Matsushima

Matsushima is a coastal city in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, situated on Honshu along the Pacific Ocean. It faces Matsushima Bay, a sheltered inlet renowned for its scenic beauty and noted as one of Japan's Three Views. The bay contains numerous small pine-clad islets arranged in a picturesque arc.

The landscape is a major tourist draw; visitors view the islands from coastal promenades or take sightseeing boats that operate from Matsushima Port. The area features historic temples and sites, including Zuigan-ji and Godaido, which contribute to the region's cultural heritage. The scenery has inspired poets and painters for centuries.

Economically, Matsushima has long depended on fishing and tourism. Local seafood is a staple of the regional cuisine. The climate is humid subtropical, with warm summers and cool winters, and the area experiences seasonal beauty across the year.

Transportation links connect Matsushima with Sendai and other parts of the Tohoku region by rail and road, supporting both residents and visitors. The name Matsushima literally means "pine islands," reflecting the defining landscape that characterizes the bay.