Zatsu Tabi – That’s Journey – Miyagi Prefecture Sacred Site Pilgrimage Complete Guide | Complete Explanation of All Matsushima Tourism Spots
What is Zatsu Tabi?
“Zatsu Tabi – That’s Journey -” is a popular travel comic essay written by Kenta Ishizaka, serialized in Dengeki Maoh (KADOKAWA). It depicts the protagonist Chika Suzugamori, an aspiring manga artist, traveling “casually” to various places to break out of the vicious cycle of rejected storyboards.
The work was adapted into a TV anime in spring 2025 and aired on major national channels and various streaming sites. The appeal of the work lies in introducing famous sites, history, and culture throughout Japan from a unique perspective not found in tourist guidebooks. Through Chika’s feelings and discoveries at the locations, viewers can discover new ways to enjoy traveling themselves. The work allows audiences to find novel approaches to travel.
In episode 2 of the anime, Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture was selected as the travel destination based on survey results, and spectacular views of Matsushima, one of Japan’s Three Most Beautiful Views, historic temples, and gourmet spots appeared. The episode depicts Chika gaining new stimulation while visiting famous sites that Matsuo Basho also visited.
Overview of the Miyagi Prefecture – Matsushima Chapter
Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture is famous as one of Japan’s Three Most Beautiful Views, alongside Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture and Amanohashidate in Kyoto Prefecture. Approximately 260 islands are scattered throughout and around Matsushima Bay, and their beautiful scenery has enchanted many literary and artistic figures throughout history.
In Zatsu Tabi episode 2, the story begins with protagonist Chika taking approximately 40 minutes from Sendai Station to Matsushima Kaigan Station on the Senseki Line. Starting from Matsushima Kaigan Station, the gateway to Matsushima, the story unfolds as Chika experiences the charm of the Matsushima area, visiting Oshima, Zuiganji Temple, an island-hopping sightseeing boat, and local gourmet spots.
The episode introduces the historical background of how Matsushima came to be called “Matsushima” and interesting episodes related to Matsuo Basho, making it deeper content than a simple tourist guide.
Detailed Explanation of Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots
Sendai Station
Sendai Station, the gateway to Miyagi Prefecture, is the starting point of the Zatsu Tabi Miyagi episode. In the story, Chika transfers to the Senseki Line here to head to Matsushima Kaigan Station. Sendai Station is also a Tohoku Shinkansen stop, making it easily accessible from all over the country.
The station interior has numerous souvenir shops and restaurants selling Miyagi’s specialty products, where you can enjoy local cuisine such as gyutan (beef tongue) and sasa-kamaboko (bamboo leaf-wrapped fish cake). It’s also recommended to tour Sendai City before and after the sacred site pilgrimage.
Matsushima Kaigan Station
After approximately 40 minutes on the Senseki Line, you arrive at Matsushima Kaigan Station, the gateway to Matsushima tourism. Although small, the station building has a design that allows you to feel the atmosphere unique to Matsushima. The scene of Chika arriving at this station is depicted in the story, making it the proper starting point for the sacred site pilgrimage.
Major Matsushima tourism spots are within walking distance from the station, with Oshima about 15 minutes on foot and Zuiganji Temple about 5 minutes by foot. There’s also a tourism information office nearby where you can obtain the latest local information.
Oshima Island (Male Island)
Oshima is one of the important stages in the Zatsu Tabi Miyagi episode. A small island floating in Matsushima Bay, approximately 40m east-west and 200m north-south, it is known as a sacred place where the monk Kensoku engaged in meditation in the late Heian period.
Watatsuki Bridge
To reach Oshima, you cross the scarlet “Watatsuki Bridge.” This bridge is approximately 252m long, and because monks historically severed their ties with the secular world on land when entering Oshima, it’s also called the “Bridge that Severs Evil Ties.” This episode is also introduced in the story, and the scene of Chika crossing the bridge is depicted impressively.
The current bridge is characterized by red railings, and the contrast with the blue sea and green pine trees makes it a beautiful photography spot. From the bridge, you can overlook Matsushima Bay’s landscape, and you can enjoy different appearances depending on the time of day.
Points of Interest on Oshima
Before crossing the Watatsuki Bridge, you pass through a path carved through rocks. This passageway itself is constructed in a way that evokes history and heightens the anticipation for Oshima.
