Matsushima Guide: 7 Must-Visit Spots, Local Food, and Hotels

Matsushima: One of Japan's 3 Great Scenic Sites

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Matsushima is located north of Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture and is comprised of over 260 islands both inside and outside Matsushima Bay.

The stunning views of the islands in Matsushima Bay have earned it a place among Japan's three great scenic views, alongside Miyajima Island in Hiroshima and Amanohashidate in Kyoto.

Matsushima has been featured in classic waka poetry and paintings since the Heian period (794-1185) and is home to many historical cultural assets, including Zuiganji Temple and Godaido Hall, associated with the warlord Date Masamune (1537-1636).

How to Get to Matsushima from Sendai Station

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The best way to access Matsushima from Sendai Station is by train. Take the JR Sengoku Line and get off at Matsushima Kaigan Station.

The journey takes about 40 minutes, and it's a convenient 10-minute walk to the main tourist spots from the station.

Alternatively, you can take the JR Tohoku Line from Sendai Station to Matsushima Station, but this option requires about a 20-minute walk to reach the area with the tourist attractions.

So, if you want to save your energy, it's better to use the less frequent but more convenient Sengoku Line.

Must-Visit Spots in Matsushima

Below we introduce famous places to visit in Matsushima.

1. Zuiganji Temple

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Zuiganji Temple, officially called Matsushima Seiryuzan Zuigan Enpukuzenji, was founded during the Heian period (794-1185) by the Tendai priest Jikaku Daishi Ennin.

Later, during the Kamakura period (1185-1333), it converted to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism and was renamed Enpukuji.

While it declined during the 16th century, it was restored in the Edo period (1603-1868) by lord Date Masamune and has remained to this day.

The main hall, the monk dwellings (kuri), and the corridor connecting them are designated as National Treasures.

The treasure hall also features valuable items, including important cultural properties like wooden statues of the Five Great Myōō. Be sure to stop by and take a look!

Zuiganji Temple
Access: About a 10-minute walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station (JR Sengoku Line), or about a 25-minute walk from Matsushima Station (JR Tohoku Line)
Address: 91 Matsushima, Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture
Official Website: https://zuiganji.or.jp/

2. Godaido Hall

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Godaido Hall was erected in the latter half of the 16th century and is designated as an Important Cultural Property.

Although it was originally established in the Heian period, the current structure was rebuilt by lord Date Masamune.

Positioned on land surrounded by the sea on all sides, it serves as an iconic spot in Matsushima, offering stunning panoramic views.

To reach Godaido Hall, you must cross a bridge known as the Sukashibashi, which has a latticed design. You can see the ocean through the gaps in the lattice, providing a little thrill along the way.

3. Matsushima Sightseeing Boats

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When visiting Matsushima, taking a sightseeing boat tour around the islands of Matsushima Bay is one of the must-do activities.

There are various types of boats available, ranging from well-equipped large vessels to smaller boats that can get close to the islands, with several different tour routes to choose from.

As you glide between famous islands like Nio Island and Kane Island, you'll experience breathtaking views and impressive scenery that can’t be seen from land.

Matsushima is also renowned for its beautiful sunsets and moon-viewing spots, so be sure to enjoy the stunning vistas from the boat as well.

Matsushima Sightseeing Boats
Access: About a 6-minute walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station (JR Sengoku Line), or about a 20-minute walk from Matsushima Station (JR Tohoku Line)
Address: 85 Matsushima, Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture
Official Website: https://www.matsushima.or.jp/

4. Kankintei

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Kankintei is a tea house that was originally part of Fushimi Momoyama Castle and was gifted to Date Masamune by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Initially relocated to the Edo period clan residence, it was later moved to Matsushima during the tenure of the second clan lord, Tadamune.

Today, it is one of the famous places to visit in Matsushima Park, attracting many visitors who seek a peaceful moment.

The building is recognized as a Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property, while the wall paintings and decorative panels in the tokonoma (alcove) are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

You can also enjoy a break while sipping matcha and having some sweets. The views of the seasonal flowers in the garden and Matsushima Bay will help soothe your tourist exhaustion.

Kankintei
Access: About a 7-minute walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station (JR Sengoku Line)
Address: 56 Matsushima, Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture
Official Website: https://www.matsushima-kanko.com/miru/detail.php?id=144

5. Entsuin Temple

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Entsuin Temple was built as a mausoleum to commemorate Mitsumune, the legitimate grandson of Date Masamune, who passed away at a young age.

The temple grounds feature a Japanese-style garden as well as a Western-style rose garden, earning it the affectionate nickname Rose Temple.

It is also famous for its stunning autumn foliage, and the seasonal illuminations are particularly spectacular! The grounds also include a statue of Kannon Boddhisatva.

Entsuin Temple
Access: About a 5-minute walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station (JR Sengoku Line), or about a 20-minute walk from Matsushima Station (JR Tohoku Line)
Address: 67 Matsushima, Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture
Official Website: https://www.entuuin.or.jp/

6. Matsushima Rikyu

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Matsushima Rikyu is a tourism and commercial facility that opened in 2020. In addition to gourmet dining and shopping, it offers experiences such as Kokeshi doll painting.

Inside the facility, you can find a Japanese garden and an observation deck, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Matsushima.

A key symbol of this facility is the Letzur Tower. This structure is a reconstruction of the 10-sided three-tiered pagoda built by Czech architect Jan Letzur during the Taisho era (1912-1926), originally part of the Matsushima Park Hotel.

Additionally, there is a museum within the facility that displays fossils and various materials, allowing visitors to learn about the history of Matsushima from the Jomon period onward.

