See Matsushima’s islands from the sea
Enjoy close-up views of signature sights such as Kanejima and Nioujima.
Matsushima Bay Cruise
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What kind of place is Matsushima Bay Cruise?
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This classic sightseeing cruise offers close-up views of Matsushima Bay’s islands from the water.
Explore the sights of Matsushima Bay by sightseeing boat. The Nioumaru Course passes islands such as Kanejima and Nioujima, whose scenery can only be seen from the sea. It’s an easy walk from the station and a good choice if you want to experience Matsushima in a short time.
Recommended for
Top 3 Highlights
An easy-to-follow Nioumaru Course
A straightforward option for first-time visitors and a convenient way to anchor a Matsushima sightseeing day.
Within walking distance of the station
The cruise terminal is an easy walk from Matsushima-Kaigan Station, making it simple to fit into your visit.
Before You Go
- Wind and waves can affect the cruise.
- For better views, consider a seat on the upper deck.
- During busy seasons, check operating conditions before departure.
Suggested Route
Walk from Matsushima-Kaigan Station to board the cruise, enjoy the bay’s island scenery on the Nioumaru Course, then visit nearby sights.
The best way to explore the beautiful islands of Matsushima Bay is by taking the Matsushima Island Tour Boat "Nio Maru Course." This course spans approximately 17 kilometers and highlights famous spots such as "Kanedajima" and "Nio Island," as well as the majestic cliffs of "Kinda Island" and the archaeological site of the Jomon period on "Funairijima," along with the inhabited islands of "Katsurajima" and "Nonojima." Notably, the "Nio Maru," which operates this course, is a newly constructed ship that began service in 2020, offering a comfortable voyage.
Onboard, there are "Relaxing Green Seats" available, and from the second-floor seating, you can enjoy spectacular views through large windows. Pets can also accompany you if they are in a carrier, and guide dogs can board without restrictions. While the waters in the bay are generally calm, rougher conditions can be experienced when venturing into the open sea, adding to the thrill of the cruise.
Another unique feature is the ability to approach rare islands that other tour boats cannot access. This ship can navigate shallow waters, allowing you to experience the beauty of nature and history up close. Matsushima Bay is bustling with tourists throughout the year, but the Nio Maru Course is particularly popular.
If you want to fully appreciate the beauty of Matsushima Bay, the Nio Maru Course is the way to go. Enjoy the stunning scenery, comfortable boat ride, and a wonderful opportunity to engage with Japan's natural beauty and history.
Onboard, there are "Relaxing Green Seats" available, and from the second-floor seating, you can enjoy spectacular views through large windows. Pets can also accompany you if they are in a carrier, and guide dogs can board without restrictions. While the waters in the bay are generally calm, rougher conditions can be experienced when venturing into the open sea, adding to the thrill of the cruise.
Another unique feature is the ability to approach rare islands that other tour boats cannot access. This ship can navigate shallow waters, allowing you to experience the beauty of nature and history up close. Matsushima Bay is bustling with tourists throughout the year, but the Nio Maru Course is particularly popular.
If you want to fully appreciate the beauty of Matsushima Bay, the Nio Maru Course is the way to go. Enjoy the stunning scenery, comfortable boat ride, and a wonderful opportunity to engage with Japan's natural beauty and history.
Matsushima Bay Cruise Movies
Basic Information
- Spot Name
- Matsushima Bay Cruise
- Location
- 85 Matsushima-cho, Matsushima, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
- Access
- 7-minute walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station on the JR Sengoku Line.
- Parking
- No parking available.
- Business Hours
- 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (First train to last train, from November to March, until 3:00 PM <last train>)
- Fees
- Adults (middle school and above) 1,500 yen, Children (elementary school students) 750 yen.
- Contact Information
- Phone Number：022-354-2233
- Official Website
Map
Detailed Information
Matsushima Island Cruise offers a variety of courses, including the reasonably priced “Niohmaru Course,” which takes you around the islands of Matsushima aboard a large sightseeing boat; private charter courses for small groups such as families and couples; and the “Oku-Matsushima / Suga Gorge Course,” which lets you see nearly all of Matsushima Bay.
Niohmaru Course (Large Ship)
This is the course that Matsushima Island Cruise proudly recommends. Covering a route of approximately 17 kilometers, it passes by famous spots in Matsushima Bay such as “Kanejima” and “Niojima,” as well as “Kagota Island,” with its towering rock face, “Funairijima,” where Jomon-period ruins were discovered, and between the inhabited islands of Katsurajima and Nonoshima. You can enjoy the distinctive islands and scenery of Matsushima Bay, views that can never be seen from Matsushima Coast.
Course for Groups and Small Parties
One of the major attractions is that the boat can travel to places inaccessible to large ships. As a private charter, it is also possible to board with pets that cannot be placed in cages, such as large dogs.
The islands of Matsushima viewed from the boat create a beautiful landscape of rocks and pine trees. As the boat moves slowly, it takes you around various islands. You can enjoy the scenic views while paying attention to the pines growing on the rock faces and the distinctive shapes of the islands. By sailing while listening to the guide’s commentary, you can also gain a deeper understanding of the area’s history and culture.
In particular, the scenery becomes even more beautiful in spring during the cherry blossom season and in autumn during the fall foliage season. The cherry blossoms and autumn leaves seen from the boat are known for their spectacular beauty and captivate everyone who visits. Matsushima Bay is also a habitat for seabirds, and you may be able to see them from the boat.
Through the breathtaking views from the boat and the guide’s commentary, visitors can enjoy a valuable experience of encountering the history and culture of Matsushima.
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