Matsushima

Matsushima is a sheltered bay and coastal town in Miyagi Prefecture in northern Honshu, Japan, noted for its hundreds of small pine-covered islands and longstanding place in Japanese landscape appreciation.

The bay’s scenic value was celebrated in classical and Edo-period literature and was named one of the country’s Three Views in the 17th century. Local temples and halls have been rebuilt and maintained over centuries; some structures seen today date from restorations in the early modern period.

Matsushima sits on the Pacific coast of Miyagi Prefecture, on Matsushima Bay just off the Tohoku coastline, roughly 20 kilometers from the city of Sendai; the shoreline is low-lying with numerous islets rising out of the bay.

• Three Views: Often listed among Japan's Three Views (Nihon Sankei), a selection made in the 17th century that helped establish its national reputation.
• Viewing: Best visited by boat for close-up views of the clustered islets; several observation points on the shoreline offer panoramic vistas.

What to See #

• Matsushima Bay islands: A scattering of more than 260 small, pine-clad islets within the bay that are visible from multiple shoreline viewpoints and boat cruises.
• Godaido: A small red wooden hall standing on an islet and connected to the shore by a bridge; a frequent photo subject and short walk from the town pier.
• Zuigan-ji Temple: A major Rinzai Buddhist temple with historic buildings and gardens that attract visitors for its architecture and painted sliding doors.