Last additions - Matsushima 松島 |
Hiroshige's woodblock print of Matsushima from his "Famous Views of the 60 Provinces" series.Apr 24, 2011
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Even the pointer markings where the train doors will open have a photo.Aug 19, 2009
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Matsushima Kaigan StationAug 19, 2009
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Torii to a shrine on Ojima island, MatsushimaAug 19, 2009
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Shrine on OjimaAug 19, 2009
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Lookout pointAug 19, 2009
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MatsushimaAug 19, 2009
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Nice walking path on OjimaAug 19, 2009
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View from OjimaAug 19, 2009
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Haiku poem by Basho. No doubt that he visited this island too.Aug 19, 2009
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View from Ojima.Aug 19, 2009
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This island is actually part of Zuiganji temple.Aug 19, 2009
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Monuments and stonesAug 19, 2009
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Ojima cavesAug 19, 2009
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Ojima is dotted with numerous little caves and stone carvings of Kannon. Aug 19, 2009
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Ojima is a small island, but larger than Godaido.Aug 19, 2009
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Ojima island at MatsushimaAug 19, 2009
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Ojima island is accessible by a red bridge.Aug 19, 2009
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Ojima island is the third island worth visiting in Matsushima.Aug 19, 2009
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Matsushima Green Hiroba is a waterfront park.Aug 19, 2009
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Sanseido hall for three saints. 三聖堂Aug 19, 2009
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EntsuinAug 19, 2009
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It was early AUg. and hydrangea was still in bloom in Entsuin.Aug 19, 2009
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Inside Entsuin's Hondo hall called Daihitei. It used to be the summer home of Mitsumune. Dedicated to Kannon, Goddess of Mercy.Aug 19, 2009
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Rose Garden and Daihitei.Aug 19, 2009
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Entsuin's Rose Garden バラの庭Aug 19, 2009
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Daihitei hondo main hall of Entsuin. 大悲亭Aug 19, 2009
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Entsuin"s cavesAug 19, 2009
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Altar inside Sankeiden with a statue of Mitsumune.Aug 19, 2009
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Inside Sankeiden hall which also has a painting of a rose.Aug 19, 2009
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Way to Sankeiden at Entsuin temple.Aug 19, 2009
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Sankeiden hall at Entsuin temple is an Important Cultural Property. This is a mausoleum for Date Mitsumine. 三慧殿Aug 19, 2009
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Entsuin is most noted for its Japanese-style garden designed by Kobori Enshu. The garden is said to have been moved here from Date's Edo residence.Aug 19, 2009
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Map of Entsuin built in 1646 by Date Tadamune, second lord of Sendai (after Masamune). He built it for his deceased son Mitsumune.Aug 19, 2009
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Next to Zuiganji is Entsuin, another noted temple in Matsushima even though it is not a National Treasure. A Zen (Rinzai school) Buddhist temple. Small admission charged.Aug 19, 2009
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Date Mitsumune died at age 19 in Edo Castle, rumored to have been poisoned. His talents and abilities were feared by the Tokugawa.Aug 19, 2009
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Room built into the rock.Aug 19, 2009
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Zuiganji Art Museum is right acros the Kuri.Aug 19, 2009
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Near the Hondo hall is this building called the Kuri.Aug 19, 2009
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Kawara roof tiles.Aug 19, 2009
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Kuri was the Zen kitchen. You can go inside, but only in the entrance way. Nothing much to see.Aug 19, 2009
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Aug 19, 2009
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The building will be disassembled and reassembled. They expect to find some hidden historical artifacts during the process.Aug 19, 2009
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I got to see the main hall before it was to be closed for several years for renovation. The Hondo will be renovated for the first time since it was built 400 years ago.Aug 19, 2009
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Zuiganji temple's Hondo main hall. This building is a National Treasure. No photography allowed inside. Zuiganji is a Zen temple built in 828. This building was rebuilt in 1609 by Date Masamune.Aug 19, 2009
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Renovations have already begun with adjacent buildings. I visited in Aug. 2009.Aug 19, 2009
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From Sept. 2009, Zuiganji's Hondo main hall will be closed for major renovation. The construction offices are on the left.Aug 19, 2009
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Zuiganji lanternAug 19, 2009
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Path to Zuiganji's main hall. Admission charged.Aug 19, 2009
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Cave of graves.Aug 19, 2009
