Matsushima
Matsushima is a small city located just outside of Sendai. It is one of Japan's fabled three most scenic places, made up of 260 islands.
Location
The hotel is located right next to the glass museum and at the sea with a wonderful view of the Matsushima Bay. Fukuura Island and the Fish Market are 15 minutes walking distance away. Matsushima station can be reached within 10 minutes. The hotel is expensive as it is usual for these type of hotels.
Beautiful garden of the hotel
Rooms
We booked a twin room with an additional hot tub. Our room was a huge traditional Japanese room with luxurious Japanese interiors. Only twin beds are available at traditional Japanese Hotels. Our room had a small entrance floor, a very big main room consisting of a sleeping and a separate living area. You also have a bathroom with a separate toilet. The shower is a whole room for itself in front of the highlight of the room, your very own hot tub with a view overlooking the sea.
Room entrance
Take of your shoes before entering a traditional Japanese hotel room
Lots of amenities
Seperate toilet
Private Balcony
Highlight of the room: Own hot tub overlooking the bay
Shower room
Staff
The staff was not speaking a lot of English (which is normal in a town like Matsushima), but still everyone was very friendly, helpful and did their best to help us having a wonderful stay.
Glass artwork in the lobby
Lobby
Food & Drinks
Dinner & breakfast were included in our stay and available at their restaurant. I have to say I never encountered a buffet style restaurant with a better quality of food than this ones. You could get high quality and high-priced ingredients and 6 separate cooking stations were available. Simply delicious.
They also have bars in the Lobby an in their garden.
Buffet restaurant
Sea urchin soup
Fresh Sushi
Even Cheese Fondue is available
Other services
Indoor an outdoor onsen are available. WiFi is free of charge for all guests. They also have a spa which is embedded in the indoor onsen of the hotel.
One of their onsen
Spa Entrance
Conclusion
When travelling to Japan I can highly recommand visting Matsushima with its beautiful views. When in Matsushima, this hotel is expensive but worth every penny considering the beautiful views, rooms and food.
If you enjoy our blog and would like to support us, you can buy us a coffee 😉
Glad to have read this review. Most non-Japanese travelers don’t realize that many independently-owned Japanese style hotels (ryokans) offer better service and food than 5* international modern chains. I guess one reason people don’t know about these hotels is that the latter don’t market themselves aggressively enough.
Thanks for the comment. That is absolutely correct, ryokans are very often at least as good as the modern chains, and also in terms of food, you will never get dissapointed.