Home > MIYAGI 宮城県 > Matsushima-machi 松島町

Most viewed - Matsushima-machi 松島町
mt050-20090805_0016.jpg
Matsushima is a 30-40 min. train ride from Sendai on the JR Senseki Line.462 views
mt486-20090805_0843.jpg
Even the pointer markings where the train doors will open have a photo.243 views
mt485-20090805_0842.jpg
Matsushima Kaigan Station233 views
mt484-20090805_0197.jpg
216 views
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.162 views
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.159 views
mt482-20090805_0194.jpg
Shrine on Ojima130 views
mt481-20090805_0192.jpg
Torii to a shrine on Ojima island, Matsushima130 views
mt114-20090805_0625.jpg
Kanejima126 views
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.125 views
mt483-20090805_0195.jpg
125 views
mt112-20090805_0605.jpg
The boat passes by numerous pine-clad islands of Matsushima.123 views
mt480-20090805_0190.jpg
123 views
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119 views
mt113-20090805_0623.jpg
THis is one of the more famous Matsushima islands, named Kanejima with three holes. 鐘島118 views
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.116 views
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. 114 views
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.114 views
mt110-20090805_0569.jpg
These birds fly very close, within arm's reach.114 views
mt108-20090805_0556.jpg
The sea gulls follow where there's food, and the tourists are happy to toss junk food at them.114 views
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.113 views
mt105-20090805_0839.jpg
Nio Maru at Matsushima Port.113 views
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.112 views
mt158-20090805_0475.jpg
Way to Godaido.112 views
mt107-20090805_0163.jpg
As each boat leaves, sea gulls follow.110 views
mt109-20090805_0566.jpg
They even sell bird food on the boat.110 views
mt166-20090805_0510.jpg
Godaido is also noted for wooden carvings of Eto zodiac animals. Cock.110 views
mt115-20090805_0634.jpg
109 views
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. 108 views
mt153-20090805_0463.jpg
Nearby is Godaido temple on a small island close to shore. 108 views
mt154-20090805_0293.jpg
Godaido is another famous and storied icon of Matsushima. In any painting or depiction of Matsushima, Godaido is always there.108 views
mt156-20090805_0747.jpg
Godaido 五大堂108 views
mt409-20090805_0433.jpg
Sankeiden hall at Entsuin temple is an Important Cultural Property. This is a mausoleum for Date Mitsumine. 三慧殿108 views
mt052-20090805_0024.jpg
First time I saw a train station sign on the platform with a photo on it.107 views
mt054-20090805_0037.jpg
Matsushima Kaigan Station107 views
mt053-20090805_0030.jpg
Welcome to Matsushima. Getting out of Matsushima Kaigan Station.107 views
mt129-28_Matsushima_Mutsu.jpg
Hiroshige's woodblock print of Matsushima from his "Famous Views of the 60 Provinces" series.107 views
mt055-20090805_0038.jpg
Tourist info next to Matsushima Kaigan Station.106 views
mt119-20090805_0662.jpg
106 views
mt161-20090805_0485.jpg
The first bridge to Godaidojima island.106 views
mt163-20090805_0499.jpg
Godaido temple in Matsushima. This building was built in 1604 by Lord Date Masamune.105 views
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).105 views
mt120-20090805_0669.jpg
Matsushima would also be interesting to geologists.104 views
mt126-20090805_0721.jpg
This was my favorite island in Matsushima.104 views
mt157-20090805_0750.jpg
Godaido 五大堂104 views
mt168-20090805_0513.jpg
Boar104 views
mt219-20090805_0473.jpg
This odd-loking building calls itself Matsushima Castle. I saw nobody there so decided not to enter.104 views
mt411-20090805_0437.jpg
Altar inside Sankeiden with a statue of Mitsumune.104 views
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.103 views
mt117-20090805_0644.jpg
103 views
mt121-20090805_0672.jpg
Famous for centuries, Matsushima has inspired many haiku poets like Matsuo Basho and painters.103 views
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.103 views
mt155-20090805_0758.jpg
