The Matsushima coast has been a favourite among Japanese travellers for centuries, but it still remains off the radar for many foreign guests. Long heralded as one of the top three most beautiful views in the nation, the pinetree islands of Matsushima Bay are a must-see sight in northern Japan. This full day tour dives into the food, culture, and scenery of the area, with a local guide who can introduce guests to this lesser-visited but uniquely immersive destination.
Meet the guide at the hotel in Sendai at 7:40 today for a full day tour of Shiogama & Matsushima.
Begin the day with a deep dive into the food lover's paradise of Shiogama City, where seafood tasting at Shiogama's wholesale fish market awaits. This is the perfect tour for seafood lovers, as the area is known for the most sushi restaurants in Japan per capita. After visiting the fish market, head back into the town to continue the food adventure. Savour delicious sweets like plump dorayaki pancakes and seasalt cookies, and finish with a casual sake tasting before moving onward.
After visiting a small local Shinto Shrine, travel to nearby Matsushima on a sightseeing cruise. The ship passes through clear, shallow waters and winds through the pine tree covered islands of the Matsushima Bay, said to be one of the three most scenic views in Japan.
Disembark the ship and enjoy a local lunch before visiting several location landmarks. Zuiganji Temple ((only the exterior of the temple will be visited on today’s tour), known for a picturesque approach lined by cedar trees, is sure to impress with its calm Zen atmosphere. Godaido is a lovely cliffside hall decorated with elaborate wooden carvings, luckily having escaped damage during the 2011 tsunami thanks to its elevated location. At Entsuin Temple, see the 17th century mausoleum of a local samurai lord and see how his interest in western culture was cleverly reflected in the decorations on his tomb.
Finish with a visit to a historic seaside teahouse, where a warm bowl of matcha tea can be enjoyed while looking at the scenery.
Reach Matsushima Kaigan Station and return to Sendai by local train where the tour will end.
Notes:
-For clients staying in Matsushima, the tour can begin from Matsushima but there will be extra costs due to the logistically changes, please contact your travel consultant
- Zuiganji Temple entrance fee is not included
-This tour is unable on Wednesday, Sunday and New Year’s Holiday (29th Dec to 4th Jan)
- Children under 6 are free but must pay for food on the spot
- The tour may be cancelled in case of heavy rain.
- Please contact your Travel Consultant for availability. Please note that all of the services and tours have yet to be booked and that they are proposed for your reference only. We will start making reservations after we receive your confirmation.
- Please inform your Travel Consultant of any special dietary requirements and physical conditions that you may have. We strongly recommend the purchase of a travel insurance that also covers emergency medical evacuation.
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