“Cherry blossoms” symbolize spring in Japan, displaying various expressions by the sea, in the mountains, and throughout the cities. Introducing a cycling course to enjoy the cherry blossoms, starting with Matsushima, one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Spots in Miyagi Prefecture. Departing from Sendai Airport, the goal is Zuiganji, a national treasure. It’s about a 50-kilometer journey along the coast. We look forward to seeing what colors the cherry blossoms will paint in Matsushima. And of course, there will be delicious food to enjoy as well!

Table of Contents

1. From the sky to the sea
2. Earthquake Remains: Visiting Arahama Elementary School in Sendai City
3. Drink break at Sandy beach with gentle waves
4. Enjoying the cherry blossoms at Shiogama Shrine
5. When it comes to sushi, is it Shiogama City?
6. The breathtaking scenery of cherry blossoms and Matsushima Bay is here.
7. Rest at an ancient hot spring resort
8. Around Matsushima Bay by sightseeing ship
9. Tracing the history of Matsushima

1. From the sky to the sea

The start is Sendai Airport. There is a cycling port and large lockers, so you can rest assured. Shower booths are also available, making it a rider-friendly airport. Aiming for the vast Pacific Ocean and the small islands floating in it. How do cherry blossoms color Matsushima? Now it’s time to get ready and go.

2. Earthquake Remains: Visiting Arahama Elementary School in Sendai City

Take Route 10 towards Shichigahama. Soon, a school came into view. This is Sendai Municipal Arahama Elementary School, which was severely damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011. On the day of the earthquake, the tsunami hit the second floor. After the school closed in 2017, the school building is open to the public as a remnant of the earthquake. In addition, since 2018, it has been included in the “Tour de Tohoku” route with the aim of supporting the reconstruction of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Even today, 13 years after the disaster, we are still conveying the extent of the damage at that time. It is a scenery that should be kept as a memory that should not be forgotten.

3. Drink break at Sandy beach with gentle waves

When you hit Route 23, turn right toward the sea. If you continue as it is, you will come out to Shichigahama. This place got its name because it is literally surrounded by “seven(shichi) beaches”. Take a drink break here while looking at the sea. Then, the name of the drink I saw for the first time was “Camacarino”. This is SHICHI NO CAFE’s original drink. It is a parfait-like drink that mixes ice cream and ice in the original flavor to give it a texture. By the way, the name “Camacarino” is an Italian name of the creator of this drink, “Mr. Kamakari”. When I think about it, I …… that it doesn’t even look like the sea of Italy. Anyway, moisten your thirst and ride a bike!

4. Enjoying the cherry blossoms at Shiogama Shrine

Say goodbye to the sea for a while. I tried to go back the way I came, and then went to Shiogama City. At the center of it all is the Shiogama Shrine. It is said to have a history of more than 1,200 years, and it is a shrine that is mainly dedicated to the god Shiotsuchi no Oji, who is said to have originally taught people how to make salt. In the Middle Ages, it was strongly supported by the Ōshu Fujiwara clan and later the Date clan, including Date Masamune, and continues to this day. The history of mankind is also called the history of salt, but it is a shrine that has been carefully enshrined in gratitude for the blessings of the sea.
And here the discovery. It is a light pink cherry blossom that spreads in the temple grounds.  It is known by the name of “Shiogama Cherry Blossoms of Shiogama Shrine” and is designated as a national natural monument. You will be soothed by the clear air of the shrine and the gorgeous and delicately blooming cherry blossoms.

5. When it comes to sushi, is it Shiogama City?

If you are healed, you will be hungry. Not far from Shiogama Shrine there are a number of delicious sushi restaurants. In Miyagi Prefecture, when it comes to sushi, it’s said to be Shiogama City.One of the reasons for this is that Shiogama is a port city that boasts one of the largest tuna landings in Japan. In Sendai, the prefectural government-designated capital, there are several sushi restaurants from Shiogama, and there is a line for lunch. The local brand fish “Sanriku Shiogama Higashimono” is actually a type of tuna. By all means, you want to enjoy it slowly when you have time and spare.

6. The breathtaking scenery of cherry blossoms and Matsushima Bay is here.

From here, it will finally be a route to Matsushima. The route on the mountain side is recommended with less traffic. Then, as you climb up, you will see one of the scenic spots, “Saigyo modoshi no matsu (Pine tree of Saigyo’s Return). “. From the place called Matsushima Observatory, you can overlook Matsushima Bay. The sea, the islands and the pines that stand on them. This is the scenery of Matsushima. Of course, the cherry blossoms are also perfect. Matsushima seen through peach-colored cherry blossoms. It is a special scenery that can only be seen at this time of year. In addition, the view of Matsushima Bay at sunrise is also spectacular. There may be a plan to stay in Matsushima.

