Travel / Tourism Spots in Matsushima / Shiogama Area

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Matsushima / Shiogama

Category

Travel / Tourism

Matsushima Shimameguri Kankosen cruises

4.0

404 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Miyagi Pref. Miyagigunmatsushimamachi Matsushima Chounai 85

Matsushima Shimameguri Kankosen cruises offer scheduled trips on large ships, setting out from the Matsushima Coast, for 50-minute cruises in which passengers can enjoy viewing the Matsushima Islands, which have traditionally been ranked as one of the “Three Views of Japan.” For an additional charge, passengers can relax and enjoy the views from the luxury seats on the ship’s upper deck. Other island cruises using medium-sized and small-boats (for groups of at least 15 passengers and at least 12 passengers respectively) are also available; because these boats have a shallower draught than the larger Nio-maru, they are able to follow different routes, giving passengers a closer look at the Matsushima Islands.

Many islands, small to large, in various shapes, some with caves, are there. In addition, there are many gulls and black-tailed gulls (in Japan black-tailed gull is called Umineko – sea cat – as its...
Godaido Temple

4.0

336 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Miyagi Pref. Miyagigunmatsushimamachi Matsushima Chounai

As a symbol of Matsushima, Godaido Temple is a Buddhist temple that was designated as an Important Cultural Property. It belongs to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism headed by Myoushin-ji Temple and to which Zuiganji Temple also belongs. The temple takes its name Godaido because it houses images of the Five Wisdom Kings of Japanese Buddhism (Acala, Kundali, Trilokavijaya, Vajrayaksa, and Yamantaka). The images of the five great wisdom kings created in the middle of the Heian period are normally withheld from public view but are revealed once every 33 years.

Godaido Hall stands just northeast of the pier and is worth stopping by. A lovely (if somewhat precarious as the handrails are rotting away) bridge connects the small island to the shore. The hall...
Michinoku Date Masamune Historical Museum

4.0

70 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Miyagi Pref. Miyagigunmatsushimamachi Matsushima Fugendou 13-13

A history museum dedicated to the samurai Date Masamune. The museum's entrance, modeled after the Date clan crest, draws the eye. One of the museum's biggest draws is its lifelike wax models depicting epic moments from Date Masamune's life. Amazingly, Masamune's face as it appears in the museum's exhibits was reconstructed based on the remains of the samurai exhumed during work to rebuild the Date clan mausoleum. Visitors can also try on samurai armor and take a commemorative photo. In the museum cafe, you can enjoy sweets made with zunda mashed boiled green soybeans or a Masamune Parfait topped with a crescent moon-shaped cookie.

If you are a Date Masamune fan then you must visit I loved Sengoku Basara and this is the place to visit to learn his life plus aftermath There are also statues that are important to people of...
Tohoku History Museum

4.0

53 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Miyagi Pref. Tagajoushi Takasaki 1-22-1

Located directly in front of JR Kokufu-Tagajo Station, the Tohoku History Museum aims to help people rediscover what the Tohoku region was like in times gone by, and to spread awareness of the region throughout the world. There are nine galleries that provide an overview of the history of the Tohoku region from the Paleolithic era through to modern times. There are also three in-depth thematic exhibitions that examine distinctive aspects of the region’s culture. The Children’s History Museum has an activity table area where children can handle real earthenware vessels and try on traditional clothing. Tohoku History Museum is an experience-oriented museum where visitors can learn about the Tohoku region’s history through hands-on activities.

宮城県立の施設で、開業は1999年だそう。アクセスは東北本線（仙石東北ライン）国府多賀城駅を降りてすぐ。館へは裏側から入る格好となるので、JRで来たかたは正面からの立派な外観を見ずに終わってしまう可能性あり。私がまさにそうだった。地元の方々はマイカー利用だろうから、正面側の広い駐車場に停めれば問題なく館の姿が拝める。ちなみに、仙台からJR電車でここへ来る場合、仙石線に乗って多賀城駅で降りな...
Shiogama-jinja Shrine

4.0

14 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Miyagi Pref. Shiogamashi Ichimoriyama 1-1

Shiogama-jinja Shrine is known for its shiogama cherry tree that has been designated as a Natural Monument of Japan. The main enshrined deities are Shiotsuchinooji, Takemikazuchi-no-kami and Futsunushi-no-kami, but the details before the Edo period are not very clear. Construction of the current shaden (main building) was completed in 1704, and 14 buildings including the honden (main shrine) and haiden (hall of worship) and the stone torii gate have been designated as National Important Cultural Properties. The deities are believed to answer a variety of prayers including those for safety at sea, success in catching fish, protection and easy delivery during childbirth, traffic safety, and for protection against misfortune. The deities are revered by the locals, and regardless of the type of prayer they will make their way to this shrine.

