Matsushima is a town located in Miyagi Prefecture, known for its pine clad islets scattered throughout the vast bay. It is one of the three most scenic views of Japan, which has attracted the steady stream of tourists around the world over the years. The most popular way to experience the beauty of Matsushima is by taking the sightseeing cruise that circles around the bay.
My first visit to Matsushima was almost ten years ago. Since then I‘ve always added this well- known destination to my itinerary every time I went to Sendai. While I do love taking in the sight of more than 200 islands from the sightseeing cruise, this trip I decided to take a stroll along the bay, enjoying the beauty of Matsushima more up-close.
The famous strange shaped Two Deva Kings Island
As one of the most famous landmarks, Godaido was smaller than I had imagined. It consists of a renowned red wooden bridge, the main building and a Shinto shrine. However, the view from the sacred site was stunning and the outer delicate wooden decoration of the hall was beautiful and it was free. So the religious place was worth a visit.
Godaido Temple, view from the pier on one fine day in April
A narrow pathway of Godaido Temple
I continued my trip heading to Fukuura Island, a charming botanical island featuring more than 300 species of plants. As I crossed the long red bridge, the seagulls greeted me like a long lost friend. I walked further and spotted a group of young tourists taking a cool selfie with a gull. Just then, the visitors were warned not to feed those super-friendly seabirds as this unsustainable practice is not allowed.
A seagull on the bridge with tiny fish in its mouth
For me, visiting Fukuura Island is like entering another world. Despite a scorching hot day, it was breezy and comfortably cold on the islet. Under the shady Matsu trees, locals sat relaxing in a circle chatting just as if they were in a cafe. I learned from the sign boards later that those evergreen pine trees have been around for hundreds of years.
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