Matsushima - Miyagi, Japan
Today was mostly a travel day from Kesennuma back to Sendai. Once I arrived, I realized I still had the entire afternoon free, so I decided to revisit Matsushima. I’ve been to Matsushima twice before, but as one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views—alongside Amanohashidate in Kyoto and Itsukushima in Miyajima—it remains just as breathtaking no matter how many times I return.
From Sendai Station, it’s about a 40-minute train ride to Matsushimakaigan Station. From there, most of the area’s main attractions are easily explored on foot. I had already purchased my boat tour ticket online, so I stopped by the ticket office to exchange it for a physical ticket. Since I had booked a sunset cruise, I had plenty of time to explore beforehand.
I started by walking along the coast toward Fukuurabashi Bridge. This picturesque red bridge connects to Fukuurajima, a small island offering multiple viewpoints with panoramic views of Matsushima Bay and its hundreds of pine-covered islands. The island itself is compact but charming, with walking paths, a small temple, teahouses, and souvenir shops. Even the bridge leading to the island is considered one of Matsushima’s most scenic spots. I spent nearly an hour wandering around Fukuurajima, taking photos and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
From there, I walked to the Matsushima Fish Market. Matsushima is especially famous for its oysters, and I couldn’t resist trying a few deep-fried oysters. They were crispy, juicy, and incredibly fresh. The market offers a wide range of seafood beyond oysters, all sourced locally. If you’re visiting Matsushima, it’s definitely worth saving some appetite so you can fully enjoy the food here.
After the fish market, I made my way to Kanrantei Tea House. This historic teahouse dates back over 400 years and includes a small museum displaying feudal-era artifacts, as well as a traditional teahouse overlooking the bay. I decided to take a break here and ordered a matcha and snack set. I was guided to the deck area facing the water, where I sat quietly, sipping matcha and admiring the view. The combination of the calm bay, the distant islands, and the gentle pace of the moment felt incredibly serene. I left Kanrantei about 45 minutes before my scheduled boat tour.
When it was time for the cruise, staff checked my ticket and directed me to the appropriate pier. A decent-sized crowd had already gathered. The sightseeing boat has two levels: access to the lower cabin is included in the ticket, while the upper deck requires an additional fee. I chose a window seat inside the cabin, which offered excellent views of the water and islands without needing to pay extra. For those who prefer a quieter space or slightly elevated views, the upper deck may be worth considering.
As the boat departed, an audio guide played (Japanese only), introducing the various islands we passed. With the sun beginning to set, the bay was bathed in warm orange light. Seeing the pine-covered islands, oyster farms, and calm waters during golden hour was a truly surreal experience. Everyone on board seemed equally captivated, quietly taking in the scenery. The cruise lasted about an hour and returned us to the original pier.
After the tour, I had dinner at a nearby restaurant before taking the train back to Sendai. For what started as an unplanned afternoon detour, Matsushima once again exceeded my expectations.
History & Background
Matsushima (松島) has long been celebrated for its natural beauty, with over 260 small pine-covered islands dotting the bay. Its reputation dates back centuries and has been praised by poets, artists, and travellers throughout Japanese history. During the Edo period, Matsushima became a popular destination for scholars and monks, including the famous haiku poet Matsuo Basho, who is said to have been so overwhelmed by the scenery that he struggled to put it into words. The area’s blend of calm waters, rugged islands, and cultural landmarks has cemented Matsushima’s place as one of Japan’s “Nihon Sankei,” or Three Views of Japan.
Getting There
Matsushima is easily accessed from Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku region. From Sendai Station, JR Senseki Line trains run regularly to Matsushimakaigan Station, with a travel time of approximately 40 minutes. Once you arrive, most attractions—including the boat tour terminal, Fukuurajima, the fish market, and Kanrantei Tea House—are within comfortable walking distance. The town is compact and well set up for visitors, making it ideal for a half-day or full-day trip from Sendai.
Route Overview
Distance: 4.43 km out & back (Matsushimakaigan Station)
Total elevation gain: 21 m
Duration: 1 hr 12 min (with breaks 3 hr)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Train: Sendai Station → Matsushimakaigan Station — ¥420
Entrance Fee: Fukuurabashi Bridge — ¥200
Tour: Matsushima Island Tour Boat — ¥1,000
Food: ¥3,200
