Things To Do In Matsushima
Explore the Matsushima Bay, Zuiganji Temple, Oshima Island... Speak to Your Japan Travel Expert for more details about what to do or experience in Matsushima
Matsushima Bay, located in Miyagi Prefecture, is a group of about 260 shima, small islands, covered in matsu, pines. Along with Miyajima and Amanohashidate, Matsushima Bay is one of Japan’s most famous sights. Matsushima’s beauty can be appreciated by land or sea. Various points among the islands are ideal for viewing the scenery, and local cruises allow visitors to enjoy the islands from offshore.
Visitors to Matsushima experience the peaceful atmosphere of its temples and natural beauty. The ancient Godaido temple is located next to Matsushima Pier. Its outer walls are decorated with carvings of the twelve animals from the lunar calendar. Enshrined within Godaido are the statues of five deities. Rarely seen by the public, these statues are displayed only once every 33 years. Zuigan-ji, another temple in Matsushima, is well known for its caves carved into the rock and used for memorial services. An art museum on the temple grounds, established in 1995, displays calligraphy, fusuma paintings, teacups, and portraits. Oshima Island, close to Matsushima Pier, can be reached on foot by crossing a short bridge. The island has caves that were formerly used by Buddhist monks to pray and meditate in.
Overlooking Matsushima Bay, Karantei is the largest Momoyama-style tea house in Japan. This elaborately decorated tea house was originally built in Kyoto and moved to Matsushima in 1645. One of its rooms has sliding screens covered in gold foil and fine works of art hung upon its walls. Behind the tea house, Matsushima Museum has tools, armor, weapons, and other artifacts on display.
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Explore the Matsushima Bay, Zuiganji Temple, Oshima Island... Speak to Your Japan Travel Expert for more details about what to do or experience in Matsushima
Following are some of the accomodations we trust in Matsushima
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It was our first trip to Japan. Working with Jeff was a pleasure. His knowledge of the country and local contacts were very helpful. Choice...
Working with Jeff at Rediscover Tours was a wonderful experience. He helped me plan a 10 day trip of a lifetime to Japan with my mother...
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Jeff was born in a south suburb of Chicago named South Holland and lived in Japan for 14 years. He now lives in Commerce Township, Michigan with his wife Yoshimi, son Shota, and daughter Mina. He enjoys playing with his kids, volunteering with his daughter’s marching band, cycling and training and teaching Aikido.
Michiyo was born in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Prefecture though currently lives in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture. Her main passions in life is traveling all around the world and enjoying their cultures.
Izumi has spent most of her life in the Kansai region, except for the 10 years that she enjoyed in the UK. Living abroad has made her appreciate her own culture and local beauty even more. She currently lives in Osaka with her family, including two cats and two dogs.
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