Matsushima Bay is one of the top 3 scenic views of Japan, and we were lucky enough to live close enough to go Urban Sketching often. Watch John Mark draw the famous pine-covered islands at real speed, while he and Kate chat about what they like about the area.
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As we’ve officially moved back to the States from Japan, we’re starting to make more art-related videos. We still have some Japan life videos coming down the pipeline, though, so be sure to stick around for those.
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See what had the most famous poet in Japan almost speechless. Watch John Mark as he draws Matsushima Bay, one of the most visited sites (and sights) in Japan, in this not-so-urban sketching video. Listen to the sounds of the birds, Kate, and John Mark as they talk about this place that has traditionally been one of the TOP 3 places to see.
松嶋や 松島や matsushima ya
さてまつしまや ああ松島や aa matsushima ya
松嶋や 松島や matsushima ya
roughly translated, this poem means:
Matsushima ah [here and hereafter: a sound of satisfaction, like after you take a drink]
ah Matsushima ah
Matsushima ah
Often attributed to the famous Haiku poet Basho, this poem is more than likely attributed to Tawara-bō (田原坊), an obscure poet from almost a hundred years after Basho’s death in 1694.
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Toto Italian Cafe
Toto is a cute, Italian style cafe that’s not too Japanese. It has a nice view of the station’s parking lot from the inside, but if you can sit outside, you might be able to see the bay. It’s one of John Mark’s favorite italian restaurants, and he recommends the pescatore, or anything with seasonal vegetables and pasta.
Cafe le Roman
AloJapan.com