| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
Order B: Departing from Matsushima - Shiogama one way and optionally using the green first class cabin on the second floor, 600 yen/person will be charged
Order C: One-way departure from Shiogama - Matsushima and optional use of the green first-class cabin on the second floor will cost 600 yen per person
Please pay the additional fee on site
Order A: There is no additional charge for one-way round trip to Songdo.
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
Please be informed that you must redeem food during the store's business hours.
Please note that the boat experience time or sailing route may be changed depending on the weather or wave conditions on the day.
Songdo Sightseeing Cruise may sometimes be suspended due to force majeure factors such as natural disasters or bad weather. We apologize for your understanding.
Please be sure to arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before. To avoid delaying subsequent passengers, we will not wait for late arrivals.
Order B: One-way departure from Matsushima - Shiogama, Order C: One-way departure from Shiogama - Matsushima and choose to use the second floor of the green first-class cabin will cost 600 yen per person, and please pay on site. A: There is no extra charge for one-way trip to Songdo.
Routes B may use medium-sized vessels. Routes AC are generally operated on large vessels, but in the event of a vessel failure, medium-sized vessels may be used. If a medium-sized vessel is used, the 600 yen per person Green Cabin (2nd floor seat) will not be available, and refunds will not be provided. Please note that this will not be possible.
The photos are for reference only. The actual boat type used will depend on the on-site arrangements on the day.
If you choose to take the 3:00 PM cruise, please note that the restaurant offering the "Fish Cake Experience and Grilled Oysters" closes at 4:00 PM. If you visit the restaurant after boarding the cruise, you will not be able to redeem the experience. Please complete the redemption as soon as possible before boarding; no refunds will be given for redemptions not completed during business hours.
The duration of a Matsushima Bay cruise varies depending on the chosen route. The main, popular routes are typically around 50 minutes long. This duration allows ample time to admire the unique scenery of approximately 260 islands within Matsushima Bay and experience the charm of one of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views. You can select a cruise departure that suits your schedule and preferences.
Matsushima Bay is an inland sea, so the waters are generally calm with less rough waves, making it uncommon to experience seasickness on these cruises. If you are prone to seasickness, it's recommended to sit in the middle of the cabin or in a well-ventilated area on the deck, focus your gaze on the horizon, and try to relax. You may also consider bringing motion sickness medication just in case to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey.
In addition to enjoying the breathtaking views of the numerous unique rock formations and lush green islands in Matsushima Bay up close, cruise packages often include local culinary experiences. You might have the chance to savor Miyagi Prefecture's famous seafood, such as fresh oysters or freshly grilled fish cakes. This allows you to indulge your taste buds with local flavors while enjoying the visual spectacle, making it an excellent way to enrich your visit to Matsushima.
Matsushima is famous for its unique archipelago landscape, with approximately 260 islands of varying sizes scattered throughout the bay. These islands are often covered with verdant pine trees, creating a diverse array of natural artworks. Combined with the changing seascape and the sunrises and sunsets throughout the seasons, these islands create a picturesque atmosphere. Cruises are the best way to appreciate its varied terrain and unique beauty, immersing you in the marvels of nature.
Matsushima Bay cruises navigate through the bay, passing many small islands with distinctive shapes and unique legends. For example, you might pass notable landmarks like Nio-jima (Guardian King Island) and Kane-jima (Bell Island). These islands have formed peculiar shapes due to long-term erosion by sea winds and each has its own character. The cruise usually includes commentary, allowing you to learn the stories behind each island while admiring the scenery, thus enriching your tour experience.
Yes, to provide a better experience for international travelers, Matsushima Bay cruises typically offer multi-language commentary services. Commentary in languages such as Chinese, English, Korean, and Thai is randomly played on board, allowing visitors from different countries to easily understand the historical background, cultural stories, and features of the sights along the route, and to deeply experience the beauty of Matsushima.
In addition to the cruise, the Matsushima area has many other worthwhile surrounding attractions. You can visit historic temples and buildings such as Zuigan-ji Temple and Godai-do Hall to feel the deep cultural atmosphere; or stroll along the Matsushima coast and savor fresh seafood, especially the local oyster dishes. Furthermore, there are observation points like Kanran-tei nearby where you can enjoy panoramic views of Matsushima, making your itinerary more fulfilling.
Yes, Matsushima Bay cruise combination packages typically offer a variety of cruise routes for travelers to choose from, to meet different itinerary needs and preferences. These routes may include different durations, departures from various ports, or pass through different combinations of island attractions. You can flexibly choose the most suitable cruise experience based on your time schedule and preferences for Matsushima's scenery.