Model trip · 2 nights
From Tokyo in 2 nights: Sendai city and a Matsushima harbor town
Made for visitors to Japan. Shinkansen plus local trains only; no rental car or Japanese driving permit needed.
Day 1
Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Sendai (from about 90 minutes).
Lunch in Sendai: grilled beef tongue (gyutan) is the local specialty. Explore the city in the afternoon.
Senseki Line from Sendai to Takagimachi. Note: Matsushima Station and Matsushima-Kaigan Station are two different stations on different lines.
After check-in, pick up dinner at the convenience store (5 min) or supermarket (9 min).
Day 2
One stop to Matsushima-Kaigan. Visit Zuiganji, Entsuin and Godaido.
See the islands from the water on a bay cruise (check the operator's timetable).
Pick oysters and fish at the shops in front of the house and grill them on the porch. Oyster season is roughly autumn to spring.
Day 3
Check out by 10:00, train back to Sendai and on to your next stop.
Opening hours, boat timetables and prices change. Check official sites before you go.
This trip is 2 nights. ISSO sleeps up to 9 in one private house, for your group alone.
Check these dates