鹽竈神社の隣にありますが、あでやかな鹽竈神社に対し、こちらは控えめな感じです。５月中旬、茅の輪くぐりができました。作法もきちんと説明されていました。御朱印は鹽竈神社でいただけます。
Kyohei Fujita Museum of Glass

4.0

40 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Miyagi Miyagi-gun Matsushimamachi Takagi Hama 1-4

Many beautiful glasses! Japanese style vases, covered bowls and containers of powdered green tea. And vetro di Murano. These glass artifacts are made by Maestro Fujita. So beautiful! I and my wife...
Zuiganji Temple

3.0

1 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Miyagi Pref. Miyagigunmatsushimamachi Matsushima Chounai 91

Zuiganji Temple is a temple founded by the priest Jikaku Daishi in 828 that belongs to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism headed by Myoushin-ji Temple. After the temple fell into decline during the mayhem of the warring states, the feudal lord Date Masamune began restoration work in 1604 and four full years later the hondo (main temple building) was renovated to conform to Momoyama-style architecture. At that time it was officially renamed as Matsushima-Seiryuzan-Zuigan-Enpuku-Zenji. Sights to see include the Kuri, the Zen kitchen where meals were prepared in the past. This so-called kitchen has been designated as a National Treasure for its beauty.

瑞巌寺境内で国宝に指定されている建物の一つでした。有料拝観エリアに立ち、本堂の拝観には庫裡から内部に入るようになっていました。猶、たまたまなのでしょうが、参拝当日は仏前結婚式が執り行われるようで案内が設置され、観光客以外の参列者が本堂方向に集まっていました。
Kanrantei Tea House / Matsushima Museum

4.0

17 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Miyagi Pref. Miyagigunmatsushimamachi Matsushima Chounai 56

Kanrantei is a tea house that was transferred from Toyotomi Hidetoshi’s family residence in Shinagawa, Edo, Fushimi- Momoyama Castle, as a gift to Date Masamune. The second-generation lord, Lord Tadamune moved the building to Matsushima. It was used as a facility “Okariya” for Matsushima sightseeing and entertaining lords, aristocratic women and concubines. The paintings on the fusuma (sliding doors) by Sendai clan painter Sakuma Shozan have been recognized as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Came here after visited Zuiganji temple. Entrance fee 200 yen each. Small tea house facing Matsushima bay, we are the only 2 at that moment so could have unblock full view of the bay & enjoy tea...
Kaisho no Yakata Kyu Kamei-tei

4.0

20 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Miyagi Pref. Shiogamashi Miyamachi 5-5

A historic building located in Shiogama City a 10 minute walk from Hon-Shiogama Station on the JR Senseki Line built in 1924 by Fumihira Kamei, the first president of the Kamei Corporation. Of high historic value, the building combines old fashioned Japanese architecture with Western architectural styles, incorporating art nouveau and session styles in the exterior design in a way that is difficult to replicate with modern plastering techniques. The retro Taisho period structure is open to the general public and is also used as the main venue for events such as the Hina Meguri doll festival and the Shiogama-sama Kamigami no Hana Akari lantern festival.

つい最近までお住まいだったらしく、なんとか昔からの部分を公開してます。雨戸もないし、これからの保存はたいへんそうです。また、最近までお住まいだった方も、これだけ風通しがよい建物では寒かったと推察します。
Shichigahama Kokusaimura

4.0

6 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Miyagi Pref. Miyagigunshichigahamamachi Hanabuchihama Oyama 1-1

A 20 minute drive from Tagajo Station on the JR Senseki Line. Influenced by a history of international exchange, this multipurpose complex was built as a space for cultural creation and makes use of natural terrain commanding a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean. Facilities include the International Village Hall, the only performing arts stage in Japan with a view of the ocean in the background; and the Amphitheater, a 10 meter in diameter round outdoor theater positioned amongst pools of water. There are many ways for visitors to enjoy themselves here, such as a restaurant where you can take in a meal and a theater show; and Plymouth House, the only museum in Japan dedicated to the history of pioneering in the US.

