Home > MIYAGI 宮城県 > Matsushima-machi 松島町

Last additions - Matsushima-machi 松島町
mt129-28_Matsushima_Mutsu.jpg
Hiroshige's woodblock print of Matsushima from his "Famous Views of the 60 Provinces" series.Apr 24, 2011
mt486-20090805_0843.jpg
Even the pointer markings where the train doors will open have a photo.Aug 19, 2009
mt485-20090805_0842.jpg
Matsushima Kaigan StationAug 19, 2009
mt484-20090805_0197.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt483-20090805_0195.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt481-20090805_0192.jpg
Torii to a shrine on Ojima island, MatsushimaAug 19, 2009
mt482-20090805_0194.jpg
Shrine on OjimaAug 19, 2009
mt480-20090805_0190.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt479-20090805_0183.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt478-20090805_0187.jpg
Lookout pointAug 19, 2009
mt476-20090805_0181.jpg
MatsushimaAug 19, 2009
mt477-20090805_0182.jpg
Nice walking path on OjimaAug 19, 2009
mt474-20090805_0173.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt475-20090805_0177.jpg
View from OjimaAug 19, 2009
mt473-20090805_0168.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt471-20090805_0153.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt470-20090805_0147.jpg
Haiku poem by Basho. No doubt that he visited this island too.Aug 19, 2009
mt472-20090805_0123.jpg
View from Ojima.Aug 19, 2009
mt469-20090805_0151.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt465-20090805_0116.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt467-20090805_0141.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt466-20090805_0120.jpg
This island is actually part of Zuiganji temple.Aug 19, 2009
mt468-20090805_0143.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt464-20090805_0115.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt463-20090805_0114.jpg
Monuments and stonesAug 19, 2009
mt461-20090805_0099.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt462-20090805_0104.jpg
Ojima cavesAug 19, 2009
mt460-20090805_0084.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt458-20090805_0094.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt459-20090805_0090.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt457-20090805_0088.jpg
Ojima is dotted with numerous little caves and stone carvings of Kannon. Aug 19, 2009
mt456-20090805_0079.jpg
Ojima is a small island, but larger than Godaido.Aug 19, 2009
mt455-20090805_0204.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt454-20090805_0067.jpg
Ojima island at MatsushimaAug 19, 2009
mt453-20090805_0062.jpg
Ojima island is accessible by a red bridge.Aug 19, 2009
mt452-20090805_0277.jpg
Ojima island is the third island worth visiting in Matsushima.Aug 19, 2009
mt450-20090805_0300.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt451-20090805_0043.jpg
Matsushima Green Hiroba is a waterfront park.Aug 19, 2009
mt420-20090805_0457.jpg
Sanseido hall for three saints. 三聖堂Aug 19, 2009
mt419-20090805_0415.jpg
EntsuinAug 19, 2009
mt418-20090805_0430.jpg
It was early AUg. and hydrangea was still in bloom in Entsuin.Aug 19, 2009
mt415-20090805_0420.jpg
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
mt417-20090805_0428.jpg
Rose Garden and Daihitei.Aug 19, 2009
mt416-20090805_0425.jpg
Entsuin's Rose Garden バラの庭Aug 19, 2009
mt414-20090805_0418.jpg
Daihitei hondo main hall of Entsuin. 大悲亭Aug 19, 2009
mt413-20090805_0443.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt412-20090805_0441.jpg
Entsuin"s cavesAug 19, 2009
mt411-20090805_0437.jpg
Altar inside Sankeiden with a statue of Mitsumune.Aug 19, 2009
mt410-20090805_0436.jpg
Inside Sankeiden hall which also has a painting of a rose.Aug 19, 2009
mt408-20090805_0448.jpg
Way to Sankeiden at Entsuin temple.Aug 19, 2009
mt407-20090805_0414.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt409-20090805_0433.jpg
Sankeiden hall at Entsuin temple is an Important Cultural Property. This is a mausoleum for Date Mitsumine. 三慧殿Aug 19, 2009
mt405-20090805_0406.jpg
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
mt404-20090805_0403.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt406-20090805_0408.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt402-20090805_0454.jpg
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
mt401-20090805_0402.jpg
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
mt403-20090805_0404.jpg
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
mt400-20090805_0401.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt338-20090805_0386.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt337-20090805_0382.jpg
Room built into the rock.Aug 19, 2009
mt339-20090805_0365.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt336-20090805_0383.jpg
Zuiganji Art Museum is right acros the Kuri.Aug 19, 2009
mt334-20090805_0358.jpg
Near the Hondo hall is this building called the Kuri.Aug 19, 2009
mt332-20090805_0375.jpg
Kawara roof tiles.Aug 19, 2009
mt335-20090805_0378.jpg
Kuri was the Zen kitchen. You can go inside, but only in the entrance way. Nothing much to see.Aug 19, 2009
