Matsushima is one of Japan's three most scenic spots and is a popular scenic spot that has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide.
Matsushima Taikanso is built on a hill overlooking Matsushima and is the largest hotel in the area. The scenic beauty of the 260 or so islands, large and small, is truly spectacular. The sight of the islands eroded by the waves and wind, and the greenery of the native pine trees blending with the light and sea is enough to leave you speechless. It's like admiring a masterpiece, and you'll want to stare at it forever.
Located in a special scenic spot with strict development restrictions, this is the only hotel that overlooks Matsushima Bay. From the higher floors, you can see all the way to the horizon of the Pacific Ocean. Guests have commented on the view, saying it's "a lovely miniature garden" and "it's like my own garden."

The luxury of doing nothing while gazing at Matsushima from a sophisticated and elegant hotel... The ocean-facing guest rooms at the seven-story Shoinkaku and five-story Shofukaku will grant you that wish. You'll have the ocean view all to yourself as it beautifully changes from day to night.
All rooms at Shoinkaku are either 6-tatami or 9-tatami Japanese-style rooms or Japanese-Western rooms with twin beds, creating a modern space that blends modern Japanese style with Scandinavian taste and the warmth of wood. You can see Matsushima from your bed. Some of the rooms are scheduled to be renovated and reopened in 2024.
All rooms at Shofukaku are 10 tatami Japanese-style rooms, providing a relaxing atmosphere. In the ocean-facing rooms, you can relax and enjoy the soothing scent of tatami mats and the greenery of the pine trees on the islands.

The open-air bath and large public bath offer a particularly open and spacious feel, with a view of Matsushima, one of Japan's Three Most Scenic Spots. The ever-changing seascape of Matsushima will refresh your soul.
The large open-air bath that juts out to blend in with the natural surroundings is like an infinity bath. You can enjoy the unobstructed view while feeling as if you are floating in Matsushima Bay.
You can refresh yourself in the large bath where you can relax and soak. The men's large bath is called "Hangan no Yu" after Yoshitsune Kurou, the Hangan of Matsushima. The women's large bath is called "Shizu no Yu" after Shizuka Gozen, who continued to love Yoshitsune. It's fun to stretch your limbs and think about history.
The open-air bath opens at sunrise. The hotel will inform you of the sunrise time. The jet-black Matsushima Bay gradually turns crimson red, and the sight of the islands floating in the light is breathtakingly beautiful.
A new sauna is scheduled to open in April 2025. After your bath, we also recommend the various treatments and foot reflexology massages.

The area is full of delicious seafood, including the famous oysters. There are two types of buffets to enjoy.
The high-end dining space "Isogao," which reopened in 2021, is popular for its "Japanese-style seafood buffet," where you can enjoy the freshest seafood caught that day by local fishermen. You can eat as much sushi, tempura, fried oysters, robatayaki cooked right in front of you, and local fish sashimi, all of which are made by skilled craftsmen. You can also order unpasteurized sake delivered directly from the prefecture's Uji-uchi region.
The other is the "Japanese, Western and Chinese Buffet" which can be enjoyed in the calming color scheme of the open atrium space "La Seresse". The number of seats has been increased recently. The menu prepared in the open kitchen is surprisingly authentic and diverse. Japanese, Western and Chinese cuisine centered on seasonal ingredients is also available, as well as various menus that children will enjoy.
If you want to enjoy kaiseki cuisine, head to the Japanese restaurant "Tensho." You can enjoy a variety of dishes made with carefully selected ingredients while sitting at a seat overlooking the garden or at a tatami table.
If you have plans for the next day, why not try a sightseeing boat trip around the calm waters of Matsushima Bay? We recommend the "Niomaru" course, which is a regular cruise around the bay, taking you around the islands that symbolize Matsushima, such as Niojima, Kanejima, Senganjima, Oshima, and Futagojima, in about 50 minutes. You can get up close and personal with the natural beauty of these islands.
Travel time with Matsushima. We head home, reluctant to leave the beautiful scenery behind.