The degree to which the rice grains are polished impacts the level of refinement and flavour of the sake.‘Dai-ginjo’ sakes are typically brewed with highly polished grains. In the same way, we have polished and refined this tour-course for a premium experience of the Miyagi sakescape.
Tour fee：788,000 JPY（approx $5400 USD）/ person
Meals：BF x 3, L x 2, D x 3
※Tour conductor：each tour will be accompanied by a tour conductor.
※Chartered transport：Provided by one or a combination of Sendai Chuo Taxi, Shorei Kotsu, Sendai Taxi, Sento Taxi, or Sendai Bus Co.
※Bookings accepted：up to one month prior to departure.
Day1
12：15
Meet at Sendai Station
You will be met by your guide at JR Sendai Station.
Jump aboard your private vehicle and head towards your first destination, the former site of Aoba Castle, the heart and headquarters of Date Masamune’s reign over Sendai City.
※Please note lunch will not be provided on Day 1, so please grab a bit before you begin the tour!
※If you plan to attend from Tokyo on the day of the tour, please take the Hayabusa No. 19 (from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto) departing from Tokyo Station at 10:44 a.m.
12：40
Aoba Castle
Look out over sweeping views of Sendai City, the birthplace of ‘Date culture’.
Learn about the heroes of Sendai behind both the creation of the physical city and its cultural heart. Soak up views of the landscape before venturing out to discover the history, traditions and culture it holds.
15：00
“Akagane” Workshop
Experience the legendary coppersmith craft which capitvated Date and contributed to the castle and town-building that undertaken by the Date family.
Create your own one-of-a-kind sake cup – a unqiue and important companion to take with you on your journey!
17：00
Oden Kozo
Once you have made your very own ‘Akagane’ sake cup, head to a local restaurant with it.
Toast with food and sake prepared in a custom-built copper pot designed and made by Tazen craftsmen!
Spend your first evening savouring the aesthetic and culinary ‘taste’ of Date culture, which continues to permeate Sendai life to this day.
Tazen ‘akagane’ is made from copper, which has high thermal conductivity. The copperware is highly regarded by modern chefs and cooks. With ‘akagane’ as both a literal and metaphorical vessel, visitors can themselves experience the thoughts and passion of local people and their deep connection with local food culture.
19：00
The Westin Sendai
From the moment you enter the lobby of The Westin Sendai, you will be welcomed by the traditional colours ‘Date culture’ which flood the space.
Enjoy a moment of relaxation and respite from the hustle and bustle of the everyday.
Day2
10：00
Omiki Cultural Experience：Shiogama Shrine.
Sake is not only Japan’s national drink, it plays an important role in Shinto rituals.
Shinto shrines and sake breweries have long maintained an intrinsically close relationship.
The sake used in Shinto rituals is called ‘omiki’, which literally means ‘spirit of the gods’.
Spend some time discovering the deep and fascinating roots of sake.
11：00
Sake brewery tour：Urakasumi
Learn from the ‘kurabito’ and brewery staff about the story of the brewery – from its history, to the structure of the brewery buildings and brewing methods.
Urakasumi：In 1724, a brewery opened in Shiogama under the name Uraksasumi (lit. “Misty Bay”), a reference to a thirteenth-century poem praising the area’s seaside surroundings.
Their flagship variety, Urakasumi Zen, was a game-changer which helped establish ginjo as a sought-after type of sake.
12：30
Lunch at ‘Matsushima Italiam Toto’
An Italian restaurant in a port-town striving to be not only a fun, bright and breezy eatery, but a place of happy memories for visitors to Matsushima!
We offer casual dining that showcases fresh local seafood.
13：30
Zazen and Japanese tea Culture Experience
Take part in one of two cultural experiences taking place in a special space inside the grounds of Zuiganji Temple.
One is a quiet immersion into the world of Zen Buddhism through a zazen meditiation experience.
The other is a unqiue experience of Japanese tea culture featuring the hospitality of a local teamaster on a mission to convey the true charm of Japanese tea.
Either experience will become an unforgettable memory of your trip.
16：00
Night tour at Zuiganji Temple
Zuiganji Temple was built by Date Masamune, lord of the Sendai clan, to pray for the peace of the country and the happiness of its people.
Along with his wishes for peace and prosperity, Date’s particular attention to detail is reflected in every corner on the temple building; from the ornate sliding door paintings to the grand ceilings and ornaments.
Join this special private viewing of Zuiganji Temple. Guided by one of Zuiganji’s monks, enjoy exclusive access to areas normally hidden from the public eye and discover Date’s incredible passion for and appreciation of aesthetics.
17：30
Food Culture Experience at Zuiganji Temple
In a special, hidden room in the precincts of National Treasure Zuiganji Temple not normally accessible to general visitors, guests will embark on a gastronomic discovery of the fine sake, food and hospitality for which Miyagi Prefecture is renowned.
This is an exclusive, one-night only experience, where you can immerse yourself into the mind and creative world of Date Masamune, who was known as a gourmet and champion of hospitality.
20：00
Accommodation
Relax and unwind in your accommodation.
※Depending on availability, you will stay at one of the following hotels (or a similar grade) : The Westin Sendai, Matsushima Sakan Shoan or Uchimi Ryokan.
Day3
9：30
Board a local ferry from Shiogama to Sabusawa Island
Feel the sea breeze aboard a charming local ferry that will take you out to the tiny islands of Matsushima Bay.
The islands almose resemble giant bonsai crafted by the magnificent, skillful hands of nature.
※Boat operation and schedule may be altered or suspended due to weather conditions.
10：30
Visit rice fields
Once a prosperous port that supported the distribution and trade of goods for the Date Clan, today Sabusawa Island is a calm paradise where you can fully immerse in ‘island time’.
Take a leisurely stroll and get to know the local culture by interacting with the friendly islanders.
You can also visit the rice fields where the rice used to make a special variety of sake is grown.
12：30
Lunch at local guesthouse
Enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal made with abundant local ingredients from the Urato Islands.
Even better than the food is the friendly banter and warm hospitality of the owners.
15：30
Accommodation
Relax and unwind in your accommodation.
※Depending on availability, you will stay at one of the following hotels (or a similar grade) : The Westin Sendai, Matsushima Sakan Shoan or Uchimi Ryokan.
Day4
10：00
Visit Sendai Tansu workshop
‘Sendai tansu’, a traditional craft promoted by the Date family, is one of the most valued examples of traditional lacquerware in Japan.
Here visitors can enjoy hands-on workshops as well as exclusive shopping offers.
12：30
End at Sendai Station
Tour will end upon arrival back at JR Sendai Station.
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