3 Best Sights in Tohoku, Japan

From Godaido Temple it's a short walk across a pedestrian bridge to the islet of Fuku-ura Jima. For the ¥200 toll you can break away from the crowds and enjoy a walk around this natural area with views across the bay. A stroll around the entire island should take less than an hour.

Just beyond the plaza and boat pier in Matsushima is a small temple constructed in 1609 at the behest of daimyo Masamune Date. The temple is on a tiny islet connected to the shore by two small arched bridges. Animals representing the zodiac are carved in the timbers and facing each sign's corresponding direction.

Matsushima's main temple dates from AD 828, but the present structure was rebuilt to meet Masamune Date's tastes in 1609. Zuiganji is perhaps the most representative Zen temple in the Tohoku region. The museum, filled with the temple's treasures including a statue of the warlord, is also well worth visiting. The natural caves surrounding the temple are filled with Buddhist statues that novices carved from the rock face as part of their training. Tours in English are available if you call ahead.