Itinerary

Tokyo to Sendai and beyond to Iwate

Iwate
Miyagi
Sightseeing
Nature

Starting from Tokyo, this route extends north via Sendai to Iwate, offering an easy way to experience the history-rich charm of the Tohoku region. In the Matsushima area of Miyagi, enjoy scenic island views and visit historic temples for a relaxing and peaceful time. Continuing north, explore the cultural heritage of Oshu at Chuson-ji Temple and Motsu-ji Temple before heading to Morioka.

Day 1

Tokyo Station

Access to Matsushima
Tokyo Station
　Shinkansen: approx. 1 hr 10 min
Sendai Station
　Train: approx. 40 min
Matsushima-Kaigan Station

Tokyo

Tokyo Station

Built in 1914, the beautiful red brick station building is a historic structure designated as an Important Cultural Property. The station interior, with its "Character Street" featuring anime goods, sweets, and ekiben from across Japan, is a massive tourist destination in itself. As the starting point of Japan's railway network, history and modern convenience live side-by-side.

Tokyo
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ojima Island

Duration of stay：30 min

A small sacred island in Matsushima Bay once used by monks for ascetic training.
Cross a vermilion bridge into a शांत, mystical space filled with stone carvings and caves.

Miyagi

Ojima Island

Ojima is known as a sacred island where many monks once practiced asceticism, located within Matsushima, one of Japan's three most scenic views.Crossing the vermilion Togetsukyo Bridge reveals numerous "caves" hand-carved into the rock faces and ancient stone monuments, enveloping the island in a mystical and serene atmosphere. Away from the bustling tourist center, it is a hidden gem where you can experience the history of ancient Buddhist culture while listening to the sound of the waves. A walk around the island allows you to slowly enjoy the beautiful archipelago of Matsushima Bay in a quiet environment.

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Walking：about 5 min

Matsushima

Duration of stay：2 h

One of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, featuring over 260 small islands.
Enjoy breathtaking scenery from boats or viewpoints, along with fresh local seafood.

Miyagi

Matsushima

Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture is an extremely famous scenic spot both domestically and internationally, counted as one of "Japan's Three Most Scenic Views."Over 260 islands of various sizes dot Matsushima Bay, and this beautiful scenery has been cherished by many poets and travelers since ancient times. To fully enjoy this spectacular view, we highly recommend the Matsushima Bay cruise, where you can travel between the islands aboard an excursion boat.Matsushima also has many historical spots; the Godaidō Temple with its impressive vermilion bridge, and Zuigan-ji Temple, associated with Date Masamune, are must-sees. Furthermore, there is an abundance of fresh seafood,...

Miyagi
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Walking：about 10 min

Entsuin Temple

Duration of stay：40 min

A temple dedicated to Date Mitsumune, grandson of Date Masamune.
Known for its elegant gardens and serene pathways, especially beautiful during autumn illuminations.

Miyagi

Entsuin Temple

Entsuin Temple, located in Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, is a historic and beautiful temple established as the family temple of Lord Mitsumune, the eldest grandson of Date Masamune.The highlight of this temple is its beautiful gardens which feature four different styles. In particular, the Zen garden called "Enshū no Niwa," modeled after Kyoto's rock gardens, and the "Rose Garden," which incorporates Western flowers like roses, present a unique landscape where Eastern and Western cultures merge.During the autumn foliage season, the entire garden is vibrantly colored, and the special night viewing, where the garden is illuminated after dark, is very popular, allowing...

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Walking：about 5 min

Zuiganji Temple

Duration of stay：1 h

A historic Zen temple closely associated with Date Masamune.
Its grand architecture and cave carvings reflect deep cultural and spiritual heritage.

Miyagi

Zuiganji Temple

Zuiganji Temple, located in Matsushima, is the foremost Zen temple in the Tohoku region and a treasure trove of history and art.It was reconstructed by Date Masamune, the lord of the Sendai domain. The magnificent main hall (Hondō) and kitchen (Kuri), built in the Momoyama style reflecting the power and aesthetic sensibilities of the time, are designated as National Treasures.Must-see features include the gorgeously decorated wall paintings and the design of Masamune's family crest, "Take ni Suzume" (Sparrows and Bamboo). Passing through the silent avenue of cedar trees, it is a place where you can deeply experience Japanese history and...

