Matsushima - Temples and Islands

As I mentioned earlier, Matsushima has many small islands scattered throughout its bay. Some of them have small temples on them, and can be reached by way of short bridges. We went to two of the little Island temples.

Matsushima - Zuiganji Temple

Japanese temples are incredible. The one we went to today, Zuiganji Temple, was the family temple of the Date clan, built in 828. Cameras unfortunately were not allowed inside, but it was spectacular to see. All of the sliding doors were painted in gold, with murals of various animals, such as peacocks and hawks. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of it was the different levels of the floor. Parts of the floor were raised, and only the higher class people were allowed there. One room in particular was higher then any of the other areas of the temple. This room was reserved for the emperor, who only visited on one occasion.



On either side of the avenue leading up to the temple were caves cut into the rock, used by the monks as places for meditation. They were really something to see, and almost a bit eerie.

Matsushima - Uni

This had to have its own post. It was definitely an experience that I will never forget. After the glass museum we drove to a large fish market. It was the coolest place, with every kind of fresh seafood delicacy you could ever imagine, including fresh uni (sea urchin).


I've always been terrified of trying uni, but when it's that fresh and still in one piece, it's pretty much impossible to say no. My host dad bought one for me, and the guy at the "uni-stand" immediately set about preparing it. Apparently there is an entire process to it. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

Step 1
Step 2
Step 3


So, my first time ever trying uni. I have heard many times before that it is an "acquired taste," and so was terrified that it would be really dreadful. I took a bite and was somewhat surprised. It definitely wasn't the most delicious thing in the world, but it sure was fun to eat. lol. It's taste kind of reminded me of the way the ocean smells - really wonderful when when you first smell it after being away for a long time and you hear the waves crashing on the shore again. That probably sounds really weird. lol

Matsushima - Weddings

The first place we saw in Matsushima was the Kyohei Fujita Museum of Glass, which had many gorgeous glass works of art, and a very beautiful and famous ocean garden. As it turned out, the museum was a very popular spot for weddings. It the hour or so that we were there, we saw three completely different styled weddings.

The Traditional Japanese Wedding - The bride and groom were dressed up in traditional Japanese style wedding garments. Their reception was held in a little open air room above the garden, looking out over the ocean. It was like watching something take place from another world.

The Chapel Wedding - When we finally averted our stares from the stunning traditional wedding taking place, we turned to see another bride, dressed in white, having a wedding in the little domed chapel which was set in the midst of the garden.


The Museum Wedding - We were leaving the museum when suddenly the staff members started sending us back the way we had come. I had no idea what was going on at first until we saw yet another bride making her way towards the entrance to the main part of the museum. It was truly the most stunning thing I had ever seen. I couldn't even think to take a picture. The main hallway leading to the museum's exhibits was darkened, with the friends and family members lining the walls and either side, and the minister standing at the end. The bride's dress had at least a six foot train. We watched in awe as the many woman surrounding her arranged the entire dress so that it fell in the perfect places around her as she walked down the aisle. It was quite some time before we were able to turn away.

Matsushima

Today was so amazing! I got up this morning and my host mom and dad surprised me by telling me that we would be visiting Matsushima! Matsushima is one of the three most famous views in Japan, with over 260 small islands scattered throughout its bay. The drive there was extremely beautiful, with endless rolling hills and lush greenery.


Even though it was a cloudy day, the view was still breathtaking with the ocean, the islands, the beaches, the temples, the mountains, the rock formations, the zen statues, and the endless greenery. It was beyond incredible.