【Overview of the Town of Matsushima】 　 The town of Matsushima is counted as one of the three most scenic sites in Japan, and over the years has been visited by many intellectuals as an attractive scenic area with a view of roughly 260 islands scattered around Matsushima Bay. The Matsushima scenery led the master of Haiku poetic literature, Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), say it was "the very best view in Japan," and never fails to please the eye. In Matsushima there are a variety of tourist attractions such as various observations spots, including the representative views from the Four Best Viewpoints, "Zuiganji Temple", the only Zen temple in Tohoku, the main shrine of the Five Great Vidyarajas "Godaido Hall", and a wealth of historical cultural heritage associated with the Date Clan, including the "Kanrantei", a tea ceremony house. A tour on one of the sightseeing boats also is available. 【For further information, contact the following】 E-mail:matsushima@town.matsushima.miyagi.jp Web site: http://www.town.matsushima.miyagi.jp （Matsushima Municipal Office） Web site: http://www.matsushima-kanko.com (Matsushima Tourism Association) 【Access】 Public Transportation: 23 minutes from Sendai station to Matsushima- Kaigan station by the JR Senseki Line rapid train. Approximately 25 minutes from Sendai station to Matsushima- Kaigan station by the JR Tohoku Honsen Line Car:Approximately 50 minutes from central Sendai via Route 45.