Matsushima Bay
One of Japan's three officially designated great views — 260 pine-clad islands of every shape and size scattered across a calm bay. Basho wrote a famous haiku here, unable to find words for its beauty.
2–4 hours
Free (cruises ¥1,500)
Always accessible; cruise boats: 9:00–16:00; Zuiganji Temple: 8:00–17:00 (season dependent)
Year-round; April–May (cherry), November (foliage)
Matsushima-Kaigan Station (Senseki Line, 40 min from Sendai)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Basho's haiku "Matsushima-ya / ah Matsushima-ya / Matsushima-ya" captures its beauty in three words
- 2
Pleasure cruises weave between the islands — pelicans trail the boats expecting food
- 3
Godaido Hall is a small temple built on one island linked by wooden bridges, dating to 1609
- 4
Zuiganji Temple behind the bay has cave hermitages carved into rock face by training monks
Local Tips
One of Japan's three classic scenic views — 260 pine-covered islands in a sheltered bay. The 50-minute sightseeing cruise gives the best perspectives. Zuiganji Temple's carved cave niches along the approach path are interesting. Combine the cruise with the 5km scenic walk along the Oku-Matsushima coast on the eastern side for a full day.
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