Sendai, the vibrant city in northern Japan, beckons with its rich Izakaya culture. Visitors can embark on a guided bar hopping tour, seeing the lively atmosphere of local pubs. The experience promises a seamless exploration of Sendai‘s culinary heritage, where delectable small plates and handcrafted cocktails await. Tucked away in cozy backstreet hideaways and bustling street-side venues, these Izakayas offer an authentic taste of the region’s vibrant nightlife. With a multilingual guide leading the way, travelers can discover the hidden gems that make Sendai’s Izakaya scene truly remarkable.
Key Points
- Guided bar hopping tour that visits three local Izakaya pubs in Sendai, Japan.
- Participants enjoy one drink and one snack at each venue, with weekend tours offering three drinks at two venues.
- The tour provides an immersive experience in Sendai’s vibrant Izakaya culture, showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage.
- Participants meet at Aobadori-Ichibancho Station and the tour is led by a multilingual guide.
- The tour has a strict non-refundable and non-changeable cancellation policy, with a minimum number of travelers required.
Tour Overview
The guided bar hopping tour in Sendai, Japan, takes visitors to three different Izakaya (Japanese-style pubs), where they’ll enjoy one drink and one snack at each venue.
This tour is designed to help travelers discover local spots they mightn’t find on their own.
The weekend tour even includes three drinks at two of the venues.
The tour is multilingual, with a guide leading the way, and it’s not wheelchair accessible.
Participants must be at least 20 years old, and vegetarian options are available upon request.
The tour starts and ends at the McDonald’s in Sendai’s Aobadori area, near the Tozai Subway line’s Aobadori-Ichibancho station.
What’s Included
The tour includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges, as well as one drink and one meal at each of the three Izakaya spots.
Weekend tours even offer three drinks at two of the venues, along with various snacks and alcoholic beverages.
This gives participants a chance to sample an array of local specialties and beverages without worrying about additional costs.
The tour guide ensures a seamless experience, leading visitors to hidden gems they mightn’t discover on their own.
With the food and drinks included, travelers can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the lively Izakaya atmosphere without having to worry about the bill at the end of the night.
Meeting and Pickup
Participants meet the multilingual guide outside Aobadori-Ichibancho Station on the Tozai Subway line, at the designated McDonald’s Sendai Aobadori meeting point. The guide will be waiting there to greet the group and start the tour.
From the meeting point, the group will embark on an exciting bar hopping adventure, visiting three local Izakaya pubs that travelers mightn’t easily find on their own.
At the end of the tour, the group will return to the original meeting spot, concluding the immersive experience of discovering Sendai’s vibrant nightlife and authentic Japanese pub culture.
Cancellation Policy
This bar hopping experience has a strict cancellation policy. It’s non-refundable and can’t be changed once booked.
However, if the tour is canceled due to the minimum number of travelers not being met, the tour operator will offer either a different date/experience or a full refund.
This policy ensures the tour guide can plan accordingly and provide a quality experience for those who commit to the tour. Travelers should be aware of this upfront, as there are no exceptions to the cancellation rules.
It’s an important consideration when deciding whether to book this Izakaya hopping adventure in Sendai.
Sendai’s Vibrant Izakaya Culture
Sendai’s vibrant Izakaya culture offers visitors a chance to enjoy the lively atmosphere of local Japanese-style pubs. These casual, after-work establishments are the heart and soul of the city, where locals and travelers alike gather to unwind over hearty meals and refreshing drinks.
From cozy backstreet hideaways to bustling street-side venues, Sendai’s Izakayas showcase the region’s rich culinary heritage, serving up delectable small plates and handcrafted cocktails.
Whether you’re sampling local specialties like Zunda mochi or mingling with friendly patrons, an Izakaya tour promises an authentic taste of Sendai’s vibrant nightlife. It’s the perfect way to connect with the city’s spirited culture and cuisine.
Exploring Hidden Local Gems
While the vibrant Izakaya culture offers a glimpse into Sendai’s nightlife, the guided bar hopping tour takes visitors on a journey to uncover the city’s hidden local gems.
Participants can enjoy the unique atmosphere of three different Izakayas, sampling regional specialties and sipping on handcrafted cocktails along the way.
The tour visits spots that travelers may not discover on their own, providing an authentic experience that celebrates Sendai’s lively bar scene.
With one drink and one snack included at each venue, along with a knowledgeable multilingual guide, the tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the local Izakaya experience.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Sendai explorer, this tour promises to reveal the hidden treasures of the city’s nightlife.
Savoring Unique Japanese Cuisine
The guided bar hopping tour invites participants to savor the unique Japanese cuisine served at the Izakaya establishments, offering a chance to indulge in regional specialties and handcrafted cocktails.
At each of the three venues, guests can enjoy one drink and one snack or small plate, providing a delightful sampling of the local flavors.
The menu might feature classic izakaya dishes like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), edamame, and takoyaki (octopus fritters), as well as innovative cocktails showcasing seasonal ingredients.
This immersive experience allows travelers to discover the vibrant food and drink culture of Sendai, going beyond the typical tourist spots to uncover hidden gems favored by locals.
Multilingual Guidance and Experiences
Along With savoring the unique Japanese cuisine, the guided bar hopping tour in Sendai is operated by a multilingual guide, catering to international travelers and ensuring a seamless experience.
The guide not only provides directions and explains the local customs, but also:
- Offers recommendations on the best local Izakaya spots to visit.
- Translates the menu items and helps navigate the ordering process.
- Ensures smooth communication between the visitors and the local staff.
- Shares insights into the history and cultural significance of the Izakaya experience.
This multilingual guidance allows visitors to fully enjoy the vibrant Sendai nightlife, without the language barrier getting in the way of an authentic and memorable exploration of the city’s hidden gems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?
The tour involves moderate walking between the three different izakaya venues, though the exact distance is not specified. Guests can expect to walk a few blocks between each stop as part of the guided bar hopping experience.
Can We Customize the Tour to Our Preferences?
Yes, the tour can be customized to your preferences. You can request a vegetarian option or adjust the number of drinks and snacks included. However, the overall tour itinerary and experience are predetermined by the operator.
Are Group Photos Taken During the Tour?
The tour does not explicitly mention group photos being taken. However, the small group size of up to 6 people suggests the guide may offer to take photos of the group at the various Izakaya stops, though this is not guaranteed.
How Late Does the Tour Typically End?
The tour typically ends back at the meeting point, but the exact time can vary depending on the pace of the group and how long participants spend at each Izakaya. Most tours conclude by around 9:30 PM.
Is Tipping the Guide Expected?
According to the tour information, tipping the guide is not explicitly mentioned as expected. However, it’s customary in Japan to tip for good service, so a small tip of 10-20% would be appreciated by the guide.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
Recap
Discover Sendai’s captivating izakaya culture on this guided bar hopping tour.
Enjoy the lively atmosphere, savor delectable regional cuisine and handcrafted cocktails, and explore hidden local gems – all with the expertise of a multilingual guide.
This experience offers an authentic taste of Sendai’s vibrant nightlife that you won’t want to miss.
