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Red Bridge and Scenic Matsushima with Zen experience
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Joined 2023
Matsushima is known for scenic views in Japan and there are three beautiful red bridges. However, Matsushima is not only stunning scenery but also as a sacred place where buddhist monks used to train and creating spiritual atmosphere. The tour begins at mystical Oshima island, then enjoy a calming matcha green tea with views of Matsushima bay. Continue to two Zen temples, Zuiganji and Entsuin to experience ZEN culture. At Entsuin temple, enjoy a hands-on prayer beads making experience.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
2nd floor of Sendai station in front of stained glass
- If the hotel is close to Sendai station, I may be able to pick you up from the hotel.
Sendai Station or Aoba dori station to Matsushima Kaigan station (440yenPP)
It will be about 40 mins train ride to Matsushima.
Arriving Matsushima Kaigan Station
Visiting Oshima island - first red bridge
Oshima was considered as a sacred place and attracted many buddhist monks from all over Japan. Once you crossed the red bridge, you are entering sacred world of Oshima.
Visiting Kanrantei tea house
Enjoy Matcha green tea and a Japanese sweet with stunning view of Matsushima.
Godaido temple - crossing a second bridge
Godaido was originally constructed in the 9th century and reconstructed in the 16th century. It is a national treasure of Japan and you will cross interesting red bridges.
Lunch
Matsushima is famous for seafood. Enjoy your lunch.
Visiting Zuiganji temple and Entsuin temple
Entsuin has beautiful gardens including dry landscape garden, moss garden and rose garden. At Etstuin, you will experience prayer beads making. Each stone carries its own meaning and the finished bracelet becomes a presonal amulet. Zuiganji temple has rich history and registered as a national treasure of Japan. and displays gorgeously painted screen doors.
Taking a train back to Sendai Station (440yen PP)
It will be about 40 mins ride.
Ending Point
Sendai Station
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee
Admission fee of Zuiganji(1000yen PP), Entsuin(500yen PP) and Fukuura bridge (200yen PP), Prayer beads making: 4000-6000yen
Transportation from/to Sendai and Matsushima Kaigan station
Lunch (pay for guide as well)
Tour Important Information
This tour can be customized based on the guest's interest. Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or food restrictions.
This tour can be customized based on guest's preferences.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2023
About Tour Guide Akemi U.
Hi there. My name is Akemi. Please call me Kimi. I am a local guide of Sendai, Miyagi in northern part of Japan,Tohoku. I have spent many years living overseas including the US, Germany and Australia which helped me understand different cultures and expectations of international travelers. Because of this experience, I feel comfortable communicating with any guests from various countries. I especially enjoy introducing Japanese history, traditions and local cultures, especially Tohoku, northern part of Japan.Tohoku offers beautiful scenery, interesting culture and great food. I am very easygoing and friendly and will make you feel comfortable during your stay in Japan. Looking forward to seeing you.
Reviews
Jann W.
“A local guide is the way to go! ”
Akemi was an excellent guide for my private tour to Matsushima. I would highly recommend her. She prepared extremely well for the specialist tour about gorintō there. Even before booking she provided information that allowed me to see an important exhibition that would have been closed if I'd stuck with my original date. Akemi arrived early for our excursion which was filled with new discoveries and experiences. Her local knowledge and willingness to ask questions helped me choose the best local omiyage for Japanese friends, eat a delicious lunch, make the most of the exhibition and avoid the large number of tourists where possible. Everything was taken care of. People will be pleasantly surprised if they incorporate the long spiritual history of gorintō - which represent the five elements - into their tours of Matsushima, including their connection to Basho. It adds another dimension to a place with one of the best three views in Japan. Engaging a local guide was the best thing I did on my latest visit to this special part of Japan. Thank-you Akemi for a most memorable day.
Joohee B.
“Wonderful day with Akemi in Matsushima”
Akemi was wonderful, would book again. Although one of our group members speaks Japanese he was not familiar with the public transit. Having Akemi to smooth the transportation and help us understand how best to plan some of our future travel was worth the trip fee alone. She went above and beyond getting us a taxi for our group members who had injured a leg and was less mobile. Akemi had very interesting historical and cultural insight she shared with us and accommodated some last minute changes due to mobility and weather. Her English was excellent, she had great options available for our day and made it a lovely experience. Would highly recommend.
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Akemi U.
Thank you so much your kind review. I hope that you will enjoy the rest of your stay. Have a wonderful day!
Gerald H.
“Sendai Walking and Eating”
Akemi is an excellent guide for this tour. She has extensive knowledge of Sendai’s current and historical culture. We had a great time eating dinner at a small - 7 stools - izakaya - the atmosphere and food were wonderful. We would never have found such a place.
Akemi U.
Thank you so much for your nice review. I am glad that you and Yoshi enjoyed the restaurant, Kashiko. Please come back again. We also have a nice hot spring resort with beautiful scenery. It was so nice to see you guys.
$215/ per group
More tours by Akemi U.
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Sendai Half Day Tour : Sendai Castle, Zuihoden and City Walking
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Sendai Half Day Tour : Sendai Castle, Zuihoden and City Walking
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The best of Sendai -Sendai City walking and Back-Alley Izakaya experience
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Shiroishi castle and Fox village
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Shiroishi castle and Fox village
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Yamadera tour Available between April and November
Yamadera, officially called Risshaku-ji is a temple complex of about 30 halls and temples scattered along the mountainside. To reach the top, you will climb about 1000 stone steps through a tall cedar forest. From Godaido hall, you can enjoy the spectacular view of surrounding mountains and valley. Through this tour, you can enjoy beautiful sceneries and learn about this historical site which was founded in the 9th century.
Yamadera tour Available between April and November
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Miyagi
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Sendai Highlights Walk (2.5 hours)
In this tour with Mai, a guide who grew up in Sendai, You can find the hidden charm of the city. I'm taking you to places you can see people's daily life and some historical places. and I introduce some local food and if you like Sake, You can try local sake too. I' happy to tell you my favorite restaurant, cafe and bars ... places only locals know!
Sendai Highlights Walk (2.5 hours)
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Sendai Half Day Tour : Sendai Castle, Zuihoden and City Walking
After enjoyed panoramic view of Sendai City at Sendai Castle, I will take you to Zuihoden, a mausoleum of Sendai's founder Date Masamune. Zuihoden is beautifully decorated with gold leaf and lacquering decoration. We will take a taxi back to the city center and you may taste some of the local specialities such as Zunda(sweetened crashed Edamame) and fish cake. You can have a taste of Sendai's history, culture and food all in one.
Sendai Half Day Tour : Sendai Castle, Zuihoden and City Walking