Miho no Matsubara
Map
Miho no Matsubara is a pine-covered beach about 7 km long on the Miho Peninsula in Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka, with around 54,000 pine trees lining the shore. It is known for sweeping views across Suruga Bay to Mt. Fuji and the Izu Peninsula, and in 2013 it was inscribed as a component of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Fujisan, Sacred Place and Source of Artistic Inspiration.' It is counted among the New Three Views of Japan and the Three Great Pine Groves of Japan.
Nature Info
- Type
- Pine grove
- Elevation
- Flat coastal land (elevation almost 0m); pine grove about 7km long with about 54,000 trees
- Access
- About 25 minutes by bus from JR Shimizu Station; get off at the "Miho no Matsubara Iriguchi" or "Hagoromo no Matsu" bus stop
History & Origins
Miho no Matsubara is a historic scenic spot mentioned in the Manyoshu poetry anthology, and has been loved by aristocrats and poets since the Heian period. It is also the setting of the Hagoromo (feathered robe) legend, and the 'Hagoromo no Matsu' pine, where a celestial maiden is said to have hung her robe, still stands. In the Edo period, daimyo traveling on the sankin-kotai journeys and men of letters visited, and the place appears in many paintings and literary works.
Highlights
The 'Kami no Michi' (Path of the Gods), linking the Hagoromo no Matsu with Miho Shrine, is a solemn approach lined with old pines 200 to 300 years old. On clear days, Mt. Fuji, the pine grove, and the blue sea come together in a view that feels quintessentially Japanese. Miho Shrine preserves cultural properties connected with the Hagoromo legend.
Visitor Guide
The Miho no Matsubara Visitor Center 'Mihoshirube' offers detailed explanations of the World Heritage designation and the Hagoromo legend. The pine grove can be explored freely, with no admission fee. Early morning is recommended to avoid the crowds.
Best Season
From late autumn through winter (October to February) the air is clear and Mt. Fuji is most likely to be sharply visible, creating a beautiful contrast with the pine grove.
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