HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Eco Tour of Matsushima Bay
Experience the great outdoors, locally sourced food, and the warmth of the community while exploring Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture
Tohoku District Transport Bureau
Matsushima Bay is dotted with over 300 islands of varying sizes and is considered one of Japan’s top three scenic views. During this tour, experience both the scenic beauty of Matsushima Bay along with aspects of the sustainable food culture and outdoor activities it nurtures.
Take a boat tour around the myriad of islands off the coast and learn about the efforts being made to restore the marine ecosystem, then visit the important temples of Matsushima.
The bay is also an abundant oyster production area, and you can actually visit an oyster farm and see how they raise this tasty shellfish in the nutrient-rich waters. Discover the flavors of the sea with the freshly caught seafood and oysters.
Outdoorsy folks can opt for a hike along part of the Michinoku Coastal Trail, which spans over 1,000 km along the coast of northern Japan, including sections on the nearby Urato Islands. Early birds can go kayaking among the islets in the bay at sunrise and enjoy breakfast on the shore, complete with freshly brewed coffee.
Stay overnight in a hotel with picture windows (and hot spring baths) overlooking the bay, perhaps while sipping some of the local sake, a lovely way to end a day of exploring the culture and lifestyle of this coastal town.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Sendai Station (around 1 hour 30 minutes), where you will meet your guide.
1-1-1, Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi-ken