There are numerous stone monuments and caves throughout the island, where you can feel the footprints of monks. Many Buddhist monks are said to have trained here from the Heian through Kamakura periods, and the entire island is enveloped in a sacred atmosphere.
At the back of the island is a small shrine called “Yoshima Shinju Inari Daimyojin,” and the scarlet torii gate and main hall are impressive. This shrine also appears in the story, with a scene of Chika making an offering depicted. In this space surrounded by silence, you can spend time facing yourself.
The views from Oshima are also wonderful, allowing you to see Matsushima Bay’s islands up close. Particularly the landscape at dusk is spectacular, and it has become a popular spot for photography enthusiasts.
Zuiganji Temple
Zuiganji is a Zen temple representative of Matsushima, formally called “Matsushima Seiryuzan Zuigan Enfu Zen Temple.” It is said to have been founded in 828 by the Great Teacher Jikaku Kobo, and was later reconstructed by Date Masamune in 1609 after five years of effort.
Approach Path
The approach to Zuiganji is a solemn pathway lined with cedar trees on both sides. Simply walking this path gives you a feeling as if your heart is being cleansed. Along the approach, there are caves formerly carved by training monks scattered about, where you can feel the weight of history.
National Treasure – The Storehouse (Kuri)
What particularly captured Chika’s heart in the story was the “Storehouse,” designated as a National Treasure. The storehouse is a building corresponding to a temple’s kitchen, but Zuiganji’s storehouse is not merely a kitchen but is known for its solemn decoration and architectural beauty.
The giant Chinese doors at the entrance, the thick beams inside, and the detailed carvings are full of things to see. As an architectural work reflecting Date Masamune’s authority and aesthetic sense, it continues to captivate many visitors. The scene of Chika being moved by its beauty is depicted impressively in the story.
Main Hall and Treasure Museum
The main hall is also designated as a National Treasure and is characterized by its luxurious and brilliant interior decoration reflecting the pinnacle of Momoyama culture. The painted sliding doors and carved transoms showcase the remarkable craftsmanship in every detail.
The adjacent Treasure Museum allows visitors to see items related to Date Masamune and temple treasures, deepening understanding of Matsushima’s deep connection with the Date clan.
Matsushima Island-Hopping Sightseeing Boat
The sightseeing boat allows you to enjoy Matsushima’s beauty from the sea. The story also depicts a scene where Chika boards the sightseeing boat and enjoys the spectacular views of Matsushima Bay.
The Nioh Maru Course
The sightseeing boat has several courses, but the one featured in Zatsu Tabi is the “Nioh Maru Course.” On this course, while touring representative islands in Matsushima Bay, you can hear explanations via shipboard announcements about the origin of each island’s name and its characteristics.
Points of Interest on the Islands
Kaneshima (Bell Island): An island with four caves that ring like bells depending on wave conditions, hence the name. You can see nature’s mysterious sculptural beauty up close.
Niohijima (Guardian Kings Island): Named because two rocks stand like guardian king statues. Its powerful appearance is impressive and has become one of Matsushima’s representative landscapes.
Senganjima (Thousand Coins Island): A beautiful island with a legend that Masamune Date said, “I will give a thousand coins to anyone who can move this island to my garden.” The contrast between the green pine and rock surface is remarkable.
The views from the sightseeing boat allow you to appreciate Matsushima’s beauty from a different angle than from the land. The approximately 50-minute boat journey becomes a precious time where you can experience the work’s world.
Fukuura Bridge and Fukuura Island
Fukuura Bridge is a 252m-long scarlet bridge connecting Matsushima Kaigan and Fukuura Island. Also called the “Meeting Bridge,” it’s known as a power spot for building good relationships.
Fukuura Island is designated as a Prefectural Natural Park, and the island has a developed walking trail. You can enjoy plants of the four seasons while strolling, and from the island’s observation deck, you can overlook Matsushima Bay’s spectacular views. Especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, it’s beautiful and attracts many tourists.
Matsushima Sakana Market
Matsushima Sakana Market is a gourmet spot where you can enjoy fresh seafood. The story also depicts a scene where Chika visits and enjoys delicious local seafood.
The market displays fresh fish and shellfish caught off the Sanriku coast, including oysters, scallops, and tuna. There’s a grilled oyster corner where you can eat on the spot, and dining establishments offering seafood bowls and other menus, making it a popular meal spot for Matsushima tourism.
The souvenir corner is also well-stocked, where you can purchase Miyagi Prefecture specialties such as sasa-kamaboko and processed marine products.
