Matsushima Bay

Matsushima is about an hour by train from Sendai and appears to be a romantic spot for couples. There are plenty of attractions to fill a sunny afternoon. We dined on oysters (fresh and deep fried), took a scenic boat trip into the bay filled with 260 tiny islands, took a stroll around the Godaido temple at the port and visited Zuigan-ji. Zuigan-ji is a zen temple founded in 828.

Currently it is under-going renovation after damage by the tsunami of March 11, 2011. However the gilded peacock screens in the main hall have already been restored and are now open.