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1.Basic Information
Matsushima, located in Miyagi Prefecture in the Tohoku region, is renowned for its stunning landscape, designated as one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. The coastline, dotted with over 260 islands of various sizes, is renowned for its beauty. Additionally, Matsushima offers a mix of history and culture, including landmarks such as Zuiganji Temple. Key attractions in Matsushima include:
Matsushima Bay and Sightseeing Cruises
To fully enjoy Matsushima, it’s recommended to tour the area by boat. This allows visitors to appreciate its beauty throughout the changing seasons.
Fukuura Bridge (Fukuurahasi)
The Fukuura Bridge, spanning 252 meters and being the longest in Matsushima, is said to attract good relationships for those who cross it.
Godaido Temple
Godaido Temple, the symbol of Matsushima, was originally established as the Bishamondo Temple by General Sakanoue no Tamuramaro in 807 during his conquest of the Tohoku region. The present building was constructed in 1604 by Date Masamune and has been designated as an important cultural property of Japan.
Entsuin Temple
This temple enshrines Date Masamune’s grandson, Mitsumune. It is known for its beautiful Japanese gardens and famous autumn illumination.
2.Reviews
There are many tourist attractions in Matsushima, but Entsuin Temple holds a special place. Particularly in autumn, its beauty stands out, captivating all who see it. During this season, night-time illuminations are also held, which make the place even more stunning. This time, I visited just after a rain shower, and I was deeply moved by the beautiful contrast created by the sunlight shining through the trees and the colors of the autumn leaves. Of all the places I’ve visited, the beauty of Entsuin Temple remains most vividly in my memory. I especially recommend visiting in mid-November when the leaves are at their best.
I took a sightseeing boat from Shiogama Port and toured Matsushima in about 50 minutes. The view from the boat, as expected of one of Japan’s three most scenic spots, was extremely beautiful. They sold bird food on the boat, and it was a fun experience to throw it into the sea and see many sea birds gather.
I crossed the Fukuura Bridge to the island. The entrance fee to the island was 200 yen for adults, and the island was well-maintained. It took quite a bit of energy to go around the entire island, but it was a valuable experience.
3.Local Food
4.Traffic Information
It’s a 7-minute walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station on the JR Senseki Line. From Sendai Station on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen, it takes about 40 minutes to get to Matsushima Kaigan Station on the Senseki Line. If you are going by boat, there are sightseeing boats to Matsushima from Marine Gate Shiogama at Hon-Shiogama Station on the JR Senseki Line.
Matsushima Pleasure Cruise Ferry Timetable: Official Site
https://www.marubun-kisen.com/yuran/index.php
5.Map Information
Matsushima Town, located in Miyagi Prefecture in the Tohoku region, faces Matsushima Bay on the Pacific Ocean and is known for Matsushima, one of Japan’s three most scenic spots. Along with Shichigahama Town and Rifu Town, it forms Miyagi District. The town experienced significant shaking during the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, but the tsunami damage was relatively minor compared to the surrounding area. It’s thought that this was due to the shallow, multi-island seascape of Matsushima Bay, which weakened the power of the tsunami.
