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宮城県
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Matsushima Kaigan
宮城県
The central area of one of Japan's Three Views—Basho praised it in Oku no Hosomichi and Masamune shaped its landscape by rebuilding Zuiganji in 1604
Founded
800
Type
Historic Site
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Matsushima-Kaigan Station on Senseki Line
Matsushima, Matsushima-cho
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Historic Site
Founded 800
1226 years
Overview
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.
Origins
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…
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Related Figures
— 1

D
Date Masamune
One-Eyed Dragon
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Date Masamune, lord of the Sendai domain, governed Matsushima and in 1604 ordered a major renovation of Zuiganji Temple, along with maintenance work on Godaido Hall. These temple improvements carried out under Masamune, combined with the scenic beauty of Matsushima Bay, formed the foundation of the coastal landscape seen at Matsushima today.
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