Japan is an island nation that has always been known for its stunningly beautiful landscapes but even amongst these, there are three locations that rise above the others and are designated as the most scenic spots of the nation:
- Matsushima (松島) in Miyagi Prefecture (宮城県),
- Amanohashidate (天橋立) in Kyoto Prefecture (京都府), and
- Miyajima (宮島) in Hiroshima Prefecture (広島県).
Together, they are known as Nihon Sankei (日本三景), or the Three Scenic Views of Japan. Shunsai Hayashi, a Confucian scholar who lived during the Edo Period (1603–1868) bestowed unparalleled praise upon these three locations in his book “Observations About the Remains of Japan’s Civil Affairs” (日本国事跡考), leading to the widespread fame that these places enjoy today.
The breathtaking panoramas, distinguished by the sea and verdant landscapes, have enchanted innumerable individuals, and have been enshrined in the works of poets, artists and writers throughout history.
Journey Across the Three Seas
A common characteristic shared by all three scenic locations are the large bodies of water surrounding them. | Photo by PhotoAC
Though situated in distinct regions of Japan, these three scenic views share the common trait of being enveloped by bodies of water. Therefore, a pilgrimage to these destinations is often referred to as the “journey across the three seas”, each offering unique perspectives of Japan: in Matsushima, one can behold the magnificent expanse of the Pacific Ocean (太平洋); in Amanohashidate, the tumultuous waters of the Sea of Japan (日本海); and in Miyajima, the serene and peaceful Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海).
Now, let's take a journey to these top three views of Japan!
1. Matsushima (松島)
A panoramic view of Matsushima Bay in early autumn. | Photo by Adobe Stock
Featured in Oku no Hosomichi (おくのほそ道), a book written by the renowned haiku poet Matsuo Basho, Matsushima Bay boasts 260 pine clad islands, captivating viewers with a beauty so sophisticated that left even the esteemed poet speechless. With its allure dating back to the Heian Period (794–1185), Matsushima is a historic scenic destination that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the same stirring emotions that Basho felt during his visit.
Matsushima’s Four Panoramic Views
Sokan, viewed from mount Otakamori during sunset. | Photo by Adobe Stock
While touring by boat provides an excellent vantage point for observing Matsushima Bay as a whole, there are four specific locations renowned as prime spots for panoramic views of these islands, collectively referred to as the Shitaikan (四大観 Four Panoramic Views). Each of these locations is distinguished by a nickname that encapsulates its unique perspective.
- Sokan (壮観 The Grand View): Mount Otakamori (大高森) in the east showcases a complete panoramic perspective of Matsushima Bay and Saga Gorge (嵯峨渓).
- Reikan (麗観 The Beautiful View): Standing at an elevation of 116.8m above sea level, Mount Tomiyama (富山) provides the highest viewpoint, offering visitors a serene and graceful perspective of Matsushima Bay from the tranquil surroundings of Ogyoji Temple (大仰寺)'s garden.
- Ikan (偉観 The Dynamic View): From the cliffs of Yogasaki (代々崎) at the northern tip of Shichigahama Town (七ヶ浜町), one can enjoy views of the bay and Shiogama Port (塩釜港), where ships elegantly navigate their way through and around the islets.
- Yukan (幽観 The Mysterious View): From the peak of Ogitani (扇谷), the inlet leading to Matsushima Bay stretches out resembling a folding fan. Not only does one get to enjoy Matsushima Bay in its entirety, but also the breathtaking sunrises that extend over the bay.
Matsushima’s Golden Road
The sight of a stunning golden path forming under the full moon was what drew Basho to Matsushima. | Photo by Adobe Stock
On nights with a full moon, a radiant path of golden moonlight emerges, forming a luminous road over the bay towards the moon, thus the name “The Golden Road”. As the moon ascends to its zenith, this pathway transitions from gold to silver. In this glistening, ethereal realm, the islands and pine trees appear as mere silhouettes against the backdrop of the sky and water. This picturesque landscape was what had drawn Basho to Matsushima.
Evoking the atmosphere of traditional ukiyo-e paintings, this romantic scenery played a significant role in the recognition of the moon over Matsushima as one of Japan's “100 Famous Moons” in 2016.
Godaido Temple: Remnants of Azuchi Momoyama Period
Godaido Temple, the symbol of Matsushima and the oldest structure in the Tohoku Region built in the Azuchi Momoyama architectural style. | Photo by Adobe Stock
On the central island, linked to the mainland by vermilion footbridges, stands a hallmark of Matsushima: the Godaido Temple (五大堂). Legend has it that it was originally established by Tamuramaro Sakanoue in 807 and subsequently reconstructed by Masamune Date, the founding figure of the Sendai domain in 1604. The temple houses the statues of the five Kings of Wisdom (五大明王 Godai Myo-o), which are revealed to the public only once every 33 years, with the upcoming exhibition slated for 2039.
