Matsushima
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Matsushima (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 is ranked as one of the Three Views of Japan.
Nearby cultural properties include Zuigan-ji, Entsū-in, Kanrantei, and the Satohama shell mound.
Views[]
Four views of Matsushima[]
There are four well-known spots to view the Matsushima, known as the Magnificent View (壮観, sōkan), Beautiful View (麗観, reikan), Enchanting View (幽観, yūkan), and Grand View (偉観, ikan).
Magnificent View: The view from Otakamori
Beautiful View: The view from Toyama
Enchanting View: The view from Ogidani
Grand View: The view from Tamonsan
Cruise[]
Tourists can view the islands from up close on cruise boats.
Niōjima
Senganjima: Masamune Date's favorite island
Komonejima
Kanejima
Futagojima
Misagojima
Kaerujima
Takashima, also known as Meganejima
Transportation[]
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The town is only a short distance (thirty minutes, about 14 km) from prefectural capital Sendai and is easily accessible by train. Matsushima-Kaigan Station is near the attractions such as Zuiganji 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.[2][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 16th 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.[4]
Activities[]
Around the island travelers can go on a cruise and view the islands up close an around the Matsushima shore travelers can rent bikes.[5]
See also[]
References[]
- ^ Jump up to: a b 名勝・松島、崩落被害=「長命穴」消え、半壊の島も-国宝「瑞巌寺」は壁にひび (in Japanese). Jiji Press. March 19, 2011. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
- ^ "Tsunami Spares Japan's Pine-Covered Islands". NPR. 2011-04-18. Retrieved 2011-04-18.
- ^ Martin, Alex, "Tsunami spared Matsushima but swept away bay's tourists", Japan Times, 17 August 2011, p. 3.
- ^ "Matsushima from Disaster towards Recovery Poster". Town of Matsushima. March 2015. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
- ^ "About Matsushima - Miyagi Travel Guide | Planetyze". Planetyze. Retrieved 2017-08-15.
External links[]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Matsushima (Matsushima Bay). |
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8c/Kannon_1.jpg/150px-Kannon_1.jpg)
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Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Matsushima. |
Three Views of Japan | |
Amanohashidate – Matsushima – Itsukushima | |
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Coordinates: 38°22′N 141°05′E / 38.367°N 141.083°E
9900
- Tourist attractions in Miyagi Prefecture
- Special Places of Scenic Beauty
- Archipelagoes of Japan
- Japanese archipelago
- Islands of Miyagi Prefecture
- Archipelagoes of the Pacific Ocean