2025 Matsushima Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

Matsushima Coast in Sendai, known as one of Japan's Three Most Scenic Spots, is also a hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing. Located on a coastal highland, Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park offers breathtaking views of Matsushima Bay, a distant glimpse of Mount Kinka, and the perfect opportunity to capture cherry blossoms and ocean scenery in one frame. The park is home to approximately 260 cherry trees. When the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the pink flowers, the deep blue sea, and the lush green pine trees create a stunning contrast. This picturesque setting draws numerous visitors, solidifying Matsushima Coast's reputation as one of Japan's Three Most Scenic Spots.

#buffet review #travel to Japan by yourself #travel to Japan #hotel buffet #luxuryhotel #luxury #luxurytravel #Japanese food with premium ingredients #lucky post Today, there is a Japanese-style dinner buffet at the "LA CELES" restaurant... We are tourists who have just checked in and are enjoying the famous Matsushima Bay view from the hotel lobby. I immediately replied... Okay, book 4 seats 😆 The buffet food in the line that we ate for dinner was impressive. It came in the form of fresh Japanese seafood from Matsushima Bay, such as crabs, shrimp, squid, and oysters, which are famous for the quality of fresh seafood, especially "Miyagi oysters" along with many other dishes that use seasonal ingredients from Miyagi City where we are staying. ⏱️ Opening-closing hours: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM (Last Admission) You can eat until 9.00 PM 📍Location/ Travel: JR Senseki Shinkansen Line (about 40 minutes) starting from Sendai Station, getting off at Matsushima-Kaigan Station Then take the hotel shuttle for about 5 minutes 👏👏

How to get there 40 minutes by car from Sendai city There are plenty of paid parking spaces, so you can park comfortably on days when there aren't many tourists. Parking is located by the sea next to the ferry port. Restaurants and food - Freshly grilled sea oysters or delicious kaisendon are not to be missed. Matsushima, a view of the rocky islands in Matsushima Bay, the number one tourist attraction in Miyagi Prefecture. The most beautiful sea view, one of the three in Japan. Anyone who comes must not miss taking a ferry to see the bay. The 1-hour course is comfortable, cool breeze, and the view is very beautiful. The highlight is the rocky island that looks like a boat. #sendai #matsushima #Miyagi Score - 10 out of 10 for a beautiful view that will make you feel satisfied.

When you come to Sendai, you can go to the coast. In addition to the beautiful scenery and seafood, there are many local souvenirs that you can take home. You can take home all kinds of special Sendai souvenirs from Lin Youren. I highly recommend that you must come here to buy them. I really recommend it. There are also toilets inside that can be used for free. It is really a place highly recommended by tourists.

Sendai, Japan is a must-visit place for tourists in Tohoku. Besides the city, the most famous place is Matsushima Coast. Matsushima, Amanohashidate and Itsukushima are known as the three most scenic views in Japan. There are nearly 260 unique islands in Songdo. The wonders of nature are so cool. When you come to this meaningful tourist attraction, you can not only see it from a distance, but also appreciate it up close. Therefore, Songdao cruise has become an important tourism mode here. Monster will take you to see this unique Songdao Bay With KKDAY's great value package, you can not only take a boat ride, but also eat oysters and experience grilled fish cakes!

Baked sasa kamaboko in the shape of a bamboo leaf. If you are visiting Matsushima, we highly recommend the "Hand-baked sasa kamaboko experience" at Abe Kamabokoten. Store name: Abe Kamabokoten Matsushima Teramachi store Address: 58 Matsushima-cho, Matsushima-machi, Miyagi-gun Access: Access: About 4 minutes on foot from Matsushima Kaigan Station Opening hours: 9:00-18:00 Reference budget Hand-baked sasa kamaboko experience 300 yen (tax included) per session Time required: About 10 minutes *Reservations not required Purchase sasa kamaboko and bake it yourself. It's up to you how browned you want it to be. There are instructions on how to bake it well, so you can refer to them, or ignore them and bake it as you like. The smell of freshly baked sasa kamaboko is different. I overcooked it, but it was really delicious! I highly recommend trying it😊 #Domestic travel #Matsushima #Matsushima gourmet #Sasakamaboko #Experience #Abe Kamaboko Shop #Miyagi Prefecture #Gourmet #Gourmet food #Tourism #Matsushima sightseeing