Godaido enshrines five statues representing the Mikkyo teachings of Shingon Buddhism.103 views
mt214-20090805_0234.jpg
Original letter written by Lord Date Masamune from a battlefield.103 views
mt410-20090805_0436.jpg
Inside Sankeiden hall which also has a painting of a rose.103 views
mt111-20090805_0596.jpg
Face to face with a bird. "Hey, any food for me??"102 views
mt124-20090805_0709.jpg
102 views
mt162-20090805_0488.jpg
Second bridge to Godaido.102 views
mt167-20090805_0511.jpg
Monkey102 views
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.102 views
mt305-20090805_0329.jpg
About Zuiganji temple caves.102 views
mt321-20090805_0400.jpg
About Enmei Jizo, the Guardian Deity of Lnogevity.102 views
mt159-20090805_0480.jpg
101 views
mt164-20090805_0503.jpg
Godaido was first erected in 807 called Bishamondo. We cannot go inside. Important Cultural Property.101 views
mt404-20090805_0403.jpg
101 views
mt453-20090805_0062.jpg
Ojima island is accessible by a red bridge.101 views
mt477-20090805_0182.jpg
Nice walking path on Ojima101 views
mt150-20090805_0459.jpg
Route 45 running parallel to the shore. Busy road with shops and restaurants.100 views
mt303-20090805_0310.jpg
On the right side toward Zuiganji are these huge caves.100 views
mt122-20090805_0677.jpg
98 views
mt322-20090805_0391.jpg
Cave of graves.98 views
mt152-20090805_0303.jpg
Chuo Hiroba, where tour groups meet.97 views
mt309-20090805_0333.jpg
97 views
mt201-20090805_0265.jpg
About Kanrantei96 views
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.96 views
mt254-20090805_0789.jpg
Fukuura island offers nice walking trails and a few lookout points from where you can see other islands.96 views
mt160-20090805_0476.jpg
way to Godaido95 views
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.95 views
mt420-20090805_0457.jpg
Sanseido hall for three saints. 三聖堂95 views
mt265-20090805_0837.jpg
Bridge from Fukuura island back to mainland.94 views
mt338-20090805_0386.jpg
94 views
mt412-20090805_0441.jpg
Entsuin"s caves94 views
mt455-20090805_0204.jpg
94 views
mt151-20090805_0460.jpg
Near the boat pier is this a large park called Chuo Hiroba.93 views
mt213-20090805_0238.jpg
Folding screen with a painting of Matsushima.93 views
mt211-20090805_0226.jpg
Samurai armor and the Date crest93 views
mt217-20090805_0768.jpg
Matsushima Monument near Godaido93 views
mt253-20090805_0787.jpg
Bridge to Fukuura island is named Deai Hashi. 出会い橋93 views
mt262-20090805_0805.jpg
Bentendo Hall on Fukuura island.93 views
mt301-20090805_0307.jpg
Gate to Zuiganji temple.93 views
mt311-20090805_0323.jpg
93 views
mt317-20090805_0350.jpg
Notice the steps on the left.93 views
mt324-20090805_0392.jpg
93 views
mt400-20090805_0401.jpg
93 views
mt456-20090805_0079.jpg
Ojima is a small island, but larger than Godaido.93 views
mt471-20090805_0153.jpg
93 views
mt123-20090805_0686.jpg
92 views
mt125-20090805_0712.jpg
92 views
mt215-20090805_0266.jpg
92 views
mt258-20090805_0804.jpg
92 views
mt310-20090805_0335.jpg
92 views
mt318-20090805_0353.jpg
Monument for railroad workers.92 views
mt323-20090805_0390.jpg
Graves inside a cave near the temple entrance.92 views
mt336-20090805_0383.jpg
Zuiganji Art Museum is right acros the Kuri.92 views
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.92 views
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.92 views
mt203-20090805_0270.jpg
Kanrantei91 views
mt202-20090805_0263.jpg
Original buildings and layout of Kanrantei. 91 views
mt204-20090805_0264.jpg
Entrance to Kanrantei.91 views
mt210-20090805_0225.jpg
Inside Matsushima Museum91 views
mt257-20090805_0800.jpg
91 views
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.91 views
mt308-20090805_0331.jpg
91 views
mt313-20090805_0339.jpg
91 views
mt315-20090805_0343.jpg
91 views
mt319-20090805_0354.jpg
Entrnce to Zuiganji temple.91 views
mt320-20090805_0399.jpg
At the Zuiganji temple entrance is a statue of Enmei Jizo, the Guardian Deity of Lnogevity.91 views
mt406-20090805_0408.jpg
91 views
mt457-20090805_0088.jpg
Ojima is dotted with numerous little caves and stone carvings of Kannon. 91 views
mt462-20090805_0104.jpg
