Learning About the Six Cities and Towns

Matsushima

Matsushima has been known as a sacred place since ancient times.
Loved by Date Masamune and traversed
by Matsuo Basho
to who admired the views of its islands,
Matsushima has a thousand years of history and a way of life that is steeped in the blessings of the sea.

About Matsushima

Matsushima is one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, along with Amanohashidate in Kyoto and Miyajima in Hiroshima. With more than 260 islands of various sizes floating in its tranquil waters, stunning natural scenery with each turn of season, and countless cultural heritage sites like Zuiganji Temple and Godaido Hall, Matsushima Bay has been attracting visitors as both sacred and scenic site since ancient times.

Zuiganji Temple, which was rebuilt by Date Masamune, lord of the Sendai Domain, is still visited by many people and is the hub of sightseeing in Matsushima.

Nature

The spectacular view of Matsushima Bay with its beautiful islands has been revered as a paradise since ancient times. In the spring, the beautiful islands of Matsushima Bay can be seen along with the cherry blossoms from Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park, and in the fall, the moons called Kinpa (gold wave) and Ginpa (silver wave) float over the quiet bay. This timeless scenery has been appreciated by those such as Date Masamune and Matsuo Basho.

The plum tree, named Garyubai, because it is said to resemble a reclining dragon, is said to have been planted at Zuiganji Temple by Lord Masamune, who brought it back to Japan from Korea.

Kinpa (golden wave)Photos courtesy of Matsushima Tourism Association

Ginpa (silver wave)Photos courtesy of Matsushima Tourism Association

Local Products and Culture

There is a beautiful and sad story behind “Matsushima Koren” rice crackers. 700 years ago, a girl from Kisakata, Akita Prefecture, married into a Matsushima family. However, she arrived to find her husband had already died, and the two never had the chance to meet. After her parents-in-law passed away, she changed her name to Koren-ni and baked rice crackers by grinding rice offered to Kannon (a Buddhist god) and gave them to the villagers. It is said that this is the origin of Matsushima Koren. Using Sasanishiki rice from Miyagi Prefecture and natural salt, this snack has a long tradition of 680 years in Matsushima.

Agriculture and Fishery Products

Oysters and anago (sea eel) are the most famous seafood products of Matsushima. Oyster farming is said to have started in Matsushima Bay over 300 years ago, and it accounts for more than 70% of the town's fishing industry in terms of both landings and sales. Anago, locally known as 'hamo', has also long been caught in Matsushima Bay. It is caught mostly from early summer to autumn, and is in season from July to September, when its fat is at its peak. Anago rice bowl is a Matsushima specialty.

The town is also focusing on the production of the Matsushima Tomato, which is grown with the latest technology and has a perfect balance of sweetness and sourness.

Historical Figures Associated with Matsushima

Matsuo Basho 1644-1694

A haikai master. He established the haikai style based on wabi and sabi, and left behind many haiku poems and travelogues such as Oku no Hosomichi (The Narrow Road to the Deep North).
Aoki Nagayoshi 1879-1935

Lyricist. Served as a professor at the Tokyo Music School and as the head of the book editing section at the Ministry of Education. Wrote “Donguri Korokoro” and other songs for the Ministry of Education.

Major Tourist Attractions in Matsushima

Zuiganji Temple

After passing through the quiet approach to the temple, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, we are greeted by the solemn appearance of the temple with its impressive tiled roof. Zuiganji, the most famous Zen temple in northern Japan, was rebuilt over a period of five years by Date Masamune to become his own family temple. The main hall and temple kitchen are designated as national treasures.
Entsuin Temple

Entsuin Temple is marked by its thatched-roof gate facing a stone-paved street. The garden, which is lit up in the fall, is a place where the beauty of nature shines throughout the four seasons: cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, roses, autumn leaves, and snowy scenery. The Sankei-den, the mausoleum of Mitsumune, the second son of Tadamune, the second lord of the Date family, is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

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