Tokimeku Tohoku[Tourism web media of six cities in Tohoku]

Introduction to Miyagi Prefecture

  • Sendai Tanabata Festival

    Sendai Tanabata Festival

    It is counted as one of the three major festivals in Tohoku, and is visited by 2 million people every year. This traditional event has been passed down since the days of Date Masamune, the founder of the Sendai domain, and during the festival, the center of Sendai and the shopping streets are filled with colorful Tanabata decorations. The most spectacular sight is the gorgeous Tanabata decorations that are displayed from Sendai Station to the arcades of Chuo-dori and Ichibancho-dori. There are also plenty of other fun things to do only at Tanabata, such as a strip of paper entry corner and a seven-piece decoration making experience.

    Address Sendai City Center Shopping District
    Contact information Sendai Tanabata Festival Support Association
    (Secretariat: Sendai Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
    022-265-8185
    URL https://www.sendaitanabata.com/
    Date August 6th to 8th every year
  • Sendai Sparrow Dance

    Sendai Sparrow Dance

    The Sparrow Dance is said to have originated in 1603 as an impromptu dance performed by masons at a banquet. It continues to be passed down and popularized while being reworked so that it can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages. At the Sendai Aoba Festival held in May, there is a parade of warriors, a parade of floats, and a sparrow dance along Jozenji Street in the center of Sendai, making the festival even more exciting.

    Contact information Sendai Aoba Festival Support Association
    022-223-8441
    URL http://www.aoba-matsuri.com/suzume/
  • Saigyoumodosinomatukouen

    Saigyo Moshidoshi no Matsu Park

    The name of the park comes from the legend that Saigyo Saigyo had a Zen debate with a child he met under a pine tree, but was defeated and gave up on going to Matsushima. Located on a hill on the Matsushima coast, it is a famous spot where about 260 cherry blossom trees bloom, and from the observation deck you can enjoy the combined view of the cherry blossoms and Matsushima Bay, one of Japan's three most scenic views. We also recommend collaborating with the sea, which turns bright red in the morning glow.

    Address Matsushima Inutaji, Matsushima Town, Miyagi District, Miyagi Prefecture
    Contact information Matsushima Town Industry and Tourism Division Tourism Team
    022-354-5708
    URL https://www.town.miyagi-matsushima.lg.jp/
    Access About 20 minutes walk from JR Senseki Line Matsushima Kaigan Station
    5 minutes by car from JR Matsushima Kaigan Station
    Best time to see Mid to late April
  • Sendai Domain Ancestor Date Masamune Mausoleum Zuihoden

    Sendai clan founder Date Masamune's mausoleum Zuihoden

    Zuihoden was built in 1637 by the will of Date Masamune. Although it was once destroyed in an air raid, it was rebuilt in 1979, and after extensive renovations, it has become what it is today. The elaborately designed decorations and gorgeous colors convey the luxurious and gorgeous atmosphere to this day. In addition, Kyogamine, where Zuihoden is located, is a very valuable place where the nature of the early Edo period 400 years ago, such as the cedar-lined streets of Omotesando, remains intact. You can enjoy the scenery of each season, including autumn leaves, cherry blossoms, and hydrangeas.

    Address 23-2 Reiyashita, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
    Contact information Zuihoden Public Interest Incorporated Foundation
    022-262-6250
    URL https://www.zuihoden.com/
    Access ・About 15 minutes on the Loople Sendai from JR Sendai Station, get off at the “Zuihoden-mae” bus stop, then walk for about 5 minutes
    ・About 15 minutes on foot from Omachi Nishi Koen Station on the Sendai Municipal Subway Tozai Line
    Holiday December 31st
    Business hours [February 1st - November 30th] 9:00 - 16:50 (last entry time 16:30),
    [December 1st - January 31st] 9:00 - 16:20 (last entry time 16:00)
    Fees ▼Regular price
    General 550 yen, High school student 400 yen, Elementary/junior high school student 200 yen
    ▼Group rate (20 people or more)
    General 450 yen High school students: 350 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 150 yen
    ▼Group fees (50 people or more)
    General: 350 yen, high school students: 300 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 100 yen
  • Miyagi traditional kokeshi

    Miyagi traditional kokeshi

    Traditional kokeshi dolls, a craft unique to Tohoku, are said to have originated as souvenirs for children in hot spring areas in the Tohoku region around the end of the Edo period. There are five types of Kokeshi dolls in Miyagi Prefecture: Naruko, Togatta, Yajiro, Sakunami, and Hijiori. Each strain has a different expression and atmosphere, such as sharp eyes, a heartwarming atmosphere, colorful costumes, and oil painting-like colors, creating a unique personality. Take a closer look at the adorable kokeshi dolls lined up and find your favorite.