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Graves inside a cave near the temple entrance.Aug 19, 2009
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At the Zuiganji temple entrance is a statue of Enmei Jizo, the Guardian Deity of Lnogevity.Aug 19, 2009
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About Enmei Jizo, the Guardian Deity of Lnogevity.Aug 19, 2009
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Entrnce to Zuiganji temple.Aug 19, 2009
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Monument for railroad workers.Aug 19, 2009
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This cave is marred by graffiti. Hope the offenders get cursed by the deceased.Aug 19, 2009
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Notice the steps on the left.Aug 19, 2009
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About Zuiganji temple caves.Aug 19, 2009
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On the right side toward Zuiganji are these huge caves.Aug 19, 2009
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Wooded path to Zuiganji.Aug 19, 2009
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These Zuiganji temple caves were used to store the ashes of the deceased. THere are numerous Kannon statues and carvings. You see these caves, large and small, all over Matsushima.Aug 19, 2009
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Gate to Zuiganji temple.Aug 19, 2009
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Bridge from Fukuura island back to mainland.Aug 19, 2009
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Lookout point on Fukuura island.Aug 19, 2009
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Way to Zuiganji temple. Matsushima also has a number of notable temples, and Zuiganji is the most famous, being a National Treasure. A short walk from the boat pier.Aug 19, 2009
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Bentendo Hall on Fukuura island.Aug 19, 2009
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View from Fukuura island.Aug 19, 2009
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Bentendo Hall on Fukuura island.Aug 19, 2009
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Map of Fukuura island. Points 3 and 5 are worth seeing. You have to leave the island by 5 pm or (4:30 pm during winter months).Aug 19, 2009
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Fukuura island offers nice walking trails and a few lookout points from where you can see other islands.Aug 19, 2009
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Fukuura islandAug 19, 2009
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Unless you want to swim to the island, you have to pay 200 yen to cross the bridge to Fukuura. Walk through the gift shop/restaurant and pay the toll to access the bridge.Aug 19, 2009
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Bridge to Fukuura island is named Deai Hashi. 出会い橋Aug 19, 2009
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Fukuura island is larger than the other islands, and can take a good 30 min. to walk around it. If you don't feel like walking anymore, you may want to skip Fukuura. Most tourists don't go there, but I thought it was worth a visit.Aug 19, 2009
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The second island to visit is Fukuurajima, a short walk from the boat pier. The island with the long red bridge is Fukuura island. You can't miss it. 福浦島Aug 19, 2009
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This odd-loking building calls itself Matsushima Castle. I saw nobody there so decided not to enter.Aug 19, 2009
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Near Godaido is this onument for Japan's Scenic Trio (Nihon Sankei) which are Matsushima, Amanohashidate (northern Kyoto), and Miyajima (Hiroshima). 日本三景Aug 19, 2009
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Matsushima Monument near GodaidoAug 19, 2009
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Original letter written by Lord Date Masamune from a battlefield.Aug 19, 2009
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Samurai armor and the Date crestAug 19, 2009
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Folding screensAug 19, 2009
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Folding screen with a painting of Matsushima.Aug 19, 2009
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Matsushima Museum at Kanrantei. Aug 19, 2009
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Inside Matsushima MuseumAug 19, 2009
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View of Matsushima from Kanrantei. Aug 19, 2009
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View of Matsushima from Kanrantei. The boat pier is straight ahead.Aug 19, 2009
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KanranteiAug 19, 2009
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Inside Kanrantei where you can relax and have tea for a fee.Aug 19, 2009
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About KanranteiAug 19, 2009
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Entrance to Kanrantei.Aug 19, 2009
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Original buildings and layout of Kanrantei. Aug 19, 2009
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Another noted building in Matsushima is Kanrantei, perched on a low hill. Now it is a rest place where they serve tea.Aug 19, 2009
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KanranteiAug 19, 2009
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BoarAug 19, 2009
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MonkeyAug 19, 2009
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About GodaidoAug 19, 2009
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Godaido is also noted for wooden carvings of Eto zodiac animals. Cock.Aug 19, 2009
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Godaido was first erected in 807 called Bishamondo. We cannot go inside. Important Cultural Property.Aug 19, 2009
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Godaido temple in Matsushima. This building was built in 1604 by Lord Date Masamune.Aug 19, 2009