Matsushima is one of the three scenic spots in Japan. It was the first location where the tsunami was hit by the Japanese earthquake a few years ago. Fortunately, the entire bay of Matsushima did not suffer much damage in the disaster. Rarely come, be sure to take a good look at the coast of Matsushima, appreciate the famous attractions made up of 260 large and small islands and rocks,the best is however to take the Matsushima cruise. The route we chose is to see the islands located in Matsushima Bay, about 50 minutes boat ride, the ship will play Japanese and Chinese audio guides, the whole trip most impressive is Nioh Island, because this island is very strange appearance, and very small seats. After the boat ride, we went to the Five Halls of Seiyanji Temple, which is a national treasure-level temple in Japan. The cave complex next to the Omotesando of Ruifuji Temple is also worth a closer look. Many stone chambers have been revealed in the cave complex, and several stone Buddhas have also been preserved. Walking through this place, an aura of solemnity and tranquility arises spontaneously, and one can't help but admire the carving art that the predecessors have left to this day. There are many more attractions around its Matsushima that are worth visiting, but today I really don’t have enough time. #Japan Attractions #Japan Three Scenic Monuments #Matsushima Excursion Boat #Suiyan Temple

Transportation: JR Matsushima Kaigan Station (Sengoku Line) Opening hours: 8:00-17:00 (Note: It will be modified according to different times of the month, please pay attention) Address: Matsushima, Miyagi District, Miyagi, Japan The vermilion lacquered Fukuura Bridge is the only access to Fukuura Island. You can buy tickets from the ticket machine at Cafe Bayland. Adults 200 Children 100 Ticket vending machines are available in English and Chinese. Have a chance to come here, it's beautiful #Overseas Travel #localtravel #familytravel #goodplaceforparentsandchildren #beaches #foodie #Australiatravel #Australia

Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture, Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture, and Amanohashidate in Kyoto Prefecture are known as the three most scenic spots in Japan. Arrive at the boat dock and take the Songdao Cruise to experience such beautiful island scenery in person. The boat trip lasts about 50 minutes. You can shuttle through Songdao Bay to enjoy the unique island scenery in the bay. The breeze is gentle and you can experience the beautiful scenery on the shore by boat. Well worth the trip. #valentine’sdaygoodplace#japantravel #newyear’sgoodplace #japan #japanfreetravel #shipping

Always check the weather forecast and only go on a clear and sunny day! If you're coming from Sendai, I also recommend taking the ferry (Basho cruise) from Marine Gate Shiogama to Matsushima Bay if you want a way shorter queue.

I went to Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture! This time I stayed at Hotel Taikanso. It is a resort hotel in Matsushima that also has a hot spring. The large building has a convenience store, karaoke, and a game corner, so it can be enjoyed by all generations, whether you are on a girls' trip, a couple's trip, or a family trip 😊 Both dinner and breakfast were buffet style, and there was also a children's section! The plump oysters I had in Matsushima were delicious 😍 Why not refresh yourself with a quick and relaxing trip to Matsushima on the weekend? Matsushima is Japan #summer weekend trip #resort hotel #forest bathing #hocance #Sendai #Matsushima #Matsushima Onsen #hot spring inn

#Overseas Travel #Japan Travel #Matsudo The Matsushima area was originally Sendai Hills. Due to the movement of the earth's crust in ancient times, the ground subsided and caused seawater to flow back. The impact of seawater and long-term wind and rain formed archipelagos of different sizes and shapes. Places worth visiting include three islands connected by bridges with unique scenery. There are also four other scenic spots, namely Ogidani, Toyama, Ōtakamori and Tamon Mountain, which are collectively known as the Four Great Views of Matsushima. ✅ One of the three most representative views in Japan ✅Very popular tourist attractions in the Tohoku region ✅There are about 260 strange rocks and islands connected to form a unique landscape transportation From Tokyo, take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train to Sendai, which takes only 90 minutes, and then transfer to the Senseki Line train, which takes about 25 to 40 minutes to reach Matsushima.

