[Miyagi Prefecture] If you want to see Matsushima's spectacular views, check out the ``Four Great Views!'' We will explain in detail the spectacular views.

There are four scenic spots in Matsushima called the Four Great Views.

It surrounds Matsushima Bay from north to south, east and west, and each

Spectacular view (Otakamori) Reihuan (Toyama) Weihuan (Tamonyama) Yuhuan (Ogidani)

It says.

This name is said to have been named by Mannen Funayama, a Confucian scholar of the Sendai domain.

It is said that it has come to be known as the ``Four Great Views'' because it is said to be ``the spectacular view of Otakamori to the east, the elegance of Ogidani to the west, the great view of Mt. Tamon to the south, and the beauty of Toyama to the north.''

Now, let's introduce the spots one by one with photos in the order we visited them.

South, the great view of Tamonyama

Tamonyama is located in Yogasakihama Yatsugamori, Shichigahama Town, and is the most well-equipped of the four great views.

You can see Maho Island and Jizo Island in front of you, and although it is not visible in the photo, there is a thermal power plant on the right, which is surprisingly impressive.

Tamonyama derives its name from Bishamon-do Hall, where the statue of Tamonten is enshrined, and the best viewing spot is behind Bishamon-do Hall.

Tamonyama has a clean parking lot, restrooms, and park, making it a highly recommended place for families with children or on a date.

It's about a 7-8 minute walk from the parking lot to the observation area behind Bishamondo. It feels like walking along a gentle mountain path, so you can easily reach the viewing spot.

The ghost of Ogidani in the west

I had a hard time finding the entrance to Ogidani in the west.

It's on the way to Matsushima on R45, and I passed by it twice. There is a small sign at the entrance, so please be careful when heading to Ogidani.

As the name suggests, Ogidani gets its name from the scenic cove that spreads out like a fan.

The viewing area is a plaza with a small rest area, and if you climb a few stone steps, you will find Daruma-do Hall.

Although this place is not very conspicuous now, it is also the place where the Rinzai monk Kiseki Kumoi, who came to Matsushima at the time due to the repeated wishes of Date Masamune and Date Tadamune, built a hermitage in 14th year of Kanei era.

Is Ogidani a parking lot? It took less than 5 minutes to get to the observation point from there, and although the location was relatively close to the observation point, the stone steps really caught my attention.

However, even if the stone steps are a bit difficult, the view when you reach the top is truly breathtaking.

Perhaps because there was no one around and all I could hear was the chirping of birds, I feel like I understood a little more about the meaning of ``yūkan.''

As a starting point for sightseeing in Matsushima, I recommend Zuiganji Temple as it is the closest of the four great views.

North, Reikan of Toyama

Reikan of Toyama is described in the Oshu Famous Places Illustrated as ``The entire view of Matsushima is in Toyama'', and it has been famous for being a place of spectacular scenery since ancient times.

It is also a place of such spectacular scenery that Hiroshige Utagawa depicted it in his encyclopedia of famous places in the 60 states.

However, don't underestimate the fact that to get to this point, you have to climb a mountain road that only one car can pass.

The driving distance is about 2km from the entrance, but there are falling rocks along the way, so you have to be very careful when driving.

Honestly, I was licking the approach to Toyama.

In my preliminary research, I had written something like ``It's best to wear shoes that you're used to wearing,'' but I guess I'm fine with that, right? What was he thinking?

However, no matter how much you climb, it's a stone staircase.

I really reflected on my lack of physical strength.

Once you reach the top of the mountain, you will see Toyama Kannon-do, which is said to have started with a statue of Kannon Bodhisattva created by Ennin (Jikaku Daishi) enshrined at the top.

However, this Kannondo is not the goal this time. There is an observation deck in front of Kannondo, and you can see the best view from there, but today's purpose is a little further.

We will aim for Daigyoji Temple, which is right next to Kannondo.

how is it? It costs 100 yen to enter the park to enjoy the view from Daigyoji Temple, but you will definitely be satisfied. It's the best view.

I think it's the best way to sit in Shiunkaku and heal the fatigue of your journey (on the stone steps).

Luckily there was no one else there that day and I was able to relax for an hour.

East, spectacular view of Otakamori

Otakamori Observation Deck offers a view from the top of Miyato Island, Oku-Matsushima, at an altitude of 105 meters.

Since this is the top of the mountain, there are no other obstacles and you can enjoy the panoramic view, which is truly spectacular.

It's so powerful that I tremble.

This is a famous photography location nationwide, and many of the photos you see in pamphlets and tourist guides are of the view from the Otakamori Observation Deck.

There are two parking lots: the parking lot of "Aomina", which sells local tourist information and special products, and the parking lot of Oku-Matsushima Jomon Village History Museum. It is recommended that you plan your schedule well in advance to ensure entry and exit is blocked.

The Otakamori Observation Deck is a 105m high mountain, so it can be considered a beginner's level climb.

There are often chairs available for rest along the way.

Don't push yourself too hard, just take a break and move on.

As you climb the steep stairs and winding path, you can see a 360-degree panoramic view.

how is it? As I have said many times, this large panorama is truly spectacular.

If the weather is good, you can even see the Zao Mountain Range in the distance.

On this day, I didn't get to see the sunset because I used the parking lot on the Aomina side, but next time I'd like to go where the sun sets.

summary

How was it?

In one word,

“Sorry for the bad photography!!”

However, please come and visit the Four Great Views to confirm what I have written in the text. There is truly a spectacular view, and everything is awe-inspiring.

Matsushima is famous as one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, but where is the best view from? I think there are many people who do.

Each scenery has its own personality, and I'm sure you'll be able to find the one you like.

However, to be honest, it would be difficult to visit everything in one day.

It's better to focus on one place.

I went home exhausted and drank a lot of beer while looking at the photos I had taken.