0

MIYAGI

When to visit?

Unlike other cities in Tohoku region, the climate is said to be milder, as the prefecture is surrounded by mountains and not much snow.

Best season: Mar-Nov
Winter activity: Jan-Mar
Cherry blossoms: Apr
Foliage: mid Oct – Nov

Festivals / Events

Mar: Hote festival (帆手祭), Shiogama 鹽竈
Apr: Zao snow wall walk (雪の壁ウォーク), Zao 蔵王
Apr: Ogawara cherry blossom festival (おおがわら桜まつり) Ogawara 大河原町
May: Sendai Aoba festival (仙台青葉祭), Sendai
Aug: Sendai Tanabata (仙台七夕), Sendai

Touristic spots

Capital: Sendai (仙台)

Being the capital of Miyagi and Tohoku region, the city is functioning as a metropolis.  You can find popular items which are sold in Tokyo; however, this is the reason why many people cannot find its originality in this city.

Still, the city has a history, especially the Date family’s historical sites.  If you drive to the outskirts of the city, there are so many attractive hot springs available, too.

Masamune Date (伊達政宗), a legendary Samurai who is said to have used two swords at a time.
Akiu big waterfall (秋保大滝)

Tanabata festival(七夕まつり), Miyagi

Tanabata is usually held on 7 July in Japan; however, the biggest Tanabata festival is held in Sendai, Miyagi, in August!  This festival has an origin from China and we will write our wishes on a piece of colorful paper, and put it on decorated bamboo trees.

The most famous Tanabata festival in Japan.

Zao (蔵王)

Zao is a mountain between Miyagi and Yamagata.  From Yamagata side, we can enjoy trees with rimes called silver thaw (樹氷) in winter, while from Miyagi side there is amazing Caldera Lake created after the volcanic eruption.  The water is filled in the hole at the top of the mountain and this clear blue-green light color scenery is a must-visit place in Tohoku.

Okama (お釜) literally means Big Pot.

Matsushima (松島)

Probably one of the top must-visit places in Miyagi. Matsushima means island of pine trees, and since the island has been chosen as one of the top 3 views in Japan.  Nearly 6 million visitors every year.

The coast line has submerged and more than 230 small islands are floating on the bay, which makes this unique view.

View of Matsushima in fall.
Shiogama shrine (鹽竃神社) is believed to bring you a great luck.

Mt. Kurikoma (栗駒山)

Mt. Kurikoma can be accessed from Iwate, Akita or Miyagi, and it is said that the foliage is one of the greatest views that you can never miss.  The mountain is full of valuable plants that live only in plateau.  The foliage comes earlier, generally from mid-September to mid-October.

Easy hiking course is also available.

Naruko Hot spring (鳴子温泉)

Miyagi has many great hot springs, but Naruko Hot spring is the best-known name.  The Hot spring was once chosen as the best hot spring in the Eastern Japan by a travel magazine.

What makes the hot spring even more colorful and amazing is the foliage.  If you have a chance to go, especially during fall, you must be very lucky.

Naruko has some water sources, and each quality is different.
Naruko gorge (鳴子峡) in fall, which is accessible from Naruko Hot spring.

Sakunami Hot spring (作並温泉)

This Hot spring is the easiest access from Sendai city center.  Within just 40 minutes by car, you can reach this hot spring right in the middle of nature.  Not only the good hot water or nature, but also it is the place where you can touch the culture.  There is a famous whisky factory called Nikka, as well as Japanese traditional wooden doll called Kokeshi (こけし).

Foot bath.
Kokeshi wooden doll.
Homei forty-eight waterfall (鳳鳴四十八瀧).