8.9 hours ashore on average
Ships typically dock in Sendai for around 8.9 hours. That's enough time for a full island tour, a beach day, or a combination of shorter experiences.
Tours & Experiences in Sendai
30 experiences available — book through our trusted partners
Sendai & Matsushima Customized Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Sendai and Matsushima!
Sendai is a city that sits at the doorstep of the nation’s more wild side. It’s a day trip from secluded mountain retreats, rugged coastlines, and remote islands. At the same time, it’s one of Japan’s most modern and sophisticated cities with a culinary scene that will challenge and surprise.
Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hours tour that's best for you!
Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
Free cancellation
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Matsushima Private Guided Tour
I'm Mai, a national licensed tour guide who grew up this region.
Let’s enjoy the beauty of Matsushima, see historical places, enjoy local food with a knowledgeable guide!!!!
Matsushima is one of Japan's three best scenic places!
The bay is famous for about 260 small island covered with pine trees.
Matsushima also has been a place of worship, holy and spiritual place. Many temples there has hundreds of years history.
You can discover Matsushima more and get recommendation from your guide.
the bay around this area is know for having the best seafood in Japan. and Matsushima has many street food. so you can enjoy local food in this tour!
this tour stars from sendai and we take a local train to Matsushima (if you stay in Matsushima, we can start the tour Matsushima).
Matsushima is a small city so we visit all attractions on foot.
in the end we take a local train and go back to Sendai.
this tour is private so i can arrange it according to your preferences,
Free cancellation
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【 YOROI 】 Full Armor Experience
5-Minute Suit-Up: Get fully dressed in authentic armor quickly with our professional assistance.
Guided Posing: Receive staff support to strike the most heroic and photogenic samurai poses.
High-Value Standard: The perfect balance of a full-body transformation and a dedicated 15-minute session.
Free cancellation
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Private Bar-hop tour at back alleys in Sendai
Experience nightlife places like locals!
I'm Mai, a national licensed guide. who is friendly and knowledgeable about this region.
I will show you Japanese drinking culture! It’s authentic local experience.
There are small bars and izakaya only locals visit in back alleys in Sendai. I will take you to three bars at unique back alleys.
I can choose bars depend on your preference like best place for sake, whiskey, local food, meeting locals..
Let’s see how Japanese people enjoy in the night.
And I will provide some great conversation and company!
It would be nice to discuss many topics over a cup of sake!
Free cancellation
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【 MEGURI 】 Full Armor Suit-up & 30-Min Castle Grounds Stroll
Historic Walk: Explore the actual Sendai Castle grounds in full armor after a quick 5-minute suit-up.
30 Mins of Freedom: Plenty of time to wander, discover hidden photo spots, and take stunning videos.
Feel Like a Lord: Overlook the beautiful city of Sendai from the ruins, just like the lord of the clan.
Free cancellation
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Day Tour from Sendai Matsushima Bay Scenic Highlights
Take a walk through one of Japan’s most treasured picturesque sights.
Located in the northeastern part of Miyagi Prefecture, Matsushima Bay’s 260 pine-clad islands create a breathtaking view that is a must-see while visiting the Tohoku region of Japan. On this tour, you will walk through history, take in the ocean-side views, and discover the quaint charms of this bayside town.
Free cancellation
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Sendai Private Customizable Full Day Tour
Explore Sendai city with a private 8-hour tour designed to match your interests. Choose 4 to 5 attractions for a customized itinerary, guided by a local expert who ensures a smooth and engaging experience. From historical landmarks to modern highlights, this tour lets you discover the best of Sendai at your own pace. Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a personalized journey.
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Tour of Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Distillery & Tasting by Taxi
Enjoy a whisky tasting at Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Distiller and great experience to get up close with the entire whisky production process. This tour is you can truly enjoy the full of whisky. Enjoy shopping at Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Museum
Conveniently depart from Sendai Station. On the way to the distillery, stop by Osaki Hachimangu, a national treasure.
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Yamadera Private Guided Tour from Sendai
I’m Mai, a nationally licensed tour guide with lots of experience in the Tohoku region.
Yamadera is a beautiful temple complex on a mountainside, famous for its breathtaking views from the top.
But Yamadera is not only about climbing steps and enjoying the scenery.