Other Dining Establishments
Takaraya Eatery
An eatery loved by local residents, with a full menu of set meals. You can enjoy delicious meals at reasonable prices, making it recommended as a meal spot during the sacred site pilgrimage.
Unashin Ishidaya
If you want to enjoy eel cuisine in Matsushima, Unashin Ishidaya is recommended. It also appears in the story, with a scene of Chika savoring delicious eel depicted. Eel grilled with a secret sauce is superb and will become a memorable meal from your Matsushima tour.
Matsushima Kamaboko Honpo
A long-established shop that manufactures and sells Miyagi Prefecture’s famous sasa-kamaboko. Freshly made sasa-kamaboko has exceptional deliciousness, and you can also sample freshly grilled products in the store. Perfect as a souvenir.
Matsushima Hotel Waraku
The hotel where Chika stayed in the story. Located in a spot overlooking Matsushima Bay, you can enjoy beautiful scenery from the guest rooms and hot spring.
Particularly, the views from the open-air bath are wonderful, where you can luxuriate in the hot spring while viewing Matsushima’s islands. The meals feature cuisine using generous amounts of local seafood, and it’s a lodging facility where you can fully savor Matsushima’s charm.
History and Culture of Matsushima
The Origin of the Name Matsushima
There are various theories about the origin of the place name Matsushima, but the most credible is related to a legend about Oshima. In the late Heian period, when the monk Kensoku was meditating on Oshima, Emperor Toba, praising his virtues, sent him a thousand young pine seedlings. According to one theory, these pines were planted on the islands, leading to the region being called “Matsushima.”
In reality, many pine trees grow naturally on the islands in Matsushima Bay, and the contrast between the green pines, blue sea, and white rock surfaces creates Matsushima’s distinctive landscape.
Matsuo Basho and Matsushima
Matsuo Basho, a haiku poet of the Edo period, visited Matsushima during his journey of “The Narrow Road to the Deep North.” While the work suggests that Basho composed a famous verse about Matsushima, in fact, Basho himself did not leave any verses about Matsushima.
The verse “Matsushima ya / aa Matsushima ya / Matsushima ya” is widely known as Basho’s work, but it’s said to have been composed by a later comic poet. The anecdote remains that Basho was so moved by Matsushima’s beauty that he couldn’t put it into words, indicating how wonderful the landscape was.
Zatsu Tabi also introduces this episode, and the scene where Chika similarly loses words at Matsushima’s beauty is depicted impressively.
Date Masamune and Matsushima
Masamune Date, the first lord of Sendai Domain, is known as a feudal lord who deeply loved Matsushima. He devoted himself to the reconstruction of Zuiganji Temple, dedicating five years and a vast fortune to complete the magnificent temple as it stands today.
Masamune valued Matsushima as “A place worthy of a single view of Matsushima” and used it as a place to entertain domain guests. The lavish decoration and architecture of Zuiganji Temple demonstrate Masamune’s aesthetic sense and authority, and they continue to captivate many people today.
Sample Pilgrimage Courses
Day Trip Course
9:00 Depart from Sendai Station (Senseki Line)
9:40 Arrive at Matsushima Kaigan Station
10:00 Explore Oshima (Watatsuki Bridge, Yoshima Shinju Inari Daimyojin)
11:30 Visit Zuiganji Temple (National Treasure Storehouse, Main Hall)
12:30 Lunch at Matsushima Sakana Market
14:00 Island-hopping sightseeing boat (Nioh Maru Course, approximately 50 minutes)
15:00 Explore Fukuura Bridge and Fukuura Island
16:30 Purchase souvenirs at Matsushima Kamaboko Honpo
17:00 Depart from Matsushima Kaigan Station
17:40 Arrive at Sendai Station
This course allows you to efficiently tour the major spots that appeared in Zatsu Tabi. If you have extra time, you can also enjoy exploring the Matsushima Central Plaza area and visiting other gourmet spots.
Two-Day, One-Night Course
Day 1
Morning Arrive at Sendai Station, travel to Matsushima Kaigan Station
Afternoon Tour Oshima, Zuiganji Temple, and take the island-hopping sightseeing boat
Evening Check in at Matsushima Hotel Waraku
Night Enjoy hot spring and dinner
Day 2
Morning Breakfast at the hotel, explore Fukuura Island
Afternoon Lunch at Matsushima Sakana Market, purchase souvenirs
Evening Return to Sendai Station, tourism in Sendai City or head home
By staying overnight, you can enjoy Matsushima’s different appearances in the morning and evening. The quiet Matsushima Bay in the morning is particularly spectacular and allows for a deeper appreciation of the work’s world.
