Day One Japan

Miyagi (宮城県)

Start at the waterfront in Matsushima (松島) for views of the bay’s pine-covered islands, then walk to a tiny island hall and a temple of the Date clan.

Open the full walk in Google Maps
Pine-covered islands in Matsushima Bay seen beyond a hillside of cherry blossoms
Matsushima Bay · Makoto_Lab · CC BY 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page

Getting to Matsushima Bay

From Sendai Station (仙台駅)

Take the JR Senseki Line (仙石線) to Matsushima-Kaigan Station (松島海岸駅). This is the station by the pier and temples. Walk along the waterfront toward the sightseeing cruise pier.

Matsushima-Kaigan Station (松島海岸駅)

Entrance to JR Matsushima-Kaigan Station on the Senseki Line
Mutimaro · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized
Public transport in Google Maps Matsushima sightseeing cruise access

Three stops in order

  1. 1. Matsushima Bay (松島湾)

    Start at the waterfront near the pier. See the islands from shore or take a sightseeing boat and return to the same pier before continuing.

    Walk in Google Maps Map of the stop Matsushima sightseeing cruise operator

  2. 2. Godaido Hall (五大堂)

    Continue along the bay to the small hall on an island. The short bridges to the island have gaps between the boards.

    Walk in Google Maps Map of the stop Matsushima cruise operator’s waterfront itinerary

  3. 3. Zuiganji Temple (瑞巌寺)

    Head inland to the temple approach and visit the main hall. Leave time for the walk back to Matsushima-Kaigan Station.

    Walk in Google Maps Map of the stop Zuiganji Temple visitor guide

Check the boat operator’s sailing updates on windy days. The walking route works without the cruise.

Transport and visitor information checked .