Introducing Palace Matsushima

Matsushima (松島), One of Japan’s most celebrated scenic sights

 "Matsushima" is the generic name for the 260 small islands floating in Matsushima Bay in Miyagi Prefecture, Tohoku (the northeastern region of Honshu island), Japan. It has been regarded as one of Japan’s three great scenic spots since the early Edo period. When the Matsushima hills sank into the bay during the prehistoric age, only slightly elevated parts were left as small islands, forming the current landscape. Beautiful in each season, the landscape of green pines growing on the off-white islands of various forms, floating in blue waters, has been known since ancient times as a spot of natural beauty in Japan.

 Matsushima has been known as a scenic area in the Tohoku region since ancient times. Mutsu Kokufu (The ancient executive branch of the Tohoku region) was established in AD 724 in the adjoining Tagajo city (多賀城市). Nobles dispatched by the central government took home with them stories of the beauty of this region when they returned to the capital. Since the days of the dynasty, people longed for the land of Michinoku (the ancient name of the Tohoku region), and composed many waka poems (Japanese classical style short poems) about Matsushima.

 In his book, Noin (能因法師, 988-1058?) elaborated about waka poems, "Matsushima", "Ojima" and "Magaki no shima", using classical Japanese verse. In Hyakunin-isshu (百人一首, the most famous waka poem anthology compiled in the Kamakura period), 3 poems were selected with subjects focused on Matsushima. There are a number of famous authors and poets who wrote of Matsushima, like Minamoto no Toru (源融, 822-895), Minamoto no Shigeyuki (源重之, ?-1000), Saigyo (西行, 1118-1190). The first lord of the Sendai domain, Date Masamune (伊達政宗 , 1567-1636) also loved Matsushima and wrote poems about its beauty.

 One world-famous poet who visited Matsushima is Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), known as the greatest haiku poet in history. In his book, "The Narrow Road to the Deep North" (おくのほそ道), Basho noted in the beginning of his journey to the Tohoku religion, "The beautiful moon of Matsushima impresses on the mind more than anything". In おくのほそ道, he praised the beauty of Matsushima as "The top among Japan’s landscapes, and even rivals the scenic spots in China." From the landscape of Matsushima and the taste of the rocky shore of Ojima, Basho was overwhelmed and was unable to write haiku, and even couldn't sleep due to excitement.

 On December 3, 1922, Albert Einstein visited Matsushima for the purpose of viewing the moon. It has been said that he became speechless upon seeing the beauty of the waxing moon, and after regaining his composure he told his companions, "No master craftsman could craft such beauty."

 Famous historical buildings like the Zuigan-ji temple (瑞巌寺), the Entsu-in temple (円通院) and the Kanran-tei (観瀾亭, tea ceremony pavillion) will allow you to feel the solemn atmosphere of ancient Japan.

五大堂

 Through the long history of Japan, the beauty of Matsushima had been longed for and loved. You can enjoy the landscape and relax in our special seats. We have prepared the seats here at Palace Matsushima (パレス松洲).

• Miyagi Touring Navigation (Miyagi prefectural government)
• Matsushima Tourism Association (English, 汉语, 한국어)
• Facebook Page "Visit Matsushima" (informations about special events and seasonal activities in Matsushima)
• Matsushima in Wikipedia
• Matsushima in Wikitravel
• World's Most Beautiful Bays Club - Matsushima

Miyagi prefectural government "Matsushima Bay Journey Through 1,000 Years of History"

English 한국어 汉语 閩語 日本語

After The Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

 March 11, 2011, an earthquake and tsunami of unprecedented magnitude struck the Pacific Ocean coast of eastern Japan. More than 10,000 people were missing or died in Miyagi Prefecture. In the Matsushima area, the islands floating in the bay helped to dissipate the energy of the tsunami and the damage was relatively small. Of course, the area received a fair bit of damage but our historical landscape protected the area, and we could start on the road to recovery from a fairly early stage.

 We are ready to welcome customers. More than anything else we take joy in offering our hospitality to travelers and engaging in tourism in these affected areas.

 There has been no change to the beauty of Matsushima. The landscape that has been loved by the Japanese people for more than 1,000 years can now also touch and heal people. We are always welcome to tourists from all over the world wishing to visit this land and enjoy its beauty.

Premier Japanese-style Room

The largest type of room in Palace Matsushima. A bedroom with 2 double beds and a spacious Japanese-style room.

• Capacity: 2 to 6 people
• A twelve-and-half tatami mat Japanese style room with a wide veranda and a bed room with two double beds
• A bathroom with a bathtub and a shower, and a toilet equipped with a washlet.
• Digital TV (37-inch screen)

Premier Suite Room

Western-style suites for 1-2 people. 50 square meters wide, calm but functional. Only two rooms of this type available at Palace Matsushima.

• Capacity: 1 to 2 people
• A bed room with two double beds and a living area
• A bathroom with a bathtub and a shower, and a toilet equipped with a washlet
• Digital TV (50-inch screen)

Japanese-style Suite Room

Two Japanese-style adjoining rooms. Suitable for families. Clean and restful.

• Capacity: 2 to 7 people
• An eight tatami mat Japanese style room with a wide veranda and a seven and a half mat Japanese style room
• A bathroom with a bathtub and a shower, and a toilet equipped with a washlet

Japanese-style Room

A basic Japanese-style room for small groups of travelers and families. Casual and intimate.

• Capacity: 1 to 5 people
• A ten tatami mat Japanese style room with a wide veranda
• A toilet equipped with a washlet, no bathroom

Twin Room

Suitable for 1-2 people with two beds. Compact, functional and elegant.

• Capacity: 1 to 2 people
• A bathroom with a shower, and a toilet equipped with a washlet

Meals

We mainly provide Japanese rustic style meals, using food of guaranteed safety and quality from Miyagi Prefecture, especially seafood from the Sanriku coast. Our guests can enjoy delicious meals made up of local specialties.