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Three unmissable highlights across Miyagi—handpicked for first-time visitors.
Three signature highlights of Miyagi:
・Matsushima: Counted among Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views, its islet-dotted bay is best appreciated from a sightseeing cruise—like drifting through a living seascape painting.
・Sendai Castle Ruins (Aoba Castle): From the statue of Date Masamune on horseback, gaze over Sendai city and the Pacific—“Masamune’s view.”
・Zao Snow Monsters: In winter, frost-coated trees create otherworldly “snow monsters.” Night illuminations turn the mountaintop into a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.
A classic cruise through Matsushima Bay—one of Japan’s Three Views—gliding past over 260 pine-clad islets.
Was Matsushima Bay a “natural sea fortress”?
In the Edo period, the bay’s islets were seen as a natural barricade against enemy ships, and Date Masamune integrated them into a maritime defense line.
“Nio Island” and “Tamon Island” are said to have served as lookout posts. Approach by small boat and you can almost feel echoes of territorial vigilance.
Having withstood tsunamis and typhoons, Matsushima’s islets form a “living geology museum.” The wave-sculpted rocks reveal nature’s raw power.
Cruise routes include Sengankan and Horai Island—one tour immerses you in tales from Masamune’s legends to modern-day recovery stories.
A crater lake on Mt. Goshiki (Zao) famed for its color changes from emerald to sapphire depending on light and weather.
Okama—the “water of death”?
Its ultra-acidic waters have a pH below 1. Fish and algae can’t survive—like an alien pool suspended in the sky.
Inversion layers over the crater create second-by-second shifts, and refracted sunlight paints the lake in subtly different hues—nature’s plasma art.
Legends say a horse that fell in turned to bones overnight—Okama was feared as harboring overwhelming “powers of death.”
Surprisingly, misty mornings tend to yield richer colors; seasoned visitors even prefer thin clouds to clear skies.
Remains of the Sendai Domain’s stronghold perched around 130 m high. A sweeping viewpoint with Masamune’s equestrian statue.
Aoba Castle’s “secret waterworks”?
Beneath the site ran natural waterways engineered by the Date clan to feed fresh well water in wartime—a proto “underground infrastructure.”
Even the great flood of the Showa era didn’t inundate the castle thanks to clever drainage and reservoirs—civil engineering mastery enduring from the Sengoku period.
The hourly chime of “Moon Over the Ruined Castle” is a revived Showa-era tradition—night views plus wistful melody.
The stone walls feature elegant chisel marks by Kyoto stonemasons; admire them as a “museum of castle masonry.”
One of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls and a designated place of scenic beauty. A 55 m drop, 6 m wide—trails lead close to the plunge pool.
“The Niagara of Tohoku”?
During snowmelt season the roar more than doubles; mist often blankets the basin—like walking into an apparition.
Legend says a hot spring source hides behind the falls; travelers in ancient times followed the steam as a guide.
At the “Akiu Otaki Festival,” night illuminations paint spray in red and blue—fire and water in a vivid duet.
Guided rope climbs match the falls’ height—an adrenaline-tinted “splash adventure.”
A classic hot spring resort called “Sendai’s back parlor.” Historic inns line the Natori River gorge.
Japan’s “original medicated bath”?
In the Heian era, Akiu was prized for its healing effects; lore says Date Masamune himself bathed here to treat wounds.
Open-air baths overlook the gorge for four-season scenery; cool riverside breezes after a soak boost circulation.
Nearby Rairaikyo Gorge is a “secret corridor,” perfect for combining onsen time with a short trek.
Each inn’s water feels subtly different—try a “bath-hopping ranking” to find your personal favorite.
A Zen temple refurbished by Date Masamune in 1609. The lavish Momoyama-style Main Hall is a National Treasure.
Does Zuiganji hide a “secret safe”?
During Edo-period repairs, gold-leaf tiles were concealed under the floor—some say the double-layered base also acted as seismic springs.
Mosaic-like inlays of lapis tiles catch the light—facades transform from day to night into a “maze of light.”
