Things To Do
in Higashimatsushima
Higashimatsushima is a city located in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its beautiful coastline along the Pacific Ocean. The city was heavily affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami in 2011, but has since undergone reconstruction efforts.
Higashimatsushima is now recognized for its resilience and commitment to disaster prevention and preparedness.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a peaceful visit to the Tashiro Island, known for its cat population. Enjoy the serene environment as you watch the sunrise and explore the quaint village.
Head to the Memorial Museum to learn about the 2011 tsunami and its impact on the area. The museum offers powerful insights and reflections on resilience and recovery.
Dine at a local seafood restaurant and savor fresh catches from the nearby ocean. The flavors of the region will make for a memorable culinary experience.
Rent a bicycle and tour the scenic coastline of Higashimatsushima. It's a fantastic way to appreciate the stunning views and fresh ocean breeze.
Stop by the nearby beaches for some relaxation or a beachside picnic. You can also try your hand at beach volleyball or swimming in the ocean.
Visit a traditional izakaya for dinner, where you can enjoy local dishes and drinks. The atmosphere is lively, perfect for winding down after a busy day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery and ocean views
- Rich cultural history and traditions
- Proximity to the scenic Sanriku Coast
- Community-focused, friendly atmosphere
- Access to local seafood and traditional cuisine
- Susceptibility to natural disasters like tsunamis
- Limited urban amenities compared to larger cities
- Fewer job opportunities in specialized fields
- Potential challenges in transportation and accessibility
- Aging population and declining youth demographic
Best Activities in Higashimatsushima
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit Tashiro Island, also known as Cat Island, to see the large population of feral cats and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.
Explore the Gamo Wetland, a designated national wildlife protection area, known for its diverse bird species and beautiful scenery.
Take a scenic cruise around Matsushima Bay, known for its numerous picturesque islands and stunning coastal views.
Tours
Uncover the best of Higashimatsushima with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Higashimatsushima
Visit one of these nice places.
A stunning waterfall with beautiful natural surroundings and great photo opportunities
Offers panoramic views of Higashimatsushima and the surrounding scenic landscapes
Historical site with picturesque views and an ideal spot for capturing scenic photos
Food in Higashimatsushima
Higashimatsushima Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A local specialty of steamed fish cake with a unique bamboo leaf shape, usually served with soy sauce. You can find this dish at Matsushima's seafood markets.
Must-Try!
A traditional rice porridge made with seven types of spring herbs, typically eaten during the Japanese festival of Nanakusa-no-sekku. Look for this dish in local eateries and during festive occasions.
Freshly caught fish, seasoned and charcoal-grilled, offering a delicious taste of the region's seafood. Look for yakizakana at local seafood restaurants and izakayas.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Higashimatsushima better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore a variety of fresh seafood, including oysters, sashimi, and unique local delicacies like sasa kamaboko. This market is an excellent spot to experience local flavors and street food stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Higashimatsushima, it is important to show respect for elders through polite language and gestures, such as bowing.
It is customary to remove shoes before entering a home, temple, or certain traditional Japanese buildings as a sign of respect and cleanliness.
Using chopsticks with correct etiquette, such as not pointing them at others, not sticking them upright in a bowl of rice, and not passing food directly from chopstick to chopstick, is important in Higashimatsushima.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Higashimatsushima with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Higashimatsushima
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Higashimatsushima, Japan. In fact, it is generally considered rude or inappropriate to tip at restaurants, hotels, or other service establishments. The strong emphasis in Japanese culture on providing high-quality service as part of the standard expectation means that tipping is not necessary.
Payment in Higashimatsushima, Japan is commonly done using cash. While credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted, especially in larger establishments and tourist areas, it is always useful to have some cash on hand for smaller businesses and local shops. Contactless payment methods like mobile wallets are also gaining popularity in urban areas.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Higashimatsushima.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Higashimatsushima due to the pleasant weather and cherry blossom season. Expect mild temperatures and beautiful pink cherry blossoms.
Warm and humid with occasional typhoons. It's a good time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals, but be prepared for hot weather.
Mild temperatures and the beautiful fall foliage make autumn a great time to visit Higashimatsushima. It's also the harvest season with various food festivals.
Cold temperatures with occasional snowfall, especially in January and February. It's a quieter time to visit, but you can enjoy winter sports and hot springs.
Higashimatsushima at Night
Hiking in Higashimatsushima
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located nearby, Tateyama Mountain offers various trails with breathtaking views and varying difficulty levels, suitable for all hiking enthusiasts.
Shiroyama Park features scenic walking paths and offers panoramic views of Higashimatsushima and the surrounding areas.
This island is accessible by ferry and boasts several hiking trails, including routes leading to the Kinkasan Shrine with stunning coastal views.
This coastal park features easy walking trails along the beach, perfect for casual hikers and families looking to enjoy nature.
A bit further out, this park offers expansive hiking options through lush forests, cliffs, and scenic coastal landscapes, ideal for experienced hikers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Higashimatsushima through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Higashimatsushima by plane.
The nearest international airport to Higashimatsushima, located approximately 30 km to the northwest. It serves both domestic and international flights.
Located about 350 km south of Higashimatsushima, Narita is one of the major international airports serving Tokyo and the surrounding region.
Located approximately 600 km west of Higashimatsushima, this major airport serves the Osaka region and is a hub for many international flights.
Located around 360 km south, this airport is closer to central Tokyo and serves a significant number of domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The main demographic group, consisting of native Japanese citizens and descendants.
Includes expatriates and migrant workers from various countries.
A significant portion of the population is elderly, reflecting Japan's overall demographic trend of an aging society.
A smaller demographic due to low birth rates, consisting of children and teenagers.
The Soul of Higashimatsushima
Discover the essence of Higashimatsushima through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Higashimatsushima, with local teams and youth leagues actively participating in regional competitions.
Soccer enjoys a strong following in the area, with various clubs and schools promoting the sport at both youth and adult levels.
Basketball is widely played in Higashimatsushima, with local courts and community programs encouraging participation among youth.
Volleyball is also popular, with many schools and recreational clubs hosting both indoor and beach volleyball events.
Various forms of martial arts, such as Judo and Karate, are practiced by many residents, reflecting the cultural heritage of Japan.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Higashimatsushima.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Japanese cuisine often features seafood, some restaurants in Higashimatsushima offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes like tofu-based meals, tempura vegetables, and vegetable sushi rolls. It's advisable to communicate your dietary preferences clearly when dining out, and some eateries are accommodating of special requests.
Gluten-free options may be limited in traditional Japanese cuisine. However, fresh sashimi, rice-based dishes, and certain soups can be suitable for those avoiding gluten. Be sure to inquire about ingredients and preparation methods when dining out to align with your dietary needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Higashimatsushima with these cultural adventures.
