Matsushima is a group
of islands in Miyagi
Prefecture, Japan.
There are some 260 tiny islands (shima) covered in pines (mats).
Miyajima Island, one of the most
scenic spots in Japan, has long been regarded as an Island of Gods on the
beautiful Seto Inland Sea. It is a romantic and historical island where
Itsukushima Shrine, a World Heritage site, is located, along with the Virgin
Forest of Mt. Misen, and numerous preserved shrines, temples and historical
monuments.
Amanohashidate ("bridge in heaven") is a
pine covered sandbar
that spans the mouth of Miyazu Bay in the scenic,. Viewed from the mountains at
either end of the bay, the looks like a pathway between heaven and earth.
