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MATSUSHIMA
Matsushima is one the Three Views of Japan. Matsushima is a bay dotted
with islands covered with pine trees.
Matsushima, located in Miyagi Prefecture, is famous for featuring what is considered to be one of the Three Most Scenic Views of Japan. Matsushima is a coastal area which looks out onto Matsushima Bay which is filled with 260 islands covered with pine trees. Matsushima is located 30 minutes by train from
Sendai in the Tohoku
(northeast) region of Japan.
What makes Matsushima one of the Three Views of Japan?
For centuries the view out over Matsushima Bay has been considered to be a great
sight. In 1689 poet Matsuo Basho recorded his visit to
Matsushima. What makes Matsushima a great view is the contrast in colors
between the blue of the water, the grey to almost white of the base of the
islands, the green of the pine trees and the blue of the sky. Of course the
right weather and angle or position can make all the difference.
Most people stay in Sendai when visiting Matsushima as it has a larger section of hotels.
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Four Views of Matsushima
There are four well-known spots to view the
Matsushima islands, known as
Magnificent View (壮観 sōkan) - The view from Otakamori
Beautiful View (麗観 reikan) - The view from Toyama
Enchanting View (幽観 yūkan) - The view from Ogidani
Grand View (偉観 ikan) - The view from Tamonsan
Many people also go on a cruise to view some of the islands up
close.
MATSUSHIMA ATTRACTIONS
In addition to the views of the islands of Matsushima
there are several other attractions.
Fukuura-jima Island Fukuura-jima Island is a small island, which has an area of 6 hectares. The island is connected to the main land at Matsushima by a red 252 meters bridge. The island is a lovely hiking spot where you can find a shell mound, a shrine and a tea house. Access: 10 min walk from JR Matsushima Kaigan Station
Open hours: 8:00am – 5pm, 7 days a week
Admission: 200 yen
Godaido Godaido Hall is pretty building perched on a small island on the coast off Matsushima. Godaido Hall enshrines five Nyorai statues.
Kanran-tei Pavilion Kanrantei Pavilion is the tea house which provides great views of Matsushima Bay, great tradition Japanese tea and features beautiful paintings on the walls and folding screens which are designated as Important Cultural Properties.
Entsuin Temple Entsuin Temple is famous for a painting of a Western-style rose that is said to be the oldest Japan. Entsuin Temple is located in Matsushima and is designated as an important national cultural asset.
JR Matsushima Kaigan Station JR Matsushima Kaigan Station is the main JR station servicing Matsushima on the line connecting to Sendai.
There many shops that sell grilled fresh seafood in Matsushima. Matsushima’s speciality food is the Kamaboko (fish cake).
MATSUSHIMA ITINERARY
This suggested itinerary for Matsushima does not include the time you might want to spend at each location as this will vary greatly depending on your interest and how busy the attractions are.
