A hill overlooking Matsushima Bay in Miyagi
Saigyō Modoshi no Matsu Park A bite of zunda mochi and the sea beyond the blossoms
From Saigyō Modoshi no Matsu Park, you can see the islands of Matsushima Bay beyond the cherry blossoms. I brought a little cup of zunda mochi and stopped to take in the flowers and the sea.
A spring outing among April’s cherry blossoms, with highlights along the way. Pick the moment that catches your eye and come explore with me.
SpringWhen the cherry blossoms bloom in April
A bite of zunda mochi, and the sea beyond the cherry blossoms
I followed the town road known as Matsushima Panorama Line up to Saigyō Modoshi no Matsu Park. From the hilltop, Matsushima Bay stretched out beyond the cherry branches. I left the front of my gray spring coat slightly open and peered into the cup of zunda mochi in my hand. The blossoms and the snack both looked so tempting that I couldn’t decide which to look at first.
With my little spoon, I scooped up a piece of white mochi coated in zunda paste. The tiny bits in the paste caught my eye, and I found myself studying them before taking a bite. The soft mochi and its sweet flavour filled my mouth. My friend beside me laughed. “You went for the snack before the view.”
I paused with my spoon and looked up. The cherry blossoms close by and the islands in the bay beyond came into view all at once. Spring light shimmered on the water through the branches. Even with the blossoms right beside me, I could see far across the bay. This is exactly the kind of cherry-blossom viewing I love.
My eyes followed the overlapping cherry branches as I looked for islands through the gaps. My friend seemed to want a photo with more of the sea in it, so she shifted to another spot. I took another spoonful of zunda mochi. I let my hand slip out past the cuff of my pale lilac knit and adjusted my grip on the cup.
The story behind the park’s name says that Saigyō Hōshi met a child beneath a pine tree, was stumped by a Zen question, and gave up his trip to Matsushima. Having come all this way, I only want to see more of Matsushima. After taking in the blossoms from the hill, I’d love to walk along the shore, too.
After the last spoonful, I looked at the bay through the cherry blossoms once more. I’ll remember this springtime pause for the sweetness of the zunda mochi and the little island I spotted among the flowers. If you’re visiting Matsushima, make time for a little trip up the hill from town to see the blossoms, too.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local food to try
Matsushima Zunda Mochi
Zunda mochi is a Miyagi specialty, and you can try it at ZUNDA ZUNDA BAYSIDE’s Matsushima location, too. The soft mochi and zunda paste make a lovely snack for a spring trip.
Highlights
Cherry Blossoms and Islands in One View
From the viewpoint, you can take in cherry blossoms and Matsushima Bay all at once. I loved spotting the little islands through the gaps in the branches.
The Legend of Saigyō Hōshi
The park’s name is said to come from a story about Saigyō Hōshi and a child’s Zen question. Learning how the park got its name after taking in the view can make your time on the hill a little more memorable.
Route information
Matsushima Panorama Line to Saigyō Modoshi no Matsu Park
- Approx. drive time from Matsushima-Kaigan Station
- About 5 minutes
- Approx. drive time from Matsushima-Kaigan Interchange
- About 5 minutes
This is a little detour up the hill from town. In spring, I’d love to take in the cherry blossoms and Matsushima Bay from the park.
The two times are estimates for the drive from Matsushima-Kaigan Station and Matsushima-Kaigan Interchange, respectively. They’re helpful if you’re combining a walk around town with a break to see the blossoms on the hill.
More Spot Guides
If you enjoyed this story, you might like these places too. I've gone back to each of them in different seasons, again and again.
