Guided Tour of Shiogama and Urato Islands' Hidden Gems

From JPY ¥29,200.00
  • Duration: 240 Minutes (approx.)
  • Location: 塩竃市, Miyagi
  • Product code: EN-MYG-7106-71062

【OUTLINE】 

This walking tour goes around unknown, secret areas of Matsushima in Miyagi, famous as one of the three most scenic spots in Japan.


The local guide will tell you about the area's local history and culture as well as show you to places of scenic and historical interest. A meditation experience of about 5 to 10 minutes on the beach is available for those who are interested.


It takes about an hour and 10 minutes by train from Sendai Airport and only 40 minutes by train from Sendai Station to get to the meeting point.


【HIGHLIGHTS】

  • Visit places of scenic and historical interest in the Urato Islands, which cannot be found in normal guidebooks.
  • Discover the unconventional charm of the Urato Islands alongside a knowledgeable knowledge local guide.
  • An optional meditation experience on the beach is available.
  • The meeting point is easily accessible from the airport and main cities of Japan.
  • Explore the community roads or climb the banks to satisfy your spirit of adventure!


【SCHEDULE】

A. Visiting Hou-jima island and Sabusawa-jima island course
Meeting at Marine gate Shiogama → Boarding on Shogama city steamship(dep.13:00) → Land on the first island and walk aruond the island (30min)→ Move to the second island by ferry, land on, and walk around the island (120min) → Back to Marine gate Shiogama by Shiogama city steamship (arr.17:24) →Dismiss

☆At Hou-jima island, we will be stopping at Shinmei shrine and Machilus thunbergi forest.
☆At Sabukawa-jima island, we will be stopping at Shibari-jizo, turret ruin, Shinmei shrine, Roku-jizo, etc...(Jizo is known as the gardian deity of children in Japan.)


B. Visiting Nono-shima island and Katsura-shima island course
Meeting at Marine gate Shiogama → Boarding on Shogama city steamship(dep.13:00) → Land on the first island and walk aruond the island (40min) → Move to the second island by ferry, land on, and walk around the island (120min) → Back to Marine gate Shiogama by Shiogama city steamship (arr.17:24) →Dismiss

☆At Nono-shima island, we will be stopping at Kumano shrine, Tsubaki tunnel,Udai-hama beach, Yonaki-jizo, etc....
☆At Katsura-shima island, we will be stopping at Matsuzaki shrine, Nidomori lookout, Katsurajima beach, Mount Tsumori, etc...


C. Visiting Nono-shima island and Sabusawa-jima island
Meeting at Marine gate Shiogama → Boarding on Shogama city steamship(dep.13:00) → Land on the first island and walk aruond the island (40min) → Move to the second island by ferry, land on, and walk around the island (110min) → Back to Marine gate Shiogama by Shiogama city steamship (arr.17:24) →Dismiss

☆At Nono-jima island, we will be stopping at Kumano shrine, Tsubaki tunnel, Udai-hama beach, Yonaki-jizo, etc...
☆Sabusawa-jima island, we will be stopping at Shibari-jizo, turret ruin, Shinmei shrine, Roku-jizo, etc...


【DETAILS】

The Urato Islands are positioned at the entrance of the sea to Matsushima, and it is composed of four islands: Katsura-shima, Nono-shima, Sabusawa-jima, and Hou-jima. People here live in simple homes amidst the rich nature of the area. You can choose one of three different tours in this plan: course A (Visiting Hou-jima and Sabusawa-jima), course B (Visiting Nono-shima and Katsura-shima), and course C (Nono-shima and Sanusawa-jima). While traveling on a remote island by a boat, the tour will take you around the island's historical sites and shrines, and you can get a sense of the the local habits and customs of the island. 



All of the individuals islands have their own charms and deep histories. Katsura-shima is famous for its cats, Sabusawa-jima is famous for the place where the Old Shogunate Army (known as The Last Samurai) stayed in during the Boshin War, Nono-shima has a hidden Christian legend, and Hou-jima is known as a historical "treasure island" of legends.


Unique, dynamic scenery and stories await you on this comprehensive, exciting tour! You may also ask your local guide to take pictures for you, as there are many special photo opportunities on this tour that you won't want to miss.


Enjoy walking on a peaceful island where time passes slowly!


【THINGS TO NOTE】 

  • Time:240 minutes
  • Meeting point:Marine Gate Shiogama
    1-4-1, Minatomachi, Shiogama-shi, Miyagi-ken 985-0016
  • Access:A 5-minute walk from Hon-Shiogama Station on JR Senseki Line
  • Language support: Japanese, English (A support by using Google voice translation system is available.)
  • Included :Guide fee, Shiogama City Ferry fare
  • Excluded:Expenses such as transportation not included in the course and personal expenses
  • Things to bring:Drink, snack (The islands have no shops.), rain gear, etc.
  • Participation requirement :
    ・ Children aged 5 and older can participate.
    ・ People who like walking.
    ・ Please wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
    ・ People who can visit shrines and temples.
    ・ Those who are interested in Japanese religions, and willing to experience worship at shrines and temples.
  • Free Wi-Fi:×
  • Toilet:〇 (Locations: Marine Gate Shiogama, City Ferry, and respective piers)
  • Other things to note:
    ・The tour may be canceled due to bad weather. You will be notified of the cancellation by 17:00 on the previous day. The full price will be refunded.
    ・Health management is your own responsibility. You cannot attend the tour if you are not feeling well or after drinking alcohol.
    ・Please note that we do not take any responsibility or liability for incidents such as theft, injuries, or accidents during the tour.   
    ・Please follow the instructions of the guide and refrain from disturbing or loud behavior.
    ・Our insurance doesn't cover injuries caused by carelessness. If necessary, please get appropriate insurance by yourself.                                                                                 

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

7 to 4 days before the tour date 40% of the tour price
3 to 2 days before the tour date 60% of the tour price
The day before the tour date, on the day of the tour 100% of the tour price