Matsushima Private Guided Tour

The Matsushima Private Guided Tour promises an immersive experience in one of Japan’s most picturesque regions. Led by a knowledgeable guide, travelers can explore the 260 small islands of Matsushima Bay, visit historic temples, and savor local cuisine. With personalized itineraries and included transportation, the tour offers a hassle-free way to discover this stunning coastal landscape. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Japan traveler, the Matsushima tour provides an opportunity to uncover the region’s hidden gems.

This experience made our article of 17 Top-Rated Sendai Tours.

Key Points

• A private guided tour of the Matsushima region in Sendai, Japan, led by a knowledgeable local guide, Mai, from Mai Sendai Tohoku tours.
• The tour includes round-trip local train transportation, entrance fees to key attractions, and a scenic bay cruise.
• Customizable itinerary and flexible schedule, allowing for personalized experiences based on individual interests and weather conditions.
• Highly rated by past travelers for the guide’s expertise and the opportunity to explore authentic local cuisine and experiences.
• Highlights of the tour include the picturesque Matsushima Bay archipelago, with opportunities for photography and cultural insights from the guide.

Tour Overview

The Matsushima Private Guided Tour is a popular sightseeing experience in Sendai, Japan. Operated by Mai Sendai Tohoku tours, the tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the Matsushima area.

With a 5.0 rating based on 9 reviews, the tour is highly regarded for its knowledgeable guide and customized itinerary. The tour includes round-trip local train transportation, entrance fees to key attractions, and a bay cruise.

While meals and drinks aren’t included, the tour provides a thorough introduction to the stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Matsushima region. The tour’s private nature ensures a personalized experience for each group.

Inclusions

The Matsushima Private Guided Tour includes the guide fee, local train round-trip transportation, and entrance fees to key attractions like Zuihoden, Entsuin, and Fukuura Island.

Meals and drinks aren’t included, so you will need to cover their own food and beverages.

The tour also includes a bay cruise, which costs 1500 yen (or 1350 yen if booked in advance). However, the guide’s lunch isn’t covered.

Meeting Point and Schedule

Participants meet at Sendai Station, in front of the stained glass on the second floor, at 9:00 am to begin the Matsushima Private Guided Tour.

The tour returns to the same meeting point at the end of the experience.

Throughout the day, the guide leads the group through the highlights of the Matsushima region, including various sights and activities.

The tour schedule is flexible and can be customized based on the group’s interests and the weather conditions on the day of the tour.

Additional Information

Confirmation of the Matsushima Private Guided Tour is typically received within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

It’s a private tour, meaning only your group participates.

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Past travelers have praised the guide’s knowledge of lesser-known spots and flexibility in customizing the itinerary based on personal interests and weather.

They’ve also enjoyed the islands, photo opportunities, sake tasting, and boat tour experience.

Traveler Experiences

Past travelers have spoken highly of their experiences on the Matsushima Private Guided Tour.

They’ve praised tour guide Mai’s deep knowledge of lesser-known local hotspots and her flexibility in finding authentic cuisine that suits individual preferences.

Tourists have also highlighted the customized itinerary, which allows for a personalized experience based on their interests and weather conditions.

Many have enjoyed the diverse activities, including exploring the scenic islands, capturing stunning photographs, and experiencing a sake tasting and boat tour.

Exploring Matsushima Bay

As the tour begins, visitors embark on a captivating exploration of Matsushima Bay, a stunning natural wonder renowned for its picturesque archipelago of pine-clad islands.

The tour guide leads the group on a scenic train ride to the bay, where they board a sightseeing cruise.

Gliding across the tranquil waters, the group admires the breathtaking views of the 260 small islands dotting the bay.

The guide provides fascinating insights into the history and cultural significance of Matsushima, making the experience both educational and visually stunning.

The tour offers ample opportunities for photography, allowing visitors to capture the bay’s natural beauty.

Discovering Zuihoden and Entsuin

After exploring the captivating landscapes of Matsushima Bay, the tour group now ventures to uncover the historical and cultural treasures of Zuihoden and Entsuin.

At Zuihoden, they visit the elegant mausoleum of the famous feudal lord Date Masamune, admiring its ornate architecture and learning about his legacy.

Next, they stroll through the picturesque grounds of Entsuin, a Zen temple renowned for its serene gardens and stunning autumn foliage.

Throughout the tour, the guide shares fascinating insights, ensuring the group fully immerses themselves in the rich history and spiritual essence of these iconic Sendai landmarks.

Boat Tour and Sake Tasting

With the historical and cultural highlights of the tour now explored, the group turns its attention to the captivating boat tour and sake tasting experiences that await. The bay cruise around Matsushima’s 260 small islands offers unparalleled views of the stunning pine-covered landscapes. Following the cruise, the group enjoys a sake tasting, sampling local varieties and learning about the region’s centuries-old brewing traditions. This combination of natural beauty and culture leaves a lasting impression, culminating in a truly memorable day in Matsushima.

Experience	Duration	Cost
Bay Cruise	50 minutes	¥1500 (¥1350 if booked in advance)
Sake Tasting	30 minutes	Included

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Guide Fluent in English?

The tour guide, Mai, is fluent in English. Customers have praised her local knowledge and flexibility in customizing the itinerary to suit personal interests and weather conditions.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour guide does not offer any student or senior discounts. The standard tour price applies to all participants regardless of age or student status. Reduced rates may be available for larger group bookings.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Specific Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include specific sites. The private nature of the tour allows travelers to work with the guide to tailor the itinerary based on their interests and preferences.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions the Guide Can Accommodate?

Yes, the guide can accommodate dietary restrictions. Travelers should let the guide know about any dietary needs or preferences when booking the tour so they can make the necessary arrangements to ensure an enjoyable experience.

Is There an Opportunity to Meet Local Residents During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention opportunities to meet local residents, but the guide’s knowledge of lesser-known hotspots suggests they may be able to facilitate interactions with the local community if requested by the travelers.

The Sum Up

The Matsushima Private Guided Tour offers a captivating exploration of the stunning Matsushima region. Travelers can enjoy the breathtaking scenery, discover local attractions, and savor authentic cuisine, all while enjoying personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide. With round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a scenic bay cruise included, this tour provides a seamless and enriching experience for those seeking to uncover the beauty and cultural heritage of Matsushima.