Dragon boat at Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture (All photos by Nathan Hill)
Yesterday (July 21) was Marine Day (Day of the Sea) in Japan and a public holiday.
By way of celebration, Japan Today carried a piece about a portable shrine being ferried across Matsushima Bay, north of Tokyo. It was part of the 67th Shiogama Port Festival in Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture. Two local mikoshi were paraded through the streets before being loaded aboard decorative boats and transported throughout the bay, accompanied by up to 100 fishing vessels.
Historically Matsushima Bay is a noted beauty spot, celebrated as one of Japan’s three most scenic views, alongside Miyajima (Kamakura) and Amanohashidate (on the Japan Sea in northern Kyoto Prefecture). Though the area was hit by the devastating earthquake of 2011, it suffered relatively minor damage and still retains its beauty. There are some 260 islets in the bay, offering different views and perspectives as one travels around by boat. When Basho visited on his Journey to the Deep North, he was at a loss for words (count the syllables!)…
Matsushima, ah!
A-ah, Matsuhshima, ah!
Matsushima, ah!
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