As one of the Three Scenic Views of Japan, Matsushima is a must-visit destination for anyone on a Sendai travel itinerary. This coastal area features over 260 pine-covered islands of various sizes, creating a unique archipelago landscape. Visitors can take a sightseeing boat to admire the beauty of these islands, explore nearby historical attractions, and feast on the region’s famous oysters. Below is the complete guide to a Matsushima day trip!
Blog catalog
Transportation to Matsushima
Transportation #1 | JR Train
From Sendai Station, take the JR Sengoku Line to Matsushimakaigan Station, or take the JR Tohoku Main Line to Matsushima Station. Both stations are close to the main attractions. The journey takes about 25–40 minutes depending on whether you take a rapid or local train. The one-way fare is 410 JPY (approx. 2.70 USD).
Get a JR Pass for unlimited rides:
📌 JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area): Klook
📌 JR Pass (Whole Japan Rail Pass): Klook
Transportation #2 | Bus
Take the Miyagi Kotsu bus from the Sendai Station East Exit bus stop. The journey takes about 40–50 minutes, and the one-way fare is 710 JPY (approx. 4.60 USD).
Transportation #3 | Car Rental
Driving from Sendai city center to Matsushima takes about 30–40 minutes, offering the most flexibility for your schedule.
Top 5 Matsushima Attractions
Attraction #1 | Godaido Temple
Built in 828, Godaido is famous for its unique architecture and its location on a small island. It has become a symbol of Matsushima. Visitors reach the temple by crossing a beautiful red bridge, which offers stunning views of the bay. The temple houses statues of the five Wisdom Kings (Myo-o) and is steeped in history and spiritual significance.
Attraction #2 | Zuiganji Temple
Zuiganji is one of the most famous Zen temples in northern Japan. Originally founded in 828, it was rebuilt by the feudal lord Date Masamune in 1604. The main hall and priest’s quarters are designated National Treasures. The interior features exquisite wood carvings and gilded sliding doors. In spring, the cherry blossoms surrounding the temple are breathtaking. Interestingly, you can find a stone monument engraved with a haiku by former Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui, who visited in 2007 while following the path of Oku no Hosomichi (The Narrow Road to the Deep North).
Attraction #3 | Matsushima Sightseeing Boat
Taking a sightseeing boat is the most iconic way to enjoy the Three Scenic Views of Japan! Cruises depart from the Matsushima coast and circle the various islands in the bay. Visitors can choose different routes and durations, typically ranging from 30 minutes to an hour. Onboard commentary provides details on the history, geography, and legends associated with the distinct rock formations.
Recommended Packages:
📌 Japan’s Three Scenic Views: Matsushima Bay Sightseeing Experience: Klook
📌 Miyagi Sendai | Matsushima Bay Cruise Combo Ticket: KKday
Attraction #4 | Fukuurabashi Bridge
Fukuurabashi is a 252-meter-long pedestrian bridge connecting the mainland to Fukuura Island. This elegant red bridge is a landmark of Matsushima and one of the best spots for a panoramic view of the bay. The bridge features several viewing platforms where you can stop to admire the scenery. Known as a “matchmaking bridge,” it leads to a botanical garden on the island. There are rest areas and shops at both ends where you can buy souvenirs or snacks.
Attraction #5 | Entsuin Temple
Founded in 1647, Entsuin serves as the mausoleum for Date Mitsumune, the grandson of Date Masamune. Its gardens are considered among the most beautiful in Japan, featuring both a dry landscape (karensansui) and a moss garden with a pond. The temple also houses Western-influenced art, reflecting the Date clan’s openness to foreign trade. A unique activity here is the prayer bead making experience. You can choose from natural stones, glass, or plastic beads to create your own bracelet, costing around 3,000 JPY (approx. 19.60 USD).
Matsushima Local Cuisine
Matsushima Cuisine #1 | Oysters
Matsushima oysters are famous nationwide. You can find them prepared in various ways: raw, grilled, fried, or in hot pots. Here are two places we tried:
- Nihachiya Shokudo
This restaurant serves various seafood sets. You can see fresh seafood lined up at the entrance before you go in. We tried both raw and fried oysters; the raw ones were large, fresh, and had no fishy taste. The grilled squid was also excellent. It’s a great spot for a satisfying meal at a reasonable price.
- BAY-OYSTER
If you love oysters with drinks, this place offers various combos like raw oysters + craft beer or grilled oysters + steamed oysters. It’s a perfect pairing for a gourmet break!
Matsushima Cuisine #2 | Sasa-kamaboko
Sasa-kamaboko is a local specialty fish cake shaped like a bamboo leaf. It’s made from fresh white fish and has a delicate, savory flavor. A fun experience in Matsushima is buying a raw fish cake and grilling it yourself at a shop. It takes a little while for it to expand and turn golden brown, but it’s very rewarding. Most shops also sell these as souvenirs.
I went to Matsushima Kamaboko Honpo to experience the DIY grilling. Since I bought my sightseeing boat tickets on KKday beforehand, it included a free fish cake grilling experience—highly recommended!
Boat Ticket + Grilling Experience Combo:
📌 Miyagi Sendai | Matsushima Bay Cruise Combo Ticket: KKday
That concludes my recommendations for a Matsushima itinerary. To be honest, when I was on the boat looking at the islands, I wasn’t entirely sure why it was ranked as one of the Three Scenic Views of Japan 😂, but walking along the coast, eating fresh oysters and grilled fish cakes, and visiting solemn temples was a wonderful experience. For those looking for day trips from Matsushima, this area is a perfect choice for a day out from Sendai.
Check some hot tours in Sendai:
📌 Miyagi Sendai | Matsushima Bay Sightseeing Boat Ticket: KKday
📌【Tohoku Day Tour】Zao Okama + Fox Village + Lake Choro (Departure from Sendai): KKday
📌 Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium Admission Ticket: KKday｜Klook
📌 JR Pass (All Japan Rail Pass): Klook
📌 Ginzan Onsen & Zao Juhyo Tour (Departing from Tokyo / Sendai): Klook
📌 Japan SIM Card or eSIM: KKday｜Klook