ホールの屋上へ海を見に行きました。水を生かした屋外ステージがあったり、ホールがあったりと、イベント会場なんですね。コスプレ撮影会なんかもやってるようです。何もイベントの無い日に、まったりと静かに海を眺めるのに、お勧めしたい場所です。
Entsuin Temple

Travel / Tourism

Matsushima cho in Matsushima cho Miyagi prefecture 67

Belonging to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism headed by Myoushin-ji Temple, Entsuin Temple is the first temple on the Sanriku 33 Kannon pilgrimage. The Sankeiden mausoleum was built on the top of a hill in 1646. The premises feature a rock garden with a heart-shaped pond, and in the autumn the colorful leaves on the trees make for a splendid sight. At night the garden is illuminated and the grounds are enveloped in a very mysterious atmosphere. It is also known as the rose temple for the splendid sight of beautiful roses blooming in its Western-style rose garden (Byakaho Seiyo-no-Niwa). In recent years the number of roses has dwindled, and it has come to be loved as the moss temple for the moss growing around the grounds.
Matsushima

Travel / Tourism

Matsushima cho Miyagi-gun, Miyagi prefecture

"The name Matsushima, considered one of Japan’s top three sights, refers to the over 260 small islands clustered around Matsushima bay. This scenery was immortalized by famed poet Matsuo Basho in his haiku “Matsushima ah!/A-ah, Matsushima, ah!/Matsushima, ah!"". The area is also famous for moon viewing parties, and there are countless accounts in books of the moonlight scenery. There are many sightseeing cruises around the bay, letting visitors get a closer look at the islands. There are special cruises during events such as the Matsushima Toro Nagashi fireworks festival in August."
Shiogama-jinja Shrine Museum

3.5

4 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Miyagi Shiogama-shi Ichimoriyama 1-1

塩竈神社の境内にある博物館。入口前に鯨の骨と捕鯨砲が展示されています。こちらの博物館には仙台藩の歴代藩主からの奉納太刀が35口保管されていて、いくつか常設展示されています。また、年に数回奉納太刀の特別展が開かれているようです。常設展は入館料200円です。
New Matsushima Sightseeing Ship

Travel / Tourism

Miyagi Miyagi-gun Matsushimamachi Matsushima Chonai 98-1 Matsushimakaigan Rest House Nai

A sightseeing cruise from which you can enjoy the beauty of Matsushima, an area considered to be one of the three most picturesque in Japan, from the sea. Tours leave a five minute walk from Matsushima-Kaigan Station on the JR Senseki Line. The standard Matsushima Bay excursion course leaves from Matsushima's Chuo Pier and goes on a short, 50 minute trip among the island's in Matsushima Bay, giving riders the chance to experience up close the power of the naturally formed islands. Also recommended is the Ranran Plan, which includes a boat tour; a visit to the Kanrantei tea room, which belonged to Matsushima-loving samurai lord Date Masamune; a matcha powdered green tea experience; and handmade Sasa kamaboko steamed fish paste making experience. There are also a variety of seasonal event cruises such as fireworks show cruises in summer and wintertime oyster hotpot cruises.
Ohira Village Furusato Art Museum

3.0

2 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Miyagi Kurokawa-gun Ohiramura Ohira Tairabayashi 39-12

This museum is located inside Showa Manyo Forest in Tairabayashi, Ohira, Ohira Village, Kurokawa County. It possesses a collection of 270 works by the painter Kanno　, who hails from the village, as well as 150 of his sketches, art supplies, and other materials. In addition to the permanent exhibit of Kanno’s works, the museum also exhibits his personal ffects in a recreation of his studio.