A hidden store once sheltered lacquerware and ritual items that survived wars and disasters—a living timeline.
In the garden pond lies an early-Edo stonework called the “Inverted Dragon Deity,” tied to local dragon worship.
Founded in 1934, built where Masataka Taketsuru envisioned ideal conditions at the foot of the Zao range. Guided tours and paid tastings available.
Birthplace of “Japanese bourbon”?
Taketsuru introduced American distilling techniques here, crafting a spirit once dubbed “Japanese bourbon.”
Winter fog wraps the warehouses—nature’s own cooler—helping even maturation; the vapor subtly tunes aroma.
A century-old “time-capsule cask” is ceremonially unbunged for a fleeting whiff.
Post-tour tastings include distillery-only bottles—create your own “Miyagikyo marriage.”
Originated as Bishamon Hall built by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro (807). The current Momoyama-style pavilion by Date Masamune is Tohoku’s oldest Important Cultural Property.
A “floating stage” above the waves?
In the Edo era, high tide lifted the causeway like a sea stage—architecture with theatrical flair.
It withstood the 2011 disaster thanks to flexible joinery and a stone-base foundation.
A secret set of Five Wisdom King statues is displayed only once every 33 years across the vermilion bridge.
At sunrise and sunset, the pavilion’s shadow wavers like a “mirror of the sky.”
Founded by Date Masamune; the Momoyama-style National Treasure hall dazzles with ornate decoration.
Do the openwork fences tell a picture scroll?
Carvings of peonies with lions and “wave-and-rabbit” motifs line the sukibei fence like a story—playful artistry in sequence.
During the traditional yabusame ritual, shadows of carvings flicker—“moving ukiyo-e.”
Gold-leaf laid over lacquer creates shifting tones with the angle of light—architecture that seems enchanted.
The hip-and-gable roof blends forms in a rare “dual hybrid,” achieving both gravitas and lightness.
A V-shaped canyon with walking trails crisscrossing the slopes. One of Tohoku’s premier foliage spots in mid–late October.
Did “Naruko” mean the valley’s voice?
Winds echoing off rock walls sound like naruko clappers—nature’s orchestra.
The Ofukasawa Bridge soars over 100 m high and 147 m long; beneath lies a crimson carpet in peak season—an “aerial autumn tapestry.”
Nighttime illuminations pair with footbaths—light and steam weave a dreamlike world.
Early November brings the “Autumn Leaves Festival,” with local arts and foods filling the valley with music and aromas.
Mausoleum for Mitsumune, grandson of Date Masamune. A rose-and-maple garden shines, especially during the night illuminations.
A “Japanese–Western garden” where roses meet maples
Western roses in May feel like a court ball; in November, maple carpets turn the grounds ethereal—there’s a “miracle day” when both overlap.
Corridors choreograph light and shadow so maple silhouettes dance on walls—“a moving picture scroll.”
A rear mausoleum enshrines the lords’ images; vibrancy outside and quiet devotion within create a singular atmosphere.
Photographers chase the contrast of flowers and foliage—“a miniature box that holds two seasons.”
About 1,200 cherry trees line the river with snow-capped Zao peaks as backdrop—spring grandeur unique to Miyagi.
A mirrored “skyway of blossoms”
Full bloom reflects on the river like a cherry-blossom tunnel floating in the sky.
Seasonal boats offer “hanami on water,” pairing pink blossoms with snowy mountains—two extremes of spring in one frame.
At night the lights ripple over the surface like a kaleidoscope—capturing the season’s ephemerality.
Beyond sheer numbers, each tree plays a part in a “symphony of sakura.”
A faithful timber reconstruction of Katakura Kojuro’s stronghold. The tower overlooks the city and Zao range.
Kojuro’s secret “meeting tunnel”?
A dim covert passage allegedly served for clandestine council—legendary administrative ingenuity.
Exhibits of weapons and documents evoke “strategy you can touch.”
A 360° panorama offers seasonal transformations—cherry blossoms, summer green, autumn red, winter snow—the views Kojuro watched over.
