Every Season,
Every Miyagi
Spring, summer, autumn and winter are all worth visiting!
Welcome
to Miyagi Prefecture!
where the unique charms of Japan all come together.
Spring is the best season for enjoying nature and outdoor activities
in Miyagi Prefecture because the cherry blossoms and spring flowers are in full bloom. Miyagi Prefecture
is situated in the Tohoku region of northern Japan. The cool, crisp climate is one of its main draws as
well!
In summer, the sun shines down on a sea of golden sunflowers. People
also make a wish to the Milky Way during the Tanabata festival in July. Experience all the summer events
and sights unique to Japan in Miyagi Prefecture!
The spread of autumn red in serene valleys and the railway bridges
over the canyons form the breathtaking tapestry of Naruko Gorge. Every fall, Miyagi changes from green
into a fantastic ensemble of red. The autumn cuisine of Miyagi Prefecture will amaze you as well!
Miyagi Prefecture is situated in the Tohoku region of northern Japan.
The snow transforms the region into a wonderland of silver and white. From frost-covered trees to the city
lights at night, the most beautiful sights of the year can all be found in Miyagi Prefecture.
＠（公財）瑞鳳殿
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How to enjoy
in MIYAGI
Outdoors
Heal the body and soul in the great outdoors
Culture
A tour through history and the sights
Food
Feast on the unique cuisine of Miyagi
Experience
Experience the art and culture of Japan
Sendai International Airport is the most convenient way to visit Miyagi
Prefecture or the Tohoku region of Japan!
"The best way for international visitors to experience the colorful seasons,
history and culture of Japan’s Tohoku region and Miyagi Prefecture is to fly direct to Sendai International
Airport.
Connecting services to all popular tourist destinations are available at Sendai Airport. All modes of
transportation such as subway, bus and rental car are on hand."
Ogawara Town
Zao Mountains, Shiroishi River Bank, view of a thousand cherry trees
The cherry trees lining the streets stretch for about 8km and are known as Hitome
Senbo Zakura (“A thousand cherry trees in one glance”). The cherry blossoms in bloom and the snow-covered Zao
Mountains in the distance form a majestic sight in early spring. The location is considered one of the 100 most
beautiful cherry blossom attractions.
3 minutes’ walk from JR “Ogawara Station”
Kesennuma City
Mt. Tokusenjo
The mountain slopes are covered with mountain azaleas in full bloom late in May
every year.
The Mt. Tokusenjo Azaleas bus can be boarded at the tourist information center
in front of JR Kesennuma Station. Disembark at Mt. Tokusenjo.
Zao Town
Zao Okama Crater Lake
The crater lake is considered the symbol of the Zao Mountains. Sulfur continues
to be produced today. The minerals take on a variety of different colors in the sunlight.
Take the train to JR Shiroishizao Station or JR Shiroishi Station. From there,
take the bus to Zaokaritasancho Stop.
Ishinomaki City
Tashirojima
Tashirojima is an island to the southeast of Ishinomaki City in Miyagi
Prefecture, Tohoku. The island was once a major silk producer and the local people began keeping cats to keep
the mice down. The silk industry has faded away, but the residents still consider the cats to be part of the
island family. Just 70 to 80 people now live on the island, but there are over a hundred cats. Tashirojima is
one of Japan’s famous cat islands.
Take the JR Senseki Line to Ishinomaki Station. The city bus to the harbor is
about 17 minutes, and the boat trip from the harbor is 45 minutes.
Tagajo City
Iris Flower Garden in Tagajo City
More than 2 million plants from 250 species of Iris flowers. The Iris Flower
Garden can be found in one corner of the “Taga Castle Ruins”, a special historic site. The garden is filled with
1.5 million plants from 250 species of Iris flowers. During the festival period, theater, vernacular performing
arts, outdoor tea parties, and haiku competitions are held here every Saturday and Sunday.
Take the train to JR Kokfu-tagajo Station, then walk for about 10 minutes.
