Entsuin Temple in Matsushima holds this popular event every year during peak fall color season. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful evening illuminations in Tohoku. Stroll the tranquil Entsuin Temple gardens, beautiful by day and positively ethereal by night. In autumn, the gardens overflow with gorgeous fall colors, enchanting visitors. The reflection of the trees in the mirror-like surface of the temple pond is so magical it resembles a portal to another world.
Fall colors in the Matsushima area typically peak mid- to late November, so make sure to add the Matsushima Light Up to your list of places to explore in autumn!
Zuiganji Temple Light Up
Hours:
・17:00–20:00 on weekdays (last entry 19:45)
・17:00–21:00 on weekends (last entry 20:45)
Held alongside the fall light up is the Naked Yoru Sanpo ("Naked Nighttime Stroll") event.
Enjoy the spectacle of light and participate in creating light-art yourself at the Zuiganji Temple!
https://zuiganji.or.jp/?p=10287
Entsuin Temple Light Up
Hours: 17:00–21:00 (last entry 20:45)
Best Viewing Period:
・Rock Garden - Late October to Mid Novemeber
・Heart-Shaped Pond - Early November to Late November
・Sankeiden Mausoleum - Mid Novemeber
Please note that the venue is very busy on weekends and national holidays during the peak viewing season!
http://www.entuuin.or.jp/topics/lightup2022/
Entry Fee
Adults (junior high school age and older):
・2,000 yen ticket valid for both locations
・1,300 yen single ticket valid for one location
Free for children of elementary school age and younger.
Tickets available for purchase starting October 15 at the Matsushima Kaigan Resthouse Infromation Center (松島海岸レストハウス内特設ブース) and the Matsushima Momiji An (松島もみじ庵).
http://www.entuuin.or.jp/topics/lightup2022/index.html
Date Bushyotai Light Up Special Tour
Held on November 4, 11, and 18 (Fridays).
Hours: 17:20–21:00
Schedule:
・17:20 Meet at Entsuin Temple
・17:40 Enjoy Date Shojin Kaiseki-ryori, a traditional multi-course menu featuring vegetarian Buddhist cuisine, at Ungai
・18:50 Guided tour of Zuiganji
・20:00 Explore the Entsuin Fall Light Up
・21:00 End of the Tour
Ticket price: 15 000 yen
Tickets available for purchase on the Date Bushyotai Online Shop starting October 15.
https://datebusyou.jp/
Night Cruise of the Matsushima Bay
Held on October 29 through November 23, 2022 Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays.
Hours:
・17:00 Departure from Matsushima Minato
・17:40 Arrival at Matsushima Minato
Price:
・1,000 yen adult ticket
・500 yen child ticket
・Free for children under pre-school age
https://www.marubun-kisen.com/wakuwaku/lightup.php
Kitchen Car Square
A Kitchen Car food event at Matsushima Central Park!
Held on October 29 through November 23 on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays.
Hours: 10:30–20:30