Matsushima’s Living Landscapes:

【 A 2-Day Journey into Bonsai, Zen, and Timeless Traditions】

　

Experience the refined beauty of Matsushima Bay, celebrated as “one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views”, through the lens of a living bonsai landscape.
This exclusive two-day cultural journey weaves together nature, spirituality, and artistry:

Create your own Buddhist prayer beads, explore centuries-old temples, admire bonsai guided by a master, and witness captivating performances of Noh and shamisen.

Cruise through the dramatic cliffs of Sagakei Gorge, savor exquisite seasonal cuisine, and immerse yourself in traditions lovingly preserved through generations.
Perfect for discerning travelers seeking a deeper connection to Japan’s timeless heritage, all within a thoughtfully curated private itinerary.　

　

【Itinerary】
Day 1 – Matsushima: Nature, Zen, and the Art of Bonsai

　

  • 10:00 — Depart Sendai by private car for Matsushima
  • 11:00 — Visit Entsu-in Temple
      • Craft your own Buddhist prayer beads (juzu)
      • Stroll through the Zen dry landscape garden “Ungai Tenchi”
  • 12:00 — Lunch at Ungai
      • Enjoy Date-style shojin ryori (Zen Buddhist vegetarian cuisine)
  • 13:00 — Visit Zuigan-ji Temple
      • Designated National Treasure
      • Includes exclusive access to the inner chamber and historic rooms
  • 14:30 — (Optional; available only on Sept. 20–21)
      • View limited-time bonsai displays within the temple grounds
  • 16:00 — Kanrantei Pavilion
      • Guided bonsai appreciation session with a master
      • Haiku workshop and wabi-sabi interpretation
  • Evening — Enjoy live performances of traditional Japanese arts (Noh, Japanese dance, shakuhachi, and shamisen) accompanied by a sake tasting served in hakozen-style presentation

　

Day 2 – Oku-Matsushima: Scenic Cruising and Bonsai Discovery

　

09:00 — Depart Matsushima by private car for Oku-Matsushima

09:30 — Board a private sightseeing boat to explore Sagakei Gorge, one of Japan’s Three Great Gorges

10:45 — Visit the bonsai gallery Teien at the Oku-Matsushima Clubhouse

12:00 — Lunch at Okushoan
  • Enjoy wooden-barrel sushi and seaweed soba, crafted with local ingredients

14:00 — Bonsai appreciation session or optional private consultation with Hello Bonsai

　

booking now

　

Travel Terms and Conditions

■ Tour Dates

Available on the following dates in 2025:

  • August 3 (Sun), August 13 (Wed)
  • September 20 (Sat), September 21 (Sun)
  • October 7 (Tue), October 23 (Thu)

■ Featured Performers

  • August 3 (Sun): Traditional Japanese Dance by Masahiro Nakagawa, Head Master of Nakagawa-ryu
  • August 13 (Wed): Shakuhachi Performance by Dozan Otomo, Grand Master of Chikurinken, Tozan-ryu
  • September 20 (Sat): Traditional Japanese Dance by Masahiro Nakagawa, Head Master of Nakagawa-ryu
  • September 21 (Sun): Noh Performance by Shinya Kobayashi, Shite-Kata of Hosho School, Certified Intangible Cultural Asset
  • October 7 (Tue): Noh Performance by Shinya Kobayashi, Shite-Kata of Hosho School, Certified Intangible Cultural Asset
  • October 23 (Thu): Tsugaru Shamisen and Folk Dance by Okyo Odashima, Master of Sangen Odashima-ryu

■ Tour Price

  • JPY 200,000 per adult (tax included)
    Note: Participants must be age 20 or older due to alcohol service.

■ Included in the Tour Price

  1. Cultural experiences as listed in the itinerary (hakozen meal with sake tasting, haiku experience)
  2. Guide services as listed (interpretation, bonsai expert guide)
  3. Admission to performances on the selected date
  4. Consumption tax, other relevant taxes, and basic insurance

■ Not Included in the Tour Price (Examples)

  1. Transportation and meals not specified in the itinerary
  2. Transportation to/from the meeting location
  3. Personal expenses and other unspecified costs

■ Tour Details

Minimum operation is based on 2 or more adult participants.

Duration: Day trip (no overnight stay)

Meeting Point: Kanrantei Pavilion, Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture

Meals: 1 light meal (hakozen)

Minimum Participants: 4 adults (minimum 1 adult required to book)
If the minimum is not met, the tour may be cancelled. In such case, you will be notified at least 4 days in advance.

Maximum Capacity: 15 participants per tour
Bookings may close earlier without notice once capacity is reached.

Tour Escort: No tour conductor, but local staff will assist onsite

Booking Deadline: By 17:00, 5 days prior to each tour date

Important Notes:

Tour schedule and route may change or be cancelled depending on weather or local conditions.

All bookings must be made online; phone reservations are not accepted.

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations or changes to the itinerary made by the customer, the following cancellation fees will apply, calculated from the day before the tour start date:

  • Up to 21 days before the tour: No cancellation fee
  • 20 to 8 days before the tour: 20% of the total tour price
  • 7 to 2 days before the tour: 30% of the total tour price
  • 1 day before the tour: 40% of the total tour price
  • On the day of the tour: 50% of the total tour price
  • No-show or cancellation after the tour has started: 100% of the total tour price

　

Check avilability

　

詳しい旅行条件を説明した書面をお渡しいたしますので、事前にご確認の上、お申込みください

　

ツアーのご予約に関するお問い合わせは・・・

　

【旅行企画・実施】

宮城県知事登録旅行業第2-402号　（一社）全国旅行業協会(ANTA)正会員

東北ちゅらトラベル株式会社

仙台市青葉区国分町一丁目7番18号　東洋ワークビル

　

【お問い合わせ・申し込み】

宮城県知事登録旅行業第2-402号　（一社）全国旅行業協会(ANTA)正会員

東北ちゅらトラベル株式会社　本社営業所

仙台市青葉区国分町一丁目7番18号　東洋ワークビル1F

TEL　022-796-5699

受付時間　月曜～金曜　10:00-17:00　土曜・日曜・祝日　定休

総合旅行業務取扱管理者　髙橋　繁紀

Matsushima’s Living Landscapes:

kanrantei tea house〒981-0213 宮城県宮城郡松島町松島町内５６

宮城県知事 登録旅行業 第2-402号

東北ちゅらトラベル 株式会社

〒980-0803 宮城県仙台市青葉区国分町1丁目7番18号 東洋ワークビル

旅行業務取扱管理者の氏名：髙橋　繁紀