Matsushima

Matsushima (松島) is a group of islands in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. There are some 260 tiny islands (shima) covered in pines (matsu) – hence the name – and is ranked as one of the Three Views of Japan.

This article is about one of the Three Views of Japan. For other uses, including the town in this region, see Matsushima (disambiguation).
Kanejima, one of the many famous islands that dot the archipelago
The view from Godaido
Sagakei at Matsushima
One of the islands of Matsushima
One of the islands of Matsushima
Chōmei-ana in Komonejima, about five meters in height, was known in folklore that people who passed through there in a pleasure boat would live three years longer. However it collapsed in the Sendai earthquake.[1]
Ojima whose name is Utamakura. The red "Togetsukyō Bridge", about twenty meters in length, was wholly lost in the Sendai earthquake.[1]
Another view
Sea gulls at Matsushima

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

Views

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).

  • Magnificent View: The view from Otakamori
  • Beautiful View: The view from Toyama
  • Enchanting View: The view from Ogidani
  • Grand View: The view from Tamonsan

Cruise

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

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

Transportation
Scenic view of Matsushima. Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Yōshū Chikanobu, 1898

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.[2][3] 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.[4]

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. [5]

See also

References
  1. 名勝・松島、崩落被害＝「長命穴」消え、半壊の島も－国宝「瑞巌寺」は壁にひび (in Japanese). Jiji Press. March 19, 2011. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
  2. "Tsunami Spares Japan's Pine-Covered Islands". NPR. 2011-04-18. Retrieved 2011-04-18.
  3. Martin, Alex, "Tsunami spared Matsushima but swept away bay's tourists", Japan Times, 17 August 2011, p. 3.
  4. "Matsushima from Disaster towards Recovery Poster". Town of Matsushima. March 2015. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
  5. "About Matsushima - Miyagi Travel Guide | Planetyze". Planetyze. Retrieved 2017-08-15.
Zuiganji at Matsushima
Three Views of Japan
Amanohashidate – Matsushima – Itsukushima
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