Matsushima Sightseeing Tour with Guided Tour

Matsushima is home to one of the three most beautiful sights in Japan. The area is dotted with as many as 260 islands, including large and small ones. It is one of the most famous scenic spots in Japan, and was mentioned at the beginning of “Okunohosomichi”, a travelogue by Matsuo Basho, one of the most famous haiku poets in Japan.

Fukuurajima is a small island in Matsushima Bay, Miyagi Prefecture. Fukuurajima is one of the most popular tourist spots in the Matsushima area. This island is accessible on foot across Fukuura Bridge (red bridge) from Matsushima Beach, making it a popular place to casually enjoy nature and scenery.

Zuigan-ji Temple is famous for having been founded in the Heian period (794-1185) and later rebuilt by Date Masamune, a famous general in the Warring States period (1467-1568). Today, many buildings and Buddhist statues designated as national treasures or important cultural properties remain, making the temple of great historical and cultural value.

Entsuin is a temple of the Myoshinji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism located in Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, and is especially famous for its beautiful garden. The beauty of its garden and its historical value make it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Matsushima. The seasonal nature of the area attracts many visitors, especially during the fall foliage season and the illumination of the garden at night.

Oshima is one of the most serene and mysterious places to visit in Matsushima, and is a perfect blend of history and nature. A quiet island where visitors can experience history, nature, and culture, it is easily accessible via a bridge and is a popular tourist destination for those who enjoy walking and visiting historical sites.

Godaido, the oldest existing structure on Matsushima, stands on a small island across a vermilion-lacquered bridge (toru-bashi). This bridge is a bit thrilling as it has no handrails, but it is said to symbolize faith and self-cultivation. The building itself is decorated on all sides with beautiful carvings and ornaments, and is characterized by its attention to detail.