Hosting Tohoku's oldest structure in the Azuchi Momoyama Period (1568–1600) architectural style, Godaido Temple holds the distinction of being designated as an Important Cultural Property.
Getting to Matsushima
The newly-renovated Matsushimakaigan Station in Matshushima | Photo by Star train / CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED
From Tokyo Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Sendai Station (approx. 1.5 hours). Transfer to the Senseki Line at Sendai Station and get off at Matsushimakaigan Station (approx. 40 minutes). The entire journey from Tokyo Station to Matsushimakaigan Station is covered by the Nationwide JAPAN RAIL PASS, JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area), and JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass.
Matsushima Bay Cruise (松島島巡り観光船)
Address: 85 Matsushima-chonai, Matsushima, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi 981-0213
Access: Matsushima Pier (松島島巡り観光船乗り場) is a 2-minute walk from Matsushimakaigan Station (松島海岸駅).
2. Amanohashidate (天橋立)
Amanohashidate, also known as the “bridge over heaven”, is a natural land bridge stretching over Miyazu Bay in Northern Kyoto. | Photo by Dawn Sim
Amanohashidate, a pine-covered sandbar stretching across the mouth of Miyazu Bay (宮津湾) in the picturesque coastal area of Northern Kyoto Prefecture, is a natural land bridge formed by the convergence of the Sea of Japan and the sediments from the Noda River (野田川) flowing into the Aso Sea (阿蘇海).
Legend describes this phenomenon as a bridge crafted by the deity Izanagi no Mikoto, intending to visit his beloved, the goddess Izanami no Mikoto, from the heavens. However, the bridge ultimately collapsed into the sea, giving rise to Amanohashidate, which translates to “bridge over heaven”.
Walk Along the Famous Sandbar
Amanohashidate Jinja lies along the sandbar of Amanohashidate and is believed to be a power spot where one could pray for the fulfillment of love. | Photo by PhotoAC
This sandbar, 3.6km in length, was formed through the gradual accumulation of sand over time, and is adorned with approximately 5,000 pine trees. A leisurely stroll along this expanse typically takes around 45 minutes on foot, or about 15 minutes by bicycle.
Along the route lies the Amanohashidate Shrine (天橋立神社), renowned as one of the power spots in the Tango (丹後) area, and also popular among couples praying for the fulfillment of love.
Adjacent to this shrine is a mysterious well known as Isoshimizu (磯清水) that gushes freshwater despite being surrounded by the sea. It is also recognised as one of Japan’s “100 Famous Waters”, so be sure to check it out! Numerous benches are scattered along the path, inviting visitors to pause, take breaks, and relish the serene ambience of the bay.
The Dragons of Amanohashidate
Panoramic view of Amanohashidate as seen from the observation deck of Amanohashidate View Land. | Photo by Dawn Sim
Two of the most renowned spots for admiring the panoramic views are Amanohashidate View Land (天橋立ビューランド) to the south and Kasamatsu Park (傘松公園) to the north. At Amanohashidate View Land's observation deck, accessible via a monorail or lift, visitors can expect to find the mata-nozoki (股のぞき) platform. This is where you can bend forward to observe the scenery upside down through your legs, inverting heaven and earth and creating a captivating illusion known as Hiryukan (飛龍観) or Flying Dragon View, wherein the sandbar appears like a dragon soaring through the sky.
Conversely, at Kasamatsu Park, another mata-nozoki platform offers a different perspective of Amanohashidate, with the imagery of a dragon seemingly ascending to the heavens, thus earning the name Shoryukan (昇龍観) or Rising Dragon View.
Bodhisattva of Wisdom
Home to the Buddhist deity of wisdom, Chionji Temple, located in the southern tip of Amanohashidate is a popular spot among students who seek academic excellence. | Photo by Adobe Stock)
At the southern tip of Amanohashidate stands Chionji Temple (智恩寺), immortalized in the Amanohashidate-zu painting by the renowned Japanese ink painter, Sesshu, five centuries ago. It is home to one of Japan’s “Three Important Statues of Monju Bosatsu”, the Buddhist deity of wisdom and intellect.
Revered as a symbol of wisdom, this temple attracts numerous students and visitors who seek blessings for academic excellence. Omikuji (おみくじ) fortunes, shaped like folding fans, can be purchased and hung on the pine trees dotting the temple grounds.
Additionally, visitors can explore other notable structures within the temple premises, such as a grand entrance gate constructed over seven years by 8,780 carpenters, and a two-story tahoto (多宝塔) style pagoda dating back to the 1500s, designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
Getting to Amanohashidate
Amanohashidate Station | Photo by Wei-Te Wong / CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED
From Kyoto Station, take the Limited Express Hashidate train to Amanohashidate Station (approx. 2 hours 15 minutes). The entire journey from Kyoto Station to Amanohashidate Station is covered by the Nationwide JAPAN RAIL PASS and selected JR West Rail Passes including the JR-WEST All Area Pass, Kansai WIDE Area Pass, and Sanyo-San'in Area Pass.