Spring’s “Castle Town Shiroishi Sakura Festival” features samurai parades and armor try-ons.
A rare open-range fox park with 100+ foxes roaming a forested hillside at ~590 m elevation. Feeding and holding experiences available.
Home of “fox-fire” legends?
Ascetics once saw kitsunebi (fox fire) here; mysterious lights at night still spark stories across the village.
In winter, fluff-coated cubs dash across snowfields like a procession of white spirits.
Strict echinococcus controls make the petting zone safe—a chance to cuddle “living plushies.”
Spring brings wild bush warblers—nature’s own concert hall with foxes as co-stars.
Built in 1637, this Momoyama-style mausoleum of Date Masamune dazzles with vivid colors and elaborate carvings.
“Masamune reborn” exhibit?
Excavation displays include a life-sized reconstruction of Masamune from his remains—an encounter with a living daimyo.
Lacquer and gold-leaf adornments survived war and disaster—stately resilience.
Corridors lead to a “Phoenix Garden,” a stroll garden evoking rebirth and flight.
Every September, Noh theater by firelight transforms the night—refined, soul-stirring elegance.
An offshore island famed for friendly felines. Enjoy slow-paced fishing-village life with cats at every corner.
More cats than people—the “holy land of beckoning cats”
Around 100–200 stray cats live here, along with as many maneki-neko statues—an island steeped in cat deity lore.
A small shrine enshrines the Cat Great Deity for safe voyages—sailors’ tales live on.
Cats lounge at shrines and lighthouses; stroll the island on a “cat walk.”
Souvenirs like cat charms help fund cat food—purchases support the island’s furry residents.
Keyaki-lined boulevard symbolizing “City of Trees” Sendai. The winter illumination pageant is nationally famous.
A “theater of light”
Since 1986, over 600,000 bulbs wrap the keyaki—turning the avenue into a one-night stage.
Summer’s Street Jazz Festival blends music, greenery, and light—an “audio landscape.”
The swaying branches and twinkling lights form a portal to another world.
Citizen participation has powered the illuminations from day one—community-built light art.
Seafood straight from local ports. The food court serves oysters, sea squirts, and other seasonal catches.
The “build-your-own kaisen-don” sanctuary
Assemble your own seafood bowl—hunt for scallops, sea urchin, and salmon roe to craft a signature don.
A 300-yen limited bowl at 5 a.m. draws lines—“the fisher’s showdown bowl,” shockingly fresh.
The back kitchen fries tempura and karaage nonstop—perfect for strolling bites.
Join an early-morning “market tour” with locals for buying tips and secret diner intel.
Water deity shrine famed for prosperity and success. The sacred spring is popular as “blessed water.”
A “golden serpent” guards the spring
A dragon-turned-golden-snake is said to protect the source—draw water to invite fortune.
In autumn, fallen leaves paint brocade across the surface—“a golden road of foliage.”
The “Golden Snake Omikuji” in gilded envelopes doubles as a charm.
Pebbles on the bed gleam like scattered coins—local mystery and allure.
Sendai’s “kitchen” near the station: fresh produce, seafood, and local specialties fill lively alleys from dawn to dusk.
The legendary “300-yen kaisen-don”
From 7 a.m., only 100 bowls—tuna, scallops, and squid piled high at a jaw-dropping price.
The line itself is part of the experience—soul food of the morning market.
Guided strolls share tips on seasonality and hidden gems.
Steps from the station, it’s the perfect first stop in Sendai.
Enter the worlds of “Kamen Rider,” “Cyborg 009,” and more by manga legend Shotaro Ishinomori.
Transform with a real “Rider Belt”?
Strap on a special belt for a transformation experience—sensors trigger authentic sound effects.
Restored originals salvaged after the disaster show manga’s power in recovery.
AR photo spots let you pose with Riders and 009—battle scenes come alive on your phone.
Summer festivals bring signings and cosplay—fans gather from across Japan.
The chief shrine of ancient Mutsu Province in Shiogama. Prayers for safe seas and childbirth; spring cherry tunnels are superb.
