Miyagi Prefecture offers tourist attractions such as Oshima Island, Akiu Hot Springs, and Atago Shrine; sightseeing events such as the Donton Festival, Oni-Kojuro Festival, and Setsubun Festival; and local delicacies such as macarons, cold Chinese noodles, and harako-meshi rice.
Miyagi Prefecture is the center of the Tohoku region. It is a must-visit destination for history buffs, as the predecessor of the entire Miyagi Prefecture was the Sendai Domain. The Sendai han is sometimes called the Date han because it was delivered by the Date family. It is better known as the Date han because of the strong image of the warlord Date Masamune. When the Sendai han (domain) was abolished in the Meiji era (1868-1912), it became Sendai Prefecture, which in turn became the present-day Miyagi Prefecture.
The New Okunohosomichi, a Tohoku Nature Trail that allows visitors to enjoy the four seasons, has 29 trails in Miyagi Prefecture, including mountain trails that allow visitors to stroll while enjoying the scenery of the four seasons and a course that takes them to an island by sightseeing boat. For example, the "Asahiyama Cherry Blossom Path" takes visitors from Maeyachi Station, one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in the prefecture, to the prefectural natural park Asahiyama, where they can enjoy viewing cherry blossoms in spring. On a clear day, it is possible to see Matsushima, and the 4.9-km path is perfect for a stroll. Each of the 29 trails has its own unique characteristics and allows visitors to enjoy nature.
The natural scenery is not the only thing to look forward to when traveling in Miyagi Prefecture. Miyagi Prefecture is a food kingdom where you can taste the bounty of the sea, the mountains, and the earth, and enjoy a wide variety of foods. Oysters can only live in clean water, and during the season from October to March, various stores offer all-you-can-eat oysters, and some stores allow you to not only eat them on the spot but also take them as souvenirs. Some of them offer courses that allow visitors to cross to remote islands by sightseeing boat and enjoy oysters there. If you are a fan of oysters, which are said to be the milk of the sea, this is a fun trip that you should try at least once.
Miyagi Prefecture is also a major rice-producing region. Miyagi Prefecture produces brands such as Sasanishiki and Hitomebore. Hitomebore, based on Koshihikari and adapted to Miyagi's climate, is a popular rice with a glossy yet refreshing flavor that always ranks high in domestic production. Why not enjoy rice along with your trip, such as new rice?
Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture is one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, along with Amanohashidate in Kyoto Prefecture and Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture. Since the Edo period (1603-1867), it has been famous as one of the most scenic spots in Japan, and even the famous haiku poet Matsuo Basho (1522-1616) included a visit to Matsushima as one of the objectives of his "Okunohosomichi" (Tra...»
The 55-meter drop and 6-meter wide waterfall cascades down with a roaring sound. Along with Kegon Falls (Tochigi Prefecture) and Nachi Falls (Wakayama Prefecture), it is sometimes referred to as one of the three greatest waterfalls in Japan or one of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan. It is designated as a national place of scenic beauty and selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in J...»
Zuiganji Temple was built with the best of Momoyama-style architecture.Founded by Jikaku Daishi Ennin in 828, the temple was rebuilt by Date Masamune in 1609 and renamed Zuigan-ji Temple. It is the family temple of the Date family. Masamune invited 130 master craftsmen to complete the building, which is a masterpiece of Momoyama-style architecture and took five years to complete. The main hall a...»
This is the oldest Gongen-zukuri structure built by Date Masamune in the Azuchi-Momoyama period, and is designated as a National Treasure. The shrine pavilion is designated as a national treasure. The long floor in front of the shrine building (wari-wai-den) is designated as an important cultural property. Shaden (Shrine Pavilion)The shrine was constructed by Date Masamune. The shrine is a gorgeo...»
The only national park in Tohoku located on the lakeside of Kamabusa Dam. The park is divided into three areas: the "South Area" with large flowerbeds and flower gardens, large playground equipment, and old houses from six prefectures in Tohoku; the "North Area" with campgrounds, a dog run, and various sports facilities; and the "Satoyama Area" where visitors can experience the nature and culture ...»
The shrine is the most revered shrine in Oshu and is believed to be the god of safe childbirth, safety at sea, and satisfaction from a great catch of fish. It is popularly called "Shiogama-sama" (Lord of Shiogama). It is the head shrine of all the Shiogama (Shiogama, Shiogama, Shiogama, Shiogama, Shiogama, Shiogama) shrines in Japan. Facing the sea with a beautiful view, the shrine is also home t...»
This tea house was originally located in Hideyoshi Toyotomi's Fushimi-Momoyama Castle, and was moved to a scenic spot jutting out into Matsushima Bay, where it was used by successive lords of the domain for enjoying the cool of the evening and the viewing of the moon. Date Masamune received the tea room from Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Fushimi-Momoyama Castle and moved it to the domain residence in Edo....»