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Second bridge to Godaido.Aug 19, 2009
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way to GodaidoAug 19, 2009
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The first bridge to Godaidojima island.Aug 19, 2009
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Way to Godaido.Aug 19, 2009
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Godaido 五大堂Aug 19, 2009
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Godaido 五大堂Aug 19, 2009
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Godaido enshrines five statues representing the Mikkyo teachings of Shingon Buddhism.Aug 19, 2009
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Godaido is another famous and storied icon of Matsushima. In any painting or depiction of Matsushima, Godaido is always there.Aug 19, 2009
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Chuo Hiroba, where tour groups meet.Aug 19, 2009
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Nearby is Godaido temple on a small island close to shore. Aug 19, 2009
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Near the boat pier is this a large park called Chuo Hiroba.Aug 19, 2009
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Route 45 running parallel to the shore. Busy road with shops and restaurants.Aug 19, 2009
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This was my favorite island in Matsushima.Aug 19, 2009
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Back to Matsushima Port.Aug 19, 2009
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Matsushima Rest House is next to the pier, where you can buy cruise tickets or just rest on chairs. Tourist info counter also provided.Aug 19, 2009
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Famous for centuries, Matsushima has inspired many haiku poets like Matsuo Basho and painters.Aug 19, 2009
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Matsushima would also be interesting to geologists.Aug 19, 2009
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Another famous and unique island in Matsushima is Niojima, shaped like a Deva King found at the gate of Buddhist temples. 仁王島Aug 19, 2009
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THe name "Matsushima" of course means "Pine Islands," so you may hear "Matsushima" in other places in Japan wherever there are pine-clad islands. Aug 19, 2009
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The boat passes by numerous pine-clad islands of Matsushima.Aug 19, 2009
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THis is one of the more famous Matsushima islands, named Kanejima with three holes. 鐘島Aug 19, 2009
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KanejimaAug 19, 2009
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The sea gulls follow where there's food, and the tourists are happy to toss junk food at them.Aug 19, 2009
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Face to face with a bird. "Hey, any food for me??"Aug 19, 2009
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These birds fly very close, within arm's reach.Aug 19, 2009
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They even sell bird food on the boat.Aug 19, 2009
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Inside Nio Maru's lower deck. Comfortable and air-conditioned. The places of interest are explained in Japanese and English during the cruise.Aug 19, 2009
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As each boat leaves, sea gulls follow.Aug 19, 2009
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THe Nio Maru boat which I rode for the cruise. For an extra 600 yen, you can go on the first-class upper deck. I waited until it got sunny later in the day, then went on the cruise. The islands look better when it's sunny.Aug 19, 2009
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Nio Maru at Matsushima Port.Aug 19, 2009
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Most boat cruises cost 1400 yen, taking about 50 min. Boats leave almost every 30 min. The boat cruise is the main and most popular activity at Matsushima.Aug 19, 2009
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I show you photos of the boat cruise first. There are many boats coming and going in Matsushima Bay. You have to decide which cruise to go on.Aug 19, 2009
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Matsushima Pier. There are boats which go around the Matsushima islands and return to Matsushima. Others go to Shiogama (toward Sendai) or a longer route toward Oku Matsushima.Aug 19, 2009
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Next to the boat pier is this building selling cruise tickets. No reservations required. You can buy a ticket even 5 min. before departure. Aug 19, 2009
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Welcome to Matsushima. Getting out of Matsushima Kaigan Station.Aug 19, 2009
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Map of Matsushima near Matsushima Kaigan Station. Places of interest include Ojima island, Matsushima boat cruise, Godaido island, Fukuura island, and Zuiganji temple.Aug 19, 2009
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From Matsushima Kaigan Station, almost everything is within walking distance. If it were cherry blossom season, you could proceed first to Saigyo Modoshi-no-Matsu Park on a hilltop behind the station.Aug 19, 2009
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Tourist info next to Matsushima Kaigan Station.Aug 19, 2009
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Matsushima Kaigan StationAug 19, 2009
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First time I saw a train station sign on the platform with a photo on it.Aug 19, 2009
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Matsushima Kaigan Station on the JR Senseki Line. This is the closest to Matsushima's main attractions. Note that there is also a Matsushima Station. Don't get off there.Aug 19, 2009
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Matsushima is a 30-40 min. train ride from Sendai on the JR Senseki Line.Aug 19, 2009
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