Songdao Early Summer: A Wandering of the Soul

Matsushima in early summer is like a splash-ink landscape painting, quiet and profound. I departed from Sendai and took the JR Senseki Line. It took about 40 minutes to reach this scenic spot, one of the three most scenic views in Japan. Outside the train window, the sea and sky are one color, and the occasional passing island shadows foreshadow the beauty of Matsushima. As soon as I got off the train, the fresh sea breeze blew in my face, with a light salty taste, which made people feel relaxed and happy. The beauty of Matsushima lies in its more than 260 small islands covered with pine trees, scattered on the blue sea. I chose to take a tour boat to appreciate this natural painting from the sea. The boat slowly passed by, and the islands were either majestic or graceful, some shaped like monks' hats, and some like sleeping dragons. The names such as "Bell Island" and "Twin Island" have their own legends. The sun shines on the water, sparkling, and the pine trees in the distance are looming in the mist, like a fairyland. The guide on the boat whispered the story that Basho once chanted "Matsushima, Matsushima" here, which made people imagine the poet's feelings at that time. After getting off the boat, I strolled to Zuigan Temple, a thousand-year-old temple standing quietly in the pine forest. The wooden buildings in the temple are simple and elegant, and the maple leaves in the garden are just beginning to turn red, which contrasts with the green pines. Walking along the path, occasionally hearing the sound of waves hitting the shore in the distance, the soul seems to be washed away. Then, I boarded Fukuura Island and crossed the vermilion Fukuura Bridge. The path on the island is tortuous, and the pine trees and the sea view are intertwined, and every step is a painting. Standing on a high place and looking over, the islands are dotted with stars, and the sea and sky are connected, making people forget the flow of time. Matsushima is not only a landscape, but also a habitat for the soul. In the afternoon, I tasted fresh oysters in a seaside shop. They were plump and juicy, and paired with sake, the taste was endless. As the sun sets, the sea surface is dyed golden orange, and the outline of Matsushima is softer in the twilight. I stood quietly on the shore, feeling the tranquility and beauty of this moment, as if I was one with nature. This trip to Songdao was short but profound. Its beauty lies not only in the magnificent scenery, but also in the calming atmosphere. When I left, I took away not only the photos, but also the peace and touch in my heart.