Matsushima and Chusonji Temple Tohoku Scenic Day Trip from Tokyo

12 hours (approximately)
Offered in: Japanese and 1 more

Travel from Tokyo to northern Japan on a full-day journey combining scenic coastal views and deep cultural heritage. With smooth transportation by high-speed train, you can explore destinations that are normally difficult to reach in a single day.
Spend time at one of Japan’s most celebrated coastal landscapes, where small islands dot the water and create a calm, picturesque setting. Continue inland to visit an important historic temple complex, where you can explore traditional architecture and experience one of the country’s most iconic religious sites.

Operated by Club Tourism, a leading Japanese travel company with over 70 years of experience, this high-quality tour offers a safe and reliable travel experience in Japan. Accompanied by a tour leader known for excellent hospitality, it has received high praise from travelers of many nationalities.
The tour is conducted in Japanese, but many non-Japanese speakers join comfortably, making it suitable even for first-time visitors.

What's Included

Round-trip transportation by train and bus
Japanese-speaking tour conductor using a translation app for assistance
Admission to the Golden Hall in Chuson-ji Temple
Food and drinks, unless specified
Hotel pickup and drop-off
National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter
Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, shopping)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet at the open space near the Bellmart Kiosk, located by the Nihonbashi Exit of Tokyo Station. (On the second floor of the kiosk is a Starbucks). Please arrive at least 10mins before the scheduled meeting time. Please look for staff wearing jerseys with our company logo and tell them the tour name

End point
This activity ends in a different location. You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.

Itinerary

Duration: 12 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Sendai Station

    After meeting your tour conductor at Tokyo Station, you will board the Tohoku Shinkansen with standard reserved seating. This high-speed journey allows you to travel efficiently to the Tohoku region while enjoying a smooth and comfortable ride. You will arrive at Sendai Station, where you will transfer to your next destination. Important: Final train details, including the exact meeting time and train number, will be confirmed one week before departure and sent via Viator chat. Please be sure to check your messages.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    You will travel to Matsushima, recognized as one of the three most scenic views in Japan. This coastal area is famous for its bay, where approximately 260 small islands are scattered across the water. The combination of greenery, rock formations, and calm sea creates a uniquely balanced and peaceful landscape that has inspired visitors for centuries. You will have free time to explore the area at your own pace. You may choose to walk along the waterfront, visit local shops, or enjoy fresh seafood from nearby vendors.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    After a 100-minute journey, you will arrive at Chusonji Temple, an important historical site with deep cultural significance. Originally established during a period of great regional prosperity, the temple complex includes a variety of cultural properties. The main highlight is the Golden Hall, a fully gilded structure that preserves intricate craftsmanship and represents the artistry of its time. You will have time to explore the grounds freely and visit the Golden Hall, with admission included. The temple setting, surrounded by nature, offers a quieter and reflective atmosphere compared to the coastal stop earlier in the day.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 4
    Sendai Station

    After your visit, you will return to Sendai Station and board the Shinkansen for your journey back to Tokyo. You will arrive at Tokyo Station between approximately 9:00 and 10:00 PM, with optional drop-offs available at Omiya or Ueno. Final train details will be confirmed approximately 1 week before departure.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
  • Delays or omissions made to the itinerary due to traffic, weather or other circumstances that are beyond the control of the tour operator are not subject to refund
  • According to traffic conditions etc, the order of the itinerary may be changed and the bus arrival may be delayed
Supplied by Club Tourism International Inc.
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Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Rail Tours
Seasonal

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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