Matsushima Cruise | Review by 黃國棟

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Matsushima Cruise

See one of the Three Great Views of Japan up close from the sea!

11 Oct 2026 See More

When visiting Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture, you absolutely shouldn’t miss taking a sightseeing cruise around Matsushima Bay! Matsushima is known as one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, with more than 260 islands of various sizes scattered throughout the bay. Covered in lush trees and striking rock formations, the islands’ unique charm can truly be appreciated up close from the water aboard a sightseeing boat.

This time, I took the very popular Niomaru Course. The entire cruise takes about 50 minutes, passing one unusually shaped island after another. As the boat moves along, the scenery keeps changing, with a different kind of beauty from every angle.

The deep blue water, the islands in all kinds of shapes, and the clear, sunny weather that day made the entire cruise incredibly refreshing! There’s no need to rush. Simply sitting on the boat and quietly admiring the scenery shaped by nature over the years is an enjoyable experience in itself.

Matsushima Cruise | Niomaru Course: The cruise takes about 50 minutes. When visiting Matsushima, besides strolling along the coast and enjoying the island scenery, I also recommend exploring Matsushima Bay by boat to experience a completely different view from what you see on land. This cruise is definitely a worthwhile stop to include in your Matsushima trip!

Other Reviews by 黃國棟

Miyagi Prefecture Matsushima Rikyu

Matsushima Rikyu is a tourist commercial hub that opened in March 2020 in Matsushima, home to one of Japan's three most scenic views. There’s plenty to explore inside, including a Japanese garden, rooftop garden, restaurant museum and more.
- Miyagi
- Commercial Buildings
11 Oct 2026 See More

When visiting Matsushima, besides taking in the magnificent scenery of one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, I also highly recommend stopping by Matsushima Rikyu. Combining beautiful scenery, food, and a variety of activities, this tourist complex is a place where you can easily spend an entire day exploring at a leisurely pace.

During this visit, I happened to catch the nighttime light show. The countless lights illuminating the grounds created a dreamy, romantic scene so beautiful that I couldn’t help but stop and admire it. Every angle was perfect for photos!

What surprised me most was how completely different the scenery looked during the day and at night. In the daytime, it was fresh and bright, allowing you to appreciate the grounds as they normally are. Once night fell and the lights came on, the entire atmosphere instantly became romantic and enchanting, as if I had stepped into another world.

At first, I thought the admission price was a little high for a tourist attraction, but considering the overall setting and the nighttime light show, I still felt it was worth it.
Matsushima

One of Three Great Views of Japan along with Kyoto’s Amanohashidate and Hiroshima’s Miyajima. The grand horizon of the Pacific Ocean and large and small 260 verdant islands have been attracting many visitors since the Heian Period.
- Miyagi
- Nature Spots
11 Oct 2026 See More

Visiting Matsushima, one of the Three Great Views of Japan, I finally got to see this breathtaking seascape with my own eyes! We took a sightseeing cruise and enjoyed views of islands large and small, each with a different shape, scattered across the sea. Nearly every island was covered in lush greenery, creating a beautiful natural scene against the deep blue water. As the boat slowly moved along, the islands constantly changed depending on the angle, offering a different view at every turn. I never got tired of looking at them!

Matsushima is definitely worth exploring by boat. Not only can you see many islands at once, but you can also experience the grandeur and charm of this unique landscape from the water. It's no wonder it's considered one of the Three Great Views of Japan. You can only truly appreciate its beauty after visiting in person!
Zuiganji Temple

This temple is said to have been opened as a Tendai Sect in the 9th century. The official name including the name of the mountain is Shoto Seiryuzan Zuiganenpukuzenji.
- Miyagi
- Shrines & Temples
11 Oct 2026 See More

The last stop on this trip to Matsushima was Zuiganji Temple, one of the most prominent historic temples in northeastern Japan. As soon as I entered the temple grounds, it felt as if I were cut off from the noise outside. The ancient, solemn atmosphere made me naturally slow down and quietly take in the history and passage of time here.

The dazzling National Treasure Main Hall is the highlight of Zuiganji Temple. It combines the lavish artistic style of the Momoyama period with features of shoin-style architecture, and the gold leaf, intricate paintings, and detailed wood carvings are stunning everywhere you look! It truly lives up to its status as an important temple rebuilt by Date Masamune, with extraordinary beauty displayed in everything from the architecture to the decorations. Unfortunately, photography is prohibited inside the Main Hall, so you can only take it all in with your own eyes. You really have to visit in person to experience how impressive it is.