Basho Cruise
~Feel the same excitement Basho did~ Deep green sea, white rocks and green pine trees.a miniature landscape garden arranged on a tray of stone and sand. The islands on calm Matsushima Bay are said to number 808, but there are actually about 260 islands. The Basho cruise takes you through these islands, showing a different face of this beautiful scenery on each step of the way. Enjoy the view of vast ocean that spreads majestically into the distance, feel the refreshing sea breeze on your face, play with black-tailed gulls flying about and immerse yourself in the pleasure of traveling.
Marubun Matsushima Kisen offers cruising along shallow waters that measure only 2 meters deep for a close-up view of the islands. Only Marubun Matsushima can offer such a spectacular cruise.
Basho cruise to travel among islands
The cruise takes you along the route Basho took when he traveled by boat from Shiogama to Matsushima. Enjoy the glorious view that touched Basho deeply.
The Provided only by Marubun mark signifies that only Marubun offers cruises to these islands!
Meotojima
The two islands of Meotojima are described in a poem: "Meotojima, separated East and West yet their hearts are always together." On the right is Takatojima, known as onnajima (the woman island), and on the left is Okinotojima, known as otokojima (the man island). Matsushima was once a part of the Matsushima ridge that was eroded by river water to create many valleys. The area then downwelled due to the movement of the earth's crust, with some spots remaining higher than the ocean surface to become islands. During this long transition, tuff was eroded and to create beautiful islands that we see today, scenery that could never be created artificially.
Niojima
The wind, waves, rain and snow that have touched this island over the millennia have slowly eroded the agglomerate of the lower section, the lateral stripes of shale of the upper section, and drastically eroded soft tuff in the middle section, creating an island that looks like a statue of the Deva King. It is a work of art that reign the wide blue sea.
Katsurajiama
Located behind Nioujima, Katsurajima is the third largest island in the bay. There are about 400 people living on this island.
Komonejima
There is a cavern entrance through which small boats can pass. Red pines growing on the whitish tuff create a shadow on ocean surface, adding flavor to this beautiful scenery.
Chomei-ana
It is said that passing through this opening in a small boat will bring you long life.
Kanejima
Located in the center of Matsushima Bay, there are four entrances to a cavern broken opened by erosion caused by the waves breaking onto the weaker section of a fault, telling the story of the long work of Mother Nature. The island was given the name Kanejima (bell island) because the big waves breaking on the island sound like a bell ringing.
Sagijima
The island is called Sagijima (heron island) because the island looks as though a white heron is about to take off, depending on looking angle.
Zaimokujima
This island shows its layers of faults, its horizontal striped pattern giving it the look of stacked lumber. Waves broke onto the weak fault section, eroding it and creating a cavern entrance. This great entrance was one of the famous sightseeing spot for Matsushima until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1969 and then became the present shape.
Kabutojima
Kabutojima is one of the most impressive islands between Mishima and Kishima. The island was named Kabutojima (worrier helmet island) because of its shape.
Yoroijima
This is a small barren island with the unique shape of the crest of a wave.
Zaijojima
This island is known for that Date Masamune used for moon-viewing parties. At that time, Date Masamune said, "When the view has no limit as it is now, the falling of a castle seem meaningless." Hearing this, his follower named the island Zaijojima, which means island exists as a castle itself.
Isejima / Komachijima
The most feminine and dainty island in the bay.
Dairijima / Jyuninosakijima / Miyakojima
Ebisu Daikokujima area
Ojima
Cross the red Togetsu Bridge to see 108 Buddha statues, headstones and Zen meditation temples. It is spectacular to see the expanse of Matsushima beach and other islands from here.
Senganjima
Long ago, the lord of Sendai clan, Date Masanume, cruised along the inner bay and took a liking to the shape of this island, commenting that, "Whoever able to bring the island to my castle will be awarded with thousand kan (kan or gan= coin)," thus giving the island its name.
Futagojima
Futagojima’s graceful and beautiful natural scenery make this set of twins two of the most loved islands of Matsushima. The two islands are nicknamed Kamejima (turtle island) and Kujirajima (whale island) because of their shapes.