Enjoy stolling around Matsushima in a Kimono and collecting Goshuin stamps

Firstly, change into a Kimono and slip into a different time. There are many historical buildings and spots within Matsushima that would look great with a Kimono. For example, Zuiganji, Entsuin and Godaido temples.When you visit these places, you should get a Goshuin Stamp. Each stamp is hand written and would make a great memory of your trip. If you get tired walking, why not take a break. The Kanrantei cafe was built in the Edo period, and offers beautiful views of Matsushima Bay while you enjoy some Matcha green tea and Japanese sweets.

In Matsushima you can collect Goshuin Stamps from Zuiganji, Entsuin and Godaido temples. If you ask for the stamp at the entrance before you look around it will be easy to collect after. Each stamp is uniquely writen in Sumi ink, and would make a great souvenior. You can purchase a Goshuin Book from Zuiganji or Entsuin temples. You can get Godaido`s Goshuin stamp at Zuiganji Temple.

「Saigyomodoshi no Matsu Koen Park」has about 260 cherry blossom trees, with views over Matsushima Bay. You can enjoy Flower viewing unlike any other place. You can also enjoy plum flowers and Japanese dendrobium flowers in Matsushima area.

Rental Kimono UmeLove

This is a rental Kimono shop where you can easily rent a Kimono. There are over 100 Kimonos for men, women and children to choose from.

Miyagiken, Miyagigun, Matsushimacho, Matsushimachonai 75-14 4F
090-2849-3699
http://umeluv.wixsite.com/home

【Access】
（Closest bus stop）
Matsushima Kaigan Bus Stop 6 minutes

Business hours	10：00〜18：00（reservation required）　Kimono return by 17：00
Holiday	Irregular
Price	Kimono 5000JPY　　　Yukata 4000JPY 　 Simple hair set　500JPY
Required time	着物着付け　1 hour　　　返却時着替え　30Minute

Zuiganji Temple

Zuiganji was originally founded in 828 as a temple of the Tendai sect, and was converted into a Zen temple during the Kamakura Period (1192-1333). After years of decline, Zuiganji was restored to prominence by the feudal lord Date Masamune who rebuilt it as his family temple in 1609.

Miyagiken Miyagigun, Matsushimacho, Matsushimaaza chonai 91banchi
022-354-2023
http://www.zuiganji.or.jp/

【Access】
（Closest bus stop）
Matsushima Kankobussan Bus stop 5 minutes

Business hours	April to Septmeber　 8:00〜17:00 October, March　 8:00〜16:30 November, February 　 8:00〜16:00 December, January　　 8:00〜15:30 ※Please enter at least 30 minutes before closing time
Holiday	Open everyday
Price	Adults　700JPY　　Children（Junior Highschool, and elementary school age）　400JPY Goshoin stamp costs 300JPY
Required time	60 Minute

Garyubai

The red and white colored Plum flowers within Zuiganji Temple grounds. They were planted along with the pine trees at the entrance of Zuiganji in 1609. To the right is the red Plum and to the left is the white plum tree. The best time to see them is in mid- April.

Miyagiken Miyagigun, Matsushimacho, Matsushimaaza chonai 91banchi
022-354-2023
http://www.zuiganji.or.jp/

【Access】
（Closest bus stop）
Matsushima Kankobussan Bus stop 5 minutes

Business hours	April to Septmeber　 8:00〜17:00 October, March　 8:00〜16:30 November, February 　 8:00〜16:00 December, January　　 8:00〜15:30 ※Please enter at least 30 minutes before closing time。
Holiday	Open everyday
Price	Adults　700JPY　　Children（Junior Highschool, and elementary school age）　400JPY Goshoin stamp costs 300JPY
Required time	--

Sekkoku

Located to the right of the middle gate of Zuiganji temple is the Sekkoku. It grows on trees and rocks and is a native plant to the Matsushima Area. The pink flowers bloom between late May and early June.

Miyagiken Miyagigun, Matsushimacho, Matsushimaaza chonai 91banchi
022-354-2023

Business hours	April to Septmeber　 8:00〜17:00 October, March　 8:00〜16:30 November, February 　 8:00〜16:00 December, January　　 8:00〜15:30 ※Please enter at least 30 minutes before closing time。
Holiday	Open everyday
Price	Adults　700JPY　　Children（Junior Highschool, and elementary school age）　400JPY　　 Goshoin stamp costs 300JPY
Required time	--

Godaido

In the year 807 AD, the shogun Sakanoue no Tamuramaro built a small Buddhist temple called Bishamon-do during his expedition to the east. In 828, Ennin not only founded Enpuku-ji (modern-day Zuigan-ji), but also placed images of the Five Dava Kings within Bishamon-do, which led to it being known as Godai-do. The current structure was constructed in accordance with Momoyama-style architecture by Date Masamune in the year 1604.

