Back in Matsushima

Bird in the shot, a photo by dtk_guy on Flickr.

I suppose I could've picked a photo featuring one of the many islands lying in the bay south of Matsushima but I opted for this one instead. I took way too many photos of little pine tree covered islands. So a photo with a seagull hogging the shot is probably a good choice to share here.

My trip to Matsushima was the second time I visited this popular tourist destination. Though the first time wasn't much of a visit. My father drove the family there from our hotel part way up Mount Zao and when we got there the traffic was terrible, it was hot, and there probably wasn't a place to park. So we just looked at the scenery from the car and headed back to Sendai (and Mt. Zao). At least that's how I think things worked out. We're talking about 40 years ago so you'll have to excuse me if my recollection of the visit is a bit hazy.

Matsushima was spared from damage by the the March 11th, 2011 tsunami by virtue of its geographical features. The numerous small islands close to the town and several larger islands lying further out took the brunt of the tsunami. There are probably a number of islands which were damaged by the earthquake but only one of them was pointed out to passengers on the boat cruise I took.

Matsushima is one of the renowned three places of scenic views in Japan. The other two are Itsukishima and Amanohashidate. I've been to Itsukishima (also known as Miyajima) in Hiroshima prefecture. I had once given a thought to visiting Amanohashidate but when planning the visit from Kyoto, where I was staying at the time, I found it to be a touch distant for a single day trip. I suppose I'll get there...some day.