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Taking a large regular sightseeing boat is the best way to cruise Matsushima Bay. You can enjoy a close-up view from the sea of Matsushima Bay, which is renowned as one of Japan's three scenic views and is dotted with over 260 islands of various sizes. While there are various cruise routes available, the most recommended is the "Nioh Maru Route" (1,500 yen for middle school students and above, 700 yen for elementary school students), which operates on a regular schedule every day.
During the cruise, you can see "Nioh Island," named for its shape resembling a Nioh statue holding a tobacco pipe, which symbolizes Matsushima; the imposing "Kintai Island" with its towering cliffs; "Funairi Island," where Jomon period ruins were discovered; and the inhabited "Katsura Island" and "Nonoshima." The entire route spans 17 kilometers and takes about 50 minutes to complete.
Additionally, there are many charter routes available for families, groups, or couples with fewer participants. Unlike the large boats, the medium-sized and small boats available for charter can approach the islands closely. In principle, medium-sized boats can be chartered for groups of 15 or more, while small boats can be chartered for 1 to 12 people.
Leisurely gazing at Matsushima from the boat reveals a beauty that is completely different from what you see on land. It's worth taking a boat ride to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Matsushima, which has captivated people since ancient times.
