Smiling Palace Cities Series (4) / Hundred Faces Archipelago, Millennium Temples – Exploring the Breathtaking Scenery of Matsushima in Miyagi

Written by / Reported by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Travel Life Network

Located in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, Matsushima is counted among Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views, along with Amanohashidate in Kyotango and Itsukushima in Aki. For centuries, it has been extolled by Japan’s cultured elite. The renowned haiku master Matsuo Bashō, often referred to as the “Saint of Haiku,” described Matsushima in his travel diary “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” as the most beautiful scenery in Japan, rivaling even China’s Dongting Lake and West Lake. To enjoy Matsushima’s beauty, there’s no need for arduous travel—just take a train from Sendai Station to Matsushima Coast, about 30 minutes, to behold this serene spot beloved by poets and scholars. Moreover, every August 17th, the locals of Matsushima float lanterns on the bay to honor their ancestors, illuminated by a spectacular display of nearly 8,000 fireworks, showcasing a traditional and culturally rich summer night.

The Matsushima area faces Matsushima Bay, where nearly 260 small islands are scattered across the water. Shaped by years of wind and seawater erosion, these islands vary in form, creating a picturesque scene where green pines dot the islets floating on the water. During last year’s tsunami, these islands served as natural barriers, minimizing damage to residents. Though two islands were washed away, Matsushima’s charm remains undiminished.

Besides taking a cruise to admire the bay’s islets and feeding seagulls, the Godaido Hall, built in 807 AD, is an iconic site not to be missed when visiting Matsushima. Named for the five great Wisdom Kings enshrined within, Godaido Hall is a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan and the oldest surviving building of the Momoyama culture in the Tohoku region. The main gate of Godaido Hall is usually kept closed and is only opened once every 33 years—the last opening was in 2006, with the next scheduled for 2039. The bridge leading to the hall features deliberately open grilles, encouraging worshippers to focus their minds as they cross.