Japan’s Most Scenic Spots: The “Three Views of Japan”

Japan is filled with beautiful landscapes, but three places have held a particularly special position in Japanese travel culture for centuries.

Known as the Three Views of Japan (Nihon Sankei), they are:

• Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture
• Amanohashidate in Kyoto Prefecture
• Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture

All three are famous for scenery where land, sea, islands, pine trees, and historic landmarks come together in completely different ways.

Matsushima is known for its pine-covered islands, Amanohashidate for its long sandbar crossing Miyazu Bay, and Miyajima for Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic offshore torii gate.

This guide compares all three of Japan’s most celebrated scenic views, including what to see, how long to spend, how to get there, and which destination may be best for your Japan itinerary.

If you are still deciding where to travel, see our guide to the best cities to visit in Japan for first-time travelers.

From a Local Perspective: The Three Views of Japan are historic scenic designations, so the appeal is not only about getting the most dramatic photo. Their cultural significance comes from how these landscapes have been admired and written about for generations.

What Are the Three Views of Japan?

The Three Views of Japan, or Nihon Sankei, are three landscapes that became widely celebrated after being described by scholar Hayashi Shunsai in the 17th century.

The three locations are spread across very different parts of Japan:

• Matsushima: Tohoku, facing the Pacific Ocean
• Amanohashidate: Northern Kyoto, facing the Sea of Japan
• Miyajima: Hiroshima, in the Seto Inland Sea

Visiting all three is not simply about seeing three famous landscapes. Each destination also introduces you to a different region, history, local food culture, and type of Japanese coastal scenery.

You can learn more about the history of the group on the official Nihon Sankei website.

Three Views of Japan at a Glance

Destination	Prefecture	Best For	Suggested Time
Matsushima	Miyagi	Island scenery, cruises & seafood	Half day–1 day
Amanohashidate	Kyoto	Panoramic views, cycling & nature	Half day–1 day
Miyajima	Hiroshima	Shrines, history & island scenery	Half day–1 day

Quick recommendation:

• Choose Matsushima if you are visiting Sendai or the Tohoku region.
• Choose Amanohashidate if you want to explore northern Kyoto and the Sea of Japan coast.
• Choose Miyajima if you are already visiting Hiroshima.

Matsushima – Pine-Covered Islands in Miyagi

Best for: Bay cruises, island scenery, temples, seafood, and travelers visiting Sendai

Suggested time: Half day–1 day

Matsushima is a scenic bay in Miyagi Prefecture dotted with approximately 260 pine-covered islands and rocky islets.

The combination of calm water, small islands, pine trees, bridges, and historic temples has attracted travelers and poets for centuries.

Unlike Amanohashidate, where one landform creates the main view, Matsushima is best appreciated by looking across the entire bay.

Best Things to Do in Matsushima

Take a Matsushima Bay Cruise

One of the best ways to understand the scale of Matsushima is from the water.

Sightseeing cruises travel through the bay and give you close views of many unusually shaped islands and rock formations.

Some services operate round trips from Matsushima, while others connect Matsushima with Shiogama.

Visit Godaido

Godaido is one of Matsushima’s best-known landmarks.

The small temple hall stands on an island close to the sightseeing area and is reached by short footbridges.

Its location makes it easy to combine with the waterfront and cruise terminal.

Explore Zuiganji Temple

Zuiganji is one of Tohoku’s most important Zen temples and has close historical connections with the Date clan that ruled the Sendai region.

The temple is only a short walk from the waterfront.

Walk to Fukuura Island

Fukuura Island is connected to the mainland by a long red bridge.

The island has walking paths and several places where you can look back toward Matsushima Bay and the shoreline.

How Long Should You Spend in Matsushima?

A half day is enough to see the main waterfront, Godaido, and one or two nearby temples.

Give yourself a full day if you want to take a sightseeing cruise, walk around the islands, eat local seafood, and explore at a slower pace.

How to Get to Matsushima

From Sendai Station, take the JR Senseki Line toward Matsushima-Kaigan Station.

The journey takes around 40 minutes.

Important: Matsushima-Kaigan Station is generally more convenient for the main sightseeing area than Matsushima Station.

If you are coming from Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Sendai first.

See our guide to buying Shinkansen tickets in Japan if you are unfamiliar with Japan’s bullet trains.

For official sightseeing information, see the JNTO Matsushima guide.

What to Eat in Matsushima

Matsushima is especially known for seafood.

Popular foods include:

• Oysters
• Grilled seafood
• Sushi
• Conger eel
• Local seafood rice bowls

Oysters are particularly associated with the Miyagi coast and are widely available around Matsushima during the main season.

