Head out on the ocean to see the rugged bluffs of Sagakei jutting up from the sea. Named one of Japan’s Three Great Gorges, Sagakei has many intriguingly shaped rocks carved by the wind and water. A small sea cave at the base of the cliffs is called the “Blue Grotto” for the surreal hue its interior takes on when the sunlight hits it just right.

Along the way, birds circle overhead and you can see plants growing out of the cliff face, including the sekkoku orchid native to Matsushima Bay. The tour takes approximately sixty minutes (shortened to forty-five if ocean conditions are rough). Purchase tickets at the Oku-Matsushima Pleasure Boat Information Center inside Selco Home Aomina Visitor Center—no reservations needed.