Day Trip to Sendai Matsushima (Shinkansen Tickets & Boat Ticket)

Tokyo , Japan

Day Trip to Sendai Matsushima (Shinkansen Tickets & Boat Ticket)

Active

11h - 13h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover Matsushima at your own pace with our private self-guided tour, which includes a round trip from Tokyo Station to Matsushima and a ticket for the Matsushima sightseeing boat. If you travel by train, just 40 minutes from Sendai, you can reach Matsushima, known for its scenic beauty as one of the "Three Most Scenic Spots of Japan." Here are some recommended ways to make the most of your time:

Be sure to visit Zuiganji Temple and Godaido Temple. Matsushima boasts a cultural heritage as impressive as its natural scenery. Afterward, enjoy a Bamboo Kamaboko (fish cake) hand-baking experience that we offer! The crispy, fluffy freshly baked sasa kamaboko tastes a little different from store-bought varieties.

The last attraction is the Matsushima sightseeing boat, which takes you around Matsushima Bay, passing by islands that have been carved into delicate and intriguing shapes by the wind and water.

Customize your itinerary to match your specific needs and interests!

Available options

Day Trip to Sendai Matsushima (Shinkansen Tickets & Boat Ticket)

What's included

Ticket for Matsushima Sightseeing Boat

Fare for the conventional line (JR Senseki line)

Ticket for Yukimi-dango (one per person)

Fare for Shinkansen tickets and reserved seats

Ticket for Bamboo Kamaboko (fish cake) hand-baking experience (one per person))

Detailed itinerary

Departure time from Tokyo station is between 7:30am and 9:00am. The actual departure time will be decided about 10 days before the tour. The tickets will be sent to your hotel accomodation.

Transfer to JR Senseki line and move to Matsushima Kaigan Station. (40mins ride)

After arriving at Matsushima Kaigan Station, Please proceed to Marubun Matsushima Kisen "Matsushima Kaigan Rest House" counter No.2. At the counter, please show the final information and tell the staff that you made reservation through Yomiuri Travel Service. The staff will hand you ticket for Matsushima sightseeing boat, ticket for Bamboo Kamaboko (fish cake) hand-baking experience and ticket for Yukimi-dango.

How about trying your hand at baking bamboo kamaboko to make memories of your trip? When you bake your own kamaboko, you can enjoy a different taste than the ones from the store! This store is located just about 8-minute walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station.

Visit Zuiganji Temple, national Treasure and Important Cultural Property, is one of the Tohoku Region's most famous and prominent Zen temples, and is well known for its beautifully gilded and painted sliding doors. Admission is not included. (700yen for adult and 400yen for child)

Godaido temple is a small temple hall on an islet just next to the pier. Due to its prominent location, it has become a symbol of Matsushima.

Enjoy 50-minutes journey on Matushima sightseeing boat from Matsushima to Shiogama. The boat cruises around the main islands such as Senganjima and Niojima, and sails through shallow waters, so you can enjoy the look of the islands from a closer distance. It operates every an hour.

After arriving at Shiogama by the sightseeing boat, take 10-minute walk to Hon-shiogama station. Take JR Senseki line to Sendai Station.

The arrival time at Tokyo station will be between 19:30pm to 21:00pm.

What's not included

Tour guide

Personal expences

Admission to Zuiganji Temple (700yen for adult and 400yen for child)

Available languages

Written guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Once booking is confirmed, please provide name of the hotel.

Once booking is confirmed, please provide address and phone number of the hotel.

Once booking is confirmed, please provide booking name for the hotel.

Once booking is confirmed, please provide check in and checkout date.

Transportation time is included to the total duration of the tour.

Meeting point

There is no tour guide for this tour. Please board the bullet train by yourself. The deperature and arrival time for shinkansen will be decided 10 days before the tour. We will inform you by Email once it is confirmed.

Important notes

Tickets for Shinkansen tickets will be sent to the hotel accommodation which exclude AirB and certain people's home address.

About Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Known for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a unique experience that caters to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple's massive lantern and five-story pagoda are iconic landmarks.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (small fee for some areas)

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and a symbol of Tokyo's bustling urban life. It's a must-see for its chaotic yet orderly nature.

Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (¥2,200 for Shibuya Sky)

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest freestanding structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours ¥2,100 to ¥3,100 (USD $15 to $22)

Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place for families and tech enthusiasts.

Entertainment Half day to full day Varies by attraction

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sushi

Fresh raw fish served on vinegared rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine.

Dinner Contains fish, can be vegetarian with substitutes.

Ramen

Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.

Lunch/Dinner Vegan and vegetarian options available.

Tempura

Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and deep-fried ingredients.

Okonomiyaki

Savory pancake with various ingredients, often topped with sauce and bonito flakes.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and can be made vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Parasailing at Odaiba Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Traditional tea ceremonies Kimono rentals and photo shoots Boat tours on the Sumida River Beach activities at Odaiba

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times for tourism.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Tokyo is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public order. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and check fares before getting in.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles) from city center
Haneda Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By train

Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station

By bus

Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Tokyo's subway system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Shibuya Shinjuku Asakusa Ginza Akihabara

Day trips

Nikko

120 km (75 miles) from Tokyo • Full day

Nikko is a city known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Kamakura

50 km (31 miles) from Tokyo • Half day to full day

Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Hakone

90 km (56 miles) from Tokyo • Full day or overnight

Hakone is a hot spring resort town known for its onsen (hot springs), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum. It's a popular destination for relaxation and nature.

Festivals

Sannō Matsuri • Mid-June (every 2 years) Kanda Matsuri • Mid-May (every 2 years) Sumida River Fireworks Festival • Last Saturday of July

Pro tips

Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
Download useful apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, and Japan Travel by Navitime.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Carry cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.