At Miyagi Prefecture's Matsushima Rikyu, a popular tourist complex in one of Japan's Three Most Scenic Spots, the "Autumn Leaves Illumination 2024" will be held from Saturday, October 26th, to Sunday, November 24th. Around 100 Japanese maple trees (Iroha Momiji and Yama Momiji) planted in the Matsushima Rikyu garden and surrounding mountains will turn a vibrant red, illuminating the entire complex with autumn colors.
The only ten-sided, three-story pagoda in Japan, bathed in the vivid hues of autumn leaves and their reflection on the garden pond during the illumination, creates a magical scene.
"Autumn Leaves Illumination 2024" Event Details
- Event Name: Miyagi Prefecture Matsushima Rikyu Autumn Leaves Illumination 2024
- Period: Saturday, October 26th, to Sunday, November 24th, 2024
*Pre-Opening: Saturday, October 19th, to Friday, October 25th, 2024 - Time: 16:30 – 21:00
- Admission Fee: Adults (Middle School and above) ¥1,300, Children (Elementary School students) ¥650, Free for children under elementary school age.
* During the Pre-Opening period, admission is discounted to ¥400 for adults (Middle School and above), ¥200 for children (Elementary School students), and free for children under elementary school age. - Advance Tickets: Available from Monday, September 24th. Purchase discounted advance tickets via the following URL:
https://rikyu-m.com/experience
Highlights of Matsushima Rikyu "Autumn Leaves Illumination 2024"
The only ten-sided, three-story pagoda illuminated with autumn leaves
Matsushima Rikyu, designated as a "JAPAN TRAVEL AWARDS" emotional destination in 2023, is home to Japan's only ten-sided, three-story pagoda. During the event, the pagoda and the deep red autumn foliage will be beautifully illuminated, creating a fantastical atmosphere.
Reflections on the Water Basin, Recreating Matsushima Bay
Awarded the 2020 Lighting Promotion Award by the Illuminating Engineering Institute of Japan, the vivid autumn leaves reflected on the garden's water basin create a magical scene, transporting visitors to an elegant and serene world.
Breathtaking Views of the Matsushima Rikyu Garden from the Rooftop Observatory
From the rooftop observatory, which offers a panoramic view of Matsushima Bay, you can admire the stunning scenery of the Matsushima Rikyu Garden, beautifully colored by autumn leaves, reflecting the beauty of Matsushima Bay.
The Sound of Carillon Bells Enhancing the Serenity of an Autumn Night
The gentle chime of the Carillon Bells, carrying wishes for happiness, enriches the autumn night during the illumination of the autumn leaves. The heart-shaped pool, designated as a "Lover's Sanctuary" in 2022, is also beautifully lit, providing a memorable and romantic setting for a special time with loved ones.
Indulge in Matsushima's Seasonal Delicacies During the Bounty of Autumn
Oyster Specialty Restaurant "Kakiya" OPEN
A new specialty restaurant, "Kakiya," offering fresh oysters directly delivered from producers in the Sanriku region, has opened. Enjoy grilled and raw oysters, Matsushima's first-ever oyster spring rolls, and oyster chowder. You can savor these dishes either outdoors (with heaters available) while enjoying the autumn foliage illumination or indoors at the eat-in area.
Additionally, you can enjoy various other seafood dishes such as grilled seafood, seafood rice bowls, an all-you-can-eat sashimi menu, and several cafés.
▶ Check out the full list of restaurants here.
Miyagi Prefecture Matsushima Rikyū Facility Information
- Access: 1-minute walk to the right from JR Senseki Line Matsushima Kaigan Station
- URL：https://rikyu-m.com/
- Directions:
- By Train: 1-minute walk to the right after getting off at JR Senseki Line Matsushima Kaigan Station
- By Car: Approximately 6 minutes by car from Sanriku Expressway Matsushima Kaigan I.C.
- Click here for detailed access information▶
- Parking: Please use nearby parking lots
Photo Contest Announcement
To commemorate the Matsushima Rikyū Autumn Foliage Illumination 2024, a photo contest will be held. Why not capture the magical beauty of the illuminated autumn leaves and the ten-sided, three-tiered "Retsuru Tower"? Feel free to also share memorable moments with family and friends.
Photo Contest Overview
Application Period: From Saturday, October 26, 2024, to Sunday, November 24, 2024
- How to Apply: Post your photos on Instagram with the hashtag "#MatsushimaRikyuAutumn2024"
- Eligibility: Anyone can participate.
- Judging Process: Winners will be selected through strict evaluation by a panel of judges.
- Results Announcement: Results will be posted on Matsushima Rikyū's official Instagram by Sunday, December 8, 2024.
Photo Contest Prizes
Miyagi Prefectural Matsushima Rikyu Award
Prize: ¥30,000 and a commemorative photo frame for the best photo that captures the beauty of the autumn foliage illumination and the garden scenery in the most inspiring way.
Retsuru Tower Award
Prize: ¥20,000 for the best photo featuring the dynamic structure of Japan's only ten-sided, three-tiered "Retsuru Tower," combined with the autumn foliage.
Best Movie Award
Prize: ¥20,000 for the most attractive and creatively edited short video submission.
Enchanted Light-Up Award
Prize: ¥15,000 for the most stunning representation of the illuminated autumn foliage and the garden's magical atmosphere.
Heartwarming Scene Award
Prize: ¥15,000 for the photo that best captures heartwarming moments with family, friends, or a special someone.
*For more details, please check the official website.
About Matsushima Rikyū in Miyagi Prefecture
Matsushima Rikyū in Miyagi Prefecture is a tourist complex that opened in 2020 on the site of the former "Marinepia Matsushima Aquarium," located just a 1-minute walk from JR Matsushima Kaigan Station. The facility offers a variety of experiences to enjoy Matsushima, including seafood gourmet dining, souvenirs, traditional craft experiences, a rooftop observation deck with views of Matsushima Bay, and a garden modeled after the 260+ islands of Matsushima.
▶ Miyagi Prefecture Matsushima Rikyū Official Website
About Operating Company: Maruyama Co., Ltd.
Maruyama Group, headquartered in Zao Town, Miyagi Prefecture, celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2018. Originally established as a general trading company in the southern part of the prefecture, it has expanded its operations with over 11 companies and business locations from Hokkaido to Tokyo.
In the tourism sector, Maruyama Group opened "Matsushima Rikyū" in 2020 as a tourist base for Matsushima and operates the "Miyagi Prefecture Matsushima Rikyū Marine Station," where various dining establishments gather. Additionally, they manage "The Venetian Hotel Shiroishi Zao," located just 30 seconds on foot from JR Tohoku Shinkansen Shiroishi Zao Station.
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