Front／Sendai City Bus to Zuihoden Front／Sendai City Bus (210JPY); Zuihoden Front／Sendai City Bus to International Center (Miyagi)／Sendai City Bus (210JPY); International Center (Miyagi Prefecture) to Sendai (Subway) by train (210JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 1,090JPY per person.
What Is a Private Tohoku Tour from Sendai Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting Japan for the second time, and for this trip they chose the Tohoku region rather than Tokyo or Kyoto. Because they wished to visit quiet, distinctly Japanese spots rather than areas crowded with tourists, we selected Rinno-ji Temple in the Kitayama area of Sendai City. At Rinno-ji, the hydrangeas happened to be at their peak, and the guests remarked on the wonderful contrast between the purple flowers glistening in the light rain and the green of the temple garden. At Shurin-ji Temple, they viewed the jet-black Daikokuten statue and offered their own prayers for a bountiful harvest. Thanks to the temple's connection with a city in North America, English explanations were available, which the guests found very meaningful. The guests shared that it was a wonderful opportunity to experience firsthand the living Japanese culture that cannot be obtained through AI.
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～Rinnoji Temple Front／Sendai City Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Rinnoji Temple Front／Sendai City Bus～Sendai Station Front／Sendai City Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 3 | Other | Sendai Station Front／Sendai City Bus～Zuihoden Front／Sendai City Bus | 210JPY |
| Section 4 | Other | Zuihoden Front／Sendai City Bus～International Center (Miyagi)／Sendai City Bus | 210JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | International Center (Miyagi Prefecture)～Sendai (Subway) | 210JPY |
| Total | 1,090JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Rinnoji Temple Garden, Shurinji Temple, Nio statues, Daikokuten, Zuihoden Mausoleum, Tour Ryokusaikan and Sendai City Museum.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,090JPY per person across 5 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?
Sanichi 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.
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.