Shiroishi Castle was the southern strategic point of the Sendai domain until it was dismantled in 1874. After the Battle of Sekigahara, the castle was the residence of the Katakura clan, the chief vassal of the Date family, for more than 260 years until the Meiji Restoration. Also known as Masuoka Castle. In memory of the great deeds of KATAKURA Kojuro Kagetsuna, the famous one-armed man of Date ...»
Located on Matsushima, one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, Godaido stands on a small island near the coast of Honshu. It is said to be the oldest Momoyama-style architecture in the Tohoku region. It was originally built by Tamuramaro Sakagami in 807 (Daido 2) as Bishamondo. Later, in 828, when Jikaku Daishi Ennin founded Enpukuji Temple (today's Zuiganji Temple), he enshrined the Godai ...»
Akiu Onsen is known as the "inner sanctum of Sendai," the "City of Trees. Its history is said to date back about 1,500 years. Since the 29th Emperor Kinmei's illness was cured by this hot spring and he was given the title of "Natori no Goyu," it has attracted nationwide attention as one of the three most famous hot springs in Japan, along with Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture and Dogo Onsen in Ehim...»
Architecturally designed based on the design of the "Matsushima Park Hotel" that existed in Matsushima Park in the Taisho and Showa eras, the building offers a rooftop spot overlooking Matsushima Bay and a variety of experience programs. The two-story commercial facility is divided into a paid area consisting of the rooftop, garden, museum, and Rikyu Hall, where workshops are held, and a free are...»
The Saito family, a wealthy merchant who flourished in Marumorimachi for seven generations from the Edo period to the Showa period, left their valuable architectural structures, costumes, art works, and other items to the museum's collection, which is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. The museum also holds various seasonal events such as "Dragon Boat Festival," "Saito's New Year...»
Sendai Castle once stood on a vast site measuring 500 m east to west and 1,000 m north to south, with the main citadel alone covering an area of 20,000 tsubo. Remnants of the castle can be seen in the stone walls built at the top of the mountain, as well as in the path leading up to the castle, the remains of the San-no-maru area, and the reconstructed side turrets. From the observatory near the ...»
Built in 1441 by Date Mochimune, the 11th head of the Date clan, this family temple is well known for its beautiful kaiyu-style Japanese garden. Especially from June to July, irises bloom around the pond. Zen Garden The Rinnoji Zen Garden, with its soaring three-story pagoda, is known as one of the most famous gardens in Tohoku. The garden's beauty is enhanced by cherry blossoms, iris, hydrangea...»
Funaoka Joshi Park, selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, is known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Tohoku, and is the former residence of the Shibata clan until the Meiji Restoration. Today, the 305-meter-long "Shibata-cho Funaoka Joshi Park Slope Car," which runs through a tunnel of cherry blossoms, is a popular tourist attraction as it allows v...»
More than 100 foxes roam free in the park at the foot of Mt.In addition to the well-known foxes, six other fox species, including silver foxes, arctic foxes, and platinum foxes, play freely in the park, making for a spectacular sight. The ability to feed them from designated areas is also popular. In addition to foxes, the park also has rabbits, goats, ponies, and other animals that visitors can e...»
The "My Kaisen Don" and "Jiyu Yaki-Ro" are very popular, where you can taste the seafood you purchased on the spot! The market is one of the largest in the Tohoku region, offering fresh seafood and a wide variety of ingredients. The sales floor area is 4,950 square meters and there are 100 stores. Although the market is stocked by professional connoisseurs, ordinary customers can also purchase a...»
The Minamisanriku 311 Memorial consists of a theater and art exhibits, as well as basic information about the Great East Japan Earthquake and testimonies of local residents to be passed on to future generations. The theater will show documentary testimonials (programs) based on the experiences of Minamisanriku residents. Through this program, visitors can think about natural disasters as if they...»
Michi no Eki Onagawa consists of four facilities in one area: Sea Palpia Onagawa, Hama Terrace Local Market, Onagawa Machinaka Koryukan, and Onagawa Town Information Center Plat. Sea Palpia Onagawa is a tenant-operated commercial area adjacent to the brick path that stretches straight to the sea. Sea Palpia Onagawa is home to a variety of stores, including restaurants where you can enjoy Onagawa...»
This is a history-based museum that focuses on the entire Tohoku region. Exhibits and video presentations focus on history from the Paleolithic Age to the present day. On the premises, an old private house from the Edo period has been relocated and restored, and a wide range of traditional Tohoku culture is introduced. The Children's History Museum offers visitors a fun way to learn about history ...»
One of the samurai residences along the street that retains the atmosphere of Shiroishi Castle has been dismantled and repaired, and is now open to the public. The samurai residences remain along Sawabata River to the north of Shiroishi Castle. The former Koseki house is the residence of a middle class family, and the inside of the house is open for tours. It is confirmed that the house was buil...»
The temperature inside the aquarium is always minus 20 degrees Celsius, with ice pillars frozen for about a week using ice-making technology unique to the fishing port! Inside the transparent icicles, 450 fish of about 80 species, including bonito and Pacific saury landed at the Port of Kesennuma, are on display! Fish trapped in the ice are displayed as if they are moving in the minus 20 degree C...»
