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 at Sotetsu Fresa Inn Sendai～9:25 Board the Senseki-Tohoku Line from Sendai Station～9:52@Matsushimakaigan Station～10:10@Godaido～11:00@Matsushima Sightseeing Boat～12:00@Grill Taikantei Iroha (4F)～13:10@Fukuura Bridge & Fukuurajima Island～14:32 Board from Matsushimakaigan Station～14:50@Dismiss inside the train (recommended by guest)
Title: What's a Private Matsushima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America, and some of them had spent time in Japan before and were quite familiar with the country. Coming from a place without a coastline, they had been looking forward to the Matsushima sightseeing cruise. When we met it was raining, and they remarked that it rarely rains where they come from. By the time we reached Matsushima the rain had almost stopped, so we could take our time viewing Godaido Hall before boarding the 11:00 sightseeing boat. While the guests took a break and used the restroom, I lined up at the very front of the pier to secure a spot. I showed them photos of the three islands that are considered must-sees and explained that they would be visible on the port side, so we all gathered there.
Regarding lunch, I had heard that some of the guests did not care for fish, so I took them to my usual restaurant, Taikantei, and let them look at the menu before entering. Some of the guests wanted to eat fish, while the tour leader had no preference. Taikantei is convenient when tastes are divided. Everyone enjoyed their meal. The restaurant has also updated its English support, with English descriptions on the menu, and the Western-style menu on the 2nd floor can now be ordered again at the Japanese restaurant on the 4th floor. That was very helpful. In the end, only the tour leader had fish (conger eel).
The tour leader had mentioned a fondness for cherry blossoms, but the cherry blossom season in Matsushima had already ended, though the late-blooming double cherry blossoms had begun to open and a few mountain cherry blossoms remained. These could be seen on Fukuura Island. Camellia flowers were also still in bloom, so some of the guests took photos while others quickly explored to the tip of the cape and rejoined at the entrance to the bridge. Along the way they seemed to enjoy some of Matsushima's casual local foods, such as oyster curry bread, which was nice. They mentioned they would be staying two nights in Aomori next, and since I had guided an Aomori cruise the week before, they asked me about the highlights. I told them that if they like cherry blossoms, Hirosaki Park was in full bloom right now and would be lovely. I also mentioned that the apple pie there is delicious and worth trying. Tonight they seemed to be planning to eat grilled beef tongue and other local specialties.
Click here for more details: Sendai & Matsushima Customized Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
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.