Considered as the most beautiful landscape views of the archipelago since the 17th century, the three panoramas of Matsushima, Amanohashidate and Miyajima embody a Japanese aesthetic of contemplation and harmony. Each offers a unique visual experience, shaped by the nature, time and look of men.
An ancient recognition of natural beauty
The expression “Nishon Sankei” (日本) literally “three views of Japan” refers to the country’s most emblematic landscapes, identified in 1643 by the Confucian philosopher Hayashi Razan. This classification is not only a question of visual beauty, but also of spiritual and poetic resonance. These three sites, located in distinct parts of Japan, reflect both geographic diversity and aesthetic sensitivity deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
These places are still popular destinations, accessible and integrated into many travel routes. They allow you to discover both remarkable landscapes and sites with a strong cultural or religious charge.
Matsushima: a constellated sea of islands
Located in Miyagi prefecture, in the north-east of the country, Matsushima designates a rosary of about 260 pine-covered islands scattered in the bay of the same name. The name itself means “islands with pines”, immediately evoking the fusion of the sea and the forest.
These rock formations, eroded by waves over time, offer varied and sometimes surprising forms. Some islands seem to be connected by natural arches, others emerge as isolated sculptures. The set consists of a landscape changing according to light, tides and mist.
Matsushima is also a historical and spiritual site. The Zuigan-ji temple, founded in the 9th century and rebuilt under the Edo era, is an example of Zen Buddhist architecture. A cruise in the bay allows to admire the islands more closely, while benefiting from explanations about their names and origins.
Access is easy from Sendai, with regular connections from Tokyo in shinkansen.
Amanohashidate: a bridge between earth and sky
In Miyazu Bay, north of Kyoto, Amanohashidate fascinates with its singular shape. This tombolo, 3.3 km long sand bank, connects the two banks of the bay. It is covered with more than 7,000 sea pines, forming a natural green alley at the bottom of the water.
From the heights of the city of Miyazu or Ine, the cord seems to float on the sea. Hence the name “Amanohashidate”, literally meaning “heaven bridge”. An ancient tradition is to observe the landscape by leaning forward and looking between its legs, which accentuates the impression that the bridge connects the sky to the earth.
A ride on the Tombolo allows you to cross the bay on foot or by bike. You can also take a boat or funicular to enjoy a complete panorama from the surrounding hills.
Amanohashidate is a place of calm and discreet beauty, valued for its seasonal nuances, from winter snow to golden reflections of autumn.
Miyajima: floating torii and island spirituality
The image of the large vermilion torii emerging from water in Miyajima is probably one of the best known in Japan. The island, officially named Itsukushima, is located in Hiroshima Bay. The tori marks the maritime entrance to the Shinto shrine Itsukushima-jinja, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
According to Shinto belief, the island was once so sacred that it was forbidden to set foot in it. Visitors docked under the torii on rowing boats. Even today, this symbolic gesture remains for pilgrims and tourists alike.
The tide plays an important role in the site experience. At high tide, the torii appears to float on the water. At low tide, you can walk to its base. In the background, Mount Misen forms a wooded silhouette and offers several hiking trails.
Miyajima also houses Buddhist temples, a five-storey pagoda, a loose deer park and typical shopping streets. The site is suitable for a one-day excursion as well as an extended stay on the island.
Organize a circuit around the three views
It is possible to visit the three sites in the same stay in Japan, although they are spread over a large part of the territory. Matsushima is located in Tohoku, northeastern region. Amanohashidate belongs to Kyoto Prefecture, in the heart of Kansai. Miyajima is located in the Chugoku region, west of the country.
To link these three locations, the use of the Japan Rail Pass is recommended. It takes the shinkansen to Sendai (for Matsushima), Kyoto or Fukuchiyama (for Amanohashidate), then Hiroshima or Miyajimaguchi (for Miyajima). Regional ferries and trains complete the journeys.
Spring and autumn are the most favorable periods to combine the three, with mild weather and landscapes with marked colours. Each site also offers local experiences: oyster tasting in Miyajima, boat ride in Matsushima, bike rental in Amanohashidate.
Exploring the three most famous views of Japan is embracing the diversity of landscapes, but also discovering the Japanese way of looking, naming and sublimating nature. These sites invite you to slow down, contemplate and let the landscape shape the travel experience.
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