Miyagiken Miyagigun, Matsushimacho, Matsushimaaza chonai 111
022-354-2023（Zuiganji）
http://www.zuiganji.or.jp/keidai/godaidou.html

【Access】
（Closest bus stop）
Matsushima Kankobussan Bus stop 3 minutes

Business hours	8:00〜Sunset
Holiday	Open everyday
Price	Free of charge　 Goshuin stamp costs 300JPY (available at Zuiganji)
Required time	10分 Minute

Entsuin

Entsuin Temple is located to the west side of Zuiganji Temple, and is the mausoleum of Date Mitsumune. It was greatly influenced by the Western culture that Hasekura Tsunenaga brought back with him from Europe. Inside the right-hand door of the zushi (miniature shrine) is a painting of a Western-style rose that is said to be the oldest in Japan. In fall the autumn leaves are lit up to create a magical atmosphere. You can make your own original rosary beads here.

Miyagiken Miyagigun, Matsushimacho, Matsushimaaza chonai６７
022-354-3206
http://www.entuuin.or.jp/

【Access】
（Closest bus stop）
Matsushima Kaigan Bus Stop 　 5 minutes

Business hours	8:30-17:00（April〜Late October）　8：30-16：30（late October〜Nov）　 　 9:00-16:00(December〜March） Rosary making is from 9:00 to 1 hour before closing time
Holiday	Open everyday
Price	Adult 300JPY Highschool student 150JPY Elementary/Junior High Student 100JPY Rosary beads making from　1,000JPY（depending on chosen stones）
Required time	30〜60 Minute

Kanrantei

This tea house of the ruling Date family once served samurai, princesses and royal guests. Today, anyone can enter Kanrantei and enjoy matcha green tea and sweets while viewing the gentle rippling waters of Matsushima Bay.
In the fall Kanrantei has special evening hours where you can enjoy the cool evening breeze and full moon rising over Matsushima Bay.
There is an admission fee to enter the tea house grounds.

Miyagiken Miyagigun, Matsushimacho, Matsushimaaza chonai 56
022-353-3355
http://www.town.miyagi-matsushima.lg.jp/index.cfm/8,3105,30,html

【Access】
（Closest bus stop）
Matsushima Kaigan Bus Stop 　7 minutes

Business hours	8:30〜17:00（Nov〜March：〜16:30） ※Last order for Macha etc is 1 hour before closing time
Holiday	Open everyday
Price	Adult 200JPY　Highschool, University Students 150JPY　 Elementary, Junior Highschool students 100JPY　 Macha tea is from 400JPY
Required time	30 Minute

Saigyomodoshi no Matsu Koen Park

This park has a stunning panoramic overlook of Matsushima Bay and is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Matsushima.
The park is named for a legendary encounter in the year 1118 between a poet-priest named Saigyo and a young man. Under a pine tree, Saigyo and a young boy exchanged Buddhist riddles, and Saigyo ended up losing. Ashamed he gave up on his journey to Matsushima. You can find descendants of the original pine tree in this park.
Miyagiken Miyagigun Matsushimacho Matsushimaaza Izuta
022-354-5708 （Matsushima town Tourism division）

【Access】
（Closest bus stop）
Matsushima Kaigan Bus Stop 　25minutes　（5min by car）

Business hours	All day
Holiday	Open everyday
Price	Free
Required time	30 Minute

Michinoku Date Masamune Historical Museum

Date Masamune, while he is widely known as a Sengoku Warrior, he is still recognized for his excellent skills in politics. This museum has approximately 200 wax figures to recreate 25 different situations from his past. There are also about 45 wax figures of other famous figures from Tohoku area such as Miyazawa Kenji and Noguchi Hideyo.

Miyagiken Miyagigun Matsushimacho Matsushimaaza Fugendou １３−１３
022-354-4131
http://www.date-masamune.jp/

【Access】
（Closest bus stop）
Matsushima Kanko Bussankan Bus stop　1 minute

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Business hours	9:00～17:00 （Last entrace 16:30)
Holiday	Open all year
Price	Adults（Highschool and above）1,000JPY　Elementary, Junior high school students 500JPY
Required time	30～40 Minute

Matsushima Naohide Kokeshi Nihachi Bussanten

This shop was originally opened in 1949, with the hope to spread a new traditional craft in Matsushima area. The shop is crowded with many kokeshi (traditional Japanese wooden dolls). There is an area in the shop where you can try painting the kokeshi under the guidance of an experienced craftsman to create your own kokeshi.
Miyagiken Miyagigun Matsushimacho Matsushichonai 80
022-354-3216
info@date-masamune.jp
i http://www.date-masamune.jp/

【Access】
（Closest bus stop）
Matsushima Kaigan Bus Stop 　５ minutes

Business hours	8:00～17:00 （painting activity until 16:00）
Holiday	Various days
Price	Painting activity from　800JPY/td>
Required time	60 Minute