When you explore Yamadera with me, you’ll discover the hidden stories, long history, and spiritual meanings behind each place. This makes the temple more attractive and your trip much more memorable.
The tour starts from Sendai, taking a local train ride to Yamadera.
After climbing to the temple, you’ll also get to enjoy delicious local food.
If you like hiking, I can also introduce you to longer trails around Yamadera that many tourists don’t know.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want to know depth of Japanese culture with a local expert.
Free cancellation
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Half Day Tour in Sendai Retro Alleyways and Specialty Foods
Walk through Sendai’s retro yokocho alleyways and busy shopping districts while tasting local delights along the way.
This afternoon tour will take your tastebuds on a vast adventure. You can eat your way through the bustling shopping centers of Sendai while learning all about the history of the area as well as the delicacies of the Miyagi prefecture. The tour is perfect for serious cuisine connoisseurs and casual foodies alike! You will be able to try fresh seafood, a delectable beef-tongue meal, specialty desserts, and even take a stroll through the historic yokocho while your guide provides you with relevant history and fun facts. These are unique flavors to Sendai that you don’t want to miss, so come hungry!
Free cancellation
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Day Tour from Sendai Sendai Daikannon Statue and Yamadera Temple
Experience two spiritual behemoths, in size and importance, of the Tohoku region.
This tour will grant you a day of spiritual significance, historical interest, and natural beauty. Sendai’s Daikannon (White Robbed Colossus) Statue and Yamagata’s Yamadera Temple (Risshaku-ji) are some of the most breathtaking sights located in the Tohoku region of Japan. Both of these notably spiritual destinations boast grandiose height, ritual pilgrimage, and offer visitors a chance to connect with the prominent Buddhist history that has shaped much of what Japan is today.
Free cancellation
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Sendai Private Vehicle Service with Restaurant Reservation
Discover Sendai (located in Miyagi Prefecture) in comfort and style with a private chartered vehicle tour designed just for you. Whether you’re interested in exploring cultural landmarks, browsing vibrant local markets, or venturing off the beaten path, you can create a fully customized itinerary that suits your pace and interests. For added convenience, take advantage of our optional restaurant reservation service (securing a table at a locally recommended dining spot) tailored to your taste.
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The Best Of Sendai Private Walking Tour
Skip the crowds—this is a private tour for your group only.
Together with the professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. Why is Sendai known as the “Three Most Scenic Views of Japan”? If you are looking for a little bit of everything in Japan then this is the place to come. You will be treated to attractions such as observation towers, museums, and galleries. You will have a chance to explore the city while hearing fascinating facts and legends. What is so special about Sendai Castle? What is the fascinating story of Lord Date Masamune known as "One-eyed Dragon"? Why does Zuihoden attract millions of visitors every year? You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, and corners of Sendai? Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. Perfect for those who are visiting the city for the first time and want to get the most of it!
Free cancellation
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Matsushima Sightseeing Tour
In this tour, you can take a tour around Matsushima, one of the three most scenic spots in Japan.
Matsushima is easily accessible from Sendai and Ishinomaki areas, and is a popular cruise port of call tour.
In Matsushima, there are many spots where you can enjoy the rich natural scenery as well as history and culture at a leisurely pace, such as Fukuurajima Island, where you can cross a bridge along the sea to enjoy a stroll, and Entsuji Temple, famous for its Japanese garden.
The area is also famous for its abundance of gourmet foods, especially oysters.
Please enjoy the scenery that has been popular in Japan for a long time with a local guide!
Please note that for tours departing from and returning to Sendai Station, Sendai-Shiogama Port, or Ishinomaki Port, it may not be possible to visit all of the locations included in the sample itinerary due to time constraints. We will prioritize the places you would most like to visit, so please let us know your preferences in advance.
Free cancellation
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Sendai Foodie Tour: Morning Market, Lunch & Treats
Join us on a walking foodie tour in Sendai (Miyagi Prefecture), the largest city in Tohoku region. Sendai is renowned for its diverse culinary offerings, featuring a wide variety of delicious local dishes such as Gyutan (grilled beef tongue), Zunda (sweetened edamame paste), and fresh seafood from the nearby coast. Let's take a stroll around Sendai and savor the delicious local cuisine!
Be sure to skip the breakfast, we'll stop at least 5 shops or restaurants to full your belly. We have several lunch options to cater to your preferences.