Osaki City
Naruko Gorge in Autumn
“Naruko Gorge” is a V-shaped river gorge that stretches for 4.5km with a height
of 80 ~ 150 m. The bare rock and green trees form a delightful composition. Late April and early July are when
new leaves are sprouting. From late October to early November, there are spectacular views of mountains covered
in the red leaves of beech, oak, and maple trees.
Take the Shinkansen to Furukawa Station, then transfer to the Riku East Line and
travel towards Sinjou before disembarking at Naruko Onsen Station. At the exit of Naruko Onsen Station, catch
the Momiji-go Bus to Nakayamadaira Guchi.
Kurihara City
Mt. Kurikoma
The conical dormant volcano is home to a rich host of high-mountain plants and
primary forests. Its central location in Tohoku gives sweeping views of Mt. Gassan, Mt. Chokai, Zao Mountains,
Mt. Komagatake and Mt. Hayachine from the peak. Even the Pacific Ocean can be seen in the distance. The region
is a national park.
Take the train to Kurikoma-Kogen Station. At the station, hail a taxi to
Iwakagami Daira.
Zao Town
Frost-Covered Trees
Excessively chilled water drops blowing in from the sea come into contact with
coniferous trees such as the Aomori Fir in the Zao region, turning them into frost-covered trees. The best
period to enjoy this sight is from January to February.
Express bus is available from Sendai Airport.
Shiroishi Station
Zao Fox Village
More than 100 foxes have the free run of Zao Fox Village. In addition to
fox-watching, other activities for a close encounter such as holding a fox, are available.
Take the JR Tohoku Main Line to “JR Shiroishi Station, then change to the
“Castle-kun” bus (to “Kawarago”). The bus trip is about 1 hour.
Kurihara City
The Swans of Izunuma
Izunuma is a habitat for migratory birds and a protected wetland registered under
the Ramsar Convention. Walking trails ring the marsh and lotus flowers bloom in summer. Swans and geese visit
the marsh to spend the winter.
If driving, exit Miyagi-Kenpoku Road at “Izunuma IC” then continue along
National Highway 268 for about 3 minutes.
Sendai City
Pageant of Light, Sendai
The “Pageant of Light” lantern festival light up the winter nights of Sendai.
More than 600,000 fairy lights are hung on the Zelkova trees that line the 800m length of Jozenji-dori, creating
a dazzling tunnel of light.
Take the Sendai Subway and disembark at “Kotodai-Koen Station.”
Kami Town
Tiger Dance for warding against fire and disasters
The Nakaniida region was very fire-prone in ancient times as it bore the full
brunt of strong winds blowing from the Ou Mountains. According to Chinese feng shui, “the dragon rules the
clouds and the tiger rules the winds.” During the Muromachi Period, the local people sought to calm the winds
and prevent fires by performing the Tora Mai (“Tiger Dance”). Thus a tradition was born.
Take Miyako Bus' Nakaniida-Kami express from the bus terminal at the west
entrance of JR Sendai Station. The trip takes 70 minutes.
Sendai City
Tanabata Festival, Sendai
Colorful bamboo and paper decorations bedeck the downtown district around
Ichiban-cho/Chuo-dori. The paper tassels form rolling waves as they sway in the wind. A fireworks festival is
also held in the evening on August 5, the eve of Tanabata.
Disembark at Sendai Station
Matsushima Town
Autumn Red of Entsu-in Temple
The mausoleum of Date Masamune is decorated with traces of Catholic culture. The
area is popular for admiring red leaves in autumn.
Take the JR Senseki Line to Matsushima-kaigan Station, then walk for about 5
minutes.
Sendai City
Sendai Castle
Sendai Castle was built in 1600 by Date Masamune, a warrior-general during the
Warring States Period. The castle has a long and proud history. Only a corner of the original fortifications
remains today, but it is still counted among the top 100 castles in Japan. History buffs will not want to miss a
visit here.
Catch the Loople Sendai Bus (るーぷる仙台號) from bus stop 15-3 in front of JR Sendai
Station. The trip is about 30 minutes.
Matsushima Town
Godaido Temple, Matsushima
This is the oldest cultural site in Matsushima and was supposedly founded by
Tamuramaro Sakanoue. The square building has a pyramidal roof covered with roof tiles. It has been designated a
national treasure.