Address: 1-4 Takagihama, Matsushima-cho, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, 981-0215 Contents: The view from the room was spectacular, and you could enjoy Matsushima's hot springs from the hot springs. The food was buffet style and super delicious! We also got to eat Sendai beef tongue, so it was a really luxurious inn!! Another plus is that there's a sauna!! 👶🏻 #Recommended list #Recommended for dates

Address: 111 Matsushimacho, Matsushima-machi, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, 981-0213 Content: If you go to Matsushima, you should definitely visit the Godaido Hall of Zuiganji Temple! When you cross the bridge, you will see a historic temple, blue sea, and blue sky It was truly a spectacular view!!! ☺️☺️ Please be sure to visit!! #Recommended for a date #Amazing view

I went to Matsushima Ichinobo, an all-inclusive hot spring resort with a spectacular view, located in Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture, Tohoku. All-inclusive means that the accommodation fee includes all meals, drinks, and facility fees. You can eat and drink as much as you want in the lounge and restaurant, so you can enjoy yourself without having to worry about money and without a wallet. Despite the all-you-can-eat and drink option, the quality of the food and drinks at this inn is very high! The buffet dishes are carefully selected, like a course meal, and there is even a wine cellar, so you can drink as much wine, beer, sake, shochu, whiskey, and more. From the lounge, you can see Matsushima, one of Japan's three most scenic spots, and there are plenty of snacks and drinks. The room has a spectacular open-air bath overlooking Matsushima, one of Japan's three most scenic spots. The facilities and food are all of high quality, and it was a wonderful inn with everything you could ask for. #luxuryhotel #hotspring #allinclusive #matsushima

Matsushima is a popular tourist spot in Miyagi and one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. If you go to Matsushima, you can't miss a sightseeing boat tour around the beautiful islands! 😊 You can enjoy the spectacular views as you go around Matsushima Bay. It's a 50-minute tour, so you can easily join 🙆‍♀️ How to get there: 85, Matsushima-cho, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture #Miyagi #Matsushima #Remote island trip #Spectacular views

#Matsushima Get off the station and take a walk #KakiMatsushimaKouha stop Compare oysters Oyster croquettes are full of 2 oysters!! ️ Enjoy the air and the food #Amazing view

#Entsuin Temple The autumn leaves are so beautiful and mesmerizing😍✨ The autumn leaves reflected in the pond are also amazing🍁 It seems dogs are allowed in too🙆‍♀️💕 When I think of autumn, I have to go to Matsushima❗️ I love the autumn leaves at Entsuin Temple so much☺️❤️ #Tohoku#Miyagi#Matsushima #Autumn#Autumn leaves#Tourism

#MatsushimaRikyu Recommended point: I went there during the winter illumination season, but it wasn't too crowded and I was able to take my time taking photos. You can have a barbecue empty-handed, and dogs are allowed in too 🙆‍♀️💕 #Miyagi#MiyagiPrefecture#Matsushima #Lightup#Illumination

#Matsushima #Miyagi Matsushima is one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, alongside Amano-Hashidate and Miyajima. The nearest station is Matsushima-Kaigan Station, about a 50-minute train ride from Sendai. This area is famous for its oysters, but I didn't eat any this time due to my personal food preferences (lol) The scenery is amazing, and I think it's a place that anyone would be glad to have come to. This time, I visited in the evening, so I couldn't take the tourist ferry, but it seems that there are tourist ferries during the day, so if you take one, I'm sure it will be twice as fun! #Breathtaking view