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Train：about 50 min

Sendai City

The vibrant center of Sendai, known as the “City of Trees.”
Stroll along tree-lined avenues, explore shopping streets, and enjoy specialties like gyutan and zunda.

Access to Chuson-ji Temple
Sendai Station
　Shinkansen: approx. 30 min
Ichinoseki Station
　Train: approx. 10 min
Hiraizumi Station

Miyagi

Sendai City

Sendai, the capital of Miyagi Prefecture, is known as the "City of Trees," where modern buildings and lush greenery harmonize perfectly, making it the ideal base for sightseeing in the Tohoku region.The city is dotted with historical sites related to Date Masamune, the warring states warlord who laid its foundation. At Zuihoden, a lavishly decorated mausoleum, and the Sendai Castle Ruins, which offer a panoramic view of the city, you can experience firsthand the aesthetic sense of the samurai and the depth of their history.Additionally, close to the city center, you can find famous hot springs such as Akiu Onsen...

Miyagi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Day 2

Train：about 40 min

Chūson-ji Temple

Duration of stay：2 h

A UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing the glory of the Northern Fujiwara clan. The Golden Hall stands as a symbol of its rich history.

Iwate

Chūson-ji Temple

Chūson-ji Temple, located in Hiraizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture, is a Tendai sect temple and a major component of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land."It was founded in the $12text{th century}$ by Kiyohira, the first lord of the Ōshū Fujiwara clan, and flourished as a symbol of the Golden Capital built upon Buddhist principles. The National Treasure Konjikidō (Golden Hall), which is entirely covered in gold leaf over lacquer, is a must-see.Ascending the approach known as "Tsukimizaka" (Moon-Viewing Slope), surrounded by cedar trees, visitors encounter numerous halls and pagodas, allowing...

Iwate
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Bus：about 10 min

Mōtsū-ji Temple

Duration of stay：1 h

Famous for its Pure Land garden from the Heian period.
Centered around a large pond, it offers a peaceful setting reflecting Buddhist paradise.

Access to Morioka
Motsu-ji Temple
　Walk: approx. 10 min
Hiraizumi Station
　Train: approx. 1 hr 30 min
Morioka Station

Iwate

Mōtsū-ji Temple

Mōtsū-ji Temple, located in Hiraizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture, is a Tendai sect temple and, like Chūson-ji, is a component of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land."It was originally built by Motohira, the second lord of the Ōshū Fujiwara clan. Although the buildings have since been lost to fire, a vast site of the former temple complex remains. The biggest highlight is the Jōdo Garden (Pure Land Garden), which conveys the gardening style of the Heian period. The garden centered around Ōizumi-ga-ike Pond exudes an elegant and tranquil atmosphere, representing...

Iwate
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Train：about 1 h 30 min

Morioka City

Iwate

Morioka City

Morioka City, the prefectural capital of Iwate, is a city where history, culture, and cuisine converge.The city center features the remnants of the feudal domain era, such as Morioka Castle Ruin Park (Iwate Park), set against the magnificent backdrop of Mount Iwate, along with nostalgic, retro streets along the picturesque Nakatsu River. Historical buildings like the Iwate Bank Red Brick Building, which is a National Important Cultural Property, are also highlights.Gastronomically, the "Three Great Noodles of Morioka"—Wanko Soba, Morioka Reimen (cold noodles), and Morioka Jajamen—are famous. The city is also known for its connections to the beloved poet Kenji Miyazawa.

Iwate
Area Info
Sightseeing
Accommodation
Food
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tokyo Station
Ojima Island
Matsushima
Entsuin Temple
Zuiganji Temple
Sendai City
Chūson-ji Temple
Mōtsū-ji Temple
Morioka City