“What are the three most beautiful views in Japan?” someone asks. The answer lies etched in stone before us at the \u65e5\u672c\u4e09\u666f\u7891 Plaque.
This stone monument stands near Miyajima Pier. It marks a spot celebrating Japan’s three most scenic views. These are Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture, Amanohashidate in Kyoto Prefecture and Miyajima itself. Miyajima’s official name is Itsukushima.
The \u65e5\u672c\u4e09\u666f\u7891 Plaque tells a story. Hayashi Gaho first wrote about these three views in his book “Nihon Koku Jiseki Ko”. This was early in the Edo period. Because of him the three views became widely known.
The plaque bears Hayashi Gaho’s name. It also notes the year his book was written 1643. This year is also known as Kan’ei 20. The inscription describes the three scenic spots. It lists “Itsukushima in Aki Province now part of Hiroshima Prefecture. Then Matsushima in Mutsu Province. This area is now Fukushima Miyagi Iwate and Aomori Prefectures. Finally Amanohashidate in Tango Province. This is now northern Kyoto Prefecture.” These spots are praised for their stunning beauty.
Miyajima became a popular name around the mid-Edo period. People found Miyajima easier to write in Kanji. Today this name is more common.
Near the \u65e5\u672b\u4e09\u666f\u7891 Plaque you can find other monuments. There is a statue of Taira no Kiyomori. He shaped Itsukushima Shrine into its current form. Also nearby is a World Heritage monument. From a hole in it you can see the torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
In 2006 the Japan Three Views Tourism Council made a decision. They declared July 21st “Japan Three Views Day”. This day celebrates Hayashi Gaho’s birthday.
The \u65e5\u672c\u4e09\u666f\u7891 Plaque stands as a testament. It honors enduring beauty. It links us to history. Take a moment to appreciate this legacy. Consider the vision of Hayashi Gaho. He shared these treasures with Japan and the world. The plaque remains open 24 hours for all to visit.