Based on recommendations from travel websites and AI tools (ChatGPT and Mindtrip), I took a day trip to Matsushima, also known as Matsushima Bay. I took a local train to Matsushima Kaigan Station, which was about an hour's ride if I remember correctly. The train wasn’t too crowded since I traveled during off-peak hours.
My first stop in town was Entsuin Temple and Zuiganji Temple, both just a short walk from the station. Each had a pretty decent Zen garden, though temples aren’t really my thing. From there, I wandered into the town and stumbled upon a seafood market. Since I was traveling solo, I usually avoid expensive individual meals, so I skipped the seafood.
Next, I visited Godaido Temple, a small and simple temple compound. From there, I took a tourist boat tour around the bay (the jetty is just a short walk from Godaido). Initially, I had planned to depart from Matsushima and arrive further down at Shiogama, as suggested in travel forums and websites, but it seemed that route was unavailable. The boat ride was okay.
In the afternoon, I took the same train back to Sendai. Overall, it was a pleasant getaway from the big city.
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| Garden in Entsuin Temple |
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| Entsuin Temple |
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| Garden in Zuiganji Temple |
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| Seafood market of the town |
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| Godaido Temple |
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| Sightseeing boat |
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| One of the many islets in the bay |
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| Jetty of Matsushima |
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