Nov. 2010 Japan Trip - Post #10: Matsushima ah!

When Mary and I planned to stay in the Tohoku region for a couple of nights, it was really a fairly easy decision on where we would stay - Matsushima!  Yes that's right, just swallow deeply when it comes to paying the bill for it is not cheap, but it is definitely worth it.  We decided to stay at the Matsushima Century Hotel, which was a little bit less expensive than some of the other behemoth properties that cater to the swells of Japanese (and foreign) tourists that this city is dependent on for it's main commerce.

The Century is perfectly located right on the edge of Matsushima Bay, and the views out our window are the same views that have fascinated visitors to this amazing area for centuries.  We had wonderful weather while we were there, but one of the great thrills of this hotel stay was Mary and I sleeping on futons for the very first time.  And we LIKED IT!!!!

Yes you may laugh and think the hot spring bath and views should be the best.  Well I did try the bath, and it was interesting (a bit too hot for me actually, but still refreshing), but the futon was a really wonderful experience.  Please pardon our messy room below, but unless I showed you, you may not believe me!  And look at the door.  Mary even took her shoes off.  How polite!!!

Strolling around this small town is wonderful.  There is a big temple there (Zuigan-ji), but we did not get a chance to visit it (next time).

I will have a couple of more posts on this Matsushima visit before we leave this amazing town.

This will not be the last time I visit this place (hopefully).