Sendai / Matsushima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

Zuihoden is also known as the Mausoleum of Date Masamune who was the first lord of the Sendai Domain. He was also known for being a great architect and is known for having designed this building during the Momoyama Period. Zuihoden is a riot of gorgeous wood carvings and panels as well as some pretty art work and you can also go for a walk around the grounds. The paths are shaded by beautiful cedar trees which are also mean to be a symbol of the longevity of the Date family.

The Sendai Castle Ruins were the inspiration for a famous Japanese poem called ‘The moon over the desolate castle’ and this tells you all you need to know about their condition now. The ruins also do include a model of the original gate to give you a feel of how Sendai Castle would have looked in the days of old. There is also a small museum here that takes you through the history of the castle although don’t expect anything too grand as Sendai is not one of the cities in Japan that is best known for a complete or particularly impressive castle. If that is what you are looking for then there are plenty of other options in other cities.

If you want to get the best views in Sendai then you need to head to SS 30 Observation Lounge. This building is actually an office block so there is not much to check out here except for two observation decks on the 29th and 30th floors. These are free to visit and give you panoramic vistas across all of Sendai so try to come in the morning or the late afternoon when you will get the best photo opportunities from the decks.

The Museum of the Forest of Depths of the Earth is dedicated to telling you the story of the stone age in Japan. On a visit here you can find out all how the Saki Stone Age would have looked in the days of old and learn more about the excavation of the Tomizawa Ruins. The museum has a huge number of galleries and if you want to know more about the 20,000 year Saki Stone Age then this is the best place to come.

The free tour walked a group of us through different stages and buildings of production. Even though it was only about 45 minutes long, it gave a good overview as to how and where they produce their product. My favorite part (besides the sampling at the end of course) was the barrel room where you could see rows and rows or whiskey being aged to perfection.

Located half an hour outside of Sendai, Matsushima (松島) is famous for its bay, which is dotted by many pine clad islets and has been ranked one of Japan's three most scenic views for centuries. The small town is also known for Zuiganji, one of the Tohoku Region's most important Zen temples. Matsushima was hit by the earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011, but escaped major damage thanks to its protected location inside the island dotted bay. Most tourist attractions, shops and hotels reopened within a few weeks or months of the earthquake.

Zuiganji (瑞巌寺) is one of the Tohoku Region's most famous and prominent Zen temples, and is well known for its beautifully gilded and painted sliding doors (fusuma). Zuiganji was originally founded in 828 as a temple of the Tendai sect, and was converted into a Zen temple during the Kamakura Period (1192-1333). After years of decline, Zuiganji was restored to prominence by the feudal lord Date Masamune who rebuilt it as his family temple in 1609.

Oshima Oshima (雄島) is a small, pine tree-covered island close to the pier of Matsushima. The island can be accessed over a short bridge free of charge and offers some pleasant, short walks. There are multiple small shrines and viewpoints dotted about the island. Oshima used to be a retreat for monks, and decorated meditation caves can still be found on the island. The bridge to Oshima was destroyed in the 2011 tsunami, but was rebuilt and reopened two years later.

Entsuin Temple (円通院, Entsūin) was built in 1647 next to Matsushima's most important temple, Zuiganji Temple, to house the mausoleum of Date Mitsumune, the son of the ruling local feudal lord Date Terumune. The temple was built in mourning and is devoted to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, as Mitsumune died an untimely death at the age of 19.

Kanrantei (観瀾亭) is a Momoyama-style tea house originally built in Kyoto by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who gave it to Date Masamune for his service. Date's son eventually moved it to its current location overlooking Matsushima Bay. Kanrantei means "place to view ripples on water", due to its beautiful view over the water and surrounding islands.

Godaido (五大堂, Godaidō) is a small temple hall on an islet just next to the pier. Due to its prominent location, it has become a symbol of Matsushima. Godaido was built in 807 and contains five statues which were enshrined by the same priest who founded nearby Zuiganji. The statues are displayed to the public only once every 33 years, and were last displayed in 2006.

Fukuura Island (福浦島, Fukuurajima) is one of the few pine covered islands in Matsushima Bay that is accessible to the public. The island is reached via a 252 meter long, red painted bridge that costs 200 yen (round trip) to cross. The bridge was damaged by the tsunami of March 11, 2011 and had to undergo repair works.

Sendai City Museum was built in the Sannomaru enclosure on the site of the remains of Sendai castle for the purpose of preserving, exhibiting, and studying a set of materials (cultural assets) donated by the Date family of Sendai (One of the samurai families that has continued since the Kamakura Era.) . The museum houses a collection of documents from the Keicho mission to Europe—a national treasure that includes a portrait of Hasekura Tsunenaga that is also a national treasure as well as a registered UNESCO Memory of the World—and historical and artistic collections, mostly from the Edo period, that concern Sendai.

Shiogama Jinja (鹽竈神社) is a Shinto shrine in the city of Shiogama, Miyagi Prefecture. Known from the ninth century, fifteen of its buildings have been designated Important Cultural Properties. It is the head shrine of several hundred Shiogama shrines located throughout Japan.

Shiogama Fish Wholesale Market This large-scale market was established in its current location in 1965 and boasts a history of 50 years. The box-shaped, generously proportioned building is home to over 100 seafood stalls dealing in fresh fish, processed marine products, and salted and dried seafood. With Shiogama Port located right next door, the wholesale market sees large hauls of fresh fish unloaded daily.(Closed on Wednesday)

Shiogama is located in Miyagi Prefecture and lies close to the center of the Tohoku region, approximately 16 km from Sendai. The city embraces Chiganoura (Shiogama Bay), a portion of the beautiful scenic bay of Matsushima. Urakasumi brewery is the most famous sake Browery located in Motomachi area.If you are interested in architecture, Former Kamei Residence is worth to visit the building with modern methods would be extremely difficult making this structure one of high historical value.

Osaki Hachimangū, a National Treasure in Sendai, features stunning Momoyama-style architecture with intricate wood carvings and vivid lacquer. Built by warlord Date Masamune in 1607, it attracts visitors with its historical value and is designated a National Treasure of Japan.

Mitakisan Fudoin is a Buddhist temple in Sendai, Japan, founded in 1865 by nun Kato Tane to pray for healing eye diseases. It enshrines Fudo Myo-o, a deity believed to protect eyesight and offer spiritual support. Located in a busy shopping area, it draws visitors seeking good fortune, safety, and success.

Tohoku History Museum, located in Tagajō City, Miyagi Prefecture, offers a comprehensive overview of the Tohoku region's history from the Paleolithic era to modern times. Its main exhibition hall is divided into nine chronological sections, showcasing artifacts and cultural materials that highlight the region's unique heritage.