The Three Great Views of Japan

Japan's Scenic Trinity

For centuries, Japanese travelers have agreed on three landscapes surpassing all others: Matsushima, Miyajima, and Amanohashidate. Known as "Nihon Sankei" (Three Views of Japan), these sites combine natural beauty with cultural significance.

Matsushima (Miyagi Prefecture)

Over 260 pine-covered islands dot Matsushima Bay, creating an archipelago that has inspired poets for centuries. The haiku master Bashō, upon visiting, reportedly could only exclaim "Matsushima, ah! Matsushima, ah! Matsushima, ah!"—rendered speechless by beauty.

How to see it: Boat tours traverse the bay. Four designated viewpoints (Ōtakamori, Tomiyama, Tamonzan, Ogidani) offer different perspectives.

Nearby: Zuigan-ji temple, one of Tōhoku's finest, with cave carvings and elaborate interiors.

When to visit: Year-round beauty, but autumn adds red leaves to green pines.

Miyajima (Hiroshima Prefecture)

The "floating" vermillion torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, standing in the tidal flats, creates Japan's most photographed scene. The entire island is sacred—historically, no births or deaths were permitted there.

How to see it: Ferry from Hiroshima (included in JR Pass). Walk the island; climb Mount Misen for views.

Nearby: Hiroshima's peace memorial sites; Ōkunoshima "rabbit island."

When to visit: High tide for the "floating" effect; low tide to walk beneath the gate. Check tide tables.

Amanohashidate (Kyoto Prefecture)

A 3.6-kilometer pine-covered sandbar stretches across Miyazu Bay, its name meaning "Bridge to Heaven." Tradition holds you should view it upside-down, between your legs—the sandbar then appears to rise into the sky.

How to see it: Viewing platforms on surrounding hills (cable car access). Rent bicycles to cross the sandbar.

Nearby: Traditional fishing villages, hot spring resorts.

When to visit: Clear days for the view; the area is particularly atmospheric in quiet seasons.

Visiting All Three

Seeing all three requires traveling north-south across Japan. A week-long itinerary combining them might include:

Day 1-2: Hiroshima and Miyajima

Day 3: Travel to Amanohashidate (shinkansen + local train)

Day 4: Amanohashidate

Day 5: Travel to Matsushima (shinkansen)

Day 6-7: Matsushima and Sendai

JR Pass makes the journey economical.