O Matsushima!
 O Matsushima!
 O Matsushima!

The story goes that back in the 17th century, a grand poetry contest was held in Matsushima, one of the most scenic spots in all of Japan. Hundreds of poets submitted entries praising Matsushima’s sweeping bay, the islands dotted with pine trees, and the mountains rising majestically in the background. The winner, though, was the renowned Haiku master Basho, who wrote this poem:

Sometimes, words are just not enough.

— Thomas

Minstrels Links

Basho:
Poem #23, Haiku - Old pond
Poem #57, Haiku - Scent of plum blossoms
Poem #802, Haiku - Snowy morning

Buson:
Poem #277, Haiku - The winter river
Poem #712, Haiku - The seashore temple
Poem #908, Haiku - Departing spring

Others:
Poem #87, Two Tanka – Otomo No Yakamochi
Poem #198, Japanese Jokes – Peter Porter
Poem #982, What We Heard About the Japanese – Rachel Rose