"Matsushima" refers to the 260 or so islands that float in Matsushima Bay and the surrounding area, including the coastal areas. The scenery of Matsushima Bay, dotted with more than 260 islands, is so beautiful that it is counted as one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. There are many famous places such as the "Matsushima Pleasure Boat" that tours the bay, "Zuigan-ji Temple" and "Godaido" that are associated with Date Masamune, and there are also plenty of gourmet spots such as "Kakigoya MATSU" and "Santori Chaya" where you can enjoy the famous oysters. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Matsushima, which Basho also loved, at your leisure, so please come and visit us! ! #Breathtaking views #Gourmet food #Historical historic sites #Japan Genki Project 2021 #Amazing nature #Breathtaking views #Trip with children #Free spots

Hotel Umifudo, located in Matsushima, one of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views, offers views of the islands of Matsushima, one of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views, from all of its rooms. [All rooms have ocean views] Relax in your room while taking in the spectacular view of Matsushima Bay. [Luxurious sunset] Spend the evening listening to the sound of the waves while watching the silhouettes of the islands floating in the sea... Enjoy a luxurious time that you can't experience anywhere else. [Impressive sunrise] If the weather is good, you can see the sunrise from your room. Another attraction of Hotel Umifudo is the open-air baths and observation baths in the rooms with natural hot springs. There are four types of observation baths: a square wooden open-air bath, an oval open-air bath made of cypress, a round observation bath made of Shigaraki ware Japanese pottery, and a cat's foot observation bath. #Hotel Umibudo #Matsushima #Matsushima Onsen #Matsushima Sightseeing #Three Views of Japan #Hot spring #Natural hot spring #Open-air bath #Open-air bath in guest room #Stunning view #Ocean view #Sunrise #Sunrise #Tohoku #Tohoku trip #Miyagi #Hot spring trip #Family trip #Trip.com #tripcom #tripcomjp #sunrise #oceanview #hotsprings #onsen #japan #familytrip #openairbath #matsushima #tohoku

This is Matsushima. This photo was taken in September♪ Matsushima, one of the Three Views of Japan, is a scenic tourist destination facing Matsushima Bay on the coast of Miyagi Prefecture, where you can see small islands scattered around. We also recommend taking a cruise around the islands on a sightseeing boat✨ The second photo is the Godaido Hall of Matsushima, where the monument to the Three Views of Japan is located. Matsushima has many restaurants and other shops for tourists. The third photo is Aoba Castle Park, where there is a statue of Date Masamune. It is a famous tourist spot in Sendai city. You can see the whole city from the park. If you want to visit all the tourist spots around Sendai city by train or bus, the "Sendai Marugoto Pass" is convenient! Access to Matsushima: Just a short walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station on the JR Senseki Line. About a 20-minute walk from Matsushima Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line. Access to Aoba Castle Park: A 15-minute walk from Kokusai Center Station on the Sendai Subway Tozai Line. 25 minutes by bus from the west exit of JR Sendai Station (get off at Sendai Castle Ruins) #Sendai#Sendai Castle Ruins #Matsushima #Amazing view

Songdo Beach #mynovgetaway#awesomepic#couplestrip#instagramworthydestinations

We stumbled upon Starbucks Coffee – Matsushima Rikyu while heading toward Fukuurajima, and immediately knew we had to come back later—and we’re so glad we did. Tucked conveniently close to the main tourist attractions, this outlet is not only beautifully designed, but also has a fantastic location. Just like any good Starbucks, it served up the familiar comfort of great coffee, pastries, and cakes, making it the perfect spot for a midday family break. The café spans two levels, and when we visited, the upper floor had plenty of available seating—a cozy space to unwind with a nice view. The restrooms were clean, the atmosphere was relaxed, and parking was conveniently located right outside. Whether you’re looking to rest your legs after exploring Matsushima or just want your Starbucks fix with a scenic touch, this outlet offers comfort and familiarity in a stunning setting. #summervacay #StarbucksJapan #MatsushimaRikyu #CoffeeBreakViews #FamilyTravelJapan #Fukuurajima #TohokuTrip #ScenicStarbucks #MatsushimaCafeHopping #JapanWithFamily #japan #japantrip #tohoku #tohokutrip #travel

