- TOKYO
- MIYAGI
SEASIDE BEAUTY
This route introduces the cityscape of Odaiba glimpsed from the seaside and the beautiful charms of Matsushima, nestled in nature, through a mixture of gourmet food, hands-on sightseeing, shopping, and more.
Official Tokyo Travel Guide
https://www.gotokyo.org/en/
Local government official website
https://visitmiyagi.com/
TRAVELER
- Traveled : November, 2015 Choyce
- Blogger
Reside in Taiwan
- Traveled : November, 2015 Hwang Hsiao Chun
- Journalist
Reside in Tokyo
Home country: Taiwan
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
ANA824 Examine the directions from your country
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- Choyce
I flew on ANA on my trip to Tokyo in November. Airlines in Japan offer a good selection of in-flight meals, and their hospitality and services are second to none.
Narita International Airport
Narita Express (JR EAST PASS)
Tokyo Metropolitan Area
Day1
TOKYO
Odaibamore
RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS
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- Choyce
While the image of Odaiba held by most people is of binge shopping, there is also a unique driverless monorail and the recently popular Gundam statue. However, at the top of my list of recommendations is the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation and the RiSuPia Panasonic Center. These museums have systems and are at a scale not often seen in Taiwan. They are also great places for families and offer ample learning opportunities for kids and parents.
Odaiba Line
Odaiba Seaside Park→Hinode Pier
30 minutes
Walk
Hinode Pier→Tokyo Tower
30 minutes
Tokyo Towermore
Tokyo Tower is located in Shiba-Koen of Minato-ku in Tokyo and it’s been recognized as a symbol for the capital of Japan. In addition to it, this 333 meter tall radio tower was built in 1958 as a broadcasting tower and it became an iconic landmark which is a must-visit place in Tokyo.
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- Choyce
There are many ways to view Tokyo Tower. Among the best is from the skyscraper hotels in Odaiba, which provide dazzling panoramic views of not only Tokyo Tower, but also Tokyo Bay and Odaiba.
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- Hwang Hsiao Chun
Going up to the viewing platform during the day allows you to see Mt. Fuji in the distance. At night, you can enjoy a beautiful night view that looks just like it is studded with jewels.
By heading from the Tokyo Tower to Daimon via Zojoji Temple, a scene of elegance and serenity suddenly giving way to the tumultuous hustle and bustle of the city unfolds before your eyes. There, you can see a scene straight from a Japanese TV drama as well as throngs of people as they move back and forth.
New Transit Yurikamome~Toei Subway Oedo Line
Akabanebashi Station→Telecom Center
30 minutes
TOKYO ODAIBA OEDO-ONSEN MONOGATARI(Closed down on September 5, 2021)more
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- Choyce
By heading from the Tokyo Tower to Daimon via Zojoji Temple, a scene of elegance and serenity suddenly giving way to the tumultuous hustle and bustle of the city unfolds before your eyes. There, you can see a scene straight from a Japanese TV drama as well as throngs of people as they move back and forth.
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- Hwang Hsiao Chun
By hopping on a water bus and heading to Odaiba in the evening, you can enjoy the beautiful sky at sunset, the bay scenery illuminated by city lights, and the Rainbow Bridge.
Stepping inside, you suddenly find yourself in a town scene from the Edo Period, and you can't help being moved. Also, when you buy a ticket that includes a meal, you can enjoy delicious cooking while taking in the interior of the building at your own pace.
GRAND NIKKO TOKYO DAIBA
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- Choyce
The large bathing area and bathtub was perfect for families. I recommend heading to the 30th floor as early as possible to eat breakfast.
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- Hwang Hsiao Chun
From the rooms it is possible to see Tokyo Bay in the distance, so you can enjoy the constantly changing Tokyo Bay to your heart’s content.
Day2
TOHOKU(MIYAGI)
8:40 Tokyo Stationmore
JR Shinkansen Hayabusa7(JR EAST PASS)
Tokyo→Sendai
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- Choyce
I was transported to the hub of fun and vibrant shopping and the great food of Sendai, less than two hours from Tokyo.
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- Hwang Hsiao Chun
Boarding the Shinkansen train system, the pride of Japan, and departing Tokyo, you head to Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. Many travelers use the Shinkansen bullet trains, which are not only punctual but also safe and comfortable. Travelers from overseas can buy a JR EAST PASS.
10:15 Sendai Stationmore
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- Choyce
Sendai Station offers a hands-free tourism service where your luggage is delivered right to the hotel so you can explore the city unencumbered.
Any visit to Sendai Station would not be complete without a stop at the ever popular Zunda Saryo on the 1F, which sells a selection of Japanese sweets.
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- Hwang Hsiao Chun
After arriving at Sendai Station, stop first at the Takkyubin Center (Kuroneko S-PAL Plaza) on the first basement floor of the S-PAL department store inside the station. If you leave your luggage here in the morning, the center will deliver it to your place of accommodation by the evening of the same day. You can eat your fill of the edamame-flavored Japanese confectionary known as Zunda mochi. Zunda mochi are made by taking bean paste prepared by boiling and crushing edamame, and wrapping it in mochi rice cakes.
JR Senseki Line(JR EAST PASS)
Sendai→Hon-Shiogama
About 30 minutes
Sushitetsumore
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- Hwang Hsiao Chun
Then, if you board a train on the JR Senseki Line from Sendai Station and travel to Shiogama City, you’ll be able to eat sushi that uses fresh seafood locally caught on the Sanriku Coast.
