Miyagi in One Day: @Matsushima Sightseeing Boat — Guide Riko
November, 2025
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
- 8:45 Meet up @Sendai Station
- 8:56~9:37 Train from Sendai Station to Matsushimakaigan
- 10:00~10:50 @Matsushima Sightseeing Boat
- 10:50~11:05 Entsuin Temple front approach
- 11:11~11:27 Train from Matsushimakaigan Station to Tagajo Station
- 11:45~12:40 Lunch @Japanese cuisine Kojima
- 12:40~13:00 Stroll around Tagajo Station
- 13:05~13:20 Shuttle bus
- 13:30~14:50 @Kirin Beer Sendai Factory
- 15:15~15:30 Shuttle bus
- 15:40 Disband @Tagajo Station
Title: Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Matsushima Bay and a Beer Factory in Tohoku? A Licensed Guide's Report
Body:
The guests were visitors from North America, who chose this tour during their trip. When I asked why they came to Tohoku for their first visit to Japan, they explained that they wanted somewhere with cool temperatures, and that they had researched Tohoku as being at its peak for autumn foliage at this time of year. The guests' requests were a Matsushima Bay cruise and a visit to a beer factory. Balancing these with the viewing times made the itinerary difficult to plan, but I presented three options, and since it worked out to have lunch at Tagajo Station where the shuttle bus departs and arrives, and this pushed back the ending time, we decided to finish at Tagajo Station. As they were looking forward to the autumn leaves, on the way to Matsushimakaigan Station we walked toward the station while viewing the foliage between Entsuin Temple and Tenrin-in Temple.
Regarding the meal, since one of the guests was noted as gluten-free, based on my past experience I asked in advance by email how far the restriction could be accommodated (as they said they liked Japanese food). It turned out that soy sauce was fine. I had previously heard from a soy sauce maker that gluten breaks down during the fermentation stage, but that they do not force it on those who are mentally concerned, so I think it is best to ask in detail when there are dietary restrictions.
The Japanese restaurant Kojima is well known locally for its catering and its simplified kaiseki lunches. Just to be safe, I asked whether the tempura batter could be changed to something other than wheat flour, but they said this could not be accommodated. When I asked the guests, they liked the atmosphere of the restaurant and said they would order something else such as an eel rice bowl or sushi. The restaurant was crowded, but the guests watched with interest as a group at the next table with a baby was performing an Okuizome (first-meal ceremony), so I explained Japanese family customs. One of the guests admired it, saying, "We should have a custom like this in my country too." The uploaded image was taken by that group at the next table. When I mentioned the guests were also on a special trip, the group at the next table congratulated them warmly, and the guests looked delighted. When I asked how the food was, they were pleased and said, "It's very delicious," finishing their first-ever chawanmushi and steamed persimmon yokan. After the meal, we took a leisurely walk along the banks of the Sunaoshi River in front of Tagajo Station while waiting for the shuttle bus. They chose the beer factory tour because they were interested from their experience working at a craft beer company. One of the guests and I had the non-alcoholic option, while the other had a regular beer. Due to the timing of the return shuttle bus we ran slightly over time, but the guests both enjoyed themselves very much.
Click here for more details: Sendai & Matsushima Customized Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Matsushimakaigan～Matsushimakaigan | 420JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Matsushimakaigan～Tagajo | 240JPY |
| Total | 660JPY | ||
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.