7. Rest at an ancient hot spring resort

There are also hot springs in Matsushima. The hot spring resort has the name “Taiko Tensen (Ancient Heavenly Spring)”. “Taiko Tensen Matsushima Onsen”. As the name suggests, Matsushima Onsen is said to be a hot spring that gushed out deep underground in ancient times. Therefore, it is characterized by “warmth” even at the source. It is also famous as a beautiful hot spring that is smooth and makes your skin smooth. It must have healed the fatigue of travelers since ancient times. But this time, I took a break in the foot bath. Let’s move on.

8. Around Matsushima Bay by sightseeing ship

It is said that there are more than 260 “islands” in Matsushima. It is said that the formation was formed by the subsidence of hills due to tectonic movements and the rise in sea level due to global warming. After all, nature should be feared. It creates an elegant landscape that cannot be created by humans.
We  also recommend a sightseeing boat that goes around Matsushima Bay. One of the courses is Sengan Island, which is known as Date Masamune’s favorite island. Date Masamune was a warlord who served Tokugawa Ieyasu, who founded the Edo shogunate. In Japanese, people who decorated attractively are called “Datemono”, and there is a theory that this comes from the fact that Date Masamune was a fashionable person who was dressed in outlandish costumes.
It is said that Date Masamune said when he toured the bay, “If there is someone to carry that island to my castle, I will give Sengan(1000 gold),” so it was named Senganjima. It is said that the current appearance of Matsushima was created about 5,000 years ago, so it is deeply moving to think that you may be seeing the same place and the same scene as Date Masamune.

9. Tracing the history of Matsushima

One of the most representative landscapes of Matsushima is the Matsushima Five Great Halls.  It is a temple built on a small island near the coast of mainland. To get to the islet, you have to go through a bridge called Sukashi Bridge, where you can see through your feet. It is also said that it was built to watch your feet and tighten your mind. Sure, it might be a little scary.
* From January 9 ~ April 10, 2024 and January 14, 2025 ~ March 31, 2025 (planned), you will not be able to visit the Five Great Halls due to the construction of bridges such as the Sukashi Bridge.  It is possible to see the Five Great Halls from the Matsushima Coast Central Square.

Zuiganji Temple (National Treasure)
Finally, the goal. Arrive at the National Treasure Zuiganji Temple. It is said to have been founded in 828, so its history is a whopping 1400 years. It is also known as the Ancestral temple of the Date clan, and you can still see the plum tree that Date Masamune is said to have brought back in his helmet when he sent troops to Korea under the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. As expected, Datemono. Even though he went to battle, he brought back plum blossoms. It’s fashionable, isn’t it? The plum is called Garyu plum, and it has two colors, red and white, and if the flowers remain during the cherry blossom season, there is an elegant garden where you can enjoy both plums and cherry blossoms.

Entsuin Temple

Although it was a goal, there was a little detour at the end. Have you been looking at cherry blossoms for a long time, but are you interested in hearing that there are “roses” in temples? Entsuin Temple, known as the Temple of Moss. In the shrine cabinet of Sankeiden, there are paintings of roses brought back from the West by Hasekura Tsunenaga, who led the Keicho Embassy to Europe, and daffodils symbolizing Florence.
Due to the hint of the rose on this cabinet, head priest. Amano Akido planted roses in the “Byakahou Western Garden” for public viewing, leading Entsuin Temple to be also known as the “Rose Temple”.

On the way back, let’s slowly return to Sendai Airport while looking at the cherry blossoms and Matsushima again. Shower booths are also available at the airport, so you can rest assured even during this warm season. Let’s enjoy the ride to the fullest. However, there are hot springs in Matsushima, and there are many Japan-style inns, so you may want to soak in the hot water slowly. You can see various expressions depending on the time, such as cherry blossoms at night and cherry blossoms at sunrise, so please enjoy the cherry blossoms to the fullest.

Photo Credits:
Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Promotion Office
General Incorporated Association Matsushima Tourism Association Public Relations
Shiogama City Public Relations Division
Shiogama City Tourism and Products Association

🚲Today’s Ride Itinerary 

Text＿Kuniaki Ebinuma

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Kuniaki Ebinuma
Editor and writer. Born in Saitama Prefecture. Became tired of city life and relocated to Niigata Prefecture. Enjoys weekend hot spring life, visiting various hot springs everywhere. Recently made a U-turn and returned to city life after a long time. Despite feeling a bit disoriented in the city again, exploring interesting spots that were overlooked before the relocation.

 

Post Date：2024.03.15