Matsushima (松島) is a group of islands inMiyagi Prefecture,Japan. There are some 260 tiny islands (shima) covered in pines (matsu) – hence the name – and it is considered to be one of theThree Views of Japan.
Nearby cultural properties includeZuigan-ji,Entsū-in,Kanrantei, and theSatohama shell mound.
A well-knownhaiku describes the islands as so striking that the poet is at a loss for words:
松島やああ松島や松島やMatsushima ya / aa Matsushima ya / Matsushima ya
Matsushima ah! / A-ah, Matsushima, ah! / Matsushima, ah!
While often attributed toMatsuo Bashō, the earliest known publication is in theMatsushima Zushi (松島図誌), published in 1820 over a century after Bashō's death, which attributes it to thekyōka poet Tawara-bō (田原坊).[2] While Bashō did visit Matsushima inOku no Hosomichi, its only haiku about Matsushima was written by his travel comparisonKawai Sora.[3]
There are four well-known spots to view the Matsushima, known as the Magnificent View (壮観,sōkan), Beautiful View (麗観,reikan), Enchanting View (幽観,yūkan), and Grand View (偉観,ikan).
Tourists can view the islands from up close on cruise boats.
The town is only a short distance (thirty minutes, about 14 km) from prefectural capitalSendai and is easily accessible bytrain.Matsushima-Kaigan Station is near the attractions such asZuiganji and the waterfront.Matsushima Station, on aseparate line is on the opposite side of the town.
Despite the proximity of Matsushima to the2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, the area was protected by the islands and suffered relatively little damage.[4][5] The initial tsunami was 3.2 metres (10.5 feet) with the second 3.8 metres (12.5 feet). Electricity was restored by March 18, water fully restored by April 16 and the Senseki Train Line between Takagimachi Station and Sendai by May 28. Nevertheless, three people were confirmed killed in Matsushima (including by aftershocks) with 18 killed while out of town.[6]
Around the island travelers can go on a cruise and view the islands up close, and around the Matsushima shore travelers can rent bikes.[7]
| Three Views of Japan | |
| Amanohashidate –Matsushima –Itsukushima | |
 – – | |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
