Things To Do
in Higashimatsushima
Higashimatsushima is a coastal city in Miyagi Prefecture along the Pacific Ocean, offering a blend of fishing heritage and seaside scenery. The town is known for its harbor views, friendly local culture, and easy access to nearby Matsushima Bay and other coastal sights. Since the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, the area has rebuilt with a focus on tourism, seafood, and outdoor exploration.
Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, tranquil shoreline walks, and small-town charm with scenic ocean vistas at every turn.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Sendai Airport and take a scenic drive to Higashimatsushima, soaking in the views of the coastline along the way. Check into your accommodation and refresh yourself after the journey. Stroll around the local area to acclimatize and embrace the charm of this coastal town.
Visit the iconic Fukuura Island with a short ferry ride. Explore the beautiful walking trails and take in stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding islands. Capture breathtaking photos at the scenic lookout points that the island offers.
Dine at a local seafood restaurant and savor fresh catches from the ocean. Engage with local residents and learn about their culture and lifestyle. Enjoy a leisurely evening walk along the waterfront while listening to the soothing sounds of the waves.
Start your day with a visit to the Michinoku Munakata Shrine, known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. Participate in a morning prayer session and learn about the spiritual significance of the shrine. Capture the tranquility of the early hours in this beautiful sacred space.
Delve into the local history at the Higashimatsushima City Museum, which provides insight into the region’s culture and geography. Engage with interactive exhibits and tales from the past. Afterward, visit nearby historical sites that reflect the resilience of the area post-disaster.
Enjoy a cultural dinner experience at a traditional Ryokan, where you can dine on kaiseki cuisine. Delight in the intricate presentation and seasonal ingredients used in each dish. Relax in an onsen (hot spring) afterward, soaking away the day’s activities.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🧃Soft drink or tea | $2-4 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚶Short taxi ride | $6-10 |
| 🛍️Souvenir shopping | $10-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Fresh seafood and coastal scenery
- Relaxed pace and friendly locals
- Proximity to Matsushima Bay and other Miyagi sights
- Good value for money
- Limited nightlife in some areas
- Seasonal weather can be rainy or windy
- Smaller town facilities compared to major cities
- Public transport may be less frequent outside peak routes
- "こんにちは" - Hello
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you very much
- "すみません" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "はい／いいえ" - Yes / No
- "いくらですか？" - How much is this?
- "おすすめはありますか？" - Do you have a recommendation?
- "トイレはどこですか？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "英語を話せますか？" - Do you speak English?
- "一つください" - One, please
- "お願いします" - Please / Thank you (polite request)
Places to Visit in Higashimatsushima
Visit one of these nice places.
Calm waters and fishing boats framed by soft dawn light; ideal for serene harbor photography.
Dramatic coastal cliffs and expansive sea views along the eastern shore, perfect for wide landscape shots.
A quiet shrine on a hillside overlooking Matsushima Bay and the Pacific, great for atmospheric shots.
Food in Higashimatsushima
Higashimatsushima Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A sweet, mashed edamame paste spread over soft mochi; a Miyagi specialty enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
Must-Try!
Fresh local seafood served as sashimi or over rice bowls; the catch changes with the day’s offerings.
Charcoal-grilled seasonal fish such as mackerel or sea bream, served with rice and pickles.
Rice bowls piled with a variety of raw or lightly seared fish and shellfish from the morning market.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Morning stalls near the harbor offering fresh sashimi, grilled seafood skewers, and seasonal snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Bow lightly when greeting; speak softly in public spaces; observe quiet behavior in trains and shrines.
Remove shoes where required in homes, traditional inns, and some temples; follow posted signage.
Safety
Tipping in Higashimatsushima
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan; express appreciation with a polite bow and thank you.
Cash is widely used; credit cards are accepted in larger establishments; local transport accepts IC cards in many cases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant temperatures with sakura blossoms along coastal paths; expect occasional showers.
Warm and humid with sea breezes; typhoon season can bring heavy rain and strong winds; excellent seafood season.
Mild days with clearer skies; ideal for coastal hikes and photography with golden light.
Cool to cold with strong winds near the coast; quieter beaches and peak seafood season in many markets.
Higashimatsushima at Night
Hiking in Higashimatsushima
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Seaside trails with expansive ocean views; suitable for day hikes and scenic photography.
Prominent headlands with dramatic sea panoramas and lighthouse viewpoints, offering rugged coastal landscapes.
Airports
How to reach Higashimatsushima by plane.
Major gateway for international and domestic flights; accessible by train and bus to Higashimatsushima.
Common international connections; travelers typically transfer to domestic trains or buses to reach Higashimatsushima.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of long-time residents and newcomers, with a strong sense of community in neighborhood events.
Historically central to the local economy; fishing communities still shape daily life along the harbor.
Some residents commute to Sendai or nearby towns for work or school, contributing to a youthful, energetic edge in certain districts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular at schools and local clubs; community leagues and matches are common during sport seasons.
Widely played on municipal fields; local teams and youth programs contribute to a lively sports culture.
Coastal waters attract surfers and anglers when conditions permit, with seasonal waves and fisheries shaping local life.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Higashimatsushima.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many places offer tofu dishes, vegetable tempura, and miso-based dishes; inform staff about no fish if needed.