Matsushima 松島

  • Published on : 28/09/2020
  • by : Japan Experience
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Matsushima is famous for its view of over the bay, considered one of Japan's Three Great Sights. However, it offers visitors ancient cultural treasures as well. 

Oshima Island (雄島) is a tiny island on the west side of Matsushima Bay accessible from the mainland by bridge. Oshima was where Zen monks did their ascetic training. There are Buddhist rock carvings and meditation caves. The island also has a lighthouse. Oshima is accessed from Matsushima Seaside Park, less than 10 minutes walk from Matsushimakaigan Station on the Senseki Line.

Fukuurajima is a larger island about 15 minutes walk further north around the bay, and is also reached by bridge - a picturesque 250m-long vermilion one. Fukuurajima is designated a park, is richly forested, and has remnants of ancient habitation, such as middens and an old Benzaiten shrine over 1,000 years old.

Boats on Matsushima Bay at dusk

Matsushima Bay

By Chensiyuan - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5580478