Ultimate Guide to Matsushima

Head to the ticket sales office for Matsushima Island Tour Sightseeing Ships in front of the Matsushima Kaigan station. Purchase a ticket for the ship departing at 10:00 and walk directly to the boarding pier. View the gorgeous Matsushima Island from the sea. You can enjoy a 50-minute excursion on the ship. Along with the ticket office in front of the station, there are 4 other offices in the area so that you can purchase tickets at any of the offices.

Tour the temple which stands close to the shores of Matsushima. You can see valuable buildings from the 17th-century.

Walk over to the National Treasure of Zuigan-ji Temple and admire the splendid buildings of Momoyama culture. The richly colored main hall is a must-see for its many features including its gold leaf sliding doors.

Head to Entsu-in, an 18th-century temple located next to Zuigan-ji. Within a serene environment, you can enjoy a walk through four gardens, each with its own distinct personality.

A Matsushima landmark linking the shores of Matsushima with Fukuura Island. There are cafés and restaurants around the entrance to the bridge so that it’s recommended to have lunch here. You can also sample the special local seafood.

Take your time walking through Fukuura Island which has been designated as a Prefectural Park. Benten-do Temple and an observation point are located on the lush green island so that you can enjoy that view of the ocean.

Head over to Kanrantei, an old historic site built upon a picturesque plateau. After looking out at the view, there is a gorgeous gold leaf teahouse where you can have a cup of matcha while continuing to admire the scenery of Matsushima Bay.