Complete Guide to Miyagi Matsushima Rikyū｜Charm and Ways to Enjoy This Tourism Facility Where You Can Fully Experience One of Japan’s Three Great Scenic Views
What is Miyagi Matsushima Rikyū? A New Landmark in Matsushima
Miyagi Matsushima Rikyū is a tourism and commercial facility that opened in Matsushima, one of Japan’s three great scenic views, in October 2020. Built on the site of the former Marinepia Matsushima Aquarium, it has garnered attention as a spot that condenses the charm of Matsushima with the theme “Acquire an experience you haven’t yet known.”
The wooden two-story building, with a site area of 6,500 ㎡ and a total floor area of 2,450 ㎡, is located in an ideal location facing Matsushima Bay. Its excellent accessibility—just a one-minute walk from JR Senseki Line’s “Matsushima Kaigan Station”—is one of its attractions. Given its location directly in front of the excursion boat pier, it is utilized as a base for Matsushima tourism by many visitors.
The Retsuru Tower, which serves as the symbol of the facility, was designed to express reverence for the former Matsushima landmark “Matsushima Park Hotel,” reviving in the present a precious landscape etched in the memories of the people of Matsushima. At night, projection mapping is displayed on the tower, creating fantastical effects linked with the illumination of the Rikyū Garden.
Highlights and Ways to Enjoy the Facility
Rikyū Garden｜A Japanese Garden Expressing Matsushima Bay
One of the greatest attractions of Miyagi Matsushima Rikyū is the Rikyū Garden, designed to reflect the image of Matsushima Bay. This garden, which fuses the traditional beauty of Japanese garden design with the natural beauty of Matsushima, is especially beautiful when the landscape is reflected in the water’s surface, allowing visitors to enjoy the garden’s changing appearance through the seasons.
Within the garden is a spot that recreates the scenery that Matsuo Bashō is said to have viewed when he visited Matsushima during his journey for “The Narrow Road to the Deep North,” allowing visitors to re-experience the Matsushima landscape seen by the Edo-period poet. The landscape where the sky reflected in the water, surrounding greenery, and the islands of Matsushima Bay visible in the distance become one creates a view that moves all who visit.
Rooftop Garden｜An Unprecedented Spectacular View of Matsushima Bay
From the second-floor rooftop garden, a spectacular view unfolds overlooking Matsushima Bay. This perspective is evaluated as “a view of Matsushima Bay unlike any before,” offering a new tourism experience in Matsushima.
From the rooftop, you can look out over the more than 260 islands floating in Matsushima Bay, enjoying the beauty of Matsushima, which changes its appearance depending on weather and time of day. The scenery at dusk is particularly spectacular, with the orange-tinted sky and sea alongside the silhouettes of the islands creating a sight that captivates many photography enthusiasts.
A stroll through the rooftop garden is free to enjoy, making it easy to stop by and savor Matsushima’s spectacular views. With benches provided, you can take your time viewing the scenery and rest comfortably. Relaxing while gazing at the landscape makes for a wonderful travel memory.
Miyagi Matsushima Rikyū Museum｜Learning About Matsushima’s History and Culture
The facility houses the Miyagi Matsushima Rikyū Museum, where you can learn about Matsushima’s history, culture, and nature. Through exhibits and panels, you can deepen your understanding of the historical background of Matsushima becoming recognized as one of Japan’s three great scenic views, traditional crafts passed down in this region, and the ecosystem of Matsushima Bay.
The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions, offering new discoveries with each visit. By encountering the region’s history and culture, your Matsushima tourism experience becomes richer and deeper.
Marine Play Square｜A Spot Where You Can Experience Shellfish Digging
Outside the facility, a Marine Play Square has been developed where you can experience shellfish digging. This spot is particularly popular with families with children, allowing them to experience Matsushima’s nature while actually touching the sea.
The activities available vary by season, so it is recommended to check the official website before visiting to confirm what is being offered. Through interaction with nature, this provides a valuable opportunity to learn about the rich marine environment of Matsushima Bay.
Dining and Restaurant Information
Hamayaki Grill Rikyū｜Savor Fresh Seafood from the Sanriku Region
A representative dining establishment at Miyagi Matsushima Rikyū is “Hamayaki Grill Rikyū.” You can enjoy dishes made with fresh seafood from the Sanriku region, with oyster dishes being particularly popular.
