Matsushima, Japan

Matsushima is a small town in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. It faces Matsushima Bay, famous for its 260 tiny islands (shima). There are some covered in pines (matsu) – hence the name – and is ranked as one of the Three Views of Japan. There are four well-known spots to view the Matsushima islands, known as the Magnificent View, Beautiful View, Enchanting View and Grand View.

Matsusuhimia features temples, shrines and a small island that served as a retreat for priests. The great poet Basho spent time here in the 17th century. Matsushima is best known for for the Zuiganji, one of the Tohoku Region’s most important Zen temples.

Things to See & Do

* Zuigan-ji Temple
* Kanran-tei Pavilion
* Fukuura Island
* Ōtakamori - One of The 4 Famous Places to view Matsushima Bay

General information

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Yen (JPY)
Language – Japanese
Population – 200,000 approx
Land Area – 530.21 km2
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT plus hours nine hours
International Country Telephone Code – 81

Travel Links – The town is only a short distance (thirty minutes) from prefectural capital Sendai and is easily accessible by train. Matsushima-Kaigan Station is near the attractions such as Zuiganji and the harbor. Matsushima Station, on a separate line is on the opposite side of the town.

Another popular choice is to take the JR Senseki line train to Hon-Shiogama (don't mistake it with JR Tohuku line train to Shiogama station), connect to a sightseeing boat to Matsushima (viewing some of the famous islands along the way), then return by train.