Sightseeing Guide

Zuiganji Temple

This is the temple of Date Masamune's clan
The original temple was built by Ennin- a Buddhist priest, later on Date Masamune rebuilt it and made it his family chapel.
You can also find within the temple grounds the Seiryuden or the art museum. The gallery contains items and important relics that belong to the Date Clan.

Entsuin Temple

This temple was also built by the Date clan. It houses an elaborate statue of Date Masamune's grandson, Date Mitsumune dressed in formal nobility costume and riding on a white horse. He was said to be excellent in the literary and military arts since he was a child.
Be sure to look out for the painting of western roses on the temple's main door.

Kanrantei Matsushima Museum

This teahouse was originally built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi at his Fushimi Momoyama castle in Kyoto; he later gave it to Date Masamune.
Here, you can enjoy the splendid scenery while having a cup of Japanese tea.
A small museum at the back of the teahouse displays suits of armor and works of fine art.

Godaido

When Sakanoue Tamuramaro came to conquer the Tohoku district from the West, he commissioned for a hall to be built in a small island in Matsushima. Jikaku Daishi, the founder of the nearby Zuiganji Temple later enshrined five Buddhist statues inside it.
The present building is a result of a reconstruction ordered by the Date clan in 1604.

Fukuurajima

This is a small island (approximately 6 hectares) located in the East side of Matsushima.
You'll need to cross the 252 meters long bridge to get to this island. Here you can see 250 kinds of plants and several wild birds.
The bridge is also a popular meeting place for tourists.

Marinepia Fantasy Sea World

Marinepia Matsushima is home to more than 10,000 marine creatures of 400 species.
Here you can see a sunfish, some dolphins, and other marine animals. The sea otters which are considered endangered are one of the popular attractions that the aquarium offers.

Matsushima Orgel Museum

This museum has 134 kinds of music boxes or orgels bought from the National Museum of Belgium. It also houses the world's largest concert organ.

Date Masamune Wax Museum

This museum features a visual representation of the life of Date Masamune. They recreated 25 important events in Date Masamune's life using life sized wax dolls.

Sightseeing Cruise

There are different kinds of boat tours to choose from.
You can choose to see strange shaped islets such as the Nio Jima( Deva King Island), Kane-shima(large bell island) or enjoy a more relaxing cruise on boats that regularly go between Matsushima and Shiogama.

Matsushima Sightseeing Information

Katsura Island

This island is famous for its beach and black pine forest. You can also enjoy a variety of water sports here like jet skiing and kayaking.
The island has a population of about 400 residents. They have inns and pension houses that serve fresh seafood.
It takes 20 minutes from the hotel by car and 23 minutes if you go by the steamboat from marine gate Shiogama.

Shiogama Shrine

It is in located in the center of Ichimotiyama in Shiogama city. From here you can see a panoramic view of the city and also a spectacular view of the Oshika Peninsula and the distant peak of Mount Kinkazan. The spirit of three deities are said to reside in Shiogama temple at three different buildings.
20 minutes from the hotel by car.

Shiogama Marine Products Wholesale Market

Tuna from far north like Hokkaido and down south like Okinawa are all sold here in the Shiogama port. They have the biggest unloading of tuna for distribution in Japan.
The market covers hundreds of meters of floor space for selling either wholesale or retail many kinds of fresh fish and seafood.
Their parking space can accommodate up to 1000 vehicles. Please check their webpage for more information.
15 minutes from the hotel by car.

Marine Gate Shiogama

This is the terminal for sightseeing boats to and from Matsushima Bay. They also have a variety of restaurants and shops located within the complex. 20 minutes from the hotel by car.

Okumatsushima

This is the area centering around Miyatojima Island. In addition to Nobiru Beach, it includes Okumatsushima Jomon Village Historical Museum, and Otakamori, one of Matsushima's four most scenic views. From here we can see a great view of the Matsushima Bay and the Ojika Peninsula. You can also take a pleasure boat trip from here to the beautiful Sakagei Gorge.
25 minutes from the hotel by car

Grandy 21 (Miyagi Sports Complex)

This sports complex comes equipped with large scale facilities capable of hosting competitive sports, including international events, and recreational facilities. This is also where the 2002 World Cup soccer match was held. It is conveniently located next to the Miyagi Prefectural Forest Park, creating a park like atmosphere to the area.
The complex can also be used for concerts and is a popular meeting place.
25 minutes from the hotel by car.

East Japan Railway Co. Shinkansen Comprehensive Maintenance Center

The Tohoku shinkansen, Joetsu shinkansen, and the Yamagata shinkansen are all maintained and inspected here; they make sure that all bullet trains in service are relatively safe and fast. They also have a popular train festival annually.
25 minutes from the hotel by car.

Miyagi Exhibition Center ( Yume Messe Miyagi)

It is the largest exhibition facility in the Tohoku region. The center comes equipped with a gallery, a big hall, conference rooms, and restaurants all totaling to an area of around 7500 m² .They also have multipurpose conference halls and an outdoor gallery with a total area of 5000 m². 25 minutes by car from the hotel.

Tohoku Historical Museum

The museum was established to bring the history of the Tohoku region into focus and it also aims to promote local historical awareness to children through hosting educational and interesting events that deals mainly with the history of the region.
35 minutes by car from the hotel.

Above information is for reference only.