Access Information
By Train
From Tokyo
Tokyo Station → Sendai Station (Tohoku Shinkansen, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes)
Sendai Station → Matsushima Kaigan Station (JR Senseki Line, approximately 40 minutes)
From Sendai Airport
Sendai Airport → Sendai Station (Sendai Airport Access Line, approximately 25 minutes)
Sendai Station → Matsushima Kaigan Station (JR Senseki Line, approximately 40 minutes)
By Car
Using the Tohoku Expressway
Sendai-Miyagi IC → Matsushima Kaigan (approximately 20 minutes on local roads)
Yamato IC → Matsushima Kaigan (approximately 15 minutes on local roads)
Several paid parking lots are available around Matsushima Kaigan. During tourism season, the area becomes crowded, so using public transportation is recommended.
Notes and Advice for Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Matsushima has beauty in every season, but it’s especially recommended during spring cherry blossom season (early to mid-April) and autumn foliage season (late October to mid-November). However, these periods are crowded with tourists, so visiting on weekdays is recommended if you want to avoid crowds.
Summer showcases beautiful greenery, and winter offers scenic snow-covered Matsushima. Since the work aired in spring, many fans visit Matsushima in spring.
Estimated Time Required
If you’re just touring the major spots, half a day is sufficient, but it’s recommended to set aside a full day for leisurely sightseeing. Zuiganji Temple and Oshima in particular take longer to view than expected.
The island-hopping sightseeing boat takes approximately 50 minutes, and viewing Zuiganji Temple should be planned for about one hour.
Clothing and Belongings
If you plan to explore Oshima or Fukuura Island, comfortable walking shoes are essential. Especially on Oshima, there are many paths using natural terrain, so avoid heels and similar footwear.
If you’re taking the sightseeing boat, it’s useful to bring a jacket as sea winds can be strong. Also, make sure your camera or smartphone battery is fully charged. There are many scenic spots, so you’ll likely have many photography opportunities.
Photography Etiquette
When taking photographs during sacred site pilgrimage, be considerate of other tourists. Photography is prohibited in certain areas of temples like Zuiganji, so follow the guidelines.
Watatsuki Bridge on Oshima is a popular photography spot, but standing on the bridge for long periods blocks the passage of others, so caution is needed.
Experiencing the Charm of Zatsu Tabi at the Location
The greatest appeal of Zatsu Tabi is discovering the history, culture, and daily lives of people in a place from perspectives not found in tourist guidebooks. In the Matsushima episode, you can gain deep knowledge not only by viewing beautiful scenery but also about the origin of the name Matsushima, episodes about Matsuo Basho, and the accomplishments of Date Masamune.
When visiting the actual location for sacred site pilgrimage, it’s important to keep the information presented in the work in mind, see the landscape with your own eyes, and feel the emotions. By personally reliving the emotions and discoveries that Chika felt in the story, your understanding of the work will deepen further.
Furthermore, by extending your visit to spots that didn’t appear in the work, you can enjoy your own unique “Zatsu Tabi.” Matsushima has many other points of interest, and the entire area is a treasure trove of history and nature.
Conclusion
The sacred site pilgrimage of “Zatsu Tabi – That’s Journey -” Miyagi Prefecture and Matsushima chapter offers a fulfilling journey where you can enjoy one of Japan’s Three Most Beautiful Views while touching upon deep history and culture. Oshima’s mystical atmosphere, Zuiganji Temple’s solemn architectural beauty, the scenery of Matsushima Bay from the island-hopping sightseeing boat, and local cuisine—there’s no shortage of points of interest.
The accessibility—approximately 40 minutes by train from Sendai Station—is also appealing, and you can thoroughly enjoy the area in a day trip. However, if possible, staying overnight is recommended so you can savor Matsushima’s different morning and evening appearances.
Please verify with your own eyes the charm of Matsushima that Kenta Ishizaka depicted in his work, and feel it with your own heart. It will surely deepen your affection for the work and create unforgettable travel memories.
Through the sacred site pilgrimage, fully savor the world of Zatsu Tabi and discover your own findings and emotions. That may very well be the “true essence of travel” that Zatsu Tabi wishes to convey.
