English
Matsushima, Shiogama
Miyagi
4.3
Matsushima, Shiogama
Miyagi
4.3
￥2,000～￥2,999
-
1/2
Matsushima, Shiogama
The scenery of Matsushima Bay, which is dotted with over 260 islands, is counted as one of Japan's three most beautiful views and is said to be a breathtaking view that even Matsuo Basho forgot to compose a haiku about. The city has many spots related to the Date family, including the national treasure Zuiganji Temple, Oshima Island, which was featured in the Hyakunin Isshu, and Godaido, which was rebuilt by Date Masamune, making it a city full of historical spots. Shiogama is a port town represented by the fact that it has the highest amount of fresh tuna landed in Japan. It is said to have the highest number of sushi restaurants per square kilometer in Japan, where you can taste Miyagi's rice, which is known as the rice capital of Japan.
Matsushima, Shiogama
5 Highlights
01
Zuigan-ji Temple
A temple rebuilt by Date Masamune with top-class artisans
This temple was completed over a period of five years with the help of 130 top-class artisans invited by Date Masamune. Many remains can still be found on the temple grounds, and the main hall and storehouse have been designated as national treasures. The luxurious and gorgeous fusuma paintings and carvings in the main hall, which make abundant use of gold, give a sense of the Azuchi-Momoyama culture.
01
Zuigan-ji Temple
A temple rebuilt by Date Masamune with top-class artisans
This temple was completed over a period of five years with the help of 130 top-class artisans invited by Date Masamune. Many remains can still be found on the temple grounds, and the main hall and storehouse have been designated as national treasures. The luxurious and gorgeous fusuma paintings and carvings in the main hall, which make abundant use of gold, give a sense of the Azuchi-Momoyama culture.
02
Entsuin Temple
A temple with a moss-covered dry landscape garden
The main attractions are the Sankeiden, a national important cultural property, and the beautiful garden. The cupboard of the Sankeiden is decorated with playing card designs such as Western roses, daffodils, diamonds, and hearts. The dry landscape garden features flowers that bloom in each season, and is illuminated during the autumn leaves season. In addition, making prayer beads in the main hall is also recommended.
02
Entsuin Temple
A temple with a moss-covered dry landscape garden
The main attractions are the Sankeiden, a national important cultural property, and the beautiful garden. The cupboard of the Sankeiden is decorated with playing card designs such as Western roses, daffodils, diamonds, and hearts. The dry landscape garden features flowers that bloom in each season, and is illuminated during the autumn leaves season. In addition, making prayer beads in the main hall is also recommended.
03
Matsushima Kaki Meshi
Kaki-meshi is a dish in which Matsushima oysters are placed on top of rice.
When it comes to Matsushima's specialties, the crystallization of deliciousness is "Matsushima oysters". Since they are small and have firm flesh, the umami flavor bursts in your mouth! Kaki-meshi comes in various types such as rice topped with kaki-no-tan (oyster eggs), rice with plumply grilled oysters on top, kaki-don (rice bowl with oysters and special Sendai miso sauce), and donburi-style kaki fry (deep-fried oysters on top of rice).
03
Matsushima Kaki Meshi
Kaki-meshi is a dish in which Matsushima oysters are placed on top of rice.
When it comes to Matsushima's specialties, the crystallization of deliciousness is "Matsushima oysters". Since they are small and have firm flesh, the umami flavor bursts in your mouth! Kaki-meshi comes in various types such as rice topped with kaki-no-tan (oyster eggs), rice with plumply grilled oysters on top, kaki-don (rice bowl with oysters and special Sendai miso sauce), and donburi-style kaki fry (deep-fried oysters on top of rice).
04
Sendai Zoni
Zoni soup unique to Sendai that uses dried and grilled hase fish from Matsushima for the broth
Zoni soup unique to Sendai that uses dried and grilled hase fish from Matsushima for the broth. It is a dish that never gets boring because it is full of various ingredients and flavors. Since seafood such as sujiko and salmon roe are abundant and cheap in Sendai, this zoni soup is often eaten during the New Year's holidays.
04
Sendai Zoni
Zoni soup unique to Sendai that uses dried and grilled hase fish from Matsushima for the broth
Zoni soup unique to Sendai that uses dried and grilled hase fish from Matsushima for the broth. It is a dish that never gets boring because it is full of various ingredients and flavors. Since seafood such as sujiko and salmon roe are abundant and cheap in Sendai, this zoni soup is often eaten during the New Year's holidays.
05
Matsushima sightseeing boat tour
A cruising tour around Matsushima Bay that takes about 50 minutes
There are many sightseeing boats with different routes and durations operating in Matsushima Bay, and among them, the Nio-maru course of the Matsushima Meguri sightseeing boat is popular. The highlights include "Senganjima," which was favored by Date Masamune, and "Niojima," which was named after its resemblance to the guardian deity Nio.
05
Matsushima sightseeing boat tour
A cruising tour around Matsushima Bay that takes about 50 minutes
There are many sightseeing boats with different routes and durations operating in Matsushima Bay, and among them, the Nio-maru course of the Matsushima Meguri sightseeing boat is popular. The highlights include "Senganjima," which was favored by Date Masamune, and "Niojima," which was named after its resemblance to the guardian deity Nio.
Recommended Spots
Local Cuisine
Matsushima Kaki Meshi
Kaki-meshi is rice with Matsushima oysters on top.
The specialty of Matsushima is the crystallization of deliciousness, "Matsushima oysters". They are small and have a firm texture, bursting with flavor in your mouth! Kaki-meshi is made by putting oyster scrambled eggs on top of rice, or by lining up plumply grilled oysters on top of rice. There are many variations, such as Kaki-don which uses a special sauce made with Sendai miso, and Kaki-fry which is oyster fry on top of rice in a bowl.
Sendai Zoni
Zoni unique to Sendai that uses dried and grilled hase from Matsushima for the broth.
Sendai's unique Zoni that uses dried and grilled hase from Matsushima for the broth. It is a dish that you can enjoy various tastes with lots of ingredients, so you won't get bored of it. Since seafood such as salmon roe and salmon can be obtained cheaply and abundantly, it is common to eat this Zoni during the New Year's in Sendai.
Shiogama's Specialty Sushi
The finest sushi from the sushi town of Shiogama
Shiogama, which boasts one of the top fishing ports in Tohoku, is a town filled with famous sushi restaurants. Fresh seafood caught in the waters of Sanriku, such as bluefin tuna and yellowfin tuna, is transformed into exquisite sushi. Enjoy the master chef's carefully crafted sushi!
Matsushima Anago
Plump eel grown in a suitable environment.
Matsushima Bay, which spreads in the shallow Seto Inland Sea, is perfect for eel cultivation. Matsushima Anago is characterized by its plump body, as it feeds on abundant food in the bay. The secret to its popularity is its soft texture and delicate flavor. Enjoy its deliciousness in a bowl or sushi.
Location cafe and restaurant with a view of Matsushima Bay
A cafe where you can relax while looking out at Matsushima Bay
In Matsushima, there are various cafes and restaurants scattered around where you can enjoy a stunning view of the sea from large windows or dine while admiring a beautiful garden. You can enjoy lunch or tea time while being healed by the blue sea and lovely gardens. Take a break from Matsushima sightseeing and visit one of these places.
Basic Information
Hotel Average Cost
¥11,828
Average Budget
(1 night, 2 days)
(1 night, 2 days)
¥31,259
Best Season
6~10 Month
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One-way Travel Time
Departure：東京駅
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*Actual times may vary depending on traffic conditions.
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