In the northeast of Japan in Tohoku region there is a beautiful place called Matsushima. Matsu 松 [まつ] means pine in Japanese, shima島 [しま] is an island. 松島 Island of pines. However it is not one island, but more than two hundred islands scattered in Matsushima Bay. Everyone has unique form and size. This place is ranked as one of the Three Views of Japan.
In 17 century the famous poet Matsuo Basho could describe Matsushima only by expressing his emotions:
Matsushima ya,
Aa Matsushima ya,
Matsushima ya.
The best time to visit Matsushima is May, during blossoming of magnolia, wisteria, irises and rhododendrons. The water of Bay sparkles under the summer sun, and the people fade happily at the sight of this nature magnificence.
