During his tour of Tohoku, famed poet Matsuo Basho claimed Matsushima was one of the most beautiful places in Japan. I find myself inclined to agree; there simply isn’t a view quite like this anywhere else in the country! From the shore you are met by hundreds of little islands, each carefully shaped by the pounding waves and bracing sea-breezes of the bay.
However, Matsushima is more than simply a beautiful bay filled with stunning rock formations. The mainland town is also home to centuries of Buddhist culture, samurai history, and incredible seafood, making it a day trip from Sendai you won’t want to miss.
Matsushima and its bay have been a pilgrimage destination since at least the ninth century, when Tendai Buddhist monk Jikaku Daishi founded the original Zuiganji and Godaido temples. Today, this small hamlet is home to three major Buddhist temples: Godaido, Zuiganji, and Entsuin. All three temples owe their current appearance to Date Masamune, Sendai’s Warring States Period daimyo. He restored the two existing temples, and founded the third, Entsuin, in the early seventeenth century. All three temples are designated Nationally Important Cultural Properties, and all are within easy walking distance of the port. Godaido, seen right, is located on a promontory, and is known as the symbol of Matsushima. Be careful crossing the sukashibashi red bridges to the temple itself: the boards are purposefully placed to compel would-be worshippers to pay attention to their surroundings.
Given its proximity to Shiogama, the sushi capital of Japan, it should be no surprise that Matsushima serves some excellent seafood. Pacific Oysters in particular are a Matsushima specialty. They are at their most delicious from October to March, but are available all year. For braver gourmets, a local ice cream shop also offers seafood flavored ice creams.
For travellers looking for an afternoon break from temple viewing, Kanrantei tea house offers a traditional Japanese matcha and wagashi set, served on tatami with a view out over the bay. This former samurai tea house once hosted officials from the imperial court and other high-ranking visitors in its stunning gold-leafed inner sanctum. Today this room is closed to the general public out of respect for its former inhabitants.
There is also a cafe located in Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park which offers spectacular views and more western fare, though it is something of a hike from the rest of the sights in town.
You can find more traditional Buddhist fare at Ungai, a shojin ryori restaurant located on the grounds of Entsuin temple. Enjoy a delectable vegetarian kaiseki spread for lunch or dinner. Reservations must be made at least five days in advance, so be sure to secure your booking ahead of time.
Matsushima’s mineral-rich alkaline hot spring waters can be experienced at several onsen ryokan, ranging from mid-range to luxury. You can enjoy the view that so captivated Basho while relaxing in the slightly opaque mineral waters of many of the hotel’s outdoor onsen baths. These waters are good for soothing muscle pains and neuralgia. Some of the ryokan also offer day-trip passes, so even if you only have time for a day-trip you can still reap the benefits of the local onsen!
Matsushima is home to roughly half the islands dotting the famous Matsushima Bay. From the port you can take a sightseeing boat in a loop around some of the most popular islands or on to Shiogama.
Entsuin temple offers a Buddhist bead bracelet making experience for a very reasonable extra fee, depending on the materials you want to use. Just ask if you can take part when you pay the entrance fee!
Matsushima can easily be accessed from Sendai via two public transport routes; the train and sightseeing boats.
By train, you can take a JR Senseki to Matsushima-kaigen from Sendai in under an hour.
By boat, take a JR Senseki to Shiogama. From Shiogama, take one of the hourly sightseeing boats from the Marine Gate to Matsushima. This is more expensive and time consuming, but turns the commute in sightseeing as well!
Either of these travel methods can be used to return to Sendai, although you should note that the last sightseeing boat leaves Matsushima at 5:00 pm.
Matsushima can also be accessed via car.
A 5-day, 4-night tour to experience the best of cuisine and craftsmanship in the Uetsu area of Japan. Observe and experience techniques for making outstanding kitchenware of the master craftsmen of Tsubame-Sanjo and enjoy cooking and dining experiences with chefs of Tsuruoka City, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
A four-day, three-night tour to experience the highlights of the Uetsu region of Japan, with a special focus on nature and its connections with the local spiritual and culinary cultures.
From Niigata to Yamagata, experience the charm and beauty of traditions of craftsmanship in the Uetsu region of Japan. Experience Japan’s “monozukuri” tradition for yourself while learning about the history and charm of creation in each area.
Sendai is a dynamic and historically significant city bursting with culture, history, nature, and tradition. On this tour, hit Sendai’s top sightseeing destinations, experience hands-on cultural, culinary and crafting experiences, and get to know the tradition and culture of this fascinating city.
A pairing dinner held by restaurant owner Yuka Izawa at Restaurant Shozan, owned by one of Sendai’s leading sake breweries. In a private space created by renovating a sake brewery in the old castle town, enjoy the restaurant’s unique pairings and a variety of unpasteurized sake that is hard to find on the market, as well as a special menu created just for this tour.
Sendai is the capital of Miyagi Prefecture. As the largest city in Tohoku, it also serves as the gateway to this off-the-beaten-path region.
Experience what it felt like to be a retainer of the castle town of the Sendai Date clan. You will have the opportunity to try out drawing a real sword, which is something you don’t usually get to do, and try out tea at the Zangetsu-tei teahouse, where you will experience the mindset of a samurai.
Mototaki Falls is a waterfall located in an atmospheric mossy ravine of the Mount Chokai Geopark in the Tohoku region of Japan.
A private guided tour that lets you experience the scenic, cultural, and historical highlights of Sendai and Matsushima all in just one day.
Nagai City, famous for its water, nature and flowers, draws you in with the sights, cuisine and experiences it has to offer.
Explore the deep craft of production of Japan, which have continued to the present day. See how Japanese fabrics are made and how old-style sake was brewed through this unique, exclusive one-day tour.
Learn Japan’s beloved traditional game of kendama alongside the locals of Nagai City.
