Matsushima

A bay on the Pacific coast of Miyagi Prefecture studded with approximately 260 pine-clad islands of various sizes, historically ranked among the three views of Japan in the classification formalized in the Edo period. The Zuiganji temple complex on the bay's inland edge incorporates a series of cave cells carved into the rock face that were used by ascetic monks. Flat-bottomed boats circle the larger islands, while the elevated Saigyo-modoshi-no-matsu viewpoint provides the most panoramic perspective over the island-strewn bay.