Ojima caves91 views
mt479-20090805_0183.jpg
91 views
mt165-20090805_0501.jpg
About Godaido90 views
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.90 views
mt306-20090805_0328.jpg
90 views
mt314-20090805_0340.jpg
This cave is marred by graffiti. Hope the offenders get cursed by the deceased.90 views
mt330-20090805_0366.jpg
The building will be disassembled and reassembled. They expect to find some hidden historical artifacts during the process.90 views
mt335-20090805_0378.jpg
Kuri was the Zen kitchen. You can go inside, but only in the entrance way. Nothing much to see.90 views
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.90 views
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.90 views
mt407-20090805_0414.jpg
90 views
mt414-20090805_0418.jpg
Daihitei hondo main hall of Entsuin. 大悲亭90 views
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.90 views
mt454-20090805_0067.jpg
Ojima island at Matsushima90 views
mt461-20090805_0099.jpg
90 views
mt467-20090805_0141.jpg
90 views
mt206-20090805_0215.jpg
Inside Kanrantei where you can relax and have tea for a fee.89 views
mt207-20090805_0254.jpg
View of Matsushima from Kanrantei. The boat pier is straight ahead.89 views
mt218-20090805_0770.jpg
89 views
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.89 views
mt263-20090805_0722.jpg
Bentendo Hall on Fukuura island.89 views
mt260-20090805_0810.jpg
View from Fukuura island.89 views
mt264-20090805_0818.jpg
Lookout point on Fukuura island.89 views
mt302-20090805_0308.jpg
Wooded path to Zuiganji.89 views
mt327-20090805_0387.jpg
Zuiganji lantern89 views
mt333-20090805_0369.jpg
89 views
mt334-20090805_0358.jpg
Near the Hondo hall is this building called the Kuri.89 views
mt466-20090805_0120.jpg
This island is actually part of Zuiganji temple.89 views
mt475-20090805_0177.jpg
View from Ojima89 views
mt212-20090805_0232.jpg
Folding screens88 views
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88 views
mt255-20090805_0795.jpg
Fukuura island88 views
mt307-20090805_0316.jpg
88 views
mt331-20090805_0374.jpg
Renovations have already begun with adjacent buildings. I visited in Aug. 2009.88 views
mt337-20090805_0382.jpg
Room built into the rock.88 views
mt408-20090805_0448.jpg
Way to Sankeiden at Entsuin temple.88 views
mt417-20090805_0428.jpg
Rose Garden and Daihitei.88 views
mt452-20090805_0277.jpg
Ojima island is the third island worth visiting in Matsushima.88 views
mt463-20090805_0114.jpg
Monuments and stones88 views
mt472-20090805_0123.jpg
View from Ojima.88 views
mt476-20090805_0181.jpg
Matsushima88 views
mt208-20090805_0244.jpg
View of Matsushima from Kanrantei. 87 views
mt316-20090805_0347.jpg
87 views
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.87 views
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.87 views
mt339-20090805_0365.jpg
87 views
mt413-20090805_0443.jpg
87 views
mt459-20090805_0090.jpg
87 views
mt468-20090805_0143.jpg
87 views
mt473-20090805_0168.jpg
87 views
mt127-20090805_0743.jpg
Back to Matsushima Port.86 views
mt205-20090805_0214.jpg
Kanrantei86 views
mt209-20090805_0221.jpg
Matsushima Museum at Kanrantei. 86 views
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86 views
mt261-20090805_0815.jpg
86 views
mt312-20090805_0338.jpg
86 views
mt325-20090805_0355.jpg
Path to Zuiganji's main hall. Admission charged.86 views
mt416-20090805_0425.jpg
Entsuin's Rose Garden バラの庭86 views
mt418-20090805_0430.jpg
It was early AUg. and hydrangea was still in bloom in Entsuin.86 views
mt419-20090805_0415.jpg
Entsuin86 views
mt450-20090805_0300.jpg
86 views
mt458-20090805_0094.jpg
86 views
mt464-20090805_0115.jpg
86 views
mt259-20090805_0806.jpg
85 views
mt332-20090805_0375.jpg
Kawara roof tiles.85 views
mt460-20090805_0084.jpg
85 views
mt465-20090805_0116.jpg
85 views
mt470-20090805_0147.jpg
Haiku poem by Basho. No doubt that he visited this island too.85 views
mt474-20090805_0173.jpg
85 views
mt478-20090805_0187.jpg
Lookout point85 views
mt469-20090805_0151.jpg
84 views
mt451-20090805_0043.jpg
Matsushima Green Hiroba is a waterfront park.83 views
 
191 files on 1 page(s)