Free cancellation
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Full Day Yamagata Tour from Sendai: Yamadera and Ginzan Onsen
Discover the timeless beauty of Yamagata on this captivating day tour!
Ascend the historic 1,015 stone steps of Yama-dera (Hojusan Risshaku-ji Temple), a sacred site established in 860 AD and immortalized by poet Matsuo Basho. Marvel at the ancient Konpon Chudo, Japan's oldest beech wood structure. Then, journey to Ginzan Onsen, a charming hot spring town with 500 years of history. Stroll through its nostalgic streets, lined with traditional ryokans, cafes, and souvenir shops, feeling as if you've stepped back in time. Book now for an unforgettable journey into Japan's past!
Free cancellation
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Half Day Tour in Sendai Kitayama Gozan & Sendai Daikannon Statue
Visit the Five Zen Temples of Kitayama, prominently connected to the historic Date clan, and witness the grandiose majesty of the Sendai Daikannon Statue.
Kitayama Gozan, or Five Zen Temples, refers to the line of Buddhist temples built in the Kitayama area of Sendai. This walking tour of these historically significant temples offers you a detailed look into Sendai’s strong Zen Buddhist ties and the legacy of the Date Clan. Though not many tourists visit the area, its history and natural beauty are certainly worthwhile. From the sound of a soft breeze throughout the Zen gardens and flowering plants, to the subtle tranquility of temples, by visiting these residential temples paired with a breathtaking spiritual pilgrimage spot of Sendai Daikannon Statue, you will not just see Japan, but feel how it is experienced.
Free cancellation
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Day Tour in Sendai Historic Sites and Samurai History
Take a deep dive into Sendai’s samurai legacy and trace the footsteps of the powerful feudal lord, Date Masamune.
This historic tour gives you insight to Sendai’s dynamic heritage and the influential Date Clan that fostered the city’s prosperity into what it is today. This tour allows you to take in not only the interesting history of the city, but also get a close look at the National Treasures that exemplify the power of the Date Clan and artistic style of early seventeenth century architecture.
Free cancellation
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Sendai Private Customizable Day Tour
I’m a licensed tour guide Mai who grew up in Sendai and has many experiences as a tour guide in this city and region.
You can find the hidden charm of the city with me!!
This tour is fully customizable.
Firstly, I'm taking you to some highlights of Sendai city, places you can see people's daily life, some historical places. Then I introduce some local food during the tour and if you like Sake, You can try local sake too.
After lunch time, You can choose either Aoba castle Ruin or Rinnoji temple.
if you have any other requests, I'm happy to customize the itinerary.
Depending on the season, I can also take you to seasonal highlights for example cherry blossom spots in spring.
if you are not sure what to choose, I can suggest an itinerary based on your interests.
I' happy to tell you places only locals know such as my favorite restaurant, cafe and bars ..and I can shear information about this region. So it will be a good tour if you visit Seindai for the first time.
Free cancellation
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Making Zunda-mochi Experience, Japanese's mother cooking class
In Sendai, the largest city in Tohoku region.
This tour provided the experience of cooking Zenda-mochi class at local mother's home.
What is Zunda-mochi?
-“It is a famous specialty of Miyagi Prefecture and the Tohoku region.
The paste is made by boiling, mashing, and sweetening young green soybeans (edamame).
It has a unique, slightly chunky texture and a refreshing sweetness.
Free cancellation
VIATOR
Sendai Private Izakaya and Bar Tour
Want to experience the best that Sendai has to offer at night? Our tours will take you into the deepest heart of Sendai and beyond.
Choose your own adventure. Sushi, sake, and revelry? The finest seasonal fruit cocktails? A cursed snack that never shows in online searches? Little 7-seater hole-in-the-wall mom-and-pop izakaya? Regional culinary treasures? Everything is on the menu.
What makes us unique:
We have taste. You're in Japan, you're excited, and you'll have fun no matter where you go. But we've been eating and drinking in Sendai for years. We'll only take you to the few venues that we're personally in love with ourselves.
Close relationships with venues. Japan has a problem with over-tourism. We work such that you get the best possible experience while keeping in harmony with the establishments on our tours.
Exclusive Access. We take you to legendary venues that are closed to tourists, don't show up on maps, and are members-only. No other tours of Sendai offer this.
