mrwunrfl,
Bill, I know you asked earlier about the pines of Matsushima and I had also wondered. Here is our answer:

http://www.japan-guide.com/blog/schauwecker/110421.html

Aloha!

Thanks Travelin' Gertie! We just got back from Costa Rica last night (used our trip money for that). We are looking forward to visiting Obachan next spring (she has no heat so the winters are painful and frankly claustrophobic--she has a traditional home). All of our Japanese relatives cancelled their trips home to visit relatives and friends, so for us, it was the right choice. Glad others are able to make their trips.

thanks for the post ht