Overview
In this tour, you can take a tour around Matsushima, one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. Matsushima is easily accessible from Sendai and Ishinomaki areas, and is a popular cruise port of call tour. In Matsushima, there are many spots where you can enjoy the rich natural scenery as well as history and culture at a leisurely pace, such as Fukuurajima Island, where you can cross a bridge along the sea to enjoy a stroll, and Entsuji Temple, famous for its Japanese garden. The area is also famous for its abundance of gourmet foods, especially oysters. Please enjoy the scenery that has been popular in Japan for a long time with a local guide! Please note that for tours departing from and returning to Sendai Station, Sendai-Shiogama Port, or Ishinomaki Port, it may not be possible to visit all of the locations included in the sample itinerary due to time constraints. We will prioritize the places you would most like to visit, so please let us know your preferences in advance.
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- Admission Fee
- Hotel or Port Pickup
- Private Car(Only Private Car Plan)
- Public Transportation Fee
- National Licensed English Speaking Guide
What's Not Included
- apx. 15-25 USD per person
- Personal Expenses
- Souvenirs
- Taxi Fee
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point, pickup options and start time are confirmed on Viator before checkout.
Itinerary
Stop 1
Matsushima is home to one of the three most beautiful sights in Japan. The area is dotted with as many as 260 islands, including large and small ones. It is one of the most famous scenic spots in Japan, and was mentioned at the beginning of “Okunohosomichi”, a travelogue by Matsuo Basho, one of the most famous haiku poets in Japan.
Stop 2
Fukuurajima is a small island in Matsushima Bay, Miyagi Prefecture. Fukuurajima is one of the most popular tourist spots in the Matsushima area. This island is accessible on foot across Fukuura Bridge (red bridge) from Matsushima Beach, making it a popular place to casually enjoy nature and scenery.
Stop 3
Zuigan-ji Temple is famous for having been founded in the Heian period (794-1185) and later rebuilt by Date Masamune, a famous general in the Warring States period (1467-1568). Today, many buildings and Buddhist statues designated as national treasures or important cultural properties remain, making the temple of great historical and cultural value.
Stop 4
Entsuin is a temple of the Myoshinji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism located in Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, and is especially famous for its beautiful garden. The beauty of its garden and its historical value make it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Matsushima. The seasonal nature of the area attracts many visitors, especially during the fall foliage season and the illumination of the garden at night.
Stop 5
Oshima is one of the most serene and mysterious places to visit in Matsushima, and is a perfect blend of history and nature. A quiet island where visitors can experience history, nature, and culture, it is easily accessible via a bridge and is a popular tourist destination for those who enjoy walking and visiting historical sites.
Stop 6
Godaido, the oldest existing structure on Matsushima, stands on a small island across a vermilion-lacquered bridge (toru-bashi). This bridge is a bit thrilling as it has no handrails, but it is said to symbolize faith and self-cultivation. The building itself is decorated on all sides with beautiful carvings and ornaments, and is characterized by its attention to detail.
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.
- Child seats are required for children under 6 years old in Japan. We will prepare the seats, so please let us know if you have small children when you book the tour.
- The itinerary might be changed due to weather condition or other reasons.