Matsushima

Background

Matsushima lies in Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture, and takes its name from the pine-covered islands of the bay. Together with Amanohashidate in Kyoto Prefecture and Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture, it is one of the Three Views of Japan. The four classic land viewpoints over the bay are known as the Shidaikan: the Magnificent View (Ōtakamori), the Beautiful View (Tomiyama), the Enchanting View (Ōgitani) and the Grand View (Tamonzan). Zuigan-ji is a Zen temple with more than a thousand years of history and close ties to Date Masamune, who chose the sites of Zuigan-ji and the Kanrantei tea house for viewing the autumn harvest moon. Godaidō, by the water, is said to have been founded in 807, and the present building dates from 1604. Entsū-in was built in 1647 as the mausoleum of Date Mitsumune, Masamune's grandson. Fukuurajima and Oshima in the bay are both linked to the shore by bridges and can be explored on foot; the long red Fukuura Bridge to Fukuurajima is lit up at night together with Godaidō.

Local customs

• Cruise among the islands
• climb to the four viewpoints to look over the bay
• visit Zuigan-ji, Godaidō and the garden of Entsū-in
• cross the red Fukuura Bridge to Fukuurajima or walk around Oshima
• and try local oysters in season.

Travel tips

• The cruise pier, temples and the four viewpoints are spread out, so allow time for walking and boat rides
• the viewpoints are far enough apart to need a vehicle, so follow local transport information. Check on-site and official notices for post-earthquake restoration.
• From Sendai, take the JR Senseki Line to Matsushima-Kaigan Station, then explore on foot or by boat
• check official and station notices for specific services. Every season works: oyster season starts in October and peaks in winter, with the Matsushima Oyster Festival on the first Sunday of February, while cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves give the bay a different face.