Sea winds over a rocky sacred precinct
Since antiquity, coastal boulders marked holy ground; surf on stone was heard as the gods’ voice—echoes remain along the approach.
Maritime dance rituals in the Kamakura era live on in the spring festival.
The thousand-tree sakura tunnel is called an “ocean of blossoms,” uniquely combining sea, hill, and flower.
Sacred spring water is take-home friendly—locals even whisper beauty benefits.
Opened in 2015 (Yokohama Hakkeijima group). Its main tank recreates Sanriku’s sea; dolphin shows are a hit.
Snubfin dolphins as “guides of the sea”
Curious snubfins greet guests through the glass—underwater concierges.
Touch pools mimic Sanriku tidepools—handle starfish and sea cucumbers in a living “ocean encyclopedia.”
Night Aquarium lighting syncs with animal motion—a dreamlike stroll.
A café by the big tank offers drinks while enjoying the “undersea theater.”
An active volcano on the Miyagi–Akita border. Autumn foliage blankets the slopes—a “carpet of the gods.”
Sea of clouds over a tapestry of leaves
Early climbs reveal cloud seas with red and gold floating above—“carpet in the sky.”
Volcanic soils nurture rare alpine flora—delicate blooms from spring to summer.
In foliage season, ropeways add an “aerial double view.”
Once a training ground for ascetics—stone inscriptions and shrines dot historic trails.
Historic hot spring area known for diverse springs and traditional kokeshi dolls—six baths to hop around.
Six “atelier baths” with unique characters
Iron, carbonated, chloride—each spring is a curated experience for skin feel and scent.
Kokeshi studios offer painting workshops—“two-in-one” hot springs and craft.
Autumn brings “foliage×onsen” combos—color vistas from steaming baths.
At the Kokeshi Festival, artists even compete in painting—culture and onsen intertwined.
Deer roam freely; Koganeyama Shrine stands on this sacred island—among the oldest shrines in eastern Japan.
Deer as divine guides
About 600 deer are revered as messengers of the gods—“living signposts” for visitors.
The vermilion shrine glows against the sea, tinting the island gold in spirit.
Boat tours showcase cliffs and deer herds—don’t miss the “Deer Station” photo op.
September’s “Deer Festival” features a portable deer shrine crossing the sea.
Rugged ria shoreline sculpted into dramatic rocks and sea caves—raw contrast of waves and stone.
“Symphony of waves” played by rocks
Erosion carved caves and columns; at high tide, surf and stone form a single stage.
Fishermen once free-dived for shellfish through “natural portals.”
Twilight silhouettes waves against changing rock textures—light and shadow in motion.
Tidepools harbor rare mollusks and sea slugs—mini expeditions in geology and marine life.
Tohoku’s only national government park—with cycling, boats, BBQ areas, and vast seasonal flower fields.
A “nature cruise,” on wheels
Lakeside cycling undulates so smoothly it feels like cruising on water.
Tulips in spring, sunflowers in summer, cosmos in fall—an outdoor art gallery of blooms.
BYO local ingredients to craft “lakeside gourmet” on the grills.
Winter snowshoe trails offer silent strolls across white meadows.
One of Tohoku’s largest outlets, marked by a Ferris wheel. Big-brand shopping with sea breezes.
A “sea-breeze sale” arena
Open-air walkways channel cool winds; rumor has it extra “sea-breeze discounts” pop up in summer sales.
The Ferris wheel gives 360° bay views—“a sky break” between shops.
Weekend farmer’s markets bring fresh produce—outlet × local farm vibes.
Live stages and street performances turn shopping into all-day entertainment.
Tohoku’s largest urban zoo with habitat-style exhibits and broad lawns—great for families.
A recreated urban savannah
The “Kenya Zone” lets lions and giraffes roam—an urban safari.
Petting zones host rabbits and guinea pigs—“mini farm” fun for kids.
Spring cherry alleys invite hanami picnics with animal watching.
The loop bus “Park Liner” makes it easy to see every corner.