Matsushima is one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. Matsushima consists of 260 small islands on Matsushima Bay, and each island ("Shima" in Japanese) is covered by pine trees ("Matsu" in Japanese).

Matsushima is located in Miyagi Prefecture, approximately 30km to the north-east from Sendai City. You can take a train on the Senseki Line from Sendai to Matsushima-Kaigan Station. As the Matsushima-Kaigan Station is very close to the sea coast, you can easily enjoy the spectacular islands scenery, as shown in the above picture.

On your right side, there is a yacht harbor. Also, you will see a historical building on the small hill.

The building is named "Kanrantei". The building was originally located in Fushimi Castle in Kyoto. TOYOTOMI Hideyoshi presented the building to DATE Masamune, feudal load in this area in the late 16th century.

As Matsushima is known as a place of scenic beauty, the clans of DATEs, who governed in the current Miyagi Prefecture area, often visited here and stayed at the "Kanrantei" to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Matsushima Bay is very calm. Islands in the bay prevent big waves from hitting the beach. The Great East Japan earthquake occurred in March 2011, Matsushima Islands even protected the beach against huge tsunami.

To the east of Matsushima-Kaigan Station (on your left), you will find Godaido Temple on a small island. To visit Godaido, you will cross a small red bridge.

The floor of the bridge is not completely covered and you will see sea water just below your feet. It is said the reason why the floor of the bridge is not covered is in order for visitors of Godaido for achieving a state of mental detachment.

Godaido Temple was originally built in 807. The current existing buildings were rebuilt in 1609 by DATE Masamune. The main hall is designated as an important cultural property of Japan.

The view from Godaido Temple is also spectacular.

The sea shining was exposed by sunlight. The islands were silhouetted against the shining sea.

To the east of Godaido Temple, Fukuura Island is located. You can cross over the Fukuura Bridge to reach Fukuura Island. You can see Godaido Temple and also a spectacular view of Matsushima Islands from Fukuura Island.

People of refined taste have visited Matsushima for centuries. MATSUO Bashou and SAIGYO, who were famous poets in the EDO Age and the 12th century respectively, are good examples of refined stature.

How to get there
You can visit Matsushima by the Senseki Line from Sendai Station. It takes you approximately 40 minutes to Matsushima-Kaigan Station. The train fare is 410 yen. Matsushima is just in front of Matsushima-Kaigan Station.

English Website:
http://www.matsushima-kanko.com/en/

Other Historical Sites near by:
Ruins of Sendai Castle
Zuiganji Temple in Matsushima
Entsuin Temple in Matsushima
Cruise in Matsushima Bay