This landscape with water as calm as a lake, and dotted by countless islands, is so beautiful it seems like a painting.
Matsushima, one of the Three Most Scenic Spots of Japan, has an eastern part called Oku-Matsushima. It encompasses the largest island in Matsushima Bay, Miyato Island, and the Nobiru coastline which stretches along the Pacific Ocean. With its relatively mild climate, many camellia flowers bloom in early spring and wild windmill palm trees flourish, prompting a comparison with the famous Izu Peninsula near Tokyo. The still waters of the inner bay and the waves of the ocean make possible a wealth of activities; swimming, wind-surfing, fishing, and drag-net fishing, which can be enjoyed throughout the year. This area is also a Miyagi Prefecture International Tourism Theme Area.
The Oku-Matsushima Trail begins at the Selco Home Aomina Visitor Center. Experience the history and nature from the prehistoric Jomon period to many of today’s most picturesque spots as you hike through Oku-Matsushima and Miyato Island. The start of the course is a trail dating back to prehistoric times. In the Satohama Historical Park, step back in time and visit the Satohama Shell Mound from the Jomon period, one of the largest in Japan. At Inagasaki Park and on top of Otakamori (one of the four panoramic views of Matsushima), you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Oku-Matsushima’s landscape. This course is also an opportunity enjoy delicious seafood and the warm hospitality of local residents.
This is the starting and finishing point for the Oku-Matsushima Trail. Find local souvenirs here as well as drinks and snacks. Rest your tired feet in a footbath. With the Oku-Matsushima Pleasure Boat Visitor Center also inside this building, you can start your exploration of Oku-Matsushima here.
This temple was built in 1915 half-way up the Otakamori hillside by then Miyagi Governor Masataka Mori. Inside there is a Yakushi Nyorai (Buddha of healing) statue made of unvarnished wood. When Kozoji Temple in the Igu District in Southern Miyagi was renovated, the center pillar was carved into Yakushi Nyorai, Prince Shotoku Taishi and 33 Kannon statues, and the Yakushi Nyorai was dedicated to the Otakamori Yakushido Temple.
This museum displays clay pots, bone tools, stone tools and costumes that were excavated from the Satohama Shell Mound on Miyato Island. The shell mound dates from the pre-historic Jomon period and is registered as a National Historic Site. There are hands-on activities to let you experience life in the Jomon period. The museum is dedicated to the wisdom and culture of the ancient Jomon people who lived as one with nature.
The Satohama Shell Mound began before the Jomon period and continued until the Yayoi era, making it among the largest shell mounds in Japan. From the Azumaya hut in the observation area, the scenery is wonderful and you can view the same sea the ancient Jomon people once gazed upon. In spring there are yellow canola blossoms, and in summer soba flowers bloom in terraced fields.
Behind the Satohama Historical Park stands a large sacred bay tree. This type of tree is an evergreen related to the camphor tree. It grows in warm coastal areas from central-southern Tohoku to the south and has been mistaken for the similar-looking camphor tree.
Oku-Matsushima’s famous rock faces bear traces of their underwater origins. Even locations that are at present rice fields were once part of the sea.
From the viewing area in the park you can see the Zao mountain range, Matsushima Bay, the Oshika Peninsula, and on clear days as far as Soma in Fukushima. Also in the area are camellia forests whose red flowers and vivid green leaves contrast beautifully when they are in bloom.
The transparent blue water and bright sand set this beach apart. In summer it is open for swimming and is popular with the public. As the waves are calm, the beach is well-suited for children and families.
Beyond the path lies the beautiful blue of the sea. It is known as “the horse’s back” for the shape of the rock promontory. The sunny lookout point is a perfect place to take a rest.
This 105.8 meter mountain at the center of Miyato Island is one of Matsushima’s four panoramic views, known as the“Gorgeous View.” Prince Noriyoshi (1328-1368) and Sendai’s samurai ruler Date Masamune (1567-1636) praised the view from the peak. There is a 360-degree panoramic view of Matsushima Bay and the Pacific Ocean. At dusk, Matsushima Bay glistens in a beautiful golden light. In addition, there is a large stone dedicated to the protector Raijin (the god of thunder). This is also a good place to watch the sunrise.
This is the starting and finishing point for the Oku-Matsushima Trail.