We popped into Suzukiya Bussanten during our outing in Matsushima, and it turned out to be a lovely little stop—perfect for browsing local crafts, souvenirs, and snacks. The shop has a pleasant, relaxed vibe. It’s not just full of touristy knick‑knacks; there’s a surprisingly diverse, thoughtful range of mementos including regional treats, crafts, and even specialty items tied to the Matsushima area. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the place felt well‑kept and clean. What I appreciated most was how easy it was to explore—lots of different goods on well‑laid‑out shelves, meaning you can actually spot something unique without feeling overwhelmed by clutter. It’s the kind of store where you can spend a few good minutes really discovering local flavors or picking up something special for loved ones back home. If you’re visiting Matsushima and want a well-curated souvenir stop, Suzukiya Bussanten hits the mark—comfortably tucked between sightseeing spots and offering a nice little cultural reminder of your trip. #summervacay #SuzukiyaBussanten #MatsushimaShopping #LocalSouvenirs #TohokuFinds #HiddenGemsJapan #TravelMemories #MatsushimaGifts #CraftsAndSnacks #JapanTripEssentials #SouvenirStop #japan #japantrip #tohoku #tohokutrip #travel

Godaido of Zuiganji Temple may be modest in size, but it holds immense historical and cultural significance—and it absolutely deserves a spot on your Matsushima itinerary. Originally built in 1604 by Date Masamune to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Sekigahara, Godaido stands as the oldest existing example of Momoyama-period architecture in the Tohoku region. It’s more than just a temple—it’s a living piece of history, now protected as a National Important Cultural Property. The temple sits proudly on a small islet, accessible by a red footbridge, and the panoramic views of the bay from the site are absolutely stunning. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect place to pause and take in the beauty and serenity of Matsushima. While it’s relatively small and simple compared to grander temples, the craftsmanship and setting make a deep impression. Whether you’re a history lover, architecture enthusiast, or just looking to soak up the tranquil vibe of Matsushima Bay, Godaido is well worth a visit. It’s one of those places where the surroundings and the story behind it come together beautifully. #summervacay #GodaidoTemple #ZuiganjiTemple #MatsushimaViews #DateMasamuneLegacy #TohokuHeritage #MomoyamaArchitecture #CulturalJapan #HiddenGemsJapan #HistoricTemples #MatsushimaBay #japan #japantrip #tohoku #tohokutrip #travel

Our visit to Sukashi Bridge turned out to be more memorable than we expected. Leading to the small but charming Godaji Temple, the bridge itself is a standout feature—painted a striking bright red that immediately draws your eye against the backdrop of the sea. What really made the experience interesting was the design of the bridge walkway. There are noticeable gaps between the wooden planks, and some of them are quite wide, making the crossing a bit of a thrill—especially for kids. You can see the sea right below your feet, which adds to the excitement (and maybe a bit of nervous laughter too). We later learned that these gaps were intentionally built to help visitors stay focused and mindful as they cross—a subtle way to prepare one’s mind before entering a sacred space like the temple. It’s a unique combination of spiritual symbolism and physical design, and definitely one of those small details that leaves a lasting impression. The surroundings were peaceful, and the temple at the end of the bridge adds a nice touch of serenity to the whole experience. Whether you’re there for the cultural value, the views, or just something a bit different, Sukashi Bridge is definitely worth a stop. #summervacay #japan #japantrip #tohoku #tohokutrip #travel #SukashiBridge #GodajiTemple #HiddenGemsJapan #SpiritualJourney #JapanTravel #UniqueBridges #TohokuAdventures #CulturalWalks #MindfulTravel #RedBridgeVibes