About Matsushima
Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture refers to a collection of unique pine covered islands located in Matsushima Bay. The iconic pine clad islands dot the bay and create one of the most scenic views in all of Japan. Together, the Matsushima Islands are one of the famous Three Views of Japan. The others are the tori gate in Miyajima in Hiroshima and Amanohashidate in Kyoto.
The best way to experience the charm of Matsushima Bay is by boat. There are several companies that offer Matsushima Bay cruises. Cruises depart from multiple locations throughout the Matsushima Bay Area. Matsushima pier is a popular spot embark or disembark from a sightseeing cruise. Sightseeing cruises depart frequently and seating is on a first come first serve basis. The cruises generally take about an hour and you can see many of Matsushima’s most famous islands. Matsushimakaigan station and Matsushima’s main pier are popular access points. The small town of Matsushima is a well developed tourism area with a majority of the sightseeing spots being within walking distance of each other.
The area was largely spared from the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake & Tsunami thanks to the islands in Matsushima Bay. The islands created a natural barrier that helped break the intensity of the waves.
4 Key Features of Matsushima
Four Views of Matsushima (Matsushima Shidaikan)
In the late Edo period, a Confucian scholar by the name of Funayama Mannen coined the term to describe four unique views of Matsushima.
- Sokan: the “Grand View” is best from Mount Otakamori
- Reikan: the “Beautiful View” is best from Mount Tomiyama/Daigyo-ji Temple
- Yukan: the “Serene View” is best from Mount Ogitani
- Ikan: the “Dynamic View” is best from Mount Tamonzan
Fukuura Island
Fukuura Island is the largest and closest of Matsushima’s islands connected directly accessed from the mainland. There is a 252 meter long vermillion bridge that spans the distance and connects the two. The 14 acre island has an extensive network of hiking trails that criss cross the entire island. There are several peninsulas that jut out and have beautiful views of Matsushima Bay. There is also a small teahouse on the island where guests can rest and relax. Note: A separate fee is charged to access the island.
Kanrantei Tea House
The Kanrantei Tea House is famous for entertaining feudal Japanese lords while they visited Matsushima. The tea house and the beautiful art inside are designated as nationally important cultural properties. The tea house is still operational and you can enjoy some green tea and beautiful views of Matsushima Bay. Click here for their menu. They also have a small museum. Note: A separate fee is charged to access the tea house.
Zuiganji Temple
Zuiganji Temple is one of the most prominent Buddhist Temples in the Tohoku region. The temple is famous for being the family temple of Masamune Date an important feudal lord during the 15th & 16th centuries. The main hall & kitchen are designated as national treasures, while the Onarimon Gate, Nakamon Gate, & Taiko-bei Wall are Important Cultural Properties.
Nearby Tourist Attractions in Matsushima
Godaido Temple, Entsuin Temple, Matsushima Fish Market, Shiogama
Best Times to Visit Matsushima
- January 1st: Hatsuhinode (First Sunrise of the Year)
- 1st Sunday of February: Matsushima Oyster Festival
- Early November – Early March: Oyster Shack
January 1st: Hatsuhinode (First Sunrise of the Year)
Every year Matsushima Marubun-Kisen Line offers a special New Year’s Day cruise to see the first sunrise of the year in Matsushima Bay. Departure from Shiogama. Here is the link to their website.
1st Sunday of February: Matsushima Oyster Festival
This festival honors Matsushima Bay’s most famous seafood product the oyster. There are numerous booths selling oysters in every preparation style available.
Early November – Early March: Oyster Shack
The Matsushima Tourism Association runs an all you can eat oyster shack during the oyster harvesting season. There are three time slots on weekdays and four on weekends and holidays. Reservations are recommended and can be made at this link.
Unique Reasons to Go
- Matsushima is One of the Three Great Views of Japan
- Top 3 Attraction in Miyagi Prefecture
- Islands Covered in Pine Trees
Admission Fee & Hours
Matsushima Admission Fee
Free
Fukuura Island
Adults (high school students & above): ¥200
Children (elementary & junior high school students): ¥100
Kanrantei Tea House
Adults: ¥200
High school/University students: ¥150
Children (elementary & junior high school students): ¥100
Zuiganji Temple
Adults (university/high school students): ¥700
Children (junior high school/elementary school students): ¥400
Special January 1st: Hatsuhinode (First Sunrise of the Year) Cruise
Adults: ¥1,600
Children: ¥800
Matsushima Hours
24/7
Fukuura Island
8:30 – 17:00
November – February: 8:30 – 16:30
How to Access Matsushima
By Public Transportation
- from Tokyo (Ueno Station) take a Tohoku Shinkansen Yamabiko bound for Morioka Station getting off at Sendai Station (1 hour 57 minutes, ¥10,110 one way per person) *Quickest Note: Japan Rail Pass Compatible
- from Sendai Station take a JR Senseki Line train bound for Takagimachi Station getting off at Matsushima Kaigan Station (41 minutes, ¥418 one way per person) *Cheapest Note: Japan Rail Pass Compatible
- from Sendai Station take a Tohoku Line train bound for Kogata Station getting off at Matsushima Station (24 minutes, ¥418 one way per person) *Quickest Note: Matsushima Station is further away from the main attractions in Matsushima Bay. We recommend using Matsushima Kaigan Station instead. Japan Rail Pass Compatible.
By Car
- Matsushimakaigan IC (3 km West)
- Matsushima-Kita IC (3.8 km North)
- Matsushima-Osato IC (6.4 km Northwest)