Otakamori Kanko Hotel
Room ￥4,000 (plus tax), room with two meals ￥7,000 (plus tax), meal-only ￥3,000 (plus tax)
Courtesy shuttle: No
Sakura-sou Fishermen's Minshuku
Room ￥3,880 (tax included), room with two meals ￥7,600 (tax included), meal-only ￥1,500 (tax included), other price options available upon inquiry, reservation required
Courtesy shuttle: Yes
Isuzu Minshuku
Room with two meals ￥8,500 (plus tax)
Courtesy shuttle: no
Yakushido Ryokan
Room ￥3,500 (plus tax), room with two meals ￥7,000（plus tax), meal-only ￥1,500 (plus tax)
Courtesy shuttle: No
Yamane Minshuku
Room ￥3,500 (plus tax), room with two meals ￥6,500 (plus tax), meal-only ￥2,000 (plus tax)
Courtesy shuttle: Yes
Kami no Ie Minshuku
Room with two meals ￥7,000 (tax included), meal-only ￥3,500 (tax included)
Courtesy shuttle: Yes
Shinhamasou Minshuku
Room ￥3,500 (plus tax), room with two meals ￥7,000 (tax included), meal-only ￥3,000 (tax included)
Courtesy shuttle: Yes
Nishi no Ie Minshuku
Room ￥3,500 (tax included), room with two meals ￥7,000 (tax included), meal-only ￥2,500 (tax included), inquire for other price options
Courtesy shuttle: No
Shiosai no Yado, Chidorikan
Room ￥4,000 (plus tax), room with two meals ￥7,000 (plus tax), meal-only (inquire for price)
Courtesy shuttle: Yes
* Rooms and meal-only plans are all by reservation only
Miyato Tsubame Shokudo
Tsubame Set, butter chicken curry, cakes, etc.
Enmantei
Seafood ramen, oyster ramen, clam ramen, sea urchin rice bowl, grilled innards set
Oyster Shack Kaisendo
Grilled oysters, fried oyster sets, etc.
Kibotcha Mori no Kitchen
Higashi-Matsushima Gozen (with nori seaweed udon), Nobiru daily special, deep fried chicken rice bowl, etc.
* JR Nobiru Station to Selco Home Aonami Visitor Center, 15 min. by taxi (estimated fare ￥1,500)
* Next to JR Nobiru Station there are rental bicycles at the Iito Plaza.
Higashi-Matsushima nori is of such a high quality it has won prizes in competitions and been offered to the Imperial Household many times. In addition to baked nori and seasoned nori, there are also other local products like salted nori, cooked with sweet soy sauce as tsukudani, nori salad dressing, and many more.
In this Higashi-Matsushima specialty, udon noodles are infused with nori seaweed. This popular item is marked by its smooth texture and subtle nori flavor. Especially recommended are the chilled “hiyashi nori udon,” nori udon salad, and other variations made by the chefs of different restaurants. Dried noodles make a perfect souvenir and can be bought together with a special noodle soup.
Made with wheat and rice flour grown in the Nobiru area of Higashi-Matsushima, this type of Baumkuchen ring cake is made by the farmers themselves. Nobiru Baum comes in three varieties: soft, hard and children’s, with large sizes and ones that fit in the palm of your hand, making them perfect for souvenirs or sending as a present.
These oysters are grown in the mineral-rich water from two Class A streams. They have a large and rich meat with a sweetly rich flavor. Enjoy them prepared in many ways at local establishments including grilled at a local oyster shack, in a nabe stew, or fried.
Higashi-Matsushima City is located in central Miyagi Prefecture, between Ishinomaki City and the town of Matsushima. Matsushima Bay has a reputation as a rich fishing ground with flourishing seaweed and oyster farms. The city is home to the Matsushima Air Base, if you’re lucky, you can see the Blue Impulse acrobatic squadron practicing in the sky above.
See the Sagakei, known as one of the three greatest gorges in Japan, by boat. Its dramatic cliffs contrast with the serene beauty of Matsushima. Only by boat can you come face to rock face with these spectacular 20 to 40-meter rock cliffs.
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Matsushima Air Base is home to the “Blue Impulse” acrobatic flight team (4th Air wing, 11th Squadron). They often perform practice flights in the skies above the city. At the summer air festival, the blue and white jets perform impressive acrobatic maneuvers and make drawings with their white smoke trails.
At the 3.11 Disaster Recovery Memorial Museum in former JR Nobiru Station, you can learn about damage to this area from the Great East Japan Earthquake and steps towards recovery. In the prayer plaza there is a disaster and recovery monument to serve as a memorial for those who lost their lives.
Oku-Matsushima Pleasure Boat Information Center (inside Selco Home Aomina Visitor Center) TEL 0225-88-3997
Higashi-Matsushima Tourist Association TEL 0225-87-2322
Commerce, Industries and Tourism Department, Higashi-Matsushima City TEL 0225-82-1111