One of Japan's Top Three Most Scenic Views
Matsushima has been written about in waka (Japanese poetry) since ancient times. It is known for its 260 small pine-covered islands arising from the pale blue sea. This is the land which initially left famous haiku poet Matsuo Basho at a loss for words. The beauty of the bay changes with the seasons making for a rewarding visit at any time of year.
The bay is dotted with over 200 small islands and sightseeing cruises are the most popular way to see the bay, and there are a multiple cruises that are anywhere from 20-50 minutes. While it’s hard to take your eyes off it, the island scenery isn’t Matsushima’s only charm. Visit the 1000 year-old Zuiganji Temple, considered a national treasure, and feel the calm spiritual presence as you pass ancient pines and moss-covered Buddha statues.
Matsushima is also a culinary destination. The bay is famous for rich and flavorful oysters (winter), anago eel (summer) and high-quality nori seaweed. Try these local specialties at restaurants or the Sakana Ichiba fish market. There are also oyster shacks open for all you can eat oysters, and oyster lunch cruises during winter.
The bay is dotted with over 200 small islands and sightseeing cruises are the most popular way to see the bay, and there are a multiple cruises that are anywhere from 20-50 minutes. While it’s hard to take your eyes off it, the island scenery isn’t Matsushima’s only charm. Visit the 1000 year-old Zuiganji Temple, considered a national treasure, and feel the calm spiritual presence as you pass ancient pines and moss-covered Buddha statues.
Matsushima is also a culinary destination. The bay is famous for rich and flavorful oysters (winter), anago eel (summer) and high-quality nori seaweed. Try these local specialties at restaurants or the Sakana Ichiba fish market. There are also oyster shacks open for all you can eat oysters, and oyster lunch cruises during winter.
