Discover Matsushima: Complete Travel Guide to Japan’s Scenic Bay
Nestled along the northeastern coast of Japan in the Tohoku region, Matsushima (松島) is renowned for its stunning bay, dotted with over 260 small islands covered by pine trees. This scenic wonder, often referred to as one of Japan’s three most scenic views, is a must-visit destination in Miyagi Prefecture for nature lovers and travelers looking for a relaxing getaway.
I spent a few days in Matsushima so I could enjoy its charm at a relaxed pace. I also found Matsushima to be an excellent starting point for exploring other places in Miyagi Prefecture. In this article, I’ll share my favorite spots to discover in Matsushima as well as some recommendations for accommodation and restaurants that I particularly enjoyed.
How to Get There
It is easy to travel to Matsushima Bay from Tokyo in less than 3 hours:
First, from Tokyo station, take the Tohoku shinkansen (high-speed train) to Sendai station. The journey to Sendai takes about 1 hour and half.
From Sendai station, there are several options to get to Matsushima: you can take the JR Senseki line to Matsushima Kaigan station (42 minutes), the JR Tohoku line to Matsushima station (approx. 30 minutes), or a fast train on the Senseki-Tohoku line to Takagimachi station (22 minutes).
Important tip: If you are planning to spend a few days in the Tohoku region, you may be interested in using the JR East Pass. Instead of buying individual shinkansen and local JR train tickets, if you buy the JR East Pass for ¥30,000, you can take the shinkansen and other JR trains as much as you like for 5 days.
Knowing a round-trip to Sendai alone costs ¥23,000, it is likely that you will save money if you visit several cities in the Tohoku region. For more information, visit the JR East website.
Best Things to See and Do in Matsushima
1/ Admire one of Japan’s Top Three Views
The picturesque landscape of Matsushima is considered one of Japan's three most scenic views, alongside Amanohashidate and Miyajima.
A relaxing walk by the shore is the simplest way to take in this scenic beauty. The bay is dotted with over 260 small islands covered in pine trees, each with its own unique shapes and sizes, creating a breathtaking seascape.
Matsushima is also known for its beautiful sunrise and sunset colors, with the light playing off the water and islands, creating a peaceful scene.
A popular place to admire such view is from the viewpoint at Saigyo Modoshi-no-matsu park (西行戻しの松公園), which can be reached in a 15-20 minutes walk uphill from Matsushimakaigan station, or by car or taxi in 5 minutes.
2/ Explore Fukuurajima and Immerse Yourself in the Lush Nature of Matsushima
Fukuurajima (福浦島) is one of Matsushima’s many islands, accessible by crossing a 252-meter-long red-painted bridge. The bridge was repaired after being damaged by the 2011 tsunami. The crossing costs ¥200 (round trip). I enjoyed exploring Fukuurajima for its pleasant hiking trails and views over the bay. It takes about an hour to walk around the island at a leisurely pace, admiring the local vegetation and seascapes.
I remember noticing the island's many maple trees and imagining how beautiful it would be at the pick of autumn, when the leaves turn orange and red.
3/ Visit Zuiganji Temple and Cave Ruins
Founded in 828 and renovated in the 17th century by the feudal family Date, Zuiganji temple (瑞巌寺) is one of the most famous and important Zen temples in the Tohoku region. Designated as a national treasure, you can visit the main hall and a small museum containing its treasures, for ¥700.
There are two ways of accessing the main hall, one via a long, straight path and the other, which I recommend, to the right of the entrance, passing by a number of small caves that served as meditation spaces and now contain statues.
4/ Have a Relaxing Stroll in Entsuin Temple’s Gardens
Entsuin temple (円通院), built in 1647, hosts the mausoleum of Date Mitsumune, the son of the local feudal lord Date Terumune. Between the moss and rock garden near the temple’s entrance, the Japanese-style moss and maple garden with a heart shaped pond and a Western-style rose garden, it was a very pleasant discovery that let me in a state of wonder and relaxation. This peaceful oasis can be visited for ¥500. It was one of my favorite places in Matsushima.
5/ Go on a Boat Tour to Discover Matsushima Bay from A Different Angle
A pleasant way to discover Matsushima Bay is to embark on a boat tour around the bay.
With departures every hour from 9am to 4pm (from 10am to 3pm in winter), the 50-minute Niomaru course lets you admire islands of different shapes and sizes and beautiful scenery that cannot be seen from mainland.
The tour costs ¥1,500, with a ¥500 discount available if you book online on the boat company’s website here.
I find the price of this boat tour to be very reasonable for the length and quality of the tour and can only recommend it.
Little Tip: If you’re going to Matsushima during a busy period, try to arrive a little early to queue at the boarding point so you can sit by a window.
6/ Visit Godaido, Matsushima’s Symbol
Godaido (五大堂) is a small Buddhist temple located on Godojima, considered a symbol of Matsushima. Built in 828, it was rebuilt in 1604 by the local feudal lord Date Masamune. Located next to the pier, you can reach this small temple by crossing small red bridges called Suikashibashi. The originality of these bridges is the fact that you can observe the water below through the wide gaps in the bridge floor.These gaps between the planks were made deliberately, intended to force worshippers to concentrate as they cross.
