Seasoning the Seasons - 2012/05/30 - Matsushima Islands of Beauty and Prayer

May 30, Wed.
Matsushima: Islands of Beauty and Prayer


The beautiful islands of Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture are known as one of the three great scenic spots of Japan. The view of the more than 260 islands dotting the placid waters was left amazingly unspoiled even by the Great East Japan Earthquake last year.
People have been drawn to Matsushima since olden times, not only for the beauty. The ethereal scenery was regarded as a gateway to the Pure Land of the spirits and people brought the remains of loved ones here to assist them on their journey. The local communities of this sacred place have stayed on through earthquakes, famines and other natural disasters. Those prayers were linked to Buddhism about a millennium ago. Later in the early Edo period, the great warlord Date Masamune rebuilt the Zuiganji temple to pray for success in this life and peaceful repose in death, and the most beautiful treasures of those times were gathered there.
Continuing studies have recently shed light on how Matsushima came to be. Its origin is being traced back to an enormous earthquake which struck 130,000 years ago, causing the old mountain slopes to collapse but leaving the beautiful islands behind.
We view the stunning sights of sacred Matsushima.

Matsushima Tourist Association
URL: http://www.matsushima-kanko.com/en/ (English page)

Zuiganji Temple
Zuiganji was originally founded in the Heian period but the present temple was built by the order of Date Masamune, construction starting in 1604 and being formally completed on March 26th, 1609.
The great Heisei renovation from November, 2008 to March, 2018 is now underway. The Main Hall, Inner Gate, Onarimon gate and several other structures are, therefore, currently closed to the public. The Yotokuin hall has, conversely, been opened specially from September, 2009 to March, 2016, on account of the renovation. Visitors can also enjoy the treasures of Zuiganji in the Treasure House.
URL: http://www.zuiganji.or.jp/ (in Japanese only)

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