One Of Japan's 'Three Great Views' Is A Breathtaking Bay With Famous Pine-Covered Islands

Japan captivates travelers with some of the best spots to view cherry blossoms, samurai culture, mountains, and cutting-edge technological advances like the bullet train. Known for ancient traditions and its connection to nature and all its splendor, the country offers visitors rich experiences. Among its many treasures is Matsushima Bay, an enchanting natural wonder comprised of 260 islets creating a unique archipelago off the northeastern coast of Japan's Honshu Island in the Miyagi Prefecture, just 230 miles northeast of Tokyo. It is known as one of the country's most beautiful views and is considered one of Japan's 'three great views,' in addition to the marvels of Miyajima and Amanohashidate. Matsushima translates to pine islands, as the region is covered in these trees, and offers a lovely retreat for those searching for a connection to nature.

Getting there is no trick. Visitors can fly into Haneda Airport, Tokyo's international hub, or Sendai Airport. From Tokyo, the JR Tohoku bullet train will bring visitors to Sendai Station in about an hour and a half. From Sendai, transfer to the Senseki Line to land at Matsushimakaigan Station in a little over 40 minutes. While Matsushima Station may be tempting, skip it, as Matsushimakaigan is closer to attractions. Before embarking on your trip, make sure you know this train etiquette rule. 

Matsushima Bay lures people year-round, but summer will offer the most pleasant temperatures, and fall sets the maple trees ablaze in magnificent red hues. Flowers bloom freely during spring, especially in the botanical garden.

Matsushima Bay draws in visitors with its delightful archipelago, formed over 5,000 years ago. A sightseeing cruise can help you get a feel for the place, with many local tour guides available for booking 50-minute rides around the bay's magical floating islands. 

On land near the pier, the Zuiganji Temple, a Tohoku Zen masterpiece created in 828, is available for exploration. Outfitted with traditional sliding doors and known as one of the most famous Zen temples around, it showcases a Main Hall and Kuri (kitchen) that are designated national treasures. Don't miss the ornate artwork on the sliding doors. Next door, visitors can explore the Entsuin Temple. Built in 1647, it mourns a fallen lord with many gardens and a statue. 

Fukuura Island offers a rare chance to set foot on one of the islets via the striking, 827-foot-long red bridge. Japan Suki declares the crossing a "bridge of romantic encounters" and a unique location for photos. The island itself is a natural botanical garden, housing over 300 plant species and trails allowing visitors to leisurely stroll around the island in about an hour while appreciating phenomenal bay views. Oshima Island also allows visitors entrance through a short bridge near the pier. It was once a retreat for monks, and visitors will encounter numerous meditation caves from bygone days. Don't miss Kanrantei, a Momoyama-style tea house perched above the bay, where you can sip green teas while absorbing the natural serenity of this place.

When the bay is under a full moon, the real magic starts to happen. In autumn, during the harvest moon, the bay glows with golden light, a phenomenon known as kinpa in Japan. The waves catch the golden light from the moon and shimmer like liquid gold as the moon rises. Japan's love for moongazing finds a perfect stage here, inspiring many artists and great thinkers like the haiku master Matsuo Basho and even Einstein.

For those still stuck on daytime explorations, the bay offers four main viewpoints, called the shidaikan, that provide breathtaking perspectives of the bay's glory. Reikan, known as the beautiful view, sits atop Tomiyama's summit, offering one of the highest viewpoints. Yukan, the enchanting view, unfolds over Ōgidani and is known to be supreme at sunrise. Ikan, the grand view, is located in Shichigahama and blends the urban and natural as boats gently glide through the water. But best of all is Sokan, the magnificent view. Sitting atop Otakamori's summit, this viewpoint makes the many islets below feel like bonsai gardens amidst the gentle waters of the bay. Each vantage point offers a unique opportunity to get off the beaten path in Japan, pause, soak it all in, and connect with the peace housed in all natural elements of this underrated destination.