Miyagi Pref. Home > Miyagi Touring Navigation Home > Sightseeing > Matsushima
| Matsushima | |
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Matsushima is regarded as one of the nation's three most famous scenic
areas along with Miyajima in Hiroshima and Ama-no Hashidate in Kyoto. One anecdote about the illustrious haiku poet Matsuo Basho relates that when he visited Matsushima during his travels, he was unable to compose a haiku about the place because he was so awed by its beauty that he could not find words to adequately describe it. At present, sightseeing cruisers regularly take visitors around the 260 islands that dot the bay. |
| Sunrise in Matsushima | |
| >>Area Map | |
| Access : Sendai >> Matsushima | |
| Sendai Stn. >> Matsushima Kaigan Stn. [JR Senseki Line / express train: about 25 min. / normal train: about 40 min.] |
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| Main Sightseeing Spots |
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| Zuiganji Temple |
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Zuiganji Temple was built by Lord Date Masamune. The main hall was built in the traditional study room style of architecture known as shoinzukuri. The roof of its magnificent, single-story main structure is tiled in the hongawarabuki style in which round and square tiles are laid down alternately. Many parts of the temple have been designated as national treasures or important cultural properties. The main hall, priests' quarters and corridors are designated national treasures. |
| Zuiganji Temple Kuri and Kairo |
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The Art Museum adjacent to Zuiganji Temple houses a number of cultural properties relating to the temple and Date family. The Japanese screens on display, with their colorful paintings, are designated important national cultural properties. |
| Godaido |
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This temple, said to be Matsushima's oldest remaining Momoyama period structure, was rebuilt by Date Masamune in 1604. A Buddhist structure, it was built in the hosangen style using a total of twelve columns and a pyramidal roof tiled in the hongawarabuki style in which round and square tiles are put down in an alternating pattern. The hall is designated as a property of national cultural importance. |
| Kanrantei |
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Kanrantei is located in a scenic spot on a crescent of land surrounding
Matsushima Bay. For generations it was used by feudal lords as a place
to experience the cool summer breeze amid the heat of summer and for moon-viewing
occasions. But in fact the building was originally constructed in Fushimi
Castle. The paintings on the walls and folding screens were designated
as important cultural properties (June 6, 1980), and the building was named
a prefectural cultural property (March 3, 1953). |
| Ojima Island |
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Ojima Island was originally used as a place for ascetic training by the priests of Zuiganji Temple. There are stone monuments for the haiku poet Basho and Raiken, a Buddhist priest. |
| Historical Museum of the Feudal Load Masamune Date in Mishinoku |
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The Historical Museum covers the life of Lord Date Masamune and displays the wax dolls representing distinguished figures who were born in Tohoku. |
| Zuiganji Temple Art Museum |
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The Art Museum adjacent to Zuiganji Temple houses a number of cultural properties relating to the temple and Date family. The Japanese screens on display, with their colorful paintings, are designated important national cultural properties. |
| Marinepia Matsushima Aquarium |
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The aquarium houses the Commerson's Dolphin, sunfish, and other marine creatures. The sea lion exhibit is especially popular. |
| Matsushima Sunset Cruise Festival |
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| A surreal fantasy unfolds as green searchlights illuminate the water's surface at dusk, silhouetting the islands in the distance. Meanwhile, at the onboard restaurant, guests can choose from five different menus and a variety of tempting beverages. Enjoy sunset cruising in Matsushima Bay with a refreshing ocean breeze while drinking beer at twilight. When the sun sets, experience the fantasy world of the islands in Matsushima Bay lit up in green at night. Experience a Matsushima Bay to your heart's content that is different from Matsushima in the daytime. Drink, light meal or snack included. | |
| Hot Springs | |
| Traditional Events | |
| Accomodation | |