Amanohashidate – Kyoto’s “Bridge to Heaven”

Best for: Panoramic scenery, cycling, walking, beaches, photography, and northern Kyoto

Suggested time: Half day–1 day

Amanohashidate is a long pine-covered sandbar stretching across Miyazu Bay in northern Kyoto Prefecture.

Its name means “Bridge to Heaven.”

Unlike Kyoto City’s temples and crowded sightseeing districts, Amanohashidate offers coastal scenery, beaches, cycling, and mountain viewpoints.

The sandbar can be viewed from above, crossed on foot, or explored by bicycle.

Best Things to Do at Amanohashidate

See the View from Amanohashidate Viewland

Amanohashidate Viewland is one of the most popular elevated viewpoints.

From above, the sandbar appears to stretch across the bay with water on both sides.

The viewpoint can be reached by chairlift or monorail.

Try Matanozoki

One of Amanohashidate’s most famous traditions is matanozoki.

You turn your back toward the view, bend forward, and look at the sandbar upside down between your legs.

The reversed perspective makes the sea and sky appear to switch places, creating the impression that the sandbar is floating like a bridge through the sky.

Walk or Cycle Across Amanohashidate

You can cross the sandbar itself under pine trees while enjoying views of the water.

Walking takes roughly 45–60 minutes depending on your pace, while cycling is much faster.

Rental bicycles are available around the sightseeing area.

Visit Kasamatsu Park

Kasamatsu Park provides another famous elevated view from the opposite side of the sandbar.

If you have enough time, seeing Amanohashidate from both sides provides two noticeably different perspectives.

How Long Should You Spend at Amanohashidate?

A half day works if your main goal is the panoramic view and a short walk.

A full day gives you enough time to cycle or walk across the sandbar, visit viewpoints on both sides, enjoy lunch, and explore the surrounding area.

If you also want to visit the fishing village of Ine, consider spending at least one night in northern Kyoto rather than rushing both places in a single day.

How to Get to Amanohashidate

From Kyoto Station, limited express trains connect with Amanohashidate Station.

The journey generally takes around two to two and a half hours depending on the service.

The main sightseeing area is within walking distance of the station.

Check your exact route and reservation requirements before traveling.

Our guide to the best Japan travel apps can help with train schedules and navigation.

For official information, visit the JNTO Amanohashidate guide.

What to Eat Around Amanohashidate

Northern Kyoto faces the Sea of Japan and is known for fresh seafood.

Depending on the season, you may find:

• Fresh fish and sashimi
• Yellowtail
• Crab
• Shellfish
• Seafood rice bowls

Winter is particularly popular for seafood-focused trips to northern Kyoto.

Miyajima – Shrine Scenery in Hiroshima

Best for: Shrines, temples, history, hiking, island scenery, and travelers visiting Hiroshima

Suggested time: Half day–1 day

Miyajima is the commonly used name for Itsukushima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture.

It is best known for Itsukushima Shrine and its huge offshore torii gate.

At high tide, the shrine buildings and torii appear to float on the water. At low tide, visitors may be able to walk across the exposed shore toward the gate.

The island combines religious history, mountain scenery, temples, traditional streets, food, and free-roaming deer.

Best Things to Do on Miyajima

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine is the island’s most famous attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The shrine buildings extend over the water and change dramatically depending on the tide.

If possible, check the tide schedule before your visit so you can experience the scenery you prefer.

See the Otorii Gate at High and Low Tide

At high tide, the large vermilion torii appears to float offshore.

At low tide, the water retreats and visitors can often walk closer to the gate.

If you stay long enough, seeing both conditions gives you two very different views.

Explore Daishoin Temple

Daishoin is an important Buddhist temple located near the base of Mount Misen.

Its temple grounds are filled with statues, halls, paths, and religious objects and are often quieter than the busiest streets around Itsukushima Shrine.

Go Up Mount Misen

Mount Misen rises above Miyajima and offers broad views over the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.

You can hike or use the Miyajima Ropeway for much of the climb, although reaching the summit still requires some walking.

Walk Through Omotesando Shopping Street

The main shopping street between the ferry terminal and shrine area is lined with restaurants, snack shops, and souvenir stores.

It is a good place to try Miyajima specialties such as oysters, anago, and momiji manju.

How Long Should You Spend on Miyajima?

A half day is enough for Itsukushima Shrine, the main shopping street, and nearby temples.

A full day is better if you also want to visit Mount Misen, explore quieter areas, or wait to see different tide conditions.

Miyajima is commonly visited as a day trip from Hiroshima, but staying overnight can give you a much quieter experience after many day visitors leave.

How to Get to Miyajima

From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station.

From there, walk to Miyajimaguchi Port and take a ferry to Miyajima.

The ferry crossing takes approximately 10 minutes.

For official information, see the JNTO Miyajima guide.

What to Eat on Miyajima

Miyajima has several foods worth trying.

