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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
Gabriel B.
“History of Masamune Date and Great Experiences”
Akemi was fantastic and the tour is perfect for those who want to learn the history of Sendai while getting in on the shopping and food of the area while still having some time in the morning to do things. She showed me a number of restaurants to fill my trip and also showed me some local specialties which made the experience the best deal in town. Thank You, Akemi!
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Akemi U.
Thank you so much for taking your time to write this wonderful review. I really enjoyed a company with you. Please come back again and I will show you around how beautiful Tohoku is.
Gabriel B.
“A Fantastic Guide for a Local Experience ”
Akemi was a wonderful guide. She was always making sure the experience was tailored to suit my preferences for history and local experiences and was very knowledgeable about the Miyagi prefecture's specialties and local history and beyond. There were many times she would assist me in locating things beyond the tour to make my experience of the Tohoku region as easy and filled with experiences as possible. I look forward to coming back, and I strongly encourage others to book her tours! Thank You Akemi!
Akemi U.
Thank you so much for joining me. Please let me know if you are coming back to Tohoku. I can take you not just in Miyagi and all Tohoku area. The tour can be customized based on your request. Take care and enjoy the rest of stay.
Kimberly K.
“Beautiful Matsushima a must see”
We highly recommend Akemi for a guided tour. Matsushima was the second tour we took with her, and she consistently goes above and beyond for her guests. Akemi is not only highly knowledgeable about the area, but she is also exceptionally helpful. She took the time to assist us with our Shinkansen tickets back to Tokyo and helped us plan our route onward to Yamanashi, which we greatly appreciated. The tour itself was excellent. We took a boat tour of the bay, where we learned about the local oyster and seaweed farms. We walked around the picturesque Matsushima, taking stunning photos, and had a wonderful lunch at a restaurant with beautiful views of the ocean and town, where we tasted the famous local oysters. After lunch, we toured two of the temples. Akemi suggested we stay for the temple’s night illumination, and we were glad we followed her advice. Before departing, she also provided us with clear directions for our return to Sendai. We highly recommend booking a tour with Akemi. She is very knowledgeable, professional, and kind.
Akemi U.
Thank you so much for taking time to write a nice review. I also enjoyed a company with you guys. Thank you so much for joining me!
$214/ 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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Yamadera tour Available between April and November
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Shiroishi castle and Fox village
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Shiroishi castle and Fox village
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Miyagi
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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
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Sendai Highlights Walk (2.5 hours)
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