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Before you go
Your trip to Matsushima.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Matsushima – Miyagi Destination Sendai and Matsushima about 24 km from Sendai
How to get there
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Aeroporto de Sendai (SDJ) Natori · 35 km
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Estação Matsushima-Kaigan 1 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
The Senseki Line links Sendai to Matsushima‑Kaigan Station in about 40 minutes; from there it’s a walk to the pier and the temples. The main Tohoku Line also stops at Matsushima Station, about a 20‑minute walk from the center. Sightseeing boats also connect Shiogama with Matsushima across the bay.
How many days
Half a day is enough for the bay boat, Godaido and Zuigan‑ji. With a full day you can include Fukuura Island, Entsu‑in temple and a lookout. An overnight stay lets you see the bay at dawn.
When to go
From April to November the weather is good for boats and walks. April brings cherry blossoms; October and November bring Entsu‑in’s autumn foliage. Summer is humid. In winter, from October to March, it’s oyster season in the bay and the days are cold and dry.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. Matsushima‑Kaigan Station is a short walk from the pier, Godaido, Zuigan‑ji and the bridge to Fukuura Island. A car only helps to reach the higher lookouts, such as Otakamori on Miyato Island.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Matsushima
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Morning
Bay boat tour
Arrive by train at Matsushima‑Kaigan and board the bay boat tour, which passes close to the rock islets and pines.
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Afternoon
Godaido and Zuigan‑ji
Cross the openwork bridges to Godaido and head to Zuigan‑ji along the cedar avenue, with meditation caves. Also visit the Entsu‑in garden.
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Late afternoon
Fukuura Island
Cross the 252‑meter red bridge to Fukuura Island and walk the trails with views of the bay.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Why is Matsushima one of Japan’s Three Views?
The list of the three classic views, with Amanohashidate and Miyajima, dates from the 17th century. Matsushima was included for its hundreds of pale tuff islets topped with twisted pines, visited and described by poets such as Matsuo Basho.
Is the boat tour in Matsushima worth it?
It’s worth it to see the islets up close: the boat goes between rocks you can’t see from shore. The most popular round trip takes about an hour, departing from the pier next to the Godaido.
Where can you see Matsushima from above?
There are four traditional viewpoints on the hills around the bay, and Otakamori, on Miyato Island, is the largest. If you’re on foot, Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park, next to the station, works well.
When is Matsushima’s oyster season?
Generally from October to March. village restaurants serve oysters grilled, fried and over rice; a festival dedicated to them is usually held in February.
Beyond the guide
