Japan's Three Great Views

One of Japan's three most scenic views in Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture. The multi-island beauty of over 260 islands in Matsushima Bay inspired Matsuo Basho's famous haiku. Visitors can enjoy island cruises, visiting Zuiganji Temple, and oyster cuisine.

Located in Higashi-Matsushima and Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, one of Japan's Three Great Scenic Views. More than 260 small islands dot the bay, presenting different appearances with daily tidal fluctuations. Recognized as a tourist destination from the 17th century, it was registered among Japan's Three Great Views in the Edo-period tourism guide 'Nihon Sankei.' Island-hopping by excursion boats remains popular, attracting over three million annual visitors. Winter morning mist, autumn foliage, spring cherry blossoms, and seasonal variations showcase Japan's coastal landscapes at their finest.

A shrine located on Miyajima Island in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. Its defining feature is a marine sanctuary structure assuming its current form in the 12th century. The iconic torii gate stands 16 meters high—at high tide pilgrims walk around its base, while at low tide they approach on foot. Famous as one of Japan's Three Great Views, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The autumn Kengengaku festival features musicians on boats circumnavigating the shrine. With over three million annual pilgrims, it ranks among Japan's most internationally recognized maritime structures.

A scenic site on the Tango Peninsula in Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture. A 3.6-kilometer sandbar uniquely traverses the bay's narrow waters. Its geometric beauty inspired the name 'heaven's bridge linking sky to earth.' Continuous popularity since the 17th century as one of Japan's Three Great Views attracts over two million annual visitors. Famous for '股のぞき' (viewing between legs upside-down), this inverted perspective creates 'reversed Amanohashidate,' evoking otherworldly beauty.

Located in Higashi-Matsushima and Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, one of Japan's Three Great Scenic Views. More than 260 small islands dot the bay, presenting different appearances with daily tidal fluctuations. Recognized as a tourist destination from the 17th century, it was registered among Japan's Three Great Views in the Edo-period tourism guide 'Nihon Sankei.' Island-hopping by excursion boats remains popular, attracting over three million annual visitors. Winter morning mist, autumn foliage, spring cherry blossoms, and seasonal variations showcase Japan's coastal landscapes at their finest.

A scenic site on the Tango Peninsula in Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture. A 3.6-kilometer sandbar uniquely traverses the bay's narrow waters. Its geometric beauty inspired the name 'heaven's bridge linking sky to earth.' Continuous popularity since the 17th century as one of Japan's Three Great Views attracts over two million annual visitors. Famous for '股のぞき' (viewing between legs upside-down), this inverted perspective creates 'reversed Amanohashidate,' evoking otherworldly beauty.

A castle with a National Treasure keep, nicknamed 'Crow Castle' for its striking black lacquered exterior. It houses Japan's oldest existing five-story, six-floor castle tower, and its beautiful setting against the Northern Alps backdrop attracts visitors year-round.

Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall in Wakayama, known for its sacred landscape unified with Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine. As a destination on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, it embodies the fusion of nature worship and faith in Japanese spiritual culture.

One of Japan's Three Scenic Views in Miyazu, Kyoto. A 3.6km sandbar crossing Miyazu Bay lined with pine trees creates a unique landscape. Its name — 'Bridge to Heaven' — comes from the illusion of a heavenly bridge when viewed upside-down between one's legs.

One of Japan's oldest shrines, visited by worshippers from across the country as the deity of matchmaking. Distinctive for its massive shimenawa rope and unique two-bow, four-clap, one-bow prayer etiquette, it is believed that all the gods of Japan gather here in the tenth lunar month.