万葉茶屋というお食事処と駐車場の近くにあるこじんまりとした施設です。普段は有料のようなのですが、1階のみの見学しかできなかったので無料で見学できました。
Tamonzan

Travel / Tourism

Miyagi Miyagi-gun Shichigahama Machi Yogasakihama Hachigamori

"A 55.6 meter high mountain located on the northern tip of Shichigahama Town a 20 minute drive from Tagajo Station on the JR Senseki Line. The mountain's sweeping view of the more than 260 islands floating in Matsushima Bay is called the ""Bikan"" (or ""Ikan,"" ""Beautiful View/Magnificent View""), one of the Four Views of Matsushima, four spectacular views which also include the ""Sokan"" of Mt. Otakamori in Higashimatsushima City, and the ""Reikan"" of Mt. Tomi and ""Yukan"" of Ogitani in Matsushima Town. The surrounding area is maintained as Tamonzan Tenbo Hiroba Park. A walking path in the park leads to the rear of the Bishamon-do Temple from which visitors can enjoy vast, majestic scenery immediately below encompassing Mahanashi Island, Jizo Island, and the other islands floating in Matsushima Bay."
Marubun Matsushima Steamship

Travel / Tourism

Miyagi Miyagi-gun Matsushimamachi Matsushima Chonai 98-1

A sightseeing pleasure cruise from which boarders can view the beauty of the islands of Matsushima, considered one of the three most beautiful scenic areas in Japan. The boat leaves a seven minute walk from Matsushima-Kaigan Station on the JR Senseki Line. Particularly recommended is the 50 minute one way Basho Course connecting Shiogama and Matsushima, which serves as a means of transportation while also enabling visitors to view major islands in the bay like Nio Island and Senganjima Island, whose picturesque scenery inspired the great haiku poet Matsuo Basho. As the boat is able to travel in shallow waters just two meters deep, it can get quite close to the islands, giving riders the chance to see their beauty up close. There are four other courses, including one which goes on a round trip tour of the bay's islands.
Taga Castle Ruins Iris Garden

Leisure / Hobbies

Miyagi Tagajo-shi Ichikawa Ta Tateishi

A five minute walk from Kokufu-Tagajo Station. This iris garden, located at the site of the Taga Castle Ruins, one of Japan's top three historic ruins, contains some three million iris plants inside its 21 thousand square meter grounds. Spanning 800 varieties, in addition to regular irises, visitors can view Japanese irises and rabbitear irises. The Taga Castle Ruins Iris Festival is held here from mid- to late June, and during this time a variety of events are held such as contests and food fairs on weekends, flower pressing classes and iris-themed haiku poetry meets. In addition, for just two days during the festival, the garden is lit up at night.
Taga Castle Government Office Ruins

Travel / Tourism

Miyagi Pref. Tagajoushi Ichikawa Joumae

These ruins are situated just a 15-minute walk from the Kokufu-Tagajo Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line. This was the center of government for the Tohoku region of Japan during the Nara-Heian Era. Along with the former Heijoykyo ruins in Nara Prefecture, the Dazaifu ruins in Fukuoka Prefecture, this historic landmark is one of the nationally designated three great historic sites in Japan. The Taga Castle government offices, formerly the heart of the Taga Castle, are the site of important administration and ritual rites. The cherry blooming in the spring at these ruins is a beautiful site to see, and is a little known spot for cherry blossom viewing. The two ancient trees in the center of the ruins in front of the main temple are so artistic and bring a sense of tranquility to this site.
Timeship Shiogama

Travel / Tourism

Miyagi Shiogama-shi Motomachi 1-1 Ichibankan 4F Citizen Library

This historical exhibit is located inside of the Ichibankan on National Route 45 in Moto-machi, Shiogama City. The exhibit is attached to the city library. Visitors can learn about the history of Shiogama from a number of historical artifacts and other exhibits dating from the Jomon period to modern times.

Miyagi Matsushima / Shiogama

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour Factory / Workshop Sightseeing Spot Experience / Training / Vehicle Nature Travel / Tourism Information Rental Car / Bicycle / Motorcycle Souvenirs Rest Spot Other Sightseeing

Miyagi Areas

Lying along the northeastern coast of Japan, Miyagi prefecture is home to lashings of natural parks, oysters, and hot springs. While the bustling city of Sendai offers some simple city entertainment, it’s the Matsushima islands that deserve the most attention, having boosted the prefecture’s reputation as one of Japan’s most scenic views.