1 / 6Photo: tour operator, via Viator
Home / Sendai–Shiogama / Guided days
Matsushima Private Guided Tour
A private day in Matsushima on foot with a locally raised licensed guide: the temples, the islands, a bay cruise and a local lunch, all paid for as you go.
US$106 each · US$212 for two · Taxi ~30 min from the ship
Most listings let you reserve now and pay later, and cancel free up to 24 hours before. Your ship's berth or time can change; a reservation costs nothing to hold.
Checked · price, reviews and availability from the operator’s Viator listing · Takumi Yamada
The day, stop by stop
- 40 minSendai Station
- 40 minvisit a small island with lots of caves Buddhist monks made.
- 30 minEntsu-in Temple
- 30 minZuigan-ji Temple Main Hall
- 15 minGodaido
- 1 hrMatsushima-machi
- 1 hrMatsushima Bay
- 45 minFukuurajima
- 40 minMatsushima Kaigan Ekimae V Information Center
Not at the pier: about 30 minutes by taxi
Measured from Takamatsu Wharf.
- Taxi
- ~30 min · 15 kmAbout ¥5,700–7,100 (US$37–47) one way on the meter
- Meeting point
- Sendai Station, 2F stained glass (central concourse) →The taxi ride in Google Maps
- Show your driver
- JR仙台駅 2階 ステンドグラス「杜の讃歌」前
- Other ways there
- Taxi to JR Nakanosakae (7-10 min, about ¥1,800), then JR Senseki Line to Sendai (about 20 min)
- Coming back
- The same ~30 minutes; be at the ship an hour before all-aboard.
Fare from the official meter tariff in force since 2026-03-20, for the road distance; traffic, tolls and night surcharges are extra.
- It covers Matsushima properly — Oshima's monk caves, Entsu-in, Zuiganji, Godaido, a bay cruise and Fukuurajima — at a small-group pace of four or fewer.
- The guide chooses a local lunch spot to your taste, and everything is within walking distance of the station.
- Twenty-one reviews, all five stars.
Walkers who want Matsushima done thoroughly with a good storyteller.
Only the guide fee is included: train fares, entries, the bay cruise (JPY 1,500) and your meals are extra, and the listing's entry prices (Zuihoden ¥700, Entsu-in ¥500, Fukuurajima ¥200) may be out of date; the listing's train fare (420 yen each way) is also out of date, as Sendai to Matsushima-Kaigan is ¥440 each way since JR East's March 2026 fare change. It meets at Sendai Station, which means doubling back past the station nearest the ship, so ask to start at Matsushima instead — the listing says that is possible.
Check dates and book
Booked through Viator (a Tripadvisor company); there is rarely a tour desk at the pier. We may earn a small commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Before you book
Is the Matsushima Private Guided Tour worth it from the Sendai–Shiogama cruise port?
A private day in Matsushima on foot with a locally raised licensed guide: the temples, the islands, a bay cruise and a local lunch, all paid for as you go. Best for: Walkers who want Matsushima done thoroughly with a good storyteller.
How long a port call do I need for this tour?
About 10 hours. The tour runs 6 hr – 7 hr; add half an hour to get off the ship, about 30 minutes each way between the pier and the start and keep the hour before all-aboard free. From the quay, Matsushima is a 10-minute taxi and a 20-minute train; meeting there saves an hour.
Can I cancel if my ship skips the port?
The operator's policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. The operator may cancel for bad weather, with a refund.
What should I know before booking?
Only the guide fee is included: train fares, entries, the bay cruise (JPY 1,500) and your meals are extra, and the listing's entry prices (Zuihoden ¥700, Entsu-in ¥500, Fukuurajima ¥200) may be out of date; the listing's train fare (420 yen each way) is also out of date, as Sendai to Matsushima-Kaigan is ¥440 each way since JR East's March 2026 fare change. It meets at Sendai Station, which means doubling back past the station nearest the ship, so ask to start at Matsushima instead — the listing says that is possible.
Does this tour pick up at the cruise pier?
No: the start is at Sendai Station, 2F stained glass (central concourse), about 30 minutes from the ship by taxi (about ¥5,700–7,100 on the meter).
Will I be back on board before all-aboard?
The operator makes no written on-time promise, so the margin is yours to keep. This site only shows the tour as fitting a call of about 10 hours or more, which already includes half an hour to get ashore and the hour before all-aboard. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before means a reservation costs nothing to hold if your ship’s hours change.
Is the price per person or per vehicle?
Per person, from about US$106, on a private basis.
Other guided days in Sendai–Shiogama
4.8★ · 26 reviewsSendai & Matsushima Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide
A private four-hour walk with a government-licensed guide, choosing two or three sights in Sendai or Matsushima.
Why it is here
5.0★ · 18 reviews【 YOROI 】 Full Armor Experience
A 30-minute session dressed in full samurai armour, with posing help, at the Sendai Castle site.
Why it is here
5.0★ · 12 reviews【 MEGURI 】 Full Armor Suit-up & 30-Min Castle Grounds Stroll
Full samurai armour and 30 minutes to walk the Sendai Castle grounds in it.
Why it is here
Matsushima Private Guided TourUS$106 each · US$212 for two · Free cancellation 24h ahead · needs a 10-hour call · 5.0★ · 22 reviewsFrom US$106 ppFree cancellation 24h · needs 10-h callCheck dates on Viator →Check dates →