Hafen
Sendai

OVERVIEW

Become immersed in the life of Date Masamune, the feudal lord that founded Sendai, by visiting his mausoleum, castle ruins and a museum with his personal effects. The Zuihoden mausoleum’s intricate woodwork and vivid colors reflect the high esteem in which the people held Masamune. It was originally constructed in 1637 shortly after his death, but was destroyed during World War II. The building that stands today was re-built in 1979. You will delve further into the life of Masamune at Aoba Castle, where you will see a statue of him on horseback wearing his iconic battle helmet adorned with a crescent-shaped moon. The fierce lord lost an eye to smallpox when he was a child and became known the One-Eyed Dragon. Be sure to see the original foundation of the castle and scale models that show the castle as it originally stood in the Edo Period.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Delve into the fascinating life of Date Masamune, the feudal lord that founded Sendai.
• Behold Masamune’s artifacts in his mausoleum, castle and on-site exhibition hall.
• See scale models of 17th-century Aoba Castle before it was leveled in World War II.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore the town of Matsushima independently before cruising its namesake bay, a national treasure that is considered to be one of the most picturesque spots in Japan. While you may opt to browse some of the unique shops in town, the main attractions are the Zen Buddhist temples, all within easy walking distance of each other. The most famous is Zuiganji, which a legendary monk founded in 828 AD. The temple that stands there today is a renovation from in the early 1600s with defensive features that mirror ones usually found only in castles. The other two temples – Entsuin and Godaido – are known respectively for their serene gardens and iconic design that has become a symbol of Matsushima. Cruising around the pine-covered islands that dot the bay, which number in the hundreds, will allow you to take in the natural beauty in all directions. Few sights are more visually arresting.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour Matsushima on your own and focus on the attractions that you find most intriguing.
• Visit three landmark Zen Buddhist temples in Matsushima if you wish.
• Cruise Matsushima Bay, a body of water so beautiful that is considered a national treasure.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Behold the beauty of Akiu Falls and tour a distillery that uses water from the nearby Nikkawa River to make a beloved Japanese whisky. The waterfall tumbles over an outcropping of near-vertical rocks and is such a spectacular sight that Japan designated the cascade as a Place of Scenic Beauty. After stopping to snap photos of the waterfall, you will travel to the Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Distillery. Founded by Scottish-trained Masataka Taketsuru, who is considered to be the Father of Japanese Whisky, the distillery is known for its single malt whisky with soft and floral characteristics. After an enlightening tour of the distillery, you will be offered a sampling of various products. They may include an elegant single malt, a grain whisky predominately made with corn and a complex whisky made from a blend of malt and grain whiskies. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to purchase your favorites, if you wish.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gaze upon Akiu Falls, a cascade so grand that Japan named it a Place of Scenic Beauty.
• Tour Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Distillery, which the Father of Japanese Whisky founded.
• Sample a selection of premium malt and grain whiskies that the distillery produces.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Admire the stunning natural beauty of Matsushima Bay while cruising past its pine-covered islands and exploring several Zen Buddhist temples ashore. The hundreds of islands within the bay are collectively known as one of the most scenic spots in Japan, and this gorgeous designated national treasure will leave you in awe. Even 17th-century haiku master Matsuo Basho struggled to describe its beauty and the setting is still beyond words. You will walk to three revered temples in the serene surroundings, beginning with Zuiganji, which feudal lord Date Masamune restored in the early 1600s. It features nightingale alarm floors that make noises when unknowing intruders walk across them. You will also visit Entsuin, a temple known for its tranquil gardens, and Godaido, a temple so distinctive that it has become a symbol of Matsushima. You will be afforded one last panoramic look at the bay from nearby Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise Matsushima Bay, a body of water so beautiful that is considered a national treasure.
• Visit three Zen Buddhist temples nestled in the pine forests near the shore.
• Behold Matsushima Bay one last time from a park that offers an ideal vantage point.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Zuihoden Mausoleum

Depart the pier for an aapprox 45-min transfer to the Zuihoden Mausoleum, which is the mausoleum of Date Masamune, one of the most powerful feudal lords of the Edo Period. Masamune was the first in a long line of Date lords to rule over Sendai from Aoba Castle. His son and grandson, Date Tadamune and Date Tsunamune, are entombed in nearby mausoleums, while other descendants are laid to rest in less elaborate graves and tombs. Zuihoden was designed in the ornate style of the Momoyama Period. It features intricate woodwork and a rich variety of vivid colors.

Sendai City Museum

Then head to the Sendai City Museum. Mirroring the impressive artistic and cultural legacy left by Date Masamune and his successors, Sendai City Museum is half art museum and half history museum. The museum opened in 1961 at the former third compound of Sendai Castle to display 97,000 pieces of weaponry, pottery, armor, and art donated by the Date family. The main exhibitions are divided into several different sections: Early Sendai, Date Masamune's Road to Sendai, Sendai Castle, the Sendai loard, Life in the Castle Town, and Steps to a Modern History.

Sendai Castle Ruins

Your final stop will be at the Sendai Castle Ruin. The castle was constructed on Mt.Aoba by Date Masamune in 1600. You will have a panoramic view of Sendai city. Although the castle itself was burned down during World War ?, there is a statue of Date Masamune on a horse. Today Sendai Castle is recognized as one of Japan's top 100 castles.

A drive of approximately 40 minutes will take you back to the pier.

Matsushima Cruise

Depart at the pier for a 30 minute drive to Matsushima.  The best way to appreciate the incredible natural scenery of Matsushima Bay is from the water! For hundreds of years, Matsushima Bay has been celebrated as one of Japan's three most scenic views alongside Miyajima(Hiroshima) and Amanohashidate(Kyoto). The bay is dotted by over 200 small islands covered by pine trees. During your 50 minute cruise, you will see some famous islands such as Kane island and Nio island and enjoy the scenery of Matsushima Bay.

Matsushima area

Debark the vessel and then take a stroll at the Matsushima area. 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.

Zuigan Temple, Godaido and Entsuin

On your stroll visit three famous venues; Zuigan Temple, Godaido and Entsuin. Zuigan Temple 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. It 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). Godaido 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. Entsuin was built in 1647 next to Matsushima's most important temple, Zuigan Temple, to house the mausoleum of Date Mitsumune, the son of the ruling local feudal lord Date Terumune. After your tour a 30 minute drive will return you to the pier.

Explore Sendai at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Sendai at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.