spot/[id]

Matsushima Kaigan is the central area of Matsushima, one of Japan's Three Views. The bay, dotted with over 260 islands of varied shapes, has been celebrated since the Heian era and was praised by Basho. Sightseeing cruises offer close views of the iconic islands.

Matsushima has been celebrated as a scenic wonder since at least the Heian period (794–1185), when its beauty became widely known among poets and courtiers. During the medieval era, the area flourished under the patronage of the Oshu Fujiwara clan, and numerous temples were established around the ba…