Matsushima

One of Japan's Three Views, with more than two hundred pine-covered islets scattered across Matsushima Bay. Boat tours and the temples Zuiganji and Godō reveal Date Masamune's Zen heritage.

Matsushima lies along Matsushima Bay in central Miyagi Prefecture, about 25 km northeast of Sendai. More than 260 pine-covered islets dot the bay. Together with Amanohashidate in Kyoto and Miyajima in Hiroshima, it is known as one of Japan's 'Three Views,' and the haiku poet Matsuo Bashō visited on his journey recorded in The Narrow Road to the Deep North. The sightseeing area centers on the town of Matsushima, around JR Matsushima-Kaigan Station. To the southwest are Shiogama Port and Shiogama Shrine. To the east is Okumatsushima (Miyatojima) in Higashimatsushima City, where you can take in views of the bay from Mount Ōtakamori or take a boat to see the Sagakei sea cliffs.

The main sights are within walking distance of Matsushima-Kaigan Station. These include the National Treasure Zuiganji temple and Entsū-in, the Date family mausoleum; Godō, a hall on a small island in the bay; Ojima, reached by the Togetsu Bridge; and Fukuura Island, linked by a long red bridge. There is also the Kanran-tei pavilion and a fish market by the wharf. A roughly 50-minute cruise around the bay, from Shiogama Port to Matsushima, passes rock formations such as Niōjima. For high viewpoints, the 'Four Views of Matsushima' are the best known. Mount Ōtakamori (magnificent) and Mount Tomiyama (beautiful) are the most popular, and Saigyō Modoshi-no-Matsu Park is famous for cherry blossoms.

Getting there: from Sendai Station, take the JR Senseki Line for about 40 minutes to Matsushima-Kaigan Station, or the Tohoku Main Line to Matsushima Station. To reach Okumatsushima, take the Senseki Line to Nobiru Station and transfer, or drive. A day trip is usually enough. Stay one night if you want to see the sunrise or enjoy a hot-spring inn. Cherry blossoms in late April, autumn foliage and nighttime illuminations in November, and oysters in winter are the highlights. After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the islands helped buffer the waves. Most of the town has recovered, but seawalls and other reconstruction works can still be seen along the coast.

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