Matsushima SC

is a group of islands in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. 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.

Views

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

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 , , , and .

Image:matsushima otakamori08Dec07.jpg, Magnificent View: The view from Otakamori
Image:matsushima tomiyama10Mar07.jpg, Beautiful View: The view from Toyama
Image:matsushima ogidani23Nov07.jpg, Enchanting View: The view from Ogidani
Image:matsushima tamonsan11Feb07.jpg, Grand View: The view from Tamonsan

Cruise

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

Image:Nioujima.jpg, Niōjima
Image:Senganjima.jpg, Senganjima: Masamune Date's favorite island
Image:Komonejima.jpg, Komonejima
Image:Matsushima famous island.jpg, Kanejima
Image:Futagojima.jpg, Futagojima
Image:Misagojima.jpg, Misagojima
Image:Kaerujima.jpg, Kaerujima
Image:Meganejima.jpg, Takashima, also known as Meganejima

Transportation

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.

2011 Tōhoku earthquake

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.

Activities

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

See also

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

References

External links

Matsushima Town official website

{{Coord, 38, 22, N, 141, 05, E, type:isle_region:JP, display=title

9900

Tourist attractions in Miyagi Prefecture
Special Places of Scenic Beauty
Archipelagoes of Japan
Japanese archipelago
Islands of Miyagi Prefecture
Archipelagoes of the Pacific Ocean