Kanrantei

Kanrantei (観瀾亭), a beautiful Momoyama-style teahouse, sits peacefully overlooking Matsushima Bay. Its name means “place to view ripples on water,” which perfectly describes the calm, scenic view of the sea and nearby islands. Originally built in Kyoto by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the teahouse was gifted to Date Masamune, a powerful samurai lord. His son later moved it to this tranquil location in Matsushima.

The teahouse has two elegant rooms decorated with golden sliding doors that once welcomed noble guests, including feudal lords’ wives and shogunate envoys. Today, visitors can enjoy the same atmosphere while sipping matcha tea for a small fee. Behind Kanrantei is the Matsushima Museum, a small but fascinating space with samurai armor, weapons, and tools that give a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past.