mt333-20090805_0369.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt330-20090805_0366.jpg
The building will be disassembled and reassembled. They expect to find some hidden historical artifacts during the process.Aug 19, 2009
mt329-20090805_0368.jpg
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
mt328-20090805_0363.jpg
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
mt331-20090805_0374.jpg
Renovations have already begun with adjacent buildings. I visited in Aug. 2009.Aug 19, 2009
mt326-20090805_0388.jpg
From Sept. 2009, Zuiganji's Hondo main hall will be closed for major renovation. The construction offices are on the left.Aug 19, 2009
mt327-20090805_0387.jpg
Zuiganji lanternAug 19, 2009
mt325-20090805_0355.jpg
Path to Zuiganji's main hall. Admission charged.Aug 19, 2009
mt324-20090805_0392.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt322-20090805_0391.jpg
Cave of graves.Aug 19, 2009
mt323-20090805_0390.jpg
Graves inside a cave near the temple entrance.Aug 19, 2009
mt320-20090805_0399.jpg
At the Zuiganji temple entrance is a statue of Enmei Jizo, the Guardian Deity of Lnogevity.Aug 19, 2009
mt321-20090805_0400.jpg
About Enmei Jizo, the Guardian Deity of Lnogevity.Aug 19, 2009
mt319-20090805_0354.jpg
Entrnce to Zuiganji temple.Aug 19, 2009
mt318-20090805_0353.jpg
Monument for railroad workers.Aug 19, 2009
mt315-20090805_0343.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt314-20090805_0340.jpg
This cave is marred by graffiti. Hope the offenders get cursed by the deceased.Aug 19, 2009
mt317-20090805_0350.jpg
Notice the steps on the left.Aug 19, 2009
mt316-20090805_0347.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt313-20090805_0339.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt311-20090805_0323.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt312-20090805_0338.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt310-20090805_0335.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt307-20090805_0316.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt309-20090805_0333.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt306-20090805_0328.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt308-20090805_0331.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt305-20090805_0329.jpg
About Zuiganji temple caves.Aug 19, 2009
mt303-20090805_0310.jpg
On the right side toward Zuiganji are these huge caves.Aug 19, 2009
mt302-20090805_0308.jpg
Wooded path to Zuiganji.Aug 19, 2009
mt304-20090805_0317.jpg
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
mt301-20090805_0307.jpg
Gate to Zuiganji temple.Aug 19, 2009
mt265-20090805_0837.jpg
Bridge from Fukuura island back to mainland.Aug 19, 2009
mt264-20090805_0818.jpg
Lookout point on Fukuura island.Aug 19, 2009
mt300-20090805_0306.jpg
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
mt261-20090805_0815.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt262-20090805_0805.jpg
Bentendo Hall on Fukuura island.Aug 19, 2009
mt260-20090805_0810.jpg
View from Fukuura island.Aug 19, 2009
mt263-20090805_0722.jpg
Bentendo Hall on Fukuura island.Aug 19, 2009
mt258-20090805_0804.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt259-20090805_0806.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt257-20090805_0800.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt256-20090805_0797.jpg
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
mt254-20090805_0789.jpg
Fukuura island offers nice walking trails and a few lookout points from where you can see other islands.Aug 19, 2009
mt255-20090805_0795.jpg
Fukuura islandAug 19, 2009
mt252-20090805_0786.jpg
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
mt253-20090805_0787.jpg
Bridge to Fukuura island is named Deai Hashi. 出会い橋Aug 19, 2009
mt251-20090805_0784.jpg
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
mt250-20090805_0781.jpg
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
mt219-20090805_0473.jpg
This odd-loking building calls itself Matsushima Castle. I saw nobody there so decided not to enter.Aug 19, 2009
mt218-20090805_0770.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt216-20090805_0762.jpg
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
mt217-20090805_0768.jpg
Matsushima Monument near GodaidoAug 19, 2009
mt215-20090805_0266.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt214-20090805_0234.jpg
Original letter written by Lord Date Masamune from a battlefield.Aug 19, 2009
mt211-20090805_0226.jpg
Samurai armor and the Date crestAug 19, 2009
mt212-20090805_0232.jpg
Folding screensAug 19, 2009
mt213-20090805_0238.jpg
Folding screen with a painting of Matsushima.Aug 19, 2009
mt209-20090805_0221.jpg
Matsushima Museum at Kanrantei. Aug 19, 2009
mt210-20090805_0225.jpg
Inside Matsushima MuseumAug 19, 2009
mt208-20090805_0244.jpg
View of Matsushima from Kanrantei. Aug 19, 2009
mt207-20090805_0254.jpg
View of Matsushima from Kanrantei. The boat pier is straight ahead.Aug 19, 2009
mt205-20090805_0214.jpg