7/ Enjoy Local Food and Treats
Crackers at Yukitakeya
An important part of sightseeing in Japan is trying out the local specialities by making the rounds of the various food stalls and shops to sample a bunch of mouth-watering snacks.You can take a break in your exploration of Matsushima visiting the shops and sampling local products, from sweet confections to local Matsushima beers or oyster snacks.
8/ Stop by Kanrantei Tea House
Whether you simply wish to admire the architecture of this 400-year-old teahouse from the outside, or to enter and discover the objects it contains in its small museum (¥200 entrance fee), Kanrantei (観瀾亭) is sure to catch your eye. I haven't been inside myself, but if you visit the building, you can also relax with a cup of tea accompanied by Japanese sweets (price varies between ¥600-800) while enjoying a magnificent view of the bay.
9/ Spot Interesting Things around Matsushima Green Area
While I was walking toward Oshima (the next and last location on this list), two things caught my eyes around Matsushima Green Area (松島海岸グリーン広場), and I’d like to share them with you if you’d like to check them out too.
The first was to spot the Lapras Pokemon manhole cover of Matsushima in Matsushima Green Area. As if you were on a Pokémon hunt yourself, you can look for these Pokémon manhole covers in many Japanese cities and collect pictures of them (the list of lids and cities where you can spot them can be found here).
Another thing you'll notice as you explore Matsushima, and Miyagi Prefecture more generally, are the marks left by the 2011 tsunami here and there. In the second photo below, you can see a sign on the prefectural government office building (宮城県松島公園管理事務所) indicating the height reached by the water and the imprint it left on the building when the tsunami struck.
10/ Delight in the Tranquility of Oshima
Oshima (雄島) is another one of the 260 small islands in Matsushima Bay. This pine tree-covered islet is close to the pier of Matsushima and is lesser-known than the neightboring Fukuurajima (福浦島). It can easily be accessed over a short bridge, called Togetsukyo bridge, free of charge.
With Entsuin temple, Oshima was my second favorite place in Matsushima. I found this tiny island charming, with its many little shrines and viewpoints, as well as its meditation caves, once used by monks on retreat on the island.
Matsushima in a Map
How Long to Stay in Matsushima?
Matsushima Bay is easily accessible from the city of Sendai, making it a popular day trip destination. But if you have the time, I would recommend to spend one night in Matsushima, so you can experience this beautiful place at a more relaxed pace. In particular, tourists tend to leave around 4-5pm, so if you stay overnight, you’ll have a few hours during which you can enjoy a walk along the shore on your own. Matsushima is also an ideal starting point for exploring other destinations in Miyagi prefecture, such as Shiogama (鹽竈), Ishinomaki (石巻市) or Tashirojima (田代島).
Where to Stay in Matsushima
There are several accommodation options around Matsushima that can meet all types of budget.
Matsushima Komura
During my trip to Matsushima, I stayed at Matsushima Komura (まつしま香村) and can recommend it without hesitation. This Japanese style 2-star hotel is very cozy and offers a great value for the money (¥12,000-14,000 per night for two people). It is run by a lovely couple who speak English and are very welcoming and accommodating, with two cute little doggies. With large traditional rooms, this hotel offers a nice ryokan experience (beautiful building, Japanese rooms with good bedding, yukata). The onsen bath was also very much appreciated after a day of exploring (each time I went, I had it all for myself). Last but not the least, it is conveniently located to explore Matsushima (access to the main tourists attractions and to the nearby train stations in 10-15 minutes walk).
Where to Eat in Matsushima
Two restaurants I tried during my stay in Matsushima that I can recommend are:
Harry's Junction, a few minutes’ walk from the hotel I stayed at, that serves delicious American and Tex-Mex food in a cosy atmosphere.
Matsushima Italian Toto, a picturesque and tranquil restaurant that serves delicious Italian food (I tried the pizza and it was really good), just outside Matsushimakaigan station.
Dinner at Harry’s Junction in Matsushima
Interior of Matsushima Italian Toto
Pizza at Matsushima Italian Toto
When it comes to Japanese food, in Matsushima, as mentioned above, I would recommend sampling local snacks in the center of Matsushima. As the area is also famous for its fresh seafood, in particular oysters, there are several options for sushi and seafood restaurants in Matsushima (I’m not a big fan of oysters so I can’t give you any particular recommendation).
Other Things to See and Do in Miyagi Prefecture
Miyagi Prefecture is still relatively unknown to foreign travelers, but it is full of amazing places to visit. In addition to popular destinations like Sendai or Matsushima, there are many places that are still little known, but which you can definitely add to your Japan travel bucket list. For more ideas of places to visit in Miyagi Prefecture, you can read my article “Hidden Gems of Miyagi Prefecture: What to See and Do”.
Conclusion
Matsushima left me with a great impression of charm and tranquility. I'd love to return in another season, especially autumn, to see its landscapes in other shades of color. I hope you'll find this guide useful in preparing your trip to Matsushima, and that you'll love this beautiful destination in Japan as much as I did.
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