Gyutan and Matsushima (One of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views)- Japanese Home Cooking and Sweets Class in Tokyo
For this trip, we are visiting Miyagi Prefecture.
Taking the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station, it takes only about 1.5 hours to reach Sendai Station.
First, we will have a delicious lunch at a famous beef tongue restaurant near the station to start our trip.
After lunch, we will get a rental car and drive to Matsushima, one of the three most beautiful views in Japan.
https://gyutankaku.in/（restaurant info)
Gyutan and Matsushima (One of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views)- Japanese Home Cooking and Sweets Class in Tokyo
https://gyutankaku.in/（restaurant info)
Gyutan and Matsushima (One of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views)- Japanese Home Cooking and Sweets Class in Tokyo
https://gyutankaku.in/（restaurant info)
Gyutan and Matsushima (One of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views)- Japanese Home Cooking and Sweets Class in Tokyo
MATSUSHIMA
Matsushima is a scenic area that spreads across Matsushima Bay in Miyagi Prefecture and is known as one of Japan’s Three Most Famous Views.
In a word, it is famous for the beautiful scenery created by more than 260 islands floating in the sea, and the landscape changes with each season. (On the day of my visit, the weather was not ideal, so the photos are not very clear.)
Gyutan and Matsushima (One of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views)- Japanese Home Cooking and Sweets Class in Tokyo
観瀾亭（Kanrantei Tea House）Gyutan and Matsushima (One of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views)- Japanese Home Cooking and Sweets Class in Tokyo
Highlights
A cruise around the islands in Matsushima Bay on a sightseeing boat is especially popular.
There are also important historical and cultural sites, such as Zuigan-ji Temple.
The four famous viewpoints, known as the “Shidai-kan” or “Four Panoramic Views,” offer spectacular scenery.
Location and Access
Matsushima Town is located in the central coastal area of Miyagi Prefecture, about 25 minutes by train from Sendai.
For sightseeing, visitors are generally advised to use Matsushima-Kaigan Station rather than Matsushima Station.
Cultural Background
Since the Heian period, Matsushima has been famous as a classic poetic place name, and it became even more widely known through the travels of the haiku poet Matsuo Basho.
観瀾亭（Kanrantei Tea House）
Kanrantei is a historic teahouse (originally a moon-viewing pavilion) associated with the feudal lord Date Masamune, offering a superb view over Matsushima Bay.
You can enjoy a bowl of matcha with traditional Japanese sweets while gazing out at the sea.
Gyutan and Matsushima (One of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views)- Japanese Home Cooking and Sweets Class in Tokyo
Location: Right next to the Matsushima sightseeing boat pier, or about a 6-minute walk from JR Matsushima-Kaigan Station.
Opening hours: 8:30–17:00 (until 16:30 from November to March; last admission is one hour before closing).
Example menu: Matcha with a Japanese sweet from around 600 yen (separate admission fee to the facility is required).
瑞巌寺「青龍殿呈茶席」
Zuigan-ji Temple – Seiryuden Tea Corner
Inside the grounds of Zuigan-ji, a National Treasure, there is a calm tea corner attached to the Seiryuden museum building.
Here you can relax in chairs and enjoy matcha and a local specialty sweet in a peaceful atmosphere.
Location: About a 5-minute walk from JR Matsushima-Kaigan Station.
Opening hours: 8:30–16:30 (hours may change during evening illuminations or special exhibitions).
Example menu: Matcha set from about 600–700 yen.
