Miyagi

Watari is a coastal town in the southern area of Miyagi Prefecture that is located at the mouth of the Abukuma River, the second largest river in the Tohoku region. Salmon caught in the river is a famous local specialty that has long been offered to shoguns as an autumn delicacy. Originating in Arahama in the town of Watari, Harakomeshi has plentiful cuts of fatty salmon and sparkling salmon roe (harako, also known as ikura) on top of rice cooked with salmon broth. As soon as you take a bite,...

Every year from August 6 to 8, the famous Sendai Tanabata Festival is held over three days in the city of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Recognized as one of the three major festivals in the Tohoku region, the historical festival has been continued from the era of Masamune Date (1567-1636), the founder of the Sendai domain. A crowd of visitors from both around and outside of Japan fill the streets of Sendai during this period to enjoy the gorgeous Tanabata paper ornaments adorning the city.

Naruko Onsen is located at the center of the Naruko Onsen Resort, counted as one of "The Best Three Onsen of Northern Part of Japan". Japanese natural hot springs are said to have eleven kinds of spring quality, and Naruko has nine of them. Naruko Kanko Hotel will welcome guests with hot springs, cuisine, and hospitality.

Zuihoden is a mausoleum as the final resting of Date Masamune. It was designated a National Treasure in 1931 as a gorgeous mausoleum to convey the Momoyama cultural traditions, built by own will of Masamune, but it was burned down during World War 2 in 1945. The current building was reconstructed based on the building before burning. Besides Masamune’s Zuihoden, there are the Kansenden and Zennoden, which were built for the second and third generation of Date lords.

Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture is counted among Japan’s three most scenic spots and also a popular tourist destination. The sightseeing boat that goes all the way around Matsushima Bay from the Matsushima Sightseeing Boat Pier is highly recommended. In Matsushima, where about 260 large and small islands are scattered in the sea, there are cultural assets related to Date Masamune and the Date Clan culture remaining such as Zuiganji Temple, Entsuin Temple, Godaido Temple Hall, Kanrantei...

Izunuma-Uchinuma is a famous wintering site for Whooper swans in Japan, but come summer, it offers a breathtaking view of a blanket of flowering lotus blossoms covering the surface of the lake. The Lotus Festival is held during the peak period in which you can enjoy large pink lotus flowers blooming over the water. Take a boat ride tour through the lake to view the beautiful flowers up close.