‘YOKI MATSUSHIMA’, a slow luxury hotel that opened on 10 August 2026 in Matsushima—one of Japan’s Three Great Views—has launched a stay experience designed to immerse guests in the beauty of Matsushima.
Two types of kaiseki meals are available year-round: the ‘Full Moon Kaiseki’, which expresses the power of the waxing moon, and the ‘New Moon Kaiseki’, designed to harmonise body and mind. Furthermore, on actual full moon nights, the hotel offers a unique ‘Slow Luxury’ experience that is truly characteristic of Matsushima, a location long cherished as a famous spot for moon viewing.
[Full Moon Kaiseki] The Bounty of Miyagi and Sanriku: A Culinary Delight
Featuring an extravagant selection of Tohoku’s finest produce from both sea and mountain, including bluefin tuna from Shiogama, shark’s fin from Kesennuma, Sanriku abalone and Sendai Kuroge Wagyu beef. This special kaiseki meal is brimming with energy, embodying the power of the waxing moon.
[New Moon Kaiseki] A ‘Regenerative’ Culinary Experience Blending the Wisdom of Medicinal Cuisine – On the night the moon hides its face, body and mind are quietly reborn
Drawing on the expertise of Professor Yuko Sasaki of Sendai Shirayuri Women’s University, this menu incorporates the ancient wisdom of medicinal cuisine. Featuring autumn vegetables and ‘San-gen’ pork raised according to traditional Chinese medicine principles, this gentle kaiseki meal helps reset your body and mind on a quiet night when the moon is hidden, restoring balance from within.
Breakfast: ‘Seasonal Delights and Local Bounty to Start the Day’
Centred around perfectly cooked white rice—prepared in a traditional cast-iron pot using carefully selected rice from local contract farmers—and featuring charcoal-grilled fish, dashimaki tamago (rolled omelette) and freshly shaved bonito flakes, we bring you the bounty of the Matsushima region whilst cherishing our connections with local producers and artisans.
A special experience held once a month, exclusively on nights of the full moon
At ‘Moon Road’, we organise seasonal events in Matsushima—beyond simply serving kaiseki cuisine—that can only be enjoyed on nights of the full moon. By varying the locations and methods of moon-gazing, we invite you to savour the unique facets of Matsushima that can only be encountered on that particular night and in that particular season, even when viewing the same full moon.
September–October: ‘Special Night-time Viewing of the National Treasure, Zuigan-ji Temple’
Enjoy an exclusive private viewing of Zuigan-ji Temple after closing time, accompanied by commentary from a monk.
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Matsushima whilst savouring the tranquil atmosphere of Zuigan-ji Temple as it glows in the moonlight.
November: ‘Viewing the Full Moon from the Sky’
A special experience aboard a hot-air balloon, gazing at the full moon from the sky whilst taking in the night-time views of Matsushima.
December: ‘Viewing the Full Moon from the Sea’
Admire the full moon and the islands of Matsushima at night from the sea aboard a small boat.
*The details of each month’s experience are subject to change. We will provide further information as soon as they are finalised.