Enjoy Matsushima, One of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views! Highlights and Access for the Matsushima Four Great Views

The “Matsushima Four Great Views” are four viewpoints surrounding Matsushima Bay from the north, south, east, and west.
All four offer sweeping views of Matsushima’s beautiful scenery from the mountain top (or near the summit).
In addition to being the names of the viewpoints, “Matsushima Four Great Views” are also known by names that describe the impression of each view.

These names describing the impression of each view were given around 1820 by Funayama Mannen, a Confucian scholar of the Sendai Domain.
Since each viewpoint offers different scenery, the Matsushima Four Great Views are a must if you want to fully enjoy the sights of Matsushima Bay.

“Sokan: Otakamori” is the summit of a small mountain (Approx. 106 m) located in the center of Miyatojima, Higashimatsushima City.
At “Otakamori,” you can enjoy panoramic views stretching in all directions.
From west to south are the many islands floating in Matsushima Bay; to the east are the islands of Sagakei and the vast Pacific Ocean;
and to the north you can look out over the Nobiru Coast and distant views of the city of Ishinomaki.
The view from the summit of Otakamori truly lives up to the name “Sokan,” offering a grand, spectacular panorama.

“Ikan: Tamon-yama” is a small mountain in Shichigahama Town with an elevation of around 56 m.
It’s a viewpoint where Matsushima’s islands look like stones arranged in a Japanese garden.
A beautiful landscape spreads out across Umaboshijima, Jizojima, and the many islands of Matsushima Bay.
From the cliffs of Yogasaki at the northern end of Shichigahama Town, you can watch waves rolling in from the Pacific and crashing below; this grand scenery is why it was named “Ikan.”
You can also enjoy the sight of vessels large and small coming and going through Shiogama Port, with the islands of Matsushima as a backdrop.

“Reikan: Tomiyama” is a 116.8 m mountain located near the border between Matsushima Coast and Higashimatsushima City.
It’s a scenic spot where you can see the full view of Matsushima Bay head-on.
The picturesque scenery—also depicted by ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige in “Rokujuyoshu Meisho Zue”—was described as the beautiful view known as “Reikan.”
From the garden of Daigyoji Temple, covered with large cedar and pine trees, you can take in Matsushima’s vast scenery in a quiet, serene atmosphere.

“Yukan: Ougidani” is located behind Sokan-zan.
From the summit, the inlets of Matsushima Bay appear to float like an open fan.
Its calm, profound scenery is described as “Yukan.”
The view of Matsushima from Ougidani, colored by fall foliage, is breathtaking.

Matsushima’s stunning seascapes and natural scenery continue to captivate visitors.
At the “Matsushima Four Great Views,” where you can look out over its vast landscape, you’ll see different sides of Matsushima from each viewpoint.
Perhaps because they’re away from Matsushima’s main tourist areas, these are relatively quiet hidden gems. If you’re visiting Matsushima, take your time and enjoy the breathtaking scenery at the Matsushima Four Great Views.
If you’d like to learn more Matsushima sightseeing spots, this article may also be helpful.