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 it is considered to be one of the Three Views of Japan.
Nearby cultural properties include Zuigan-ji, Entsū-in, Kanrantei, and the Satohama shell mound.
Views
A well-known
haiku describes the islands as so striking that the poet is at a loss for words:
While often attributed to Matsuo Bashō, the earliest known publication is in the Matsushima Zushi (松島図誌), published in 1820 over a century after Bashō's death, which attributes it to the kyōka poet Tawara-bō (田原坊).
Four views of Matsushima
There are four well-known spots to view the Matsushima, known as the sōkan, reikan, yūkan, and ikan.
Image:matsushima otakamori08Dec07.jpg|Magnificent View: The view from Otakamori
Image:matsushima tomiyama10Mar07.jpg|Beautiful View: The view from Tomiyama
Image:matsushima ogidani23Nov07.jpg|Enchanting View: The view from Ogitani
Image:matsushima tamonsan11Feb07.jpg|Grand View: The view from Tamonzan
Cruise
Tourists can view the islands from up close on cruise boats.
Image:Nioujima.jpg|Niōjima
Image:Senganjima.jpg|Senganjima: Masamune Date's favorite island
Image:Komonejima.jpg|Komonejima
Image:Matsushima famous island.jpg|Kanejima
Image:Futagojima.jpg|Futagojima
Image:Misagojima.jpg|Misagojima
Image:Kaerujima.jpg|Kaerujima
Image:Meganejima.jpg|Takashima, also known as Meganejima
Transportation
The town is only a short distance (thirty minutes, about 14 km) from prefectural capital Sendai and is easily accessible by
Senseki Line. Matsushima-Kaigan Station is near the attractions such as
Zuigan-ji 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.
[
][Martin, Alex, " Tsunami spared Matsushima but swept away bay's tourists", Japan Times, 17 August 2011, p. 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 16 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.
Activities
Around the island travelers can go on a cruise and view the islands up close, and around the Matsushima shore travelers can rent bikes.
See also
-
List of Special Places of Scenic Beauty, Special Historic Sites and Special Natural Monuments
External links
