Introduction
It seems that medieval people wanted to visit Matsushima, one of the three views of Japan, only once in their lifetime. Matsushima’s magnificent view has been kept for a long time not only because the sea level has risen, but because a large river carrying sand has not poured into the bay. It is evidence that shell mounds are dense in Matsushima Bay, and Shiogama has been functioning as a port since ancient times. Before Sendai became a castle town, Tagajo was the administrative and military center of Tohoku, and Shiogama Shrine was located to protect the direction(north-east) of the demon gate of Tagajo. It is the same as Mt. Hieizan located at the north-east direction from Kyoto.
Don’t just take a pleasure boat, feel a little different Matsushima, the terrain of countryside and history avoiding famous tourist destinations.
By the way, in the Great East Japan Earthquake, many islands of Matsushima became breakwaters, reducing damage to Shiogama and Matsushima towns from Tsunami. This may also have been the role of the demon gate.
Detail
One day trip
09:00* get off Hon-Shiogama station on JR Senseki Line and truly climb up Shiogama Shrine protecting the demon gate**
*)”The early bird gets the worm” at morning market of Yuriage
**)The Tagajo, which was the agency for the Yamato Imperial Court and guarded by shrine, is explained at the Tohoku History Museum near Kokufu-Tagajo station.
10:30 on the way from shrine, stop by Kamei Villa of the Taisho romance built by the president of the Energy Conglomerate, which was founded in Shiogama
12:00 visit Uragasumi Sake Brewery with tasting before lunch*
*)Le Nid d’hirondelle in East-Matsushima town is recommended for lunch. Shiogama sushi is truly delicious but expensive. If you still want to eat it, you should buy it at the fresh fish shop in the station.
15:00 move to Deep Matsushima Sea Canyon(Sagakei), a little different from typical Matsushima
17:00 climb up Ohtakamori viewpoint of Matsushima at sunset*
*)Even at other viewpoints, you can’t enjoy the scenery of Matsushima unless you look at it from a high place. Be prepared and climb the mountain.
By chance, You may see a blue impulse demonstration flight taking off from Matsushima Air Base. Otherwise, let’s go to the air festival with super traffic jam.
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Gallery (click and get ideas !)
