What to know
For centuries, Matsushima Bay has been celebrated as one of Japan's three most scenic views, alongside Miyajima and Amanohashidate. The bay is dotted with over 200 small islands covered in pine trees.
A great way to experience the bay is by sightseeing cruise. Several companies offer various routes, including circular cruises that start and end at Matsushima, and cruises connecting Matsushima with nearby Shiogama. Cruises last about 50 minutes and cost around 1500 yen. First-class seats are available for a few hundred yen extra.
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 reverse).
How to get to and around Matsushima
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 10:00 to 15:00 (from 9:00 and/or until 16:00 on selected days)
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- Around 1500 yen (~$9.6)
- English name
- Matsushima Shima Meguri Kanko
- Original name
- Matsushima Bay
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.