Smile Palace Series (2) / Shrimp Crackers Are So Delicious Even Seagulls in Matsushima Fight Over Them

Written/Reported by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network

Visiting Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture and taking a cruise allows you to choose different routes to enjoy the beautiful scenery of various islands, but simply sightseeing from the boat isn't enough. Another unique activity on the cruise is “fishing for seagulls” with shrimp crackers. Whether you board from the Shiogama Tourist Port or the Matsushima Tourist Port, once the cruise sets sail, you can purchase shrimp crackers from the onboard staff to enjoy an up-close encounter with the seagulls.

First, the staff will toss the shrimp crackers into the air to attract a flock of seagulls. Then, tourists hold the crackers between their thumb and index finger and extend their hand into the air. The sharp-eyed seagulls will quickly dive down and snatch the crackers. The speed and precision with which they catch their “prey” leave all passengers amazed. And having a flock of seagulls whiz past within just 50 centimeters of you is definitely an experience worth having.

Both the Matsushima Tourist Port and the Shiogama Tourist Port, which were also affected by the tsunami, have designated areas within their buildings that display photos taken after the tsunami for visitors to view. The Matsushima area, with its small islands inside the bay acting as natural barriers, greatly reduced the impact of the tsunami. As for the Shiogama Tourist Port, according to the owner of the souvenir shop “Yuriiya,” Mrs. Matsuyama Hisako, when the tsunamistruckShiogama Port, fortunately the floating boarding platform by the harbor acted as a temporary breakwater, diverting the tsunami currents to the sides of the port buildings, thereby reducing the direct impact force on the structures themselves.

Recalling the moment, Matsuyama Hisako said: “The tsunami came so fast that everyone rushed to the third floor for shelter—there were about 200 people. Boats that were about to set off got stuck too and became temporary shelters for the passengers and crew on board.”