  • Matsushima Tourism Association Oyster Hut

    Matsushima Tourism Association Oyster Hut

    Counted as one of Japan's three most scenic views, Matsushima is surrounded by the sea and is famous for its oysters, with oyster shacks dotting the area around Matsushima Bay. Matsushima oysters are firm and boast a very creamy, rich flavor. Enjoy delicious oysters in between sightseeing at Matsushima's oyster hut, where you can eat plump oysters that are in season from October to March.

    Address 12-1 Higashihama, Matsushima, Matsushima-cho, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture
    Contact information Matsushima Tourism Association
    022-353-3208
    Access Approximately 15 minutes walk from JR Matsushima Station, approximately 15 minutes walk from JR Senseki Line Matsushima Kaigan Station
    Holiday December 29th to January 6th and April to October
    Business hours Weekdays: 10:45 to the end of in-store reception on the day (3 shifts)
    Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 10:30 to the end of in-store reception on the day (4 shifts)
    In-store reception on the day 9:30 to 13:00
    Fees ・A course (reservation required by the morning of the previous day: 50 minutes)
    Adults: 3,300 yen, Children (elementary school students and younger): 1,650 yen (tax included)
    ・B course (Same-day store reception order: 40 minutes)
    Adults: 2,300 yen, Children (elementary school students and younger): 1,150 yen (tax included)
  • National Treasure Osaki Hachimanguu

    National Treasure Osaki Hachimangu Shrine

    As the general guardian of Sendai, the capital of forests, he has been deeply revered by Date Masamune and other feudal lords, as well as by the people of the castle town, as a god of "warding off evil spirits, warding off disasters, inviting good fortune, ensuring victory, and safe childbirth." During the Donto Festival, which is an annual New Year's send-off event, there is a "naked pilgrimage" to worship at the "sacred fire." It is a winter tradition in Sendai that thousands of people from all over the city come to worship, wrapped in white headbands and white stripes, and holding a piece of paper called "included paper" in their mouths to prevent private speech.

    Address 4-6-1 Yawata, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
    Contact information Osaki Hachiman Shrine Office
    022-234-3606
    URL http://www.oosaki-hachiman.or.jp/index.html
    Access ・About 20 minutes by bus from JR Sendai Station, get off at “Osaki Hachimangu-mae” bus stop, and a short walk
    ・About 15 minutes on foot from Kunimi Station on the JR Senzan Line
    Holiday None
    Business hours 9:00～17:00
    Fees Free
  • Earthquake remains - Sendai City Arahama Elementary School

    Earthquake remains: Sendai City Arahama Elementary School

    The school building of Sendai City Arahama Elementary School, which was damaged in the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011, has been preserved and maintained as an earthquake disaster ruin, and is open to the public for the purpose of raising visitors' awareness of disaster prevention and mitigation in order to prevent another tsunami casualty. With the school building clearly showing the traces of the disaster and exhibits showing the situation immediately after the disaster, we convey the threat of the tsunami and the lessons learned to future generations, as well as introduce the history and culture of the Arahama district and memories of Arahama Elementary School.

    Address 32-1 Shinhoribata, Arahama, Wakabayashi-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
    Contact information Earthquake remains Sendai City Arahama Elementary School Management Office
    TEL.022-355-8517 (Reception: 9:30-16:00, excluding holidays)
    URL https://arahama.sendai311-memorial.jp/
    Access [For those coming by public transportation]
    From Arai Station on the Tozai Subway Line, take the Sendai City Bus bound for Earthquake Ruins Sendai City Arahama Elementary School and get off at the last stop (approx. 15 minutes)
    [For those coming by car]
    About 10 minutes from Sendai Higashi IC on the Sendai Tobu Road. There is a parking lot on the premises (large bus parking available)
    Holiday Mondays and fourth Thursdays of the month (excluding holidays) / Year-end and New Year holidays (12/29-1/4) / Temporary closing days
    Opening hours 9:30～16:00
    Fees Free