Miyagi in One Day: Kanrantei Matcha Experience — Guide Riko

What Is a Private Matsushima and Shiogama Day Tour Like After a Typhoon? A Licensed Guide's Report

This tour was originally planned for the previous day, but the Matsushima sightseeing boats and the trains to Matsushima were all suspended due to an approaching typhoon. I suggested to the guests that, if they had flexibility in their stay, we could postpone the tour to the next day, and this is how the tour came about. Even though it was due to the weather, I felt apologetic. On the 12th, I had informed them of places they could visit without getting wet, and they apparently spent the day at those places and doing karaoke.

On the 13th, we were blessed with good weather. The group included younger members, so gathering and moving around inevitably ran a bit behind schedule. This time they traveled without a JR Pass, using only cash and credit cards. When time was short or when they were tired, it was very helpful that the guests suggested "let's take a taxi."

The Shiogama Nakaoroshi Fish Market was a request from the guests, who wanted to see a local market. Since tuna had been landed even with the typhoon the previous day, they watched with great interest as the tuna was being cut. Because the bus connection from the market to the nearest station runs only once an hour and is inconvenient, the guests asked me to call a taxi.

It was a 15-minute walk, but Miyagi was extremely hot and humid after the typhoon, and I thought walking would be tough, so this worked out well. I had brought extra paper fans from home, and they were delighted, saying "having these made it comfortable." From Higashi-Shiogama Station we went to Matsushima Kaigan. Riding from Sendai can feel long, but adding sightseeing spots along the way like intervals makes the journey feel shorter. There is a temporary ticket window for the sightseeing boat right at Matsushima Kaigan Station, and we learned there was a special 12:30 departure. We decided to take that. The ticket for the guide's portion was only discounted by 10%. Previously this company had provided it free of charge, so I said "isn't the guide's portion free?" but was told "it's a 10% discount," and I said "sorry" to the guests. Since the boarding ticket can be provided free at the pier window, this became a lesson for the future. The guests said "it's fine."

When we hurried to the pier, it was incredibly crowded, and instead of the large boat, we ended up chasing in a medium-sized boat. There was plenty of room in the seats, which was good, but the waves were still rough and it rocked quite a bit. The captain, having heard me guiding in English, switched to the English recorded announcements.

For lunch, they wanted to eat local food, so I answered "maybe fried oysters or conger eel" and we went to the Umi-no-Eki building across from Kanrantei, but the seafood restaurant on the 2nd floor had a long line reaching the stairs that didn't seem to move, so we went to a noodle and Japanese food restaurant on the 3rd floor. They told us to write our name and wait in the cool back rest area, saying they would call us in order. However, even after 30 minutes we weren't called, and when I went to check, our name had been crossed off as if we had already been called! I called a staff member and protested that "we haven't been called yet," and they said "sorry, right away," and after a few minutes we were called. Losing time here was painful. The guests said "we don't mind the time," though… For the meal, three of them each ordered fried oysters and seemed very satisfied. One of the younger guests wanted dessert, so I suggested "why not order a matcha set at Kanrantei afterward?" and we left the restaurant and headed to Kanrantei across the way. Enjoying tea and sweets while looking out at the sea, they seemed to feel a bit relaxed. It was late by the time we reached Zuiganji Temple, but since I intended to see them off to Sendai, I headed to Zuiganji as the last stop. This was a place one of the guests had wanted to visit, and they carefully toured the gold-leafed abbot's quarters. When the tour was finished, one of the guests said "it must be time already, and if you live near here it's fine to part ways here," but since I had intended to see them off to Sendai Station, I explained the return route in case they wanted to get off at a station along the way. At that time it was past 4:10, and I realized the only train we could catch was at 4:44, so I said we would return together and wait more than 20 minutes at the station. On the way back, when I explained the small shrine for the memorial of toys at Tenrin-in, one of the guests climbed up toward the mausoleum of Iroha-hime above, so I waited below with the others, saying it was full of mosquitoes up there. The view of Matsushima from above is truly wonderful. The guest was satisfied, and we boarded the same train together and parted ways on board.

Click here for more details: Sendai & Matsushima Customized Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

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!