Things to do in Matsushima
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Top 10 attractions in Matsushima
Matsushima
Matsushima is an archipelago consisting of more than 260 large and small islands scattered around Matsushima Bay in the central part of Miyagi Prefecture. On the gray-white rocks stand dense pine trees. Here, you can see the representative bay features of Japan, which are produced according to the seasons. Various changes. After arriving at JR Matsushima Kaigan Station, walk about 5 minutes to the Matsushima Tourism Association, where you can get some tourist brochures such as maps. Taking a cruise on Songdao Bay is the main way to visit, not only can you easily enjoy the beautiful scenery of many islands under the blue sky and white clouds, but also see many vibrant seagulls. In addition to the cruise, there are also many temples near JR Matsushima Kaigan Station, which you can visit on foot or by bicycle. Zuigan-ji Temple is designated as a National Treasure of Japan, and its doors, lintel windows, Japanese sliding doors, and ornate paintings of alcoves are all worth admiring. There are also historical sites exuding the cultural flavor of Date, such as the Five Halls, Guanlan Pavilion, Yuantong Courtyard, and Tianlin Courtyard. To the northeast of Zuigan Temple is the Shintoyama Mountain. The observation deck on the top of the mountain has a panoramic view of Matsushima Bay from the front, so don't miss it. If you come to Matsushima during the cherry blossom season, you can go to the westbound Matsushima Park on the west side of JR Matsushima Kaigan Station. This is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Matsushima. From the observation deck of the park, you can enjoy the superb view of cherry blossoms and the beauty of Matsushima Bay, which is very emotional. There are also "four major landscapes" in the east, south, west and north of Matsushima Bay - Otakamori, Tamon Mountain, Fangu, and Toyama. From these four places, you can see the scenery of Matsushima with different expressions. These four places are far apart, and if you have enough time, you can arrange to go to one or more of them for viewing. Oysters are a specialty of Matsushima, so don't forget to try them when you come to Matsushima. Every year from October to March of the following year is the season when Matsushima oysters are more delicious. During this period, there will be an oyster hut (かき hut) restaurant open for all you can eat.Matsushima · 184m from downtown
Godaido of Zuiganji Temple
Godaido of Zuiganji Temple was originally built in 807, and the current structure was rebuilt in 1604 by Date Masamune, the first lord of the Sendai Domain, to revive Buddhism atZuiganji. It is said to be one of the oldest Momoyama-style buildings in the Tohoku region and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The Godaido of Zuiganji Temple is located onGodaido Island, which is connected to Honshu by a red bridge. There are 15 cm gaps between the wooden planks of the bridge, allowing you to see the sea beneath your feet. It is said that the bridge was designed this way to make you watch your step as you cross, helping you focus your attention before arriving at the temple hall.Matsushima · 1.3km from downtown
Marine Gate Shiogama
Shiogama · 7.7km from Matsushima
Entsuin
Matsushima · 1.4km from downtown
Kazenooka Paraglider
Shichigahama · 10.1km from Matsushima
Matsushima Rikyu
Matsushima · 1.7km from downtown
Fukuurabashi Bridge
Matsushima · 1.3km from downtown
Tagajo Castle Ruins
Tagajo Castle Ruins was established by Ono no Azumahito in the first year of the Jinki era (724) and served as the Mutsu provincial government and the Chinju-fu. The vast, square-shaped castle grounds, with sides of approx. 900m, feature a government office at the center where important administrative affairs and ceremonies were held. Together with theHeijo Palace Site(Nara Prefecture) and the Dazaifu Site (Fukuoka Prefecture), it is known as one of Japan's three major historical sites.Tagajo · 10.9km from Matsushima
Kanrantei Tea House
