Day Trip Matsushima by Bullet Train from Tokyo

Chiba , Japan

Day Trip Matsushima by Bullet Train from Tokyo

Active

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

In this tour, you can take a tour around Matsushima, one of the three most scenic spots in Japan.
Matsushima is easily accessible from Sendai and Ishinomaki areas, and is a popular cruise port of call tour.
In Matsushima, there are many spots where you can enjoy the rich natural scenery as well as history and culture at a leisurely pace, such as Fukuurajima Island, where you can cross a bridge along the sea to enjoy a stroll, and Entsuji Temple, famous for its Japanese garden.
The area is also famous for its abundance of gourmet foods, especially oysters.
Please enjoy the scenery that has been popular in Japan for a long time with a local guide!

Available options

Matsushima Tour by BulletTrain

Pickup included

What's included

Admission Fee

Hotel or Station Pick up

Public Transportation Fee

National Licensed English Speaking Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Matsushima is home to one of the three most beautiful sights in Japan. The area is dotted with as many as 260 islands, including large and small ones. It is one of the most famous scenic spots in Japan, and was mentioned at the beginning of “Okunohosomichi”, a travelogue by Matsuo Basho, one of the most famous haiku poets in Japan.

Fukuurajima is a small island in Matsushima Bay, Miyagi Prefecture. Fukuurajima is one of the most popular tourist spots in the Matsushima area. This island is accessible on foot across Fukuura Bridge (red bridge) from Matsushima Beach, making it a popular place to casually enjoy nature and scenery.

Zuigan-ji Temple is famous for having been founded in the Heian period (794-1185) and later rebuilt by Date Masamune, a famous general in the Warring States period (1467-1568). Today, many buildings and Buddhist statues designated as national treasures or important cultural properties remain, making the temple of great historical and cultural value.

Entsuin is a temple of the Myoshinji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism located in Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, and is especially famous for its beautiful garden. The beauty of its garden and its historical value make it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Matsushima. The seasonal nature of the area attracts many visitors, especially during the fall foliage season and the illumination of the garden at night.

Oshima is one of the most serene and mysterious places to visit in Matsushima, and is a perfect blend of history and nature.
A quiet island where visitors can experience history, nature, and culture, it is easily accessible via a bridge and is a popular tourist destination for those who enjoy walking and visiting historical sites.

Godaido, the oldest existing structure on Matsushima, stands on a small island across a vermilion-lacquered bridge (toru-bashi). This bridge is a bit thrilling as it has no handrails, but it is said to symbolize faith and self-cultivation. The building itself is decorated on all sides with beautiful carvings and ornaments, and is characterized by its attention to detail.

What's not included

Personal Expenses

Souvenirs

apx. 15-25 USD per person

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Child seats are required for children under 6 years old in Japan. We will prepare the seats, so please let us know if you have small children when you book the tour.

We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.

This tour includes long-distance travel by Bullet Train. If you suffer from motion sickness, please take anti-sickness medicine in advance.

The itinerary might be changed due to weather condition or other reasons.

Important notes

Please show the ticket to the guide when you meet.

About Chiba

Chiba is a vibrant city in Japan's Chiba Prefecture, known for its stunning fireworks displays, beautiful parks, and proximity to Tokyo. It offers a mix of urban attractions and natural beauty, making it a unique destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Chiba Port Park

A large park with beautiful gardens, a zoo, and a Ferris wheel. It's a great place for families and nature lovers.

Nature 2-3 hours Free (some attractions may have fees)

Makuhari Messe

A large convention and exhibition center hosting major events, concerts, and trade shows.

Entertainment Varies by event Varies by event

Chiba Prefecture Museum of Art

A modern art museum featuring works by local and international artists, as well as special exhibitions.

Museum 1-2 hours ¥300-¥500

Must-Try Local Dishes

Anago Meshi

Grilled conger eel served over rice, a local specialty of Chiba.

Main Dish Contains fish, not vegetarian or vegan

Kaihin-Makuhari Ramen

A local ramen variant with a rich, soy-based broth and thick noodles.

Main Dish Contains seafood, not vegetarian or vegan

Popular Activities

Hiking Cycling Water sports at Makuhari Beach Picnicking in Chiba Port Park Onsen (hot spring) visits Shopping Visiting temples and shrines Attending local festivals

Best Time to Visit

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

These seasons offer pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn are particularly beautiful.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Chiba is a very safe city with low crime rates. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, travelers should always take basic precautions to protect their belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis and insist on using the meter.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight in crowded areas.
• Purchase tickets and tours from official sources.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 30 km from city center
Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) • 40 km from city center

By train

Chiba Station, Kaihin-Makuhari Station

By bus

Chiba Chuo Bus Terminal, Kaihin-Makuhari Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Trains are the most efficient way to get around Chiba. The JR Sobu Line connects to Tokyo and other major cities, while the Keisei Line serves local destinations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, Uber (limited availability)

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Chuo Ward Mihama Ward

Day trips

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

30 km from Chiba • Half day

A beautiful Buddhist temple complex with a rich history and stunning architecture. It's a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.

Inubosaki Lighthouse

40 km from Chiba • Half day

A historic lighthouse offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Boso Peninsula. It's a great spot for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Festivals

Chiba International Fireworks Festival • August (specific dates vary) Chiba Cherry Blossom Festival • Late March to Early April (depending on blossom peak)

Pro tips

Purchase a Suica or Pasmo IC card for easy and convenient travel on trains and buses.
Visit Chiba Port Park during the cherry blossom season or autumn foliage for a stunning experience.
Attend the Chiba International Fireworks Festival if visiting in August for a spectacular display.
Try local specialties like Anago Meshi and Kaihin-Makuhari Ramen for an authentic culinary experience.
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner for real-time information on public transportation.