Take the JR Senseki Line to "Matsushima-kaigan Station" then walk for about 5
minutes.
Sendai City
Zuihouden Mausoleum
＠（公財）瑞鳳殿
Zuihouden was built in 1637 as the mausoleum of Date Masamune. It is renowned for
its ornate and colorful Momoyama architectural style. It was designated as a national treasure in 1931 but was
subsequently destroyed by war. The current building was rebuilt in 1979. The mausoleum of the second and third
generations can be found in the park, along with a gallery containing information recovered from archaeological
excavations.
Take the bus from JR Sendai Station to the Sendaijosekiminami stop.
Minamisanriku-cho
Kirakira Hatsuge Bowl, Minamisanriku
Rice bowls heaped with the finest local seafood are a famous local delicacy.
Regional
Edamame Mochi
The mochi filling consists of ground edamame with sugar, a dash of salt, soy
sauce, wine, and cooking wine. The vivid green color and natural pea fragrance are guaranteed to induce
homesickness. The flavors are at their best in July and August.
Regional
Sea Squirt Cooking
Known as “pineapples of the sea”, the sea squirt has a bright red color and a
distinctive fragrance. The shell is cut in half to remove the ribbon of soft flesh. The intestines are removed
and the flesh is diced. It can then be served with vinegar or pickled. The sea squirt season runs from May to
October.
Watari Town
Salmon Bowl
Salmon from the Abukuma River is skinned and deboned, then cut into pieces. The
fish is then quickly cooked in a stock of soy sauce and wine. The soup stock is then used for cooking the rice.
Salmon and roe are placed on the rice to complete the Salmon Bowl.
Regional
Oysters
The Kuroshio Current fills the water with plankton, where it meets the sea
currents. Oysters grown in this environment have a very hard shell. They are also juicier, semi-transparent and
have a slightly sweet flavor.
Regional
Ox Tongue
Miyagi Prefecture’s ox tongue is a world-renowned delicacy. The dish is said to
have originated in Sendai. Thinly sliced ox tongue with just salt for seasoning is then grilled over hot coals
to create a taste sensation.
Osaki City
Kokeshi Painting
Try your hand at painting a kokeshi doll of your very own.
15-minute walk from JR Naruko-Onsen Station
Kesennuma City
Sanma Fishing, Kesennuma City
Kesennuma is home to the Sanriku fisheries and is a famous sanma fishing port in
Japan.
Take the train to JR Kesennuma City, then walk for about 25 minutes.
Osaki City
Naruko Onsen
Naruko, along with Iizaka and Akiu, has historically been considered the three
great hot spring districts of Oshu. The center of Naruko Onsen is bound by four hot springs. The busy hot spring
street is lined with large hotels, doll workshops and souvenir shops.
From JR Sendai Station, board the Tohoku Shinkansen to Furukawa Station, a trip
of 15 minutes. Transfer to Riku East Line and reach the destination in about 43 minutes.
Sendai City
Sendai Astronomical Observatory
Ⓒ仙台市天文台
Sendai Astronomical Observatory is one of the largest astronomical museums in
Japan. Many facilities that bring us closer to the cosmos can be found here. The planetarium has a horizontal
dome with a diameter of 25m for breathtaking projections of the night sky. Don’t forget to buy the very popular
“Earth Candy” if you stop by the gift shop for souvenirs.
Take the JR Senzan Line to Ayashi Station, then catch the bus to “Nishiki ga
Oka” (錦ケ丘). Get off at the Nishikigaoka 7-chome Kita, Observatory Entrance stop, then walk for 5 minutes.
Ishinomaki City
Ishinomori Manga Museum
Ishinomori Manga Museum is dedicated to the best-selling manga artist Shotaro
Ishinomori, famous for Cyborg 009, Kamen Rider and other long-running manga series. In addition to the precious
original drafts on display in the museum, there are also exhibits that recreate the world of the manga stories
in 3D and past iterations of Kamen Riders.
From JR Sendai Station, board the Tohoku Senseki Line to JR Ishinomaki Station,
a trip of 1 hour and 20 minutes. The museum is about a 15-minute walk.
