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A multiplex where you can spend a day with stunning views, delicious eats and plenty of things to do.
Matsushima Rikyu is a tourist commercial hub that opened in March 2020 in Matsushima, home to one of Japan's three most scenic views. There’s plenty to explore inside, including a Japanese garden, rooftop garden, restaurant museum and more.
The Japanese garden offers a gorgeous escape in nature, replete with cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and autumn leaves by season as they reflect in the pond below, made to resemble Matsushima Bay. The rooftop garden "Sky Deck Observatory" offers a prime viewing spot overlooking Matsushima Bay, providing a close-up view of more than 260 islands. Step inside to find the unique Letzel Tower, a ten-sided three-story pagoda, reconstructed from a part of the Matsushima Park Hotel designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel.
Inside you’ll find a full rolodex of different eateries to try, including the chance to try beach grilling or spots with all-you-can-eat sashimi from Sanriku. There are also snack options perfect for eating on the go, like the famous oyster rice crackers loaded up with heaps of local oysters.
There’s even the "Miyagi Prefecture Matsushima Rikyu Museum" that introduces the history of Matsushima Bay, and the "Bell of Happiness" to pledge your endless love, to name a few favorite spots. There’s even an even light-up at the Japanese garden and the projection mapping on Letzel Tower, that simply can’t be missed.
For things to do, there’s anything and everything from the "Blue Impulse Flight Simulator" to archery, rental kimono and more.
Breathtaking Japanese garden illumination.
Jaw-dropping views of Matsuhima from the rooftop garden.
Letzel Tower, reconstructed from the Matsushima Park Hotel where Emperor Showa and Empress stayed.
Try your hand at beach grilling at Matsushima Rikyu Hamayaki Grill Rikyu
Kimono rental and other experiences to try.
Japan’s only ten-sided, three-story pagoda, Retsuru Tower, bathed in light amid the garden’s fall foliage (fall illumination; photo: PIXTA)
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese and Korean pamphlets available. English signs available.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
Yes, it is.
Q
Is there a coin locker available?
There are coin lockers available at the auxiliary building, Miyagi Matsushima Rikyu UminoEki.
Q
Is it possible to re-enter the premises?
Yes, it is.
Some reviews are AI-translated.
When visiting Matsushima, besides taking in the magnificent scenery of one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, I also highly recommend stopping by Matsushima Rikyu. Combining beautiful scenery, food, and a variety of activities, this tourist complex is a place where you can easily spend an entire day exploring at a leisurely pace.
During this visit, I happened to catch the nighttime light show. The countless lights illuminating the grounds created a dreamy, romantic scene so beautiful that I couldn’t help but stop and admire it. Every angle was perfect for photos!
What surprised me most was how completely different the scenery looked during the day and at night. In the daytime, it was fresh and bright, allowing you to appreciate the grounds as they normally are. Once night fell and the lights came on, the entire atmosphere instantly became romantic and enchanting, as if I had stepped into another world.
At first, I thought the admission price was a little high for a tourist attraction, but considering the overall setting and the nighttime light show, I still felt it was worth it.
When you visit Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture, don't miss the charming Miyagi Prefecture Matsushima Rikyu! About a 5-minute walk from Matsushima-Kaigan Station, this new landmark, which opened in 2020, brings together food, shopping, activities, and beautiful scenery. You can stroll around the first floor and enjoy oysters and desserts, while the second floor offers workshops, a museum, and other activities. I especially recommend going up to the rooftop garden for panoramic views of Matsushima Bay and a relaxing time in the sea breeze. It's a great place to spend half a day or even a full day exploring at your own pace.
Inside, there's an exhibition hall, an observation deck, and a garden. You can see all the islands in Matsushima Bay. On a nice day, the blue sky, white clouds, and green islands are so relaxing. The rooftop observation deck is perfect for photos, and the sea breeze feels amazing.
The beautiful gardens and traditional architecture here make it a place you'll want to linger and explore.
If you want to enjoy a cultural experience, feast on seafood, and admire Japanese garden architecture all in one place, this spot totally delivers!
