Matsushima, Miyagi

“Matsushima” in Miyagi prefecture, which is counted as one of Japan’s three scenic spots. It is famous as a scenic spot representing the Tohoku region such as being poetically written as a waka poet from old times and painted as a motif of paintings. The scenery of archipelago where the large and small islands float, the contrast of the blue of the sea and the green of the island are beautiful, and the breath taking is exactly right. The view that everyone wants to see once spreads out in front of you.
“Matsushima” famous as one of the three most famous scenic areas of Japan, along with Amanohashidate (Kyoto) and Miyajima (Hiroshima prefecture) is located on the Pacific coast of Miyagi prefecture central part. It is a scenic spot consisting of Matsushima Bay on the complex rias coast and Matsushima hills around it, and 260 large and small islands in the bay.
The beautiful scenery which the quiet bay and the islands weave have attracted many people from long ago. There is an anecdote that a haiku poet Matsuo Basho was unable to recite a phrase before a spectacular view.
Matsushima has sightseeing boat tours between the islands in the bay and a viewing spot where you can see the scenery. There are not only places where you can enjoy the landscape itself, but also famous temples and museums where you can learn about the history of the area, making it a tourist destination where many people visit throughout the year.
Matsushima is located about 25 kilometers northeast of Sendai. About 1 hour 40 minutes from Sendai Station by Shinkansen from Tokyo. After that, change to the JR Sengoku Line, and Matsushima Coastal Station, which is about 25 minutes by express train, is the nearest station.
There are plenty of places to see in Matsushima, not only the landscape, such as the observation spots that can see the surroundings, the islands that can be walked on foot, the historic sites of Sengoku warrior Masamune Date, monuments and so on.
Please visit Matsushima where you will be healed by the magnificent scenery and have thought of history.

The spot which makes you feel history is also attractive

There are 260 large and small islands in Matsushima in Miyagi prefecture, and beautiful scenery is attractive. The islands of Matsushima are spectacular views from the spot called “Shidaikan”. In addition, the spot which makes history feel like Zuiganji Temple which is designated as a national treasure, Oshima which is the sacred island written in “Hyakunin Isshu” (One Hundred Waka Poems By One Hundred Poets), Godaido rebuilt by Date Masamune etc. is also attractive.

“Setsugetuka” (Snow, Moon and Flowers)

The three sights of Japan are Amanohashidate in Kyoto Prefecture, Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima Prefecture, and Matsushima here in Miyagi Prefecture. Each of Japan’s three scenic spots are facing each other to “Setsugetuka” (Snow, Moon and Flowers), Matsushima is “Moon”, Amanohashidate is “Snow”, Miyajima is “Flower”.

The course goes around the Matsushima bay

“Matsushima Pleasure Boat cruise” that you can see the islands floating in Matsushima Bay nearby is indispensable for Matsushima sightseeing. You can see the islands of different shapes from each other. You can choose according to the time and sightseeing style, such as a course that goes around the bay, “Niojima Island course” around Niojima Island, course from Matsushima to Shiogama.

“Sokan”, “Reikan”, “Ikan”, “Yukan”

Four view points that can overlook the islands floating in Matsushima Bay are called “Shidaikan”. It is called “Sokan”, “Reikan”, “Ikan”, “Yukan” from the impression of Matsushima Bay from each place. Each viewpoint is on the top of the mountain, so it is recommend going by car.

You can see the islands of Matsushima from there

On the east side of Matsushima Bay, the view from the mountain in the middle of Miyatojima Island in Higashimatsushima City is the “Sokan-Ohtakamori”. It is said to be the most beautiful observatory in Shidaikan. Together with Matsushima Bay, you can also see the mountains of the Ou Mountains far away. From there you can see the islands of Matsushima, which is called “Sokan” (glorious view) because it can enjoy the scenery like a miniature garden.

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