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Although there are many famous tourist spots in Japan, not many
have retained its popularity for as long as Matsushima. The
history of Matsushima as a tourist spot dates back to the 1700s.
Three hundred years ago, it came to be counted as one of the
three most beautiful scenic spots of Japan. Since then, many
have yearned to visit Matsushima. Even in the Collection of
Myriad Leaves (Manyoshu, 8th century), there are references
to Matsushima, and it is said that one of the reasons haiku
genius Matsuo Basho embarked on a trip through Tohoku region
was because he wanted to pay a visit to Matsushima.
Over 260 islands of varying size are scattered across the Bay
of Matsushima. The beautiful contrast between the green pine
trees and the blue sea reminds visitors of a miniature garden,
and people have often referred to its beauty in poems and verses.
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Snow-covered
Zuiganji temple
The
gorgeous combination of Matsushima and cherry blossoms |
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Tourists
gather from across the nation to enjoy the Matsushima Oyster
Festival. |
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There are several ways to appreciate Matsushima. One is to take
a birds-eye view, climbing up to the top of a hill overlooking
the bay and enjoying a panoramic view of the scattered islands.
Another is to cruise through the bay on an excursion boat enjoying
the closeness to the islands. A wide variety of courses are
offered: a course that cruises through the bay and returns to
Matsushima; an excursion that goes to Shiogama, one of the largest
fishing ports in Japan; or a cruise that offers oyster dishes
on board. A variety of views, including the strangely shaped
protruding rocks of Niojima, Kanejima and Katsurajima islands
and other islets scattered across the bay, can be enjoyed in
all the cruises. Tasting Shiogama's fresh sushi or visiting
the Shiogama Shrine are among other interesting options.
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Matsushima is famous for its oysters during winter. Miyagi prefecture
is internationally renowned for its oyster cultivation, and
exports seed oysters to various countries. Oysters from Matsushima
bay have long been praised as a delicacy. Every year, there
is a festival that offers oyster lovers the opportunity to taste
the delicacy to their heart's content. Matsushima Oyster Festival
is an annual event held on the first Saturday and Sunday in
February. In addition to various types of oyster dishes being
offered free of charge, a big furnace is set up so that the
visitors themselves can cook oysters and scallops on a charcoal
fire. Oyster lovers thus relish the winter delicacy in a rustic
atmosphere.
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The
port of Shiogama is accessible on an excursion boat. |
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The
vicinity of the Shiogama Shrine covered with cherry blossoms |
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Zuiganji Temple, which is the symbol of Matsushima, is a Zen
temple established in 828 A.D. by Reverend Jikaku Daishi Ennin.
The current building, built in the gorgeous Momoyama style over
a period of five years using the finest technology, was completed
in 1609 under orders from the feudal lord Date Masamune. One
hundred thirty master craftsmen were commissioned to pursue
aestheticism to the finest detail, and construction materials
were ordered from as far away as the Kumano Mountains. Due to
its historic value, it has been designated a national treasure.
In contrast to the gorgeous exterior, the end room is surrounded
by sliding paper doors depicting snow-covered scenery typical
of the Tohoku region. The ultimate in natural beauty is embodied
in this monochromatic painting.
Another symbol of Matsushima, Godaido, can be found on a small
island surrounded by pine trees just off the shore. The present
building was built in 1604, but Shogun Sakanoue Tamuramaro is
said to have founded the original structure of Godaido, or Bishamondo,
during his quest of eastern Japan. It is opened to the public
once every 33 years. The next occasion will be on August 18th
- 20th, 2006.
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