KanranteiAug 19, 2009
mt206-20090805_0215.jpg
Inside Kanrantei where you can relax and have tea for a fee.Aug 19, 2009
mt201-20090805_0265.jpg
About KanranteiAug 19, 2009
mt204-20090805_0264.jpg
Entrance to Kanrantei.Aug 19, 2009
mt202-20090805_0263.jpg
Original buildings and layout of Kanrantei. Aug 19, 2009
mt200-20090805_0290.jpg
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
mt203-20090805_0270.jpg
KanranteiAug 19, 2009
mt168-20090805_0513.jpg
BoarAug 19, 2009
mt167-20090805_0511.jpg
MonkeyAug 19, 2009
mt165-20090805_0501.jpg
About GodaidoAug 19, 2009
mt166-20090805_0510.jpg
Godaido is also noted for wooden carvings of Eto zodiac animals. Cock.Aug 19, 2009
mt164-20090805_0503.jpg
Godaido was first erected in 807 called Bishamondo. We cannot go inside. Important Cultural Property.Aug 19, 2009
mt163-20090805_0499.jpg
Godaido temple in Matsushima. This building was built in 1604 by Lord Date Masamune.Aug 19, 2009
mt162-20090805_0488.jpg
Second bridge to Godaido.Aug 19, 2009
mt160-20090805_0476.jpg
way to GodaidoAug 19, 2009
mt161-20090805_0485.jpg
The first bridge to Godaidojima island.Aug 19, 2009
mt159-20090805_0480.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt158-20090805_0475.jpg
Way to Godaido.Aug 19, 2009
mt156-20090805_0747.jpg
Godaido 五大堂Aug 19, 2009
mt157-20090805_0750.jpg
Godaido 五大堂Aug 19, 2009
mt155-20090805_0758.jpg
Godaido enshrines five statues representing the Mikkyo teachings of Shingon Buddhism.Aug 19, 2009
mt154-20090805_0293.jpg
Godaido is another famous and storied icon of Matsushima. In any painting or depiction of Matsushima, Godaido is always there.Aug 19, 2009
mt152-20090805_0303.jpg
Chuo Hiroba, where tour groups meet.Aug 19, 2009
mt153-20090805_0463.jpg
Nearby is Godaido temple on a small island close to shore. Aug 19, 2009
mt151-20090805_0460.jpg
Near the boat pier is this a large park called Chuo Hiroba.Aug 19, 2009
mt150-20090805_0459.jpg
Route 45 running parallel to the shore. Busy road with shops and restaurants.Aug 19, 2009
mt126-20090805_0721.jpg
This was my favorite island in Matsushima.Aug 19, 2009
mt127-20090805_0743.jpg
Back to Matsushima Port.Aug 19, 2009
mt128-20090805_0283.jpg
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
mt125-20090805_0712.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt124-20090805_0709.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt121-20090805_0672.jpg
Famous for centuries, Matsushima has inspired many haiku poets like Matsuo Basho and painters.Aug 19, 2009
mt122-20090805_0677.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt123-20090805_0686.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt120-20090805_0669.jpg
Matsushima would also be interesting to geologists.Aug 19, 2009
mt119-20090805_0662.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt117-20090805_0644.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt118-20090805_0650.jpg
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
mt116-20090805_0640.jpg
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
mt112-20090805_0605.jpg
The boat passes by numerous pine-clad islands of Matsushima.Aug 19, 2009
mt113-20090805_0623.jpg
THis is one of the more famous Matsushima islands, named Kanejima with three holes. 鐘島Aug 19, 2009
mt114-20090805_0625.jpg
KanejimaAug 19, 2009
mt115-20090805_0634.jpg
Aug 19, 2009
mt108-20090805_0556.jpg
The sea gulls follow where there's food, and the tourists are happy to toss junk food at them.Aug 19, 2009
mt111-20090805_0596.jpg
Face to face with a bird. "Hey, any food for me??"Aug 19, 2009
mt110-20090805_0569.jpg
These birds fly very close, within arm's reach.Aug 19, 2009
mt109-20090805_0566.jpg
They even sell bird food on the boat.Aug 19, 2009
mt106-20090805_0527.jpg
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
mt107-20090805_0163.jpg
As each boat leaves, sea gulls follow.Aug 19, 2009
mt104-20090805_0525.jpg
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
mt105-20090805_0839.jpg
Nio Maru at Matsushima Port.Aug 19, 2009
mt102-20090805_0249.jpg
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
mt100-20090805_0207.jpg
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
mt101-20090805_0133.jpg
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
mt103-20090805_0302.jpg
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
mt053-20090805_0030.jpg
Welcome to Matsushima. Getting out of Matsushima Kaigan Station.Aug 19, 2009
mt057-20090805_0042.jpg
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
mt056-20090805_0040.jpg
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
mt055-20090805_0038.jpg
Tourist info next to Matsushima Kaigan Station.Aug 19, 2009
mt054-20090805_0037.jpg
Matsushima Kaigan StationAug 19, 2009
mt052-20090805_0024.jpg
First time I saw a train station sign on the platform with a photo on it.Aug 19, 2009
mt051-20090805_0023.jpg
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
mt050-20090805_0016.jpg
Matsushima is a 30-40 min. train ride from Sendai on the JR Senseki Line.Aug 19, 2009
 
191 files on 1 page(s)