Matsushima
Matsushima, A Bay Of More Than Two Hundred Small Pine Covered Islands Near Sendai, Counted Among The Three Views Of Japan. Seen From Sightseeing Boats, The Fukuura Bridge And The Temples Of The Shore. · Matsushima, Miyagi
Matsushima is a bay of more than 200 small pine-covered islands on the Pacific coast of Miyagi, often said to number about 260, and long counted among the Three Views of Japan. It is a short trip from Sendai, around 40 minutes by the JR Senseki Line - confirm. The sights are the view itself, best seen from a sightseeing boat or a lookout; Zuigan-ji, a temple linked to the Date clan; Godaido, a small hall on an islet reached by a bridge; and the red wooden Fukuurajima bridge, which has a fee. Grilled oysters and fresh seafood are the usual meal, with oysters best in the cooler months. The islands reduced the tsunami damage here, as is often noted. It suits families, older travellers and anyone with half a day to spare from Sendai. Weekends bring crowds at the pier, and the famous view can feel smaller than the postcards. It is worth the detour for an easy outing, less so in heavy rain or fog.
Matsushima Bay, Matsushima, Miyagi, with the boat pier and Zuigan-ji temple a short walk from Matsushima-Kaigan Station, Matsushima, Miyagi, Japan
The bay and shoreline are open at all hours and free to walk, but the paid sights keep daytime hours, commonly from about 8:00 or 9:00 and closing between 16:30 and 17:00, with earlier closing in winter and last entry before that - confirm. Sightseeing boats from the pier run on a seasonal timetable, with fewer sailings in winter and cancellations in rough weather - confirm. Some sights close on one weekday or during repairs. From Sendai take the JR Senseki Line to Matsushima-Kaigan, commonly about 40 minutes, then walk a few minutes to the pier and temple. Book a boat only on busy weekends; otherwise buy at the pier.