Free cancellation
VIATOR
Sendai & Matsushima Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Sendai and Matsushima!
Sendai is a city that sits at the doorstep of the nation’s more wild side. It’s a day trip from secluded mountain retreats, rugged coastlines, and remote islands. At the same time, it’s one of Japan’s most modern and sophisticated cities with a culinary scene that will challenge and surprise.
Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hours tour that's best for you!
Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
Free cancellation
VIATOR
Matsushima - Tohoku: Private Zazen, Temple Tour & Mindful Cuisine
Uncover a renewed sense of self amidst the breathtaking beauty of Matsushima, where countless monks have sought spiritual awakening.
[Highlights]
- Immerse yourself in the Zen tradition at Zuigan-ji Temple. Enjoy a guided tour with an English-speaking Buddhist priest, learning about the temple's history and the practice of Zazen (Zen meditation). Gain exclusive access to special rooms and admire the beautiful Fusuma paintings up close.
- Experience the calming tranquility of Entsu-in's moss garden, a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design.
- Enjoy a delicious and healthy Shojin Ryori (Buddhist cuisine)-based lunch.
- Sip on a cup of matcha with a stunning view.
Please note that our tour requires a minimum of 4 participants to operate. If we don't reach this minimum number, unfortunately, we'll have to cancel the tour. You'll be notified of any cancellation 72 hours prior to the start time, and a full refund will be issued.
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Sendai:Ginzan Onsen, Zao Ropeway and Okama Crater Tour with Lunch
Explore Japan's enchanting snow country on this day trip featuring the magical town of Ginzan Onsen and the stunning Zao Snow Monsters. Stroll through the fairytale-like streets of Ginzan Onsen, where traditional wooden inns and serene waterfalls create a nostalgic atmosphere. Savor a delightful Japanese set meal at a celebrated Yamagata restaurant before ascending Mount Zao via the ropeway for breathtaking views of the winter landscape, including the extraordinary Juhyo, or snow monsters. This tour combines cultural immersion with natural beauty, making it perfect for travelers seeking a unique Japanese experience.
- Nature × Onsen × Food – Experience Japan’s iconic scenery, authentic hot spring culture in one trip.
- Discover the charming hot spring town of Ginzan Onsen
- Witness the spectacular Zao Snow Monsters on a cable car ride
- Enjoy delicious Japanese set meal at a local restaurant
- Explore “Five Color Pond,” a dramatic volcanic crater lake with panoramic mountain views.
Free cancellation
VIATOR
2Day Tohoku Tour Yakurai Kokia Garden Oyasu Gorge and Onsen Stay
Discover the hidden natural wonders of Tohoku on a seamless 2-day getaway from Sendai station. Experience vibrant seasonal flowers at Yakurai Garden, dramatic geothermal steam at Oyasu Gorge, and a relaxing hot spring stay—all with smooth, private transport connecting Miyagi and Akita.
Seamless Multi-Prefecture Travel: Effortlessly visit rural hidden gems in Miyagi and Akita that are difficult to reach using public buses or trains.
Breathtaking Seasonal Nature: Marvel at the colorful fields of Yakurai Garden and witness the earth's raw power at Oyasu Gorge’s steaming cliffs.
Authentic Onsen Experience: Unwind with a peaceful overnight stay at a traditional hot spring village, complete with relaxing baths and regional dishes.
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Sendai Zao Sake Brewery and Traditional Lunch with Bar Crawl Tour
Discover the flavors and traditions of Miyagi on this full-day tour from Sendai. Enjoy a traditional lunch featuring Shiroishi Umen, a local noodle specialty with over 400 years of history, before visiting Zao Sake Brewery for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour and premium sake tasting. In the evening, explore Sendai's nostalgic Yokocho alleyways on a guided bar-hopping experience, where you'll discover the city's vibrant local nightlife. Travel comfortably throughout the day in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
- Duration: 7 hours and 30 minutes of cultural exploration
- Includes lunch at Tsurigane-an and a guided tour of Zao Sake Brewery
- Nightlife experience with bar hopping in Sendai's hidden alleyways
- Transport provided from Sendai Station in an air-conditioned vehicle
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Sendai Last Day to Airport Fruit Picking Seafood and Shopping
Enjoy a smooth and seamless journey from Sendai Station to Sendai Airport on this convenient day tour designed for a stress-free departure. Travel comfortably with your heavy luggage safely stored on the bus, freeing you from the hassle of carrying bags around. Experience the very best of Miyagi: harvest fresh, sun-ripened seasonal fruits, savor delicious local gourmet flavors until the very last minute, and enjoy last-minute shopping at Aeon Mall Natori before heading directly to the airport.