On a prominent hill inMatsushima Bay, there is a scenic spot called Tsukimizaki. In the 16th century, the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi gifted the Kanrantei Tea House, a shoin-style building, to the warlord Date Masamune. Masamune's son, Date Tadamune, moved it from Fushimi Momoyama Castle toMatsushima. TheMatsushima Museumnext to Kanrantei Tea House displays valuable items such as daily utensils, clothing, military flags, armor, artistic crafts, and ancient documents belonging to the Date family and the Sendai Domain. The colorful sliding door paintings in the audience chamber are unique and magnificent, and have been designated as an Important Cultural Property. It also features a 1:5000 scale model ofMatsushima, as well as thousands of fish and shellfish species that inhabitMatsushima Bay, allowing you to learn about the history of theMatsushimaregion from both cultural and geographical perspectives. Enjoying matcha and snacks (extra charge) while taking in theMatsushima-style scenery is also a great choice.Matsushima · 1.5km from downtown
Shobutahama Public Beach
Shichigahama · 10.1km from Matsushima
Experiences you can't miss in Matsushima
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Matsushima
Matsushima · 184m from downtownGodaido of Zuiganji Temple
Matsushima · 1.3km from downtownMarine Gate Shiogama
Shiogama · 7.7km from MatsushimaEntsuin
Matsushima · 1.4km from downtownKazenooka Paraglider
Shichigahama · 10.1km from MatsushimaMatsushima Rikyu
Matsushima · 1.7km from downtownFukuurabashi Bridge
Matsushima · 1.3km from downtownTagajo Castle Ruins
Tagajo · 10.9km from MatsushimaKanrantei Tea House
Matsushima · 1.5km from downtownShobutahama Public Beach
Shichigahama · 10.1km from Matsushima
What travellers say about Matsushima
AK52012 July 2023
5.0
Matsushima is located on the east coast side of Miyagi. It is one of the must see coast side area in Japan. The scenary around the area is amazing. You can take JR to there if you are not driving. It is closed to Sendai, so it would be great for a day trip or so from Sendai. There are many small islands around and it would be excellent to take photos on the hill so you can capture the whole beautiful scenary.
Matsushima
市川dejavu24 March 2021
5.0
The scenery is beautiful, the price/performance ratio is very high, it is suitable for a group outing, it is very meaningful
Godaido of Zuiganji Temple
摆渡修行26 January 2021
5.0
Songdao, Entongin.
There were a lot of people, but surprisingly, no one came into the picture when I took the photo. One is that the dry landscape is not allowed for people to step in. Only cats can use it as a cat litter box.
Another is that when they see you taking pictures, they will take a few steps back and wait in place to avoid being in the frame.
When I came back to my senses after taking the photo, I found that there was even a queue in front of me. When I put away the camera, they all quickly slipped away from my eyes.
There is a lot of moss in the garden.
Entsuin
_TI***5x18 September 2023
5.0
I wanted to see Matsushima from the sky, so I requested a paragliding experience.
They take you up to a height of 200 meters, but you can also go up to 400 meters as an option.
Of course, the view was amazing even at 200 meters, but 400 meters was incomparably more impressive.
My 10-year-old child was a little nervous before the ride, but he was impressed by the view from the sky and the feel of the wind on his skin when we came down.
It wasn't cheap, but I think it was an experience that was well worth it.
Kazenooka Paraglider
Hachiware Traveler17 October 2023
5.0
We stopped by Fukuurajima while sightseeing in Matsushima!
When we went to Matsushima, one of Japan's Three Most Scenic Spots, we were able to experience the nature of Fukuurajima with all five senses and see Matsushima!
Fukuurabashi Bridge
あゆざぶろうの旅27 December 2023
4.0
I went there to get the 100 Famous Castles stamp. It was quite rural, but I liked that too. It's about 15 minutes from the station. There is an explanation so you can understand the history. I was a little shocked that there was not much ink left for the actual stamp. I recommend pressing it firmly.
Tagajo Castle Ruins
周向斌20 May 2023
5.0
Yes, it's a good place for a family outing on weekends. I will come back to visit again if I have time in the future.
Kanrantei Tea House