Matsushima Rikyu
Access: About a 1-minute walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station (JR Sengoku Line) or about a 25-minute walk from Matsushima Station (JR Tohoku Line)
Address: 18 Namiuchibama, Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture
Official Website: https://rikyu-m.com/

7. Umanose

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Umanose, a name that translates to "Horseback," is a natural jetty approximately 250 meters long, formed by years of wave erosion.

As you walk to the tip, you'll feel a sense of openness, almost as if you're standing in the ocean, along with breathtaking panoramic views of Matsushima Bay.

The sunset viewed from this spot is particularly spectacular! With no distractions in the surroundings, it's also a great place for photography.

On the opposite shore, you can see a smaller land formation known as Kouma (Foal), which adds to the natural beauty of the area.

It's fascinating to see two land formations jutting out into the sea in such close proximity, truly feeling the mysteries of nature!

Umanose
Access: About a 20-minute walk from Rikuzen-Hamada Station (JR Sengoku Line)
Address: Akunuma, Hibizawara, Rifu Town, Miyagi Prefecture

Local Food Specialties in Matsushima

Here are some must-try gourmet dishes you can enjoy in Matsushima.

Oysters

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Matsushima is known for its rich seafood, and the plump oysters are especially famous for their deliciousness. During the oyster season from October to March, kaki-goya (oyster huts) are open, offering all-you-can-eat oysters for a limited time.

Oysters can be prepared in various ways, such as fried or in stews, but oysters grilled outdoors are exceptionally fresh and delicious! This popular spot can get busy, especially on weekends, so making a reservation is recommended.

Oyster Huts
Access: About a 17-minute walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station (JR Sengoku Line) or about a 16-minute walk from Matsushima Station (JR Tohoku Line)
Address: 12-1 Higashihama, Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture
Hours: 10:45 (10:30 on weekends and holidays) until all orders are received for the day
Closed: Irregularly, during year-end and New Year holidays
Official Website: https://www.matsushima-kanko.com/taberu/detail.php?id=287

Grilled Sasakamaboko (Sasa Kamaboko)

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Sasakamaboko is a type of fish cake made from minced fish shaped like bamboo leaves and then grilled. It is one of Miyagi's local food specialties.

A highly recommended place to try sasakamaboko in Matsushima is Matsushima Kamaboko Honpo, which has been in business for over 80 years.

At the main store, you can also enjoy hands-on experiences like making and grilling your own sasakamaboko.

This delicacy is mild in flavor and easy to eat, making it a perfect souvenir or gift!

Matsushima Kamaboko Honpo Main Store
Access: About a 9-minute walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station (JR Sengoku Line)
Address: 120 Matsushima, Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture
Hours: 9:30 – 17:00
Official Website: matsukama-shop.com

Grilled Anago Hitsumabushi

If you want to indulge in anago (conger eel) from Minamisanriku, you can't miss Taritsuan. Here, you can enjoy delicious hitsumabushi made with naturally sourced anago from Sanriku.

The secret sauce made with locally produced marudai soybean soy sauce pairs perfectly with the rice!

You can enjoy the dish in three ways: first, simply as it is; next, topped with garnishes; and finally, as ochazuke (rice with broth), allowing you to savor different flavors.

All seats in the restaurant offer an ocean view, so you can enjoy your meal while gazing at the beautiful sea.

Taritsuan
Access: About a 7-minute walk from Rikuzen-Hamada Station (JR Sengoku Line) or about a 10-minute taxi ride from Matsushima Kaigan Station (JR Sengoku Line)
Address: 132-2 Idoji, Akunuma, Rifu Town, Miyagi Prefecture
Hours: 11:00 – 15:00
Closed: Irregularly
Official Website: https://taritsuan.gorp.jp/

Hotels in Matsushima

Below we introduce excellent hotels where you can stay in Matsushima.

1. Matsushima Taikanso

Picture courtesy of Booking.com
Matsushima Taikanso is a resort hotel located on a hill that offers a panoramic view of Matsushima Bay. Ocean-view rooms and open-air baths provide stunning vistas, and during the summer, guests can enjoy the outdoor pool as well.

The hotel’s buffet-style dinners are also popular, featuring local seafood in options such as Japanese-style seafood buffet"and "Japanese-Western-Chinese buffet.

Access: About a 4-minute ride on the dedicated shuttle bus from Matsushima Kaigan Station (JR Sengoku Line)
Address: 10-76 Inuda, Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture
Check-in / Check-out: 14:00 / 11:00

2. Matsushima Ichinobo

Picture courtesy of Booking.com
Matsushima Ichinobo is an all-inclusive luxury resort hotel that offers not only dining and hot springs but also a museum, spa, lounge, library, and various activities.

One of the highlights is the stunning 23,000-square-meter water garden designed by architect Ken Nakajima. You can enjoy leisurely strolls while feeling the sea breeze right in front of the ocean.

The ocean views from the open-air baths are also remarkable, making it a great choice for those looking to unwind and enjoy some adult relaxation.

Access: Free shuttle bus available from Matsushima Station (JR Tohoku Line) or about a 13-minute drive from Sanriku Expressway Matsushima Kaigan IC
Address: 1-4 Takajo, Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture
Check-in / Check-out: 15:00 / 11:00

Enjoy the Stunning Views of Matsushima

Matsushima, one of Japan's three scenic views, offers a wealth of historical cultural sites and beautiful landscapes in Miyagi Prefecture.

You can indulge in culinary delights as you stroll around, or relax at a hotel to fully enjoy your trip. Make the most of your journey in this picturesque destination!