Highlights
Hassle-Free Airport Transfer: Travel easily from Sendai Station to Sendai Airport with your heavy luggage safely stored on the bus.
Seasonal Fruit Picking: Harvest and taste fresh, sun-ripened seasonal fruits straight from the orchard.
Miyagi Local Cuisine: Savor mouthwatering local specialties and fresh seafood right up until your departure.
Last-Minute Shopping Spree: Stock up on souvenirs, Japanese snacks, and cosmetics at Aeon Mall Natori before your flight.
Free cancellation
VIATOR
Miyagi Sendai Private Tour: Lacquering Experience & Sake Brewery
Discover the spirit of Sendai on an immersive afternoon journey blending craft, culture, and tradition. Begin at Jogi Nyorai Saiho‑ji Temple, a serene mountainside sanctuary known for blessings of harmony and good fortune. Enjoy free time to explore and try local favorites such as sankaku‑age or miso‑grilled rice balls. Continue to Kumanodo, where artisans guide you in lacquering your own chopsticks using techniques rooted in Sendai’s historic tansu craftsmanship—your finished piece will be delivered within Japan. Conclude with a rare insider visit to Nakayu Sake Brewery, operating since 1906, to learn the art of sake making and taste distinctive brews not usually accessible to the public. With private transport and an English‑speaking guide throughout, this tour offers a deeper connection to Miyagi’s traditions and the people who preserve them.
Free cancellation
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Ginzan Onsen and Tohoku Highlights Tour from Sendai
Explore the serene beauty of Ginzan Onsen and the stunning landscapes of Tohoku on this efficient bus tour from Sendai. Witness the enchanting gas street lamps illuminating Ginzan Onsen at dusk and indulge in a gourmet lunch featuring Shiroishi Umen Gozen. Enjoy seasonal fruit picking in Yamagata, known as Japan's "Fruit Kingdom," and discover the Kanahebisui Shrine, a rising hidden gem. This tour provides a hassle-free way to experience Tohoku’s cultural and natural highlights with an English-speaking guide.
Free cancellation
VIATOR
Scenic Tohoku Autumn Escape to Naruko Gorge and Lake Katanuma
Visit Yubikan, a hidden gem for stunning autumn foliage that most tourists have yet to discover.
Miyagi’s culinary scene is so much more than just Gyutan (beef tongue)! Have you ever heard of "Shimippanashi-don"? This tour includes a lunch stop where you can savor this delicious, hidden local specialty.
What is Shimippanashi-don
A hidden local comfort food from Miyagi featuring Shimi-dofu (traditional freeze-dried tofu).
The tofu is deeply simmered in a sweet and savory soy-based broth, absorbing all the rich flavors, and then coated with a fluffy, beaten egg. Served hot over a bowl of fresh rice, it offers a juicy, comforting texture that melts in your mouth. It’s a healthy yet incredibly satisfying dish.
Free cancellation
VIATOR
When to Visit Sendai
Cruise season patterns based on scheduled ship visits and passenger volumes
Spring Season
Mar – May
15,765 estimated passengers across 9 ship visits. Quieter period — fewer crowds.
Summer Season
Jun – Aug
774 estimated passengers across 1 ship visits. Quieter period — fewer crowds.
Autumn Season
Sep – Nov
15,377 estimated passengers across 10 ship visits. Quieter period — fewer crowds.
Cruise Lines Visiting Sendai
6 cruise lines. View full breakdown →
Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises (15)
Crystal Cruises Cruises (8)
Azamara Cruises Cruises (6)
Seabourn Cruises Cruises (6)
Oceania Cruises Cruises (3)
Silversea Cruises Cruises (2)
Ships Arriving Soon
Next scheduled visits to Sendai
Thu 17 Sep
Silver Moon
Silversea Cruises Cruises
07:00 – 15:00
Wed 7 Oct
Seabourn Encore
Seabourn Cruises Cruises
08:00 – 18:00
Sun 11 Oct
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises
08:00 – 16:00
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