Matsushima Bay

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About Matsushima Bay

Matsushima Bay is a shallow inlet of the Pacific Ocean, sheltered by a line of islands where more than two hundred light-colored volcanic tuff islets are scattered. Water and wind have sculpted the rocks into arches, caves and cliffs, and almost every islet is crowned by twisted black pines, which give the place its name: “islands of pines.” In the 17th century the scholar Hayashi Gaho listed it among the country’s three celebrated views, together with Amanohashidate and Miyajima.

The poet Matsuo Basho arrived there in 1689, on the journey described in “The Narrow Road to the Deep North.” The islets have individual names, such as Niojima, whose shape suggests a guardian statue, and Kanejima, which has four openings through which the sea passes. Fukuura Island, connected to the shore by a red 252-meter bridge, has walking paths and a botanical garden; Oshima, with short bridges, contains caves used by monks for meditation.

The most common way to see the bay is by sightseeing boat, which departs from the pier in front of the Godaido, makes a roughly 50-minute circuit and approaches the best-known formations. There is also a ferry connecting Matsushima with Shiogama Port. From land, the four traditional viewpoints, called Shidaikan, show the bay from different angles: Otakamori, Tamon-zan, Tomiyama and Ogidani. Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park, near the station, offers a wide view and cherry trees.

In 2011 the islands helped to reduce the force of the tsunami, and the town suffered less than other coastal cities. A visit is usually combined with Zuigan-ji, the Godaido and the bay’s oysters, served in the cold months.