One of Japan’s Three Scenic Views + Historic Landmarks: 6 Must-Visit Matsushima Spots

Matsushima can be enjoyed year-round, but fall is the most recommended season.
The beautiful scenery of Matsushima Bay—recognized as one of Japan’s “100 Best Moon Views”—with the Mid-Autumn Moon and autumn leaves is a must-see.

From Tokyo, you can reach Matsushima in Approx. 3 hours 10 minutes by taking the Tohoku Shinkansen and transferring to JR lines.
From Osaka or Nagoya, it takes Approx. 2 hours 40 minutes by combining a flight and trains.

A nationally famous scenic destination counted as one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, alongside Amanohashidate in Kyoto and Miyajima in Hiroshima.
The majestic Pacific horizon and the landscape created by more than 260 lush islands have attracted people since the Heian period.

A relaxing cruise by boat around elegant Matsushima, famous as one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, with more than 260 islands scattered across the bay.
The affordable “Niomaru Course” on a large scheduled sightseeing boat (middle school students and up: 1,500 yen, elementary school students: 750 yen) operates regularly every day.

An ancient temple said to have been founded in the early 9th century as a Tendai sect temple.
Its full official name, including the mountain name, is Matsushima Seiryuzan Zuigan Enpuku Zenji Temple, and today it is a Zen temple belonging to the Myoshinji branch of the Rinzai sect.
The existing buildings were completed by Date Masamune, and because they are valuable structures that preserve Momoyama-era art to this day, the Main Hall and Kuri (kitchen/priests’ quarters) are designated National Treasures.

Entsuin Temple was built in Shoho 4 (1647) as the family temple of Date Mitsumune, the grandson of Date Masamune.
Entsuin is known as a famous autumn foliage spot, with the best viewing period from late October to mid-November.
In particular, the garden centered on Shinjike Pond, created Approx. 350 years ago, and Mount Fudaraku—home of Kannon Bosatsu—is considered one of the most beautiful in Tohoku.

A tourist market near Matsushima Coast, along National Route 45.
It’s run by a company based in Kesennuma that owns large tuna fishing vessels.
Along with their prized tuna, they sell over 1,500 kinds of seafood, including oysters, hoya (sea pineapple), Kinka mackerel, and Kesennuma saury.

This museum presents the life of Date Masamune, the first domain lord, through 25 scenes using around 200 life-size wax figures. In addition, an excavation survey of Zuihoden, the mausoleum where Masamune rests, which was destroyed in the Sendai air raid in 1945, discovered remains. Based on them, you can experience a reconstructed face of Masamune and a computer-recreated voice.

A hot spring resort with Matsushima—one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views—right in front of you.
It offers an all-inclusive plan where you can use the restaurant, cafe, spa, and the on-site “Kyohei Fujita Glass Museum” for free, so you can relax without worrying about payments beyond your room rate.

A charming, well-known ryokan where you can take in the multi-island scenery created by Approx. 260 islands all at once.
Relax while looking out over magnificent Matsushima—counted as one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views—from calm guest rooms and open-air baths with a great sense of openness.
The “Taiko Tensenk Matsushima Onsen,” which springs from ancient strata of the earth, is known for its silky, gentle feel on the skin.

A resort hotel perched on a hill with sweeping views of the beautiful sea of Matsushima, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views.
Many rooms face the bay, letting you enjoy Matsushima’s dreamy scenery—sunrise, sunset, and mist—without leaving your room.
Room types include Japanese-style rooms, Western-style rooms, and Japanese-Western rooms, accommodating everyone from families and couples to group trips.