The facility regularly hosts events such as “Matsushima Oyster × Hot Sake Festival,” offering ten types of seasonal oyster gourmet dishes and luxurious seafood can-grilled dishes (1.5kg). The ability to enjoy rich-flavored oysters cultivated in Matsushima Bay prepared in various cooking methods is a unique charm of Matsushima Rikyū.
Matsushima Local Specialties and Cafés
The facility houses multiple restaurants and cafés where you can sample local specialties unique to Matsushima and Miyagi Prefecture. A wide variety of menus are available, from rice bowls made with fresh seafood to dishes using local ingredients.
The cafés also sell original sweets and desserts made with local specialty products, perfect for a rest break during sightseeing. Taking time to slowly enjoy tea while overlooking Matsushima Bay creates wonderful travel memories.
Shopping and Souvenirs
Miyagi and Tohoku Craft Products
Miyagi Matsushima Rikyū has a rich selection of crafts from Miyagi Prefecture and the Tohoku region. Fine works showcasing craftsmen’s skill are displayed, from traditional kokeshi dolls to pottery, woodwork, and textiles.
These craft products are not merely souvenirs but important items conveying Tohoku’s culture and traditions. Crafted products imbued with the maker’s feelings hold special value as travel mementos.
Original Sweets and Souvenirs
The facility offers a full selection of original sweets and souvenirs unique to Matsushima and Miyagi Prefecture. Many items available only here include confections using local ingredients and original goods themed around Matsushima.
A tourism information corner is also available, allowing you to gather information about the surrounding area while shopping for souvenirs. By consulting with staff, you can receive advice about recommended souvenirs and tourist attractions.
Workshops and Experience Programs
Craft Experience Hall
Miyagi Matsushima Rikyū regularly offers workshops where you can participate in various craft experiences. From kokeshi doll painting to pottery and accessory making, you can actually experience traditional crafts unique to Miyagi Prefecture.
Workshops for children are also well-developed, allowing families to enjoy themselves. Pieces you create can be taken home, making them special, one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
How to Reserve Experience Programs
Most workshops require advance reservation. Popular programs often fill up quickly, so once your visit is decided, check the latest information on the official website and SNS and reserve early.
Some programs allow same-day participation, but if you want to guarantee experiencing a particular program, advance reservation is recommended. Special workshops may be held depending on the season and events, so check for updates regularly.
Event Information
Seasonal Events
Miyagi Matsushima Rikyū hosts various events throughout the year. Events are planned to highlight the appeal of each season, including cherry blossoms in spring, sea activities in summer, autumn leaves, and oyster festivals in winter.
In particular, the “Matsushima Oyster × Hot Sake Festival” has become an established winter tradition, attracting many visitors nationwide. It’s a luxurious event where you can enjoy the pairing of seasonal oysters and Japanese sake.
Nighttime Presentations
At night, you can enjoy fantastical presentations with projection mapping on the Retsuru Tower and illumination of the Rikyū Garden creating a coordinated effect. The light presentation reflected in the water of the pond shaped like Matsushima Bay shows a completely different charm of Matsushima Rikyū from daytime.
The dates and times of nighttime events vary by season, so check the official website and SNS for the latest information. Special occasions may include fireworks displays lighting up the Matsushima night.
Basic Information and Access
Facility Basic Data
Name: Miyagi Matsushima Rikyū
Address: Matsushima-machi, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, 18 Namiumehama
Phone Number: 022-355-0330 (inquiry)
Business Hours: Varies by facility and tenant (check official website)
Closed Days: Irregular closings
Parking: Available (fee-based)
Building Structure: Wooden two-story building
Site Area: 6,500 ㎡
Total Floor Area: 2,450 ㎡
Access Methods
By Train:
Located just a one-minute walk from JR Senseki Line’s “Matsushima Kaigan Station” with excellent accessibility. It takes about 40 minutes from Sendai Station to Matsushima Kaigan Station, making access convenient. The facility is right outside the station, so even first-time visitors can arrive without getting lost.
By Car:
About 5 minutes from the “Matsushima Kaigan IC” on the Sanriku Expressway. While parking is fee-based, discounted parking services may be available for facility users; check with the facility for details.
