Model courseModel course
Casually hop on a train and go
Day Trip Course
And off you go!
10:00
Arrive at Matsushima-Kaigan Station
Hilltop station from where you can see the ocean
A 40-minute train ride from Sendai Station by local train.
When you arrive at the station, from the platform you can see the plaza in front of the station as well as the islands dotting Matsushima Bay.
10:05
Cruise boat ticket office
Purchase your cruise ticket right away!
Cruise tickets do not specify departure times, so if you have not yet purchased your ticket(s), do so at the ticket office in front of the train station. We recommend booking your ticket(s) online in advance to receive a special discount.
Cross the national highway and walk for approx. 10 minutes.
10:25
Oshima
The island said to be the origin of the regional name “Matsushima.”
Matsushima Island has been a place of training for Buddhist monks since ancient times, a sacred place where memorial services from the dead are held, and is also known as a place described in classical verse that was visited by famous poet Matsuo Basho. Many stone monuments can be seen on the island, and the Raiken-no-Hi monument at the hexagonal Sayado hall at the southernmost tip of the island is one of the designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
Togetsukyo Bridge
Access to Oshima Island is via the vermilion-lacquered Togetsukyo Bridge. This bridge is also known as the “Bridge severing evil ties” because when Buddhist monks entered Oshima in days gone by, they would sever ties with worldly life on the mainland.
A 15-minute walk
Green Plaza
The red bridge stretching to the breakwater is called Fukuurabashi. Fukuurajima Island is visible to the right of the bridge.
In winter, the Green Plaza is also used as the venue for the local oyster festival.
The red bridge stretching to the breakwater is called Fukuurabashi. Fukuurajima Island is visible to the right of the bridge.
In winter, the bridge is also used as the venue for the local oyster festival.
A 5-minute walk
11:00
Kanrantei
This building was used by the Date family as a “moon-viewing pavilion.”
This building was once part of Fushimi-Momoyama Castle, which was bestowed on daimyo Date Masamune by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the Bunroku era (1593–1596). Having been relocated to the daimyo’s residence in the Shinagawa district of Edo, the building is said to have been rebuilt in its present location exactly as it was originally constructed by Tadamune, who was the second head of his clan.
You can also take part in a tea ceremony here, so take your time and relax!
■Admission fees
Adults: 200 yen High school/university students: 150 yen Elementary/junior high school students: 100 yen
*Discounts are available for groups of 30 or more.
A 5-minute walk
11:35
Godaido
A symbol of Matsushima, one of the three most famous scenic spots in Japan
The Godaido Hall is a small Buddhist temple located on Godojima, a small island at the eastern end of the Matsushima Coast facing Matsushima Bay.
When the priest Ennin (Jikaku Daishi) established Enpuku-ji Temple (now Zuigan-ji Temple) in 828, statues of the Five Great Wisdom Kin were enshrined at the hall, which led to it being called the “Godaido” (“Five Great Kings Hall”).
the ocean’s surface appears transparent, and the bridge is said to have been built to enable worshippers to focus their minds as they enter this sacred place.
Focus your mind as you cross the bridge!
A 5-minute walk
12:00
Board pleasure boat
Check in at Ticket Window 1,
then set off on your cruise!
Boarding begins 10 minutes before the ship departs, but we recommend lining up early if you want to secure a good seat, such as a window seat! If you wish to have an even broader view from the open observation deck, go up to the green section on the upper level. From the lower level, you can enjoy wonderful scenic views, while the upper level enables you to savor the scenery from a different perspective.
13:00
Lunch
Enjoy gourmet delicacies unique to Matsushima!
Matsushima has a variety of gourmet foods, and seasonal food festivals are held in summer (conger eels) and winter (oysters).
Enjoy gourmet cuisine unique to Matsushima!
A 10-minute walk from Central Plaza
14:40
Zuigan-ji Temple
A must-see spot with a history spanning more than 1,000 years
Following extensive restorations carried out over some 10 years, Zuigan-ji Temple has a fresh new look.
Even the corridor leading from the kitchen to the main hall can now be viewed at any time, and visitors can also gaze at the well-kept traditional Japanese garden, fully experiencing the Japanese atmosphere.
15:10
Purchase souvenirs
A rich variety of Matsushima souvenirs
After thoroughly enjoying the sights of Matsushima, it’s time for you to enjoy souvenir shopping! Matsushima welcomes large numbers of tourists all year round, and so a wide variety of souvenirs are available, ranging from sweet confections to local Matsushima beers, kamaboko fish paste, and oyster snacks. At the end of your visit, be sure to enjoy these Matsushima attractions.
16:00
Matsushima-Kaigan Station
Goal
Route Map
Book online to receive special discounts!
