🍜 Santori Tea House

Matsushima, one of Japan's three scenic views, boasts breathtaking scenery with approximately 260 islands within the bay. Facing Matsushima Bay, "Santori Chaya" is a restaurant where you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes from Matsushima. During lunch, the menu features seafood rice bowls with ingredients such as sea urchin, salmon roe, and tuna. The best-selling dish is the "Matsushima Anago Don," which is braised to a fluffy and tender texture, available in limited quantities each day. Although it is served year-round, the meat is particularly rich and delicious in summer, making it highly recommended. In the evening, the restaurant offers unique dishes made from ingredients sourced that day, enjoyed alongside local sake from Miyagi, which is very popular. Fresh oysters from Matsushima, prepared in various ways such as raw, grilled in their shells, and fried, are a must-try delicacy from autumn to winter. The restaurant, run by the owner and their family, exudes a warm, homely atmosphere. One of the joys of dining at the bar on the first floor in the evening is the lively conversation between the owner and local regulars. You can always ask for recommendations on local sake that pairs well with your meal, and the owner will provide the best suggestions. Not only is it close to Zuiganji Temple's Godaido Hall, but other attractions around Matsushima Bay, such as Zuiganji Temple and Fukuurajima Island, are also within walking distance, making it the best choice for dining during your sightseeing breaks in Matsushima. The view of Matsushima from the seats on the second floor of the restaurant is truly spectacular.

A restaurant overlooking Matsushima Bay. During lunch, it offers rice bowls, while at night, it focuses on a la carte dishes and local sake. In spring and summer, the limited quantity anago don (conger eel rice bowl) is very popular, while in autumn and winter, oyster dishes take the spotlight. The family-run atmosphere adds to its charm. From the second-floor seating, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Matsushima Bay.