The Matsushima sightseeing cruise is really worth taking! Seeing Matsushima, one of Japan's Three Great Views, up close from the water is beautiful. On a clear day, the deep blue sea and all the islands are so stunning you won't want to blink. The tickets aren't expensive, so don't miss it when you visit Matsushima! Even more surprising, there were only a little over 10 people on my boat, including me. I couldn't help thinking, “Can they really make money like this?” Being able to enjoy the scenery so leisurely was also a rare experience. If you get the chance, please come and support them.
Matsushima Cruise | Review by 楊雅雯
Other Reviews by 楊雅雯
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Toyama Castle (Toyama Municipal Folk Museum)
Toyama Castle was built during the Age of Civil Wars. Then, at the completion of the post-World War II reconstruction project, Toyama Industrial Expo was held, where this memorial was built. It models a three-layer and 4-story castle which is open to the public as a folk museum.
When you come to Toyama, don't miss Toyama Castle in the city center! It was once an important base for the Maeda clan's rule over Toyama and has stood through centuries of history since the Sengoku period. Today, it serves as a local history museum. Inside the castle, you can learn about its history, and the surrounding Castle Ruins Park is also quite pleasant. It's especially popular for cherry blossom viewing in spring, when the moat, green trees, and castle are reflected in the water. The blend of the historic castle and city scenery makes it a great place for a walk and photos.
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Toyama Castle Ruins Park
Nicknamed the "Floating Castle" for its appearance of floating on water, Toyama Castle Ruins Park is built on the historic site of Toyama Castle, once the residence of feudal lords who ruled the present-day Toyama region. The park retains portions of the original stone walls, moat, and the impressive Chitose Gate, preserving the grandeur of the past.
Toyama Castle Ruins Park is located in central Toyama City. It is an urban park that combines history and greenery. Centered around Toyama Castle, it preserves stone walls, the moat, and castle scenery, and the grounds are clean and pleasant. We were very lucky to have great weather that day. It's said that when the cherry blossoms bloom in spring, they complement the beautiful scenery along the Matsukawa River, and each season has its own charm. It's about a 10–15 minute walk from Toyama Station, and it's also easy to get there by streetcar. Although the park isn't large, it's a great place for a walk and photos. If you're visiting Toyama, it's worth stopping by!
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Zuiganji Temple
This temple is said to have been opened as a Tendai Sect in the 9th century. The official name including the name of the mountain is Shoto Seiryuzan Zuiganenpukuzenji.
When visiting Matsushima, besides taking a sightseeing cruise, I also highly recommend visiting Zuiganji Temple, one of the Tohoku region's foremost ancient temples with a thousand-year history. Admission for adults is JPY 1,000, and there are several paid parking lots nearby for about JPY 300 per hour. The temple grounds include a museum, the kuri, and the main hall, all simple and solemn, with a strong sense of history. I spent about an hour exploring at a leisurely pace and taking in the beauty of the temple. If you're traveling to Matsushima, it's a good idea to visit Zuiganji Temple and take a cruise on the same day, so you can experience the mountains, sea, and historic temple all at once.
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