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Matsushima is another good day trip option from Sendai. Easily connected by JR in only 40 minutes, the urban environment fades into a beautiful seaside atmosphere. The protected bay is home to over 260 islands.
My first stop is an uphill climb for a view of the area from Saigyo Modoshi No Matsu Park. Over 260 cherry trees are planted here for the annual spring sakura season.
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A panoramic restaurant sits at the top with the best view.
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To be honest, the cherry blossoms seemed more interesting than the view. So I didn't stick around too long and rushed back downhill towards the coast.
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Oshima is just off the coast but connected via a bright red bridge. Stone tablets and caves dot the island, which is sacred for Buddhists.
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By now, I was getting a bit hungry, so this little restaurant near the island's entrance provided suitable seafood sustenance.
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Walking along the coast, I soon emerged at Kanrantei Tea House, which faced the bay and is a wonderful place to enjoy a tea while watching the seas ripple towards you.
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At this time of morning, many cruise boats were departing from the piers next door for sightseeing around the bay.
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Godaido was built in the early 17th century on top of an island that is accessible by a short staircase and across 2 harrowing red bridges. It seems more exciting to get there than to admire the architecture itself.
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Further inland, Entsuin Temple is a feudal family's mausoleum.
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Outside, the shaded pathways also had plenty of greenery and religious symbols.
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From Sendai, take the JR train to Matsushimakaigan, a small station with a few rusty lockers but you can also leave your luggage at the building on the other side of the station entrance.
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