Walk
Urakasumi Sake Brewerymore
Boat tour (Marubun Matsushima Kisen Co., Ltd.) / JR Senseki Line
Marine Gate Shiogama →Matsushima Kaigan Boat Pier
■ 50 minutes
Matsushima Islands Areamore
RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS
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- Choyce
The picturesque Matsushima Coast is truly deserving of its praise as one of the three most scenic places in Japan. It’s a great destination for food, fun, and a place to rejuvenate your spirit, thanks to its warm, hospitable people, delicious food, and convenient location only 30 minutes by car from Sendai. Although few in number, there are a few ryokan built with high-grade materials located throughout the Matsushima Coast. They have been remodeled and guests can take in the beautiful view (all rooms face the ocean) to their heart's content. I want to recommend the Komatsukan Kofutei ryokan to travelers from overseas when they visit the Matsushima Coast. It's a wonderful place where you can enjoy a creative Japanese-style traditional Kaiseki cuisine course made by a skilled chef, as well as have a good night's rest.
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- Hwang Hsiao Chun
Taking a boat from the Shiogama sightseeing ferry terminal will take you to Matsushima Islands Area, one of Japan's three most scenic places. Even the world-renowned haiku poet, Matsuo Basho, praised it as having the best scenery in Japan". Long ago, when a hilly area sank into the sea, the tall hill tops poking out from the ocean's surface became the islands, with the rocks being slowly eroded over many months and years. The approximately 260 differently sized islands in Matsushima Bay create a unique scene that draws a large number of domestic and overseas tourists every year. The unique scenery of the islands can be observed up close from a boat.
Located on an island, Entsuin Temple is the family temple of Date Mitsumune, the grandson of Date Masamune. Every autumn, the temple’s Japanese garden is beautifully lit up, enchanting people with the beauty of its fall colors.
Walk
Komatsukan Kofutei
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- Choyce
You can choose your meal at the time of reservation. I left relaxed and fully satisfied with my delicious meal and time in the hot spring bath.
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- Hwang Hsiao Chun
The meals served at ryokan delight consumers’ palates by constantly presenting new dishes, not only by using local ingredients but also through partnerships with head chefs at renowned hotels in Tokyo and elsewhere.
Day3
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- Choyce
Built by a feudal lord as a place to escape the summer heat and for moongazing, Kanrantei can't be missed.
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- Hwang Hsiao Chun
Matsushima is connected to the islands in the vicinity by bridges of various sizes. There are three bridges in total: Togetsu-kyo Bridge connecting Matsushima and Oshima, Fukuura Island’s Fukuura-kyo Bridge, and Godaido Hall’s enmusubi bridge – crossing which is said to bring luck in love.
On the coast that Matsushima forms the center of, oyster farming flourishes. At Matsushima’s morning market, you can enjoy freshly harvested oysters to your heart’s content. For 2,000 yen you can eat your fill of oysters cooked in their shells.
*Prices are for travelers at the time of use.
Komatsukan Kofutei
JR Senseki Line(JR EAST PASS)
Matsushimakaigan→Nakanosakae
About 20 minutes
Free shuttle bus
Nakanosakae Station→Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium
About 10 minutes
Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium/Mitsui Outlet Parkmore
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- Choyce
Newly opened in July 2015, it also offers spots where children can learn about new life.
Located on the outskirts of Miyagi Prefecture between Sendai and Matsushima, it offers a vibrant shopping environment symbolized by the Port Flower Ferris wheel that stands at about 50 meters tall.
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- Hwang Hsiao Chun
Boarding a train from Matsushima and alighting at Nakanosakae Station, a short work will take you to Mitsui Outlet Park Sendai Port, where you can enjoy shopping. You can also enjoy watching the dolphin show at Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium, Tohoku’s largest aquarium.
Free shuttle bus
Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium→Nakanosakae Station
About 10 minutes
JR Senseki Line(JR EAST PASS)
Nakanosakae→Sendai
About 20 minutes
Downtown Sendai Citymore
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- Choyce
The most interesting and memorable part of my trip to Sendai was the great prices at Sendai's morning market.Rausu Kombu, a brand of edible kelp that stands out among all other kelp brands, is one of my dream items!
Walk
5 minutes
Sendai Station
JR Shinkansen Hayabusa(JR EAST PASS)
Tokyo Station or other places
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- Choyce
The discount tickets offered for the Tokyo + Tohoku package tour work great for foreign visitors. The draws of train travel include never having to worry about traffic or looking at a map and you can easily get around with your luggage. Train travel also lets you come into contact with the local culture as well. If you are traveling with your family, you can play a game with the kids to search for your destination, which provides a fun experience and added bonus of feeling a sense of achievement at the end.
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- Hwang Hsiao Chun
Why not depart Tokyo and travel with a carefree spirit to experience the scenery, the delicious local cuisine and the human warmth that only Tohoku can offer?
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM TRAVELERS
I give the food in Sendai very high marks, and the shopping was also great.
- Choyce
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Blogger
Reside in Taiwan -
Hobby
Photograph, Sport, Travelling
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Number of visits to Japan
80times
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RECOMMENDATIONS FROM TRAVELERS
Tokyo is the recommended starting point to reach various places throughout Japan.
- Hwang Hsiao Chun
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Journalist
Reside in Tokyo
Home country: Taiwan -
Hobby
Travelling, Adventure, Gourmet
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Length of stay in Tokyo
4 Years
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