Kanrantei and Matsushima Bay

Kanrantei, whose name means 'to watch the rippling of the water,' was originally built in Kyoto on the grounds of Fushimi-Momoyama Castle and given to Date Masamune by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. His son Tadamune chose this hilltop position overlooking Matsushima Bay and its 260 islands for moon-viewing gatherings, a tradition that continues in autumn. Inside, the Goza no Ma room features gold-leaf doors painted with Matsushima pines, reproductions of Edo-period originals kept at nearby Zuiganji Temple. Visitors can sit on tatami and order green tea and sweets for 500 to 700 yen.