Amanohashidate Sandbar (天橋立砂浜)
Address: Monju, Miyazu, Kyoto 626-0001, Japan
Access: 7-minute walk from Amanohashidate Station (天橋立駅)
3. Miyajima (宮島)
During low tide, one can get up close and personal with the gigantic torii gate in Miyajima Island. | Photo by Dawn Sim
The last of Japan's Three Scenic Views, and arguably the most renowned among them, leads us to Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture. Revered for centuries as a sacred site of Shinto, Miyajima has preserved the ambiance of an Edo Period post station, continuing to welcome pilgrims even in contemporary times.
This location also served as the inspiration for numerous iconic prints by the celebrated woodblock artist Hiroshige Utagawa, including “Low Tide at Miyajima in Aki Province” (安芸宮島汐干) from the series “One Hundred Famous Views in the Various Provinces” (諸国名所百景).
A Sacred Land
Itsukushima Jinja, a symbol of Miyajima and a national treasure designated as a World Heritage Site. | Photo by PhotoAC
Regarded as a quintessential symbol of Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社) attained its current grandeur in 1168 under the fervent patronage of Taira no Kiyomori, a general in the late Heian Period. The expansive grounds of Itsukushima are interconnected by a 108-room corridor, encompassing various shrines, a noh (能) theatre stage, and music rooms amongst other structures.
Architecturally, the shrine embodies the aesthetic beauty of the Heian period, featuring vermilion-lacquered roofs and cypress bark roofing, reminiscent of the Shinden-zukuri style prominent in noble residences of that era.
Checking the tide schedule during your visit allows you to witness the ever-changing scenery of Itsukushima Shrine and even enables you to approach the monumental torii gate up close.
Miyajima’s Pristine Nature
From the top of Mount Misen, one can catch a glimpse of the unparalleled beauty of the Seto Inland Sea. | Photo by Dawn Sim
The essence of Miyajima lies within the beauty of its untouched primeval forest on Mount Misen (弥山) and the charming streets that reminds one of the atmosphere of the Edo Period. Due to its historical status as a place of worship, Miyajima has retained its pristine environment over the centuries. Until the Kamakura Period (1185–1333), Miyajima was strictly off-limits to the public, contributing to the preservation of its unique variety of nature and flora which were not found on nearby islands.
From the summit, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea, a view that rightfully earned Miyajima its esteemed status as one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views.
The Origin of Buddhism in Miyajima
Henjo Cave in the temple grounds of Daisho-in, home to 88 Buddhist icons representing the temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. | Photo by PhotoAC
Located at the foot of Mount Misen, Daisho-in (大聖院) is a Buddhist temple founded by the monk Kukai during the first year of the Daido Era, marking the beginning of Buddhism's presence on the island. Esteemed as one of the principal temples of Shingon Buddhism, Daisho-in is dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess associated with music, art, and water.
Within the temple grounds, visitors encounter a multitude of statues depicting guardian deities of children. Further exploration of the temple complex leads to Henjo Cave (遍照窟), housing 88 Buddhist icons symbolizing the temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage (四国巡礼).
Getting to Miyajima
Hiroden-Miyajimaguchi Station | Photo by S.Raika / CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED
From Hiroshima Station, take the local train on the Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (approx. 30 minutes) or the Hiroden Streetcar to Hiroden-Miyajimaguchi Station (approx. 1 hour). Walk over to the nearby Miyajima Ferry Terminal. From there, it takes about 10 minutes by ferry to reach the island of Miyajima. The entire journey from Hiroshima Station to Miyajima (JR West Miyajima Ferry ride included) is covered by the Nationwide JAPAN RAIL PASS and selected JR West Rail Passes including the JR-WEST All Area Pass, Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass, and Sanyo-San'in Area Pass. Note that the Hiroden Streetcar is not covered by any of the rail passes above.
Miyajima Ferry Terminal (宮島口旅客ターミナル)
Address: Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588, Japan
Access: 3-minute walk from Miyajimaguchi Station (宮島口駅) / 1-minute walk from Hiroden-Miyajimaguchi Station (広電宮島口駅)
Ferry Opening Hours: 06:25 to 22:42
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An inextricable part of Japanese history and culture, these iconic landscapes represent the essence of Japanese travel, captivating and fascinating people throughout the ages, and have garnered enduring love from locals and tourists alike. Why not add these breathtaking sights to your next itinerary and immerse yourself in the beauty that has mesmerized countless individuals for centuries?
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