Matsushima

Matsushima is one the Three Views of Japan. Matsushima is a bay dotted with islands covered with pine trees. Matsushima is considered to be one of Japan’s three most beautiful sights.  Matsushima is a group of 260 islands covered with pine trees in the Matsushima Bay. Matsushima is located 30 minutes by train from Sendai in the Tohoku (northeast) region of Japan. What makes Matsushima one of the Three Views of Japan? For centuries Matsushima has been considered to be a great sight. As far back as 1689 poet Matsuo Basho recorded his visit to Matsushima. What makes Matsushima a great view is the contrast in colors between the blue of the water, the grey to almost white of the base of the islands, the green of the pine trees and the blue of the sky. Of course the right weather and angle or position can make all the difference. SENDAI HOTELS - SENDAI HOTEL GUARANTEED LOWEST RATES Sendai HotelsLooking for Sendai hotels? Please support our site by using our Sendai hotel booking system and save up to 70% off the standard rates. Guaranteed best rates for Sendai hotels. Four Views of Matsushima There are four well-known spots to view the Matsushima islands, known as Magnificent View (壮観 sōkan) - The view from Otakamori Beautiful View (麗観 reikan) - The view from Toyama Enchanting View (幽観 yūkan) - The view from Ogidani Grand View (偉観 ikan) - The view from Tamonsan Many people also go on a cruise to view some of the islands up close. Matsushima Attractions In addition to the views of the islands of Matsushima there are several other attractions. Zuigan-ji Temple Seiryuzan Zuigan-ji (青龍山 瑞巌寺 seiryuzan zuigan-ji) is a famous Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in Matsushima, Japan—of the Myoshin-ji branch. Seiryuzan Zuigan-ji temple, commonly referred to as Zuigan-ji, was originally founded in 828 by Jikaku Daishi, but was rebuilt by the feudal lord Date Masamune from 1604 onwards using lumber brought from Mount Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture and skilled workmen from Kyoto and Kii. Hondō (Hōjō), the main building, which was competed in 1609, measures 39 meteres by 25.2 meters and houses the principle Buddhist image. Many parts of Zuigan-ji Temple have been designated as natural treasures and cultural assets. The haiku poet Basho wrote a tribute to the golden walls inside the temple. The temple grounds also contain The Zuigan-ji Art Museum established on October 1, 1995 to display various artifacts, including calligraphy by former head monks, Fusuma paintings, tea cups and portraits. Article based on Wikipedia article and used under the GNU Free Documentation License) | | |