Matsushima: The Pine-Covered Islands Basho Couldn't Describe
How to visit Matsushima Bay, one of Japan's Three Great Views: the bay cruise, Zuiganji temple, Fukuurajima island and getting there from Sendai.
Quick answer
- What it is: a bay near Sendai dotted with around 260 small islands covered in pine trees.
- Famous for: being one of the Three Great Views of Japan, with Miyajima and Amanohashidate.
- Highlights: a bay cruise, Zuiganji temple, the tiny Godaido hall and Fukuurajima island.
- Time needed: half a day, or a full day with lunch and a stroll on the islands.
- Best time: spring and autumn, or winter for fresh oysters.
Matsushima Bay is a scattering of rocky islands crowned with twisted pines, shaped by wind and waves into all kinds of forms. For centuries it has been praised as one of the most beautiful sights in Japan.
Why Matsushima is a wonder
In the 17th century, the scholar Hayashi Gaho listed Matsushima as one of the Three Great Views of Japan. The great haiku poet Matsuo Basho visited in 1689 on his famous journey north.
Basho was so moved by the bay that he struggled to put it into words. A popular verse often credited to him simply repeats the name, Matsushima, ah Matsushima, again and again.
Temples on the shore
Zuiganji is the main temple of Matsushima, rebuilt by the warlord Date Masamune in the early 1600s. Its main hall is a National Treasure, and caves carved by monks line the path to the gate.
Godaido is a small hall on an island just off the shore, reached by short red bridges with gaps in the boards, said to encourage visitors to watch their step and focus their minds.
Things to see
| Spot | What you see | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Bay cruise | A close look at the islands from the water | 50 minutes |
| Zuiganji | A grand Zen temple founded centuries ago and rebuilt by Date Masamune | 1 hour |
| Godaido | A tiny hall on an islet reached by red bridges | 15 minutes |
| Fukuurajima | An island park linked to the shore by a long red bridge | 45 minutes |
| Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park | A hilltop viewpoint over the bay | 30 minutes |
When to go
- Spring: cherry blossom in April, especially at Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park.
- Autumn: red leaves around Zuiganji and the Entsuin temple garden.
- Winter: the oyster season, with grilled oysters served all along the shore.
- Sunrise: calm water and soft light over the islands.
Our tip: Take the cruise first to see the bay from the water, then walk across the long red bridge to Fukuurajima for a quieter, close-up view of the islands.
Getting there
- From Sendai: the JR Senseki Line runs to Matsushima-Kaigan Station in around 40 minutes.
- From Tokyo: take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Sendai, about 1.5 to 2 hours, then change to the Senseki Line.
- Around the bay: the main sights are within walking distance of Matsushima-Kaigan Station.
Visiting respectfully
- Remove your shoes where asked inside temple halls.
- Photography is not allowed inside some temple buildings.
- Do not feed the seagulls on the cruise boats unless the crew allows it.
- Take care on Godaido's open bridges, especially in the rain.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Matsushima famous?
It is one of the Three Great Views of Japan, praised for its pine-covered islands since the 1600s.
How many islands are in Matsushima Bay?
Around 260 small islands, most of them topped with pine trees.
How do you get to Matsushima from Sendai?
Take the JR Senseki Line to Matsushima-Kaigan Station in about 40 minutes.
Is the Matsushima bay cruise worth it?
Yes. The islands are best seen from the water, and the classic loop takes about 50 minutes.
Shirogane Blue Pond
Dead larch trees standing in water so blue it looks unreal.
We check this guide regularly. Prices, hours and rules in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.