Matsushima
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Matsushima (松島) is a group of islands in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. There are some 260 tiny islands (shima) covered in pines (matsu) – hence the name – and is ranked as one of the Three Views of Japan.
A well-known apocryphal haiku often attributed to Matsuo Bashō indicates that the poet is at a loss for words:
Matsushima ah!
A-ah, Matsushima, ah!
Matsushima, ah!
Nearby cultural properties include Zuigan-ji, Entsū-in, Kanrantei, and the Satohama shell mound.
Views
Four views of Matsushima
There are four well-known spots to view the Matsushima, known as the Magnificent View (壮観, sōkan), Beautiful View (麗観, reikan), Enchanting View (幽観, yūkan), and Grand View (偉観, ikan).
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Magnificent View: The view from Otakamori
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Beautiful View: The view from Toyama
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Enchanting View: The view from Ogidani
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Grand View: The view from Tamonsan
Cruise
Tourists can view the islands from up close on cruise boats.
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Niōjima
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Senganjima: Masamune Date's favorite island
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Komonejima
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Kanejima
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Futagojima
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Misagojima
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Kaerujima
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Takashima, also known as Meganejima
Transportation
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The town is only a short distance (thirty minutes) from prefectural capital Sendai and is easily accessible by train. Matsushima-Kaigan Station is near the attractions such as Zuiganji and the harbor. Matsushima Station, on a separate line is on the opposite side of the town.
Earthquake of March 2011
Despite the proximity of Matsushima to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, the area was protected by the islands and suffered little damage.[2][3] Nevertheless, 6 persons were confirmed killed.[4]
See also
References
- ^ a b "名勝・松島、崩落被害=「長命穴」消え、半壊の島も-国宝「瑞巌寺」は壁にひび" (in Japanese). Jiji Press. March 19, 2011. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
- ^ "Tsunami Spares Japan's Pine-Covered Islands". NPR. 2011-04-18. Retrieved 2011-04-18.
- ^ Martin, Alex, "Tsunami spared Matsushima but swept away bay's tourists", Japan Times, 17 August 2011, p. 3.
- ^ "Matsushima town information)". Retrieved 2011-03-19.
External links
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Three Views of Japan | |
Amanohashidate – Matsushima – Itsukushima | |
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