Japan Photo Guide

Matsuhima is considered to be one of the 3 most scenic places of Japan. Matsushima is a bay with hundreds of islands, that have been carved away by the ocean, that are covered with pine trees. Matsushima is an amazing place but for a photographer the weather will drastically make or break your photos.

Of course this could be true for any place and seems like common sense, but Matsushima is a place that it’s true beauty can only be appreciated with good weather (and the right time of the day). During the day you can take a boat ride/tour throughout the bay. Also you can walk through some of the larger islands which can be nice.

Matsushima is close to Sendai and can be reached by train. For more detailed access information please see the Japan-guide.com.

Amanohashidate is considered to be one the 3 most scenic views of Japan. Located in Kyoto Prefecture, about 2 hours from the city of Kyoto, it is kind of out of the way of most travel plans. If you have ample time, it is worth checking out, but to be honest, if you have limited time you are better off in Kyoto, Nara or IMHO even Himeji Castle.

Amanohashidate means “bridge to heaven,” and it is said that if you go up to either one of the hills that overlooks the 3.6km long sandbar covered with pine trees, that it looks like a bridge leading to heaven. Both hilltops can be accessed by cable car and have nice views (assuming it isn’t cloudy like the day I went). The sandbar takes about 45 minutes to walk from end to end and makes for a nice walk.

For more access information please see the Japan-Guide.com.

For more access information please see the .