Written by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, reported by Chen Guanxin
When visiting Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture and taking a cruise, you can choose different routes to enjoy the scenic beauty of various islands, but simply admiring the views 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, you can purchase shrimp crackers from the onboard staff after departure to enjoy an up-close encounter with the seagulls.
A unique activity on the Matsushima cruise is using shrimp crackers to “fish for seagulls.” (Photo by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin)
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 visitors amazed. Having a flock of seagulls fly past within just 50 centimeters of you is an absolutely thrilling experience worth trying.
The staff toss shrimp crackers into the sky to attract seagulls for feeding. (Photo by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin)
Of course, not every seagull is that accurate. Come on, seagull, you can do it, okay? (Photo by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin)
Both the Matsushima Tourist Port and the Shiogama Tourist Port, which were also affected by the tsunami, have designated areas inside their buildings displaying photos taken after the tsunami for visitors to view. The Matsushima area, with its small islands in 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 “Yuruya,” Mrs. Hisako Matsuyama, 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, thus reducing the direct impact on the structures themselves.
Mrs. Hisako Matsuyama of Yuruya describes the situation during the tsunami. (Photo by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin)
Recalling the moment, Hisako Matsuyama said, “The tsunami came so fast that everyone rushed to the third floor for shelter—there were about 200 people. The ships that were about to depart were also trapped, becoming temporary shelters for the passengers and crew on board.”
After the waters receded, the area around the port was left in chaos. (Photo by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin)
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