Located next to the Kesennuma Fish Market, Kesennuma Umi-no-ichi is a tourist and product facility where you can find a variety of seafood from the Sanriku region. The second floor has a tourist service center and a shark museum, the only one of its kind in Japan. The Tourism Service Center, which is staffed at all times, provides information on the city's sights, restaurants, and accommodations,...»
In Tome, there still remain Western-style and quasi-Western buildings such as schools, prefectural offices, and police stations built in the Meiji era (1868-1912). It is called "Miyagi's Meiji Village," and is treasured as such. Many buildings reminiscent of the Meiji period still exist, such as the Education Museum (Important Cultural Property, former Tome High School), the Police Museum (Prefec...»
Takekoma-jinja Shrine, one of Japan's three Inari shrines, was founded in 842 (Jouwa 9). The shrine enshrines the gods of clothing, food, and shelter, and attracts many worshippers. It has a two-story tower gate (Zuijimon Gate) and a Chinese-style gate built in the Edo period (1603-1867). Takekoma Shrine is said to have been built in the Heian period (794-1185) and is one of the three Shinto shri...»
The name "Tsuriishi-jinja" comes from the fact that the shrine's sacred boulder is fished with a rope and looks as if it is about to fall. The deity, Amenokoyane-no-Mikoto, is the god of wisdom and learning. The Tsuri-ishi, which appears to be fished up from the cliff, is a male deity with a circumference of 14 meters, while the boulder below is a female deity, measuring approximately 8 meters by ...»
This history museum recreates the tumultuous life of Date Masamune with famous scenes using more than 200 life-size wax dolls that convey delicate facial expressions. Life-size wax figures reproduce famous scenes The life of Date Masamune, the first lord of the Sendai domain, is reproduced in 25 famous scenes from the tumultuous life of Masamune Date, using more than 200 life-size wax figures. ...»
Naruko Onsen has a history of more than 1,000 years, and there are five hot spring resorts in the area, each with its own unique hot spring experience. With nearly 400 sources, the abundance of hot spring water means that many of the baths are free-flowing hot-spring water. It is said that there are 11 types of natural hot springs in Japan, and Naruko Onsen-kyo has up to 8 of them. The color of...»
Naruko Onsen is the oldest production area of kokeshi dolls. The Japan Kokeshi Museum was opened as a result of the donation of the collection of Kaname Fukazawa, a poet and writer of children's stories, and the continued gifts of kokeshi dolls dedicated to the Kokeshi Festival by kokeshi craftsmen from all over Japan. Kokeshi dolls from all over the Tohoku region are on display, and there is als...»
The Underground Forest Museum is a themed museum focusing on the Paleolithic Era, preserving and exhibiting remains from approximately 20,000 years ago. The exhibits vividly bring back to life the environment and human activities of that time, using materials excavated at the Tomizawa Ruins and other artifacts. This is the "only museum in the world" that preserves and exhibits the Tomisawa Ruins ...»
Located in a mountain village just outside the Akiu Onsen Hot Spring Resort, the village is home to artisans of traditional Miyagi crafts. The craftspeople continue to live and work here. There are seven workshops, including traditional kokeshi dolls and Sendai tansu (chests), where visitors can see the superb craftsmanship up close, and there is also a hands-on experience menu, so why not try ma...»
The center manufactures and sells cream cheese, natural cheese, dairy drinks, etc., including Zao Cheese, which is born from Zao's vast natural bounty. Inside the Cheese Cabin facility, visitors can sample cream cheese and see many cheese products on display. There is also a cheese restaurant and a snack facility on the same premises where visitors can enjoy soft-serve ice cream and cheesecake. ...»
Zao Heartland is a vast ranch of about 100 hectares (20 times the size of Tokyo Dome) where cows and sheep are raised. Inside the ranch, there is a corner where visitors can directly interact with animals, "Wind Square," a coffee shop serving cheese dishes, "Wind Deck," a Genghis Khan house, and a handcrafting experience center (reservations required). In addition, there is a Zao cheese souvenir...»
The former Matsushima Music Box Museum, which was forced to close due to the Great East Japan Earthquake, has reopened as "The Museum MATSUSHIMA" with the aim of becoming a representative tourist spot in Matsushima. The museum space features more than 100 music boxes acquired from the Royal Museum of Belgium, as well as an open café, restaurant, and store, where visitors can experience the charms...»
The museum exhibits the world of manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori. There is also a library of books and videos, and a corner where visitors can create their own manga and anime. This is the memorial hall of Shotaro Ishinomori, a cartoonist known for "Masked Rider" and other works. It was built on the site of a former private home near his birthplace. Manga is called "yorozuga" (meaning "many pictu...»
The Wakabayashi-ku district of Sendai City used to have a beautiful landscape with its characteristic "igune," which can be called the original landscape of Japan. Aqua Ignis Sendai will be established in Fujitsuka, a beautiful landscape that has now been lost, based on the concept of "heal, eat, and nurture". Aqua Ignis Sendai will be a place where new activities and the past culture of Fujitsuka...»