For hundreds of years, Matsushima Bay (p, Matsushima-wan) has been celebrated as one of Japan's three most scenic views alongside Miyajima and Amanohashidate. The bay is dotted by over 200 small islands covered by pine trees.
A good way to enjoy the bay is by sightseeing cruise. Multiple companies offer various courses, including circular cruises starting and ending at Matsushima and cruises that connect Matsushima with nearby Shiogama. Cruises last around 50 minutes and cost around 1500 yen. First class seats are available for an additional few hundred yen.
Getting there and around
Cruises depart from Matsushima Pier, a 5-10 minute walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station on the JR Senseki Line, and from Shiogama Pier (Marine Gate Shiogama), a 5-10 minute walk from Hon-Shiogama Station, three stations ahead of Matsushima Kaigan Station on the same line.
A popular route is taking the Senseki Line from Sendai to Shiogama, then a cruise to Matsushima, before returning to Sendai by train (or the other way around).
How to get to and around Matsushima
Hours and Fees
Sightseeing cruises
Hours
10:00 to 15:00 (from 9:00 and/or until 16:00 on selected days)
Departures from Shiogama from 9:00 until 15:00
Departures from Shiogama from 9:00 until 15:00
Closed
No closing days
Admission
Around 1500 yen
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Matsushima
Top rated in Matsushima
Budget:
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Komatsu-kan Kofu-teiLocated right in front of Matsushima Bay, Komatsukan Kofu-tei offers accommodations with free wired internet access. Guests can refresh in the public hot-spring baths and enjoy traditional multi-course meals in their rooms. A free shuttle is available from JR Matsushima Kaigan Train Station, which is a 5-minute drive away. The air-conditioned rooms feature a TV, a fridge and an electric kettle with green tea bags. Most rooms have tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding, while some rooms come with a private open-air bath. The en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer. Guests can enjoy the public indoor/outdoor hot-spring baths or reserve a hot-spring bath for private use. Massages can be requested for an extra cost and local souvenirs can be purchased at the gift shop. Luggage storage and laptop rentals are available at the front desk. Local fresh seafood and ingredients are offered in the traditional multi-course meals. Kofutei Komatsukan is a 10-minute walk from Godaido Shrine and a 15-minute walk from Zugan-ji Temple.View on Booking.com -
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Uchi Matsushima GuesthouseView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Uchi Matsushima Guesthouse in Matsushima offers clean rooms with air-conditioning, hairdryers, and shared bathrooms. Each room includes a TV for guest entertainment.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lounge, and luggage storage. Free on-site private parking is available, ensuring convenience for all visitors.Convenient Location
Located 34 km from Sendai Airport, the guest house is highly rated for its friendly host, convenient location, and impeccable room cleanliness. -
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Matsushima IchinoboFeaturing free property-wide WiFi and a spa centre, Matsushima Ichinobo offers accommodation in Matsushima. The ryokan has a hot spring bath and sauna, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar. Free private parking is available on site. Every room at this ryokan is air conditioned and is equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. For your comfort, you will find yukata robes, slippers and free toiletries. There is free shuttle service, gift shop, and shops at the property. Zuiganji Temple is located 1.2 km away. The nearest airport is Sendai Airport, 30 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Matsushima KoumuraView on Booking.comElegant Accommodation
Matsushima Koumura in Matsushima offers a ryokan experience with a beautiful garden and free WiFi. Guests enjoy private check-in and check-out services, a public bath, hot tub, and concierge service.Comfortable Amenities
The ryokan features family rooms, meeting rooms, and free on-site private parking. Each room includes air-conditioning, a private bathroom with free toiletries, and a work desk. Additional amenities include a hot tub, soundproofing, and a seating area.Exceptional Service
Highly rated for its attentive host, property staff, and service support, Matsushima Koumura ensures a comfortable stay with daily housekeeping and luggage storage. Sendai Airport is 35 km away. -
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Hotel Matsushima TaikansoFeaturing free WiFi and a seasonal outdoor pool, Hotel Matsushima Taikanso offers accommodation in Matsushima, 1 km from Zuigen Temple. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Free private parking is available on site. All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV. You will find a kettle in the room. For your comfort, you will find slippers, free toiletries and a hairdryer. There is a 24-hour front desk and gift shop at the property. Guests can enjoy a buffet of Japanese, Chinese and Western-style cuisine for dinner. For breakfast, there is a buffet of Japanese and Western-style dishes. Entsuin Temple is 900 metres away from the property. The nearest airport is Sendai Airport, 28 km from Hotel Matsushima Taikanso.View on Booking.com -
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Matsushima Petit Hotel Bistro AbalonView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Matsushima Petit Hotel Bistro Abalon in Matsushima offers family rooms with sea or mountain views. Each room includes air-conditioning, a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, and a balcony.Exceptional Facilities
Guests can relax in the garden or on the terrace. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Additional amenities include a lounge, business area, and electric vehicle charging station.Delicious Breakfast
The hotel serves an American breakfast with juice each morning. Special diet menus are available, ensuring a pleasant start to the day for all guests.Convenient Location
Located 33 km from Sendai Airport, the hotel provides free on-site private parking and a shuttle service. Highly rated for its breakfast, attentive staff, and comfortable bathrooms. -
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Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Hotel SokanView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Hotel Sokan in Matsushima offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Each room includes a bath, bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, shower, slippers, TV, and electric kettle.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, sauna, and open-air bath. The property features a public bath, lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, meals for kids, child-friendly buffet, full-day security, and luggage storage.Dining Experience
The family-friendly restaurant serves Japanese, sushi, and European cuisines. Breakfast is provided as a buffet, and dinner is available in a welcoming ambience.Convenient Location
Located 35 km from Sendai Airport, the hotel offers free on-site private parking and a city view. -
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Shintomi-teiOffering Japanese-style rooms, Shintomi-tei offers public indoor/outdoor public baths and relaxing massages. Free Wi-Fi is available at the lobby area and free parking is on-site. A free shuttle is available from JR Matsushima Train Station, which is a 5-minute drive away. The air-conditioned rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floor and Japanese futon bedding. A flat-screen TV, a fridge and an electric kettle with green tea are included in each. Guests can wear the provided Japanese Yukata robes and the en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer. Guests can purchase local gifts at the souvenir shop and enjoy late-night snacks at the karaoke bar. Japanese set menus are served for breakfast and dinner at the dining room. Shintomi-tei Inn is a 10-minute walk from Entsu-in Temple and Zuigan-ji Temple. Matsushima Bay is a 15-minute walk away. JR Sendai Train Station is a 35-minute train ride away.View on Booking.com
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