The three most beautiful places in Japan: Nippon Sankei

Over centuries, the Japanese have identified their most beautiful places, gardens, festivals and temples, celebrating the country’s top scenic and cultural treasures. Among them, Nihon Sankei is known as the ultimate three scenic spots in Japan and enjoys a special honor.

In the 1600s, the Neo-Confucian philosopher Hayashi Kaho (also known as Hayashi Junsai) traveled across the country and carefully selected three locations—Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture, Amanohashidate in Kyoto Prefecture, and Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture—that he declared to be the most beautiful in Japan. Combining natural wonders with cultural depth, these sites have been celebrated in Japanese art, poetry, and storytelling for centuries.

Each location showcases a unique landscape and maritime culture thanks to its connections to diverse bodies of water, including the Pacific Ocean, Sea of ​​Japan, and Seto Inland Sea. Taken together, they offer a tantalizing invitation to travelers and beauty lovers—a chance to travel across Japan in search of aesthetic bliss.

Matsushima Bay, Miyagi Prefecture

Matsushima Bay sits on the coast of Miyagi Prefecture, and from here you can see more than 260 islands scattered on the sea, each topped with windswept pine trees. This iconic landscape inspired poets such as 17th-century haiku master Matsuo Basho, who fell silent in admiration, unable to capture its beauty in words. Pine Island is breathtaking all year round, with each season working its own magic on the bay.

In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, contrasting with the pine-dotted islands, while summer brings warm breezes and Umi Bon, a lively coastal celebration featuring Bon dances, taiko drum performances and paper lanterns on the water. . In mid-autumn, the sky is clear and the moonlight reflects Songdo Bay into a sparkling silver path. You can soak up the night at prime locations like Saigon Magic Pine Park and the Kanrantei Teahouse, once the moon-viewing pavilion of the legendary samurai Date Masamune. Winter brings a blanket of tranquility to the island, with occasional snowfalls creating a scene untouched by time.

For an immersive view, visit Wudaoji Temple, which is located on a small island and is connected to the mainland by a vermilion lacquer bridge. Nearby Zuiganji Temple has a unique sense of timelessness, with intricate wood carvings of real and mythical creatures and contemplative, peaceful meditation caves.

Amanohashidate City, Kyoto Prefecture

Kyoto’s Amanohashidate, which means “Bridge to Heaven,” is a dramatic sandbar covered with thousands of pine trees that gracefully spans the mouth of Miyazu Bay. Its long, broad shape has been likened to a dragon rising from the water. At Kasamatsu Park’s observation deck, visitors can try a local custom called “matanozoki” – staring at a sandbar by standing with your legs upside down for a whimsical, anti-gravity effect that makes the sandbank appear to be stretching toward Sky.

Nearby Chienji Temple is a sacred site of the Rinzai Zen sect and is dedicated to Manjusri, the Buddhist god of wisdom. A favorite pilgrimage site for students and scholars from across Japan seeking intellectual and academic success, the temple has a tranquil atmosphere and is decorated with fan-shaped charms hung by visitors from the area’s pine trees.

In the spring, the cherry blossoms bloom here, and the sandbanks are beautiful. In the summer, it is bustling, perfect for cycling and swimming. In July, during the Amanohashidate Monju-do seagoing ceremony, lanterns will be raised near the coast of Chionji Temple, accompanied by colorful lanterns. fireworks. Occasional snowfall in winter adds a soft, magical quality to the scenery, which is especially captivating when viewed from the mountaintop amusement park Amanohashidate View Park.

Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture

Just an hour’s drive from Hiroshima city, Miyajima is officially known as Itsukushima and is famous for the “floating” torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. At high tide, the shrine gate appears to float on the waters of the Seto Inland Sea, making it one of Japan’s most iconic attractions. The island is a Shinto shrine and has historically been considered a sacred place, so it is separated from the shrine itself to maintain its sanctity. Therefore, the entrance to the shrine – a huge red torii gate – is built on the sea.

Today, the island is home to around 2,000 residents and a herd of friendly, free-roaming deer, which adds to the island’s charm. In the spring, cherry blossoms cover the island, taking on a soft pink hue and making the shrine a perfect backdrop. Summer hosts the lively Festival of the Restoration, with traditional boats and melodies celebrating the island’s maritime heritage. In fall, the island’s Maple Valley Park becomes a fiery masterpiece, with maple trees painting the landscape in vivid reds and oranges. Snow occasionally falls on the island during the winter, adding a tranquil beauty to the shrine and the towering Mishan slopes behind it.

For those seeking adventure, Misan offers a rewarding escape. Hike the scenic trails or take the cable car to the top for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea to round out your day on this mysterious island.

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