• Oysters: Hiroshima is one of Japan’s best-known oyster-producing regions.
• Anago: Conger eel is often grilled and served over rice.
• Momiji manju: Maple leaf-shaped cakes traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste, with many modern fillings also available.

Matsushima vs Amanohashidate vs Miyajima: Which Should You Visit?

All three are famous landscapes, but the travel experience is very different.

If You Want…	Best Choice
Island scenery and a cruise	Matsushima
Panoramic views and cycling	Amanohashidate
Shrines and Japanese history	Miyajima
A day trip from Sendai	Matsushima
A quieter side of Kyoto	Amanohashidate
A day trip from Hiroshima	Miyajima
Hiking	Miyajima
Seafood	All three

For most first-time visitors, the easiest choice is simply the one that fits naturally into your existing route.

If you are already visiting Hiroshima, add Miyajima. If you are traveling through Tohoku, add Matsushima. If you want to explore beyond central Kyoto, Amanohashidate is an excellent choice.

Can You Visit All Three Views of Japan in One Trip?

Yes, but the Three Views are spread across a large part of Japan.

A route could look like:

Tokyo → Sendai & Matsushima → Kyoto & Amanohashidate → Hiroshima & Miyajima

This works much better as part of a longer Japan trip than as a short standalone itinerary.

Matsushima is in northeastern Japan, Amanohashidate is on the northern coast of Kyoto Prefecture, and Miyajima is in western Japan near Hiroshima.

If you want to see all three comfortably, allow enough time for the major intercity journeys as well as local transportation.

For first-time travelers with limited time, there is no need to visit all three simply to complete the set.

Choose the destination that fits your route and interests best.

Best Time to Visit the Three Views of Japan

Spring

Spring offers mild sightseeing weather and seasonal flowers around many nearby temples, parks, and viewpoints.

Summer

Summer brings bright coastal scenery and outdoor activities, although temperatures and humidity can be high.

Amanohashidate also has beach areas that become particularly popular in summer.

Autumn

Autumn is one of the most attractive seasons for all three destinations.

Colorful foliage adds another layer to temples, mountains, and coastal landscapes, especially around Miyajima and Matsushima.

Winter

Winter creates very different scenery at each location.

Amanohashidate can occasionally be covered in snow, while Matsushima and Miyajima offer quieter sightseeing periods and seasonal seafood.

Always check local weather and transportation conditions before visiting during winter.

Three Views of Japan FAQ

What Are the Three Views of Japan?

The Three Views of Japan are Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture, Amanohashidate in Kyoto Prefecture, and Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture.

Why Are They Called the Three Views of Japan?

The grouping traces back to a description written by scholar Hayashi Shunsai in the 17th century.

Over time, these three landscapes became widely recognized as representative examples of Japan’s scenic beauty.

Which of the Three Views of Japan Is the Best?

There is no single best destination because they offer very different experiences.

Matsushima is strongest for island scenery and cruises, Amanohashidate for panoramic views and cycling, and Miyajima for shrines, history, and hiking.

Can I Visit Matsushima from Tokyo in One Day?

It is technically possible using the Tohoku Shinkansen to Sendai and then the JR Senseki Line, but it creates a long day.

Matsushima fits more naturally into a Sendai or Tohoku itinerary.

Can I Visit Amanohashidate as a Day Trip from Kyoto?

Yes.

However, travel takes around two to two and a half hours each way, so leave Kyoto early if you want enough time for viewpoints, walking, cycling, and lunch.

Can I Visit Miyajima and Hiroshima in One Day?

Yes, many travelers combine central Hiroshima and Miyajima in one day.

However, if you want to explore Mount Misen, visit several temples, or spend more time around Itsukushima Shrine, a separate day for Miyajima is more comfortable.

Do I Need to Check the Tide Before Visiting Miyajima?

It is not required, but checking the tide can help you plan the experience you want.

High tide creates the famous floating appearance, while low tide can allow visitors to walk closer to the offshore torii gate.

Final Tips for Visiting Japan’s Three Scenic Views

Japan’s Three Views have remained famous for centuries because each combines water, landscape, nature, and human history in a completely different way.

Matsushima offers a bay filled with pine-covered islands.

Amanohashidate creates the illusion of a bridge stretching through the sky.

Miyajima combines a sacred island landscape with the offshore torii of Itsukushima Shrine.

You do not need to visit all three during your first trip to Japan.

Instead, choose the one that fits naturally into your itinerary:

• Sendai / Tohoku trip → Matsushima
• Northern Kyoto trip → Amanohashidate
• Hiroshima trip → Miyajima

If you eventually visit all three, you will also experience three very different regions and coastlines of Japan.

For more destination ideas, continue with our guide to the best cities to visit in Japan.