<strong>Matsushima, Japan: </strong>Matsushima, one of Japan's fabled three most scenic places, features more than 260 small, pine tree-covered islands.
Matsushima, Japan: Matsushima, one of Japan's fabled three most scenic places, features more than 260 small, pine tree-covered islands.
Sean Pavone/iStockphoto/Getty Images
<strong>Japan's oyster capital:</strong> In addition to the views, Matsushima is famous for its oysters. "Wild oysters were first discovered as a culinary delight and harvested from Matsushima Bay back in the 17th century," says Japanese culinary expert <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhirokoskitchen.com%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">Hiroko Shimbo</a>. <br />
Japan's oyster capital: In addition to the views, Matsushima is famous for its oysters. "Wild oysters were first discovered as a culinary delight and harvested from Matsushima Bay back in the 17th century," says Japanese culinary expert Hiroko Shimbo.
JNTO
<strong>Matsushima Fish Market: </strong>One of the best places to sample these fine salt-water bivalve molluscs is at an all-you-can-eat oyster shack. The Matushima Fish Market has one in its parking lot, seen here on the left.
Matsushima Fish Market: One of the best places to sample these fine salt-water bivalve molluscs is at an all-you-can-eat oyster shack. The Matushima Fish Market has one in its parking lot, seen here on the left.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
<strong>Funky little shack: </strong>Visitors pay upfront and are seated at a grilling table. Armed with a knife, diners slap on a glove and dive in, shucking then plucking the sweet, delicate meat from the shell with chopsticks.
Funky little shack: Visitors pay upfront and are seated at a grilling table. Armed with a knife, diners slap on a glove and dive in, shucking then plucking the sweet, delicate meat from the shell with chopsticks.
Pongpat Patumsuwon
<strong>Those views:</strong> Matsushima Bay has been the muse of many Japanese poets and artists through the ages, appearing in dozens of works.
Those views: Matsushima Bay has been the muse of many Japanese poets and artists through the ages, appearing in dozens of works.
JTB Photo/UIG via Getty Images
<strong>Matsushima Bay Fish Market:</strong> Inside Matushima's small but substantial fish market, visitors will find a variety of food vendors in addition to packaged seafood items for those looking to take home souvenirs.
Matsushima Bay Fish Market: Inside Matushima's small but substantial fish market, visitors will find a variety of food vendors in addition to packaged seafood items for those looking to take home souvenirs.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
<strong>More than just oysters:</strong> Fish market visitors can order from a variety of vendors serving everything from ramen to sushi.
More than just oysters: Fish market visitors can order from a variety of vendors serving everything from ramen to sushi.
JNTO
<strong>As fresh as it gets: </strong>When your meal is ready, staff will bring it up to the dining area on the second floor.
As fresh as it gets: When your meal is ready, staff will bring it up to the dining area on the second floor.
JNTO
<strong>Oyster croquette burgers: </strong>If you're still not full, we recommend trying one of the market's famed oyster croquette burgers.
Oyster croquette burgers: If you're still not full, we recommend trying one of the market's famed oyster croquette burgers.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
<strong>Matsushima Tourism Association Oyster Shack:</strong> A snow-covered mountain of discarded oyster shells sits in an empty lot outside the Matsushima Tourism Association Oyster Shack.
Matsushima Tourism Association Oyster Shack: A snow-covered mountain of discarded oyster shells sits in an empty lot outside the Matsushima Tourism Association Oyster Shack.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
<strong>Scavenging for leftovers:</strong> In the waters nearby, swans and ducks wait for a chance to nibble on any leftovers that might get passed their way.
Scavenging for leftovers: In the waters nearby, swans and ducks wait for a chance to nibble on any leftovers that might get passed their way.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
<strong>Winter hues: </strong>The cold winds leave their mark on the islands' pine trees, giving the area an eerier feel.
Winter hues: The cold winds leave their mark on the islands' pine trees, giving the area an eerier feel.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
<strong>Kanejima (Bell Island): </strong>Located in the center of Matsushima Bay, this little island features four caverns, broken open by erosion. It's named not for its appearance but rather the sound it makes when it's hit by big waves.
Kanejima (Bell Island): Located in the center of Matsushima Bay, this little island features four caverns, broken open by erosion. It's named not for its appearance but rather the sound it makes when it's hit by big waves.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
<strong>Fishing nets: </strong>The bay is filled with oyster and wakame farms.
Fishing nets: The bay is filled with oyster and wakame farms.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
<strong>Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park:</strong> Don't care about oysters? Consider visiting Matsushima during cherry blossom season. According to the <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcnn.com%2Ftravel%2Farticle%2Fjapan-sakura-cherry-blossom-season%2Findex.html">2018 cherry blossom forecast</a>, Miyagi prefecture will be blanketed in the beautiful blooms around April 10.
Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park: Don't care about oysters? Consider visiting Matsushima during cherry blossom season. According to the 2018 cherry blossom forecast, Miyagi prefecture will be blanketed in the beautiful blooms around April 10.
JTB Photo/UIG via Getty Images
<strong>Summer hues: </strong>Matsushima's landscape is truly stunning in summer as well. Though visitors might miss out on oyster season, they'll get to experience bright, colorful scenes like this.
Summer hues: Matsushima's landscape is truly stunning in summer as well. Though visitors might miss out on oyster season, they'll get to experience bright, colorful scenes like this.
JTB Photo/UIG via Getty Images
<strong>Matsushima from above: </strong>An aerial view of Matsushima Bay. Cruises depart hourly from Matsushima Pier, pictured here in the center of the bay.
Matsushima from above: An aerial view of Matsushima Bay. Cruises depart hourly from Matsushima Pier, pictured here in the center of the bay.
JTB Photo/UIG via Getty Images