Area Guide
Matsushima Bay, dotted with pine-covered islands, is traditionally counted among Japan's three most scenic views. ISSO is in Isozaki, a working fishing town one train stop (or a 4-minute drive) from the main sights, with Oku-Matsushima, Shiogama and Sendai all within a day trip.
The house faces Isozaki fishing port. A 7-Eleven is 5 minutes away and a supermarket 9, so longer stays are easy.
Our pick
A tethered balloon ride with views over Matsushima Bay glowing in the morning sun. It launches from Isojima Park, a short walk from the house. Early mornings on weekends and holidays; reservations required. Official site
A seaside park with lawns and a waterfront path. Just right for a morning walk.
Today's catch, right outside the door. Buy it, walk it back, grill it. Seafood BBQ →
Two free bicycles are available for exploring the harbor town or riding toward the Matsushima waterfront.
The main sights are within walking distance of Matsushima-Kaigan Station. From the house, Godaido is about a 24-minute walk.
Our pick
A Zen temple tied to the Date clan; the main hall is a National Treasure, and its gilded painted interior is the highlight. Plenty to see indoors on a rainy day.
A small hall on an islet in the bay, reached by red bridges with gaps between the planks.
An islet shaped like a temple guardian statue, best seen up close from a bay cruise.
Known for its gardens, and for its autumn leaves.
Cross the long red bridge and walk the island trails (small fee to cross).
Check hours and fees on the Matsushima Tourism Association site and each site's official page.
The eastern edge of the bay, around Miyato Island in Higashimatsushima. Wilder, ocean-facing scenery than the busy waterfront.
Our pick
A 60-minute small-boat trip along the cliffs and rock formations of Sagakei, often called one of Japan's three great gorges. Far more dramatic than the island-viewing cruises in central Matsushima; it's the one we recommend. Sailings depend on the weather, and weekday trips need a reservation. Official site (Japanese)
A quiet, shallow sandy beach, open for swimming in summer (dates vary by year).
A bonsai garden with a restaurant and café. In the one-hour bonsai workshop (ages 6+), you shape your own bonsai and take it home. Official site (Japanese)
On the way between Matsushima and Sendai: easy stops on your way in or out, or a plan for a rainy day.
Our pick
An outlet mall with a Ferris wheel, handy for shopping on the way home.
Long revered as the leading shrine of the old Mutsu province, with striking vermilion gates and halls.
A natural sandbar reaching about 250 m into Matsushima Bay; you can walk to the tip (about 10 minutes on rough footing, so wear sturdy shoes). Parking on site, or 20 minutes on foot from Rikuzen-Hamada Station.
Site of the 8th-century provincial capital of Mutsu, with its south gate rebuilt.
Popular dolphin shows; about 19 km from the house. Good with kids or in the rain.
The Senseki Line runs from Sendai Station to Takagimachi with no change. Have beef tongue for lunch in Sendai, then head to the coast; or shop in the city on your last day. Staying in Matsushima gives you the harbor after the day-trippers leave and the bay at dawn.
Our pick
Sendai's signature dish: thick slices of beef tongue grilled over charcoal.
The mausoleum of Date Masamune, richly colored and carved, at the top of a cedar-lined approach.
A shrine built by Date Masamune; its black-lacquered, brightly decorated hall is a National Treasure.
The castle ruins with the famous mounted statue of Date Masamune and a view over the city.
Every year on August 6-8, giant paper streamers fill the shopping arcades.
In December, the zelkova trees of Jozenji-dori glow with lights.
The Shinkansen hub. For ISSO, take the Senseki Line (underground platforms) to Takagimachi.
A short walk from Sendai Station: fish, produce and ready-made food stalls, the city's everyday kitchen.
Festival and event details can change from year to year. Check the official sites.
Further afield: Miyagi, Yamagata, Fukushima and Iwate with ISSO as your base →
With the whole house to yourselves, nobody next door hears the kids (outside quiet hours, 22:00-7:00, for the neighbors' sake). We provide a baby cot, a high chair, a kids' step stool and kids' toothbrushes.
The washer and dryer mean less packing. All bedrooms are upstairs, so watch little ones on the stairs.
Whole house, up to 9 guestsBook on Airbnb or Booking.com
Availability