Connection with Excursion Boats:
The facility is located directly in front of the excursion boat pier, making it easy to plan a tourism itinerary combining a Matsushima Bay excursion boat tour with facility visits. A popular course involves touring the islands of Matsushima Bay by excursion boat and then enjoying gourmet food and shopping at Rikyū.
Surrounding Tourist Attractions
Zuiganji Temple
Zuiganji Temple, accessible on foot from Matsushima Rikyū, is a national treasure-designated temple with connections to Date Masamune. Its solemn main hall and beautiful garden are must-sees, making it a standard Matsushima tourism spot.
Godaidō
Godaidō, a symbolic landmark of Matsushima, is also nearby. The experience of crossing the transparent bridge to pay respects becomes a memorable Matsushima memory.
Entuuin Temple
Entuuin, known for its beautiful garden, is especially spectacular during the autumn foliage season. Also popular as a temple for matchmaking, it attracts many worshippers.
Matsushima Bay Excursion Boat
The excursion boat, a standard in Matsushima tourism, departs directly in front of Matsushima Rikyū. A roughly 50-minute boat journey allows you to see the more than 260 islands of Matsushima Bay up close.
Points and Precautions for Visiting
Estimated Time Required
To thoroughly enjoy Miyagi Matsushima Rikyū, plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours of stay time. When including a stroll through the Rikyū Garden, viewing the rooftop garden scenery, dining, and shopping, time passes quickly.
If you participate in workshops, add an additional 1 to 2 hours. If combining with surrounding attractions, a half-day to full-day tourism plan is recommended.
Best Seasons
Matsushima offers beautiful scenery year-round, but certain periods are particularly recommended.
Spring (March–May): The cherry blossom season is especially beautiful, with the contrast between the Rikyū Garden’s cherry blossoms and Matsushima Bay being striking.
Summer (June–August): The Marine Play Square activities are enjoyable, and many summer festivals and events are held.
Autumn (September–November): The autumn foliage season colors all of Matsushima, marking one of the most beautiful periods.
Winter (December–February): Oysters are in season, and events like oyster festivals are held.
Crowding Conditions
Expect crowds on weekends and holidays, particularly during Golden Week and autumn foliage season. For a leisurely enjoyment of the facility, weekday visits are recommended.
Restaurants are particularly crowded during lunch hours (11:30–13:30), so consider visiting at different times or making advance reservations if possible for a smoother experience.
Recommended Photo Spots
Miyagi Matsushima Rikyū has numerous photogenic spots. Particularly recommended shooting locations include:
- Panoramic view of Matsushima Bay from the rooftop garden
- Landscape reflected in the Rikyū Garden pond
- Shot of Retsuru Tower and Matsushima Bay together
- Nighttime projection mapping and illumination
Those seeking Instagram-worthy photos especially benefit from visiting during sunset or nighttime hours.
Methods to Check Latest Information
Official Website and SNS
The latest information about Miyagi Matsushima Rikyū can be found on the official website and official Instagram (@rikyumatsushima). Always check before visiting for event information, business hour changes, seasonal limited menus, workshop reservation availability, and other details.
Instagram features beautiful facility photos and real-time information. Following the account allows you to catch special event news early.
Contact Information
If you have questions or need detailed information, phone inquiries are also available. Staff respond courteously, so you can comfortably make inquiries and consult before visiting.
Conclusion
Miyagi Matsushima Rikyū is a tourism facility where you can fully experience the charm of Matsushima, one of Japan’s three great scenic views. With the beautiful Rikyū Garden expressing Matsushima Bay, a rooftop garden offering unprecedented views, restaurants where you can savor fresh Sanriku seafood, a shop with Miyagi’s traditional crafts, and various experience programs, there are many ways to enjoy the facility.
Since opening in October 2020, it has been beloved as Matsushima’s new landmark by many visitors, and true to its theme “Acquire an experience you haven’t yet known,” it offers new experiences unavailable in conventional Matsushima tourism.
With outstanding accessibility just a one-minute walk from JR Matsushima Kaigan Station and location directly in front of the excursion boat pier, it is an ideal base for Matsushima tourism. When combined with nearby historic tourist attractions, a more fulfilling Matsushima trip becomes possible.
Seasonal beauty, seasonal events, and gourmet and cultural experiences unique to Matsushima. Miyagi Matsushima Rikyū is a fascinating facility with new discoveries no matter how many times you visit. When visiting Matsushima, be sure to spend special time at this new landmark.
