Matsushima

There are some 260 tiny islands (shima) covered in pines (matsu) – hence the name – and it is considered to be one of the Three Views of Japan.

Nearby cultural properties include Zuigan-ji, Entsū-in, Kanrantei, and the Satohama shell mound.

A well-known haiku describes the islands as so striking that the poet is at a loss for words:

松島やああ松島や松島や Matsushima ya / aa Matsushima ya / Matsushima ya
   Matsushima ah! / A-ah, Matsushima, ah! / Matsushima, ah!

While often attributed to Matsuo Bashō, the earliest known publication is in the Matsushima Zushi (松島図誌), published in 1820 over a century after Bashō's death, which attributes it to the kyōka poet Tawara-bō (田原坊). While Bashō did visit Matsushima in Oku no Hosomichi, its only haiku about Matsushima was written by his travel comparison Kawai Sora.

Four views of Matsushima

There are four well-known spots to view the Matsushima, known as the Magnificent View (壮観, sōkan), Beautiful View (麗観, reikan), Enchanting View (幽観, yūkan), and Grand View (偉観, ikan).

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  Magnificent View: The view from Otakamori
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  Beautiful View: The view from Tomiyama
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  Enchanting View: The view from Ogitani
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  Grand View: The view from Tamonzan

Cruise

Tourists can view the islands from up close on cruise boats.

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  Niōjima
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  Senganjima: Masamune Date's favorite island
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  Komonejima
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  Kanejima
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  Futagojima
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  Misagojima
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  Kaerujima
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  Takashima, also known as Meganejima

 

The town is only a short distance (thirty minutes, about 14 km) from prefectural capital Sendai and is easily accessible by train. Matsushima-Kaigan Station is near the attractions such as Zuiganji and the waterfront. Matsushima Station, on a separate line is on the opposite side of the town.

Despite the proximity of Matsushima to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, the area was protected by the islands and suffered relatively little damage. The initial tsunami was 3.2 metres (10.5 feet) with the second 3.8 metres (12.5 feet). Electricity was restored by March 18, water fully restored by April 16th and the Senseki Train Line between Takagimachi Station and Sendai by May 28. Nevertheless, three people were confirmed killed in Matsushima (including by aftershocks) with 18 killed while out of town.

Around the island travelers can go on a cruise and view the islands up close, and around the Matsushima shore travelers can rent bikes.

• List of Special Places of Scenic Beauty, Special Historic Sites and Special Natural Monuments