Spots in Miyagi Area

  • Zuihoden Mausoleum
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    4.0
    617 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Pref. Sendaishi Aoba-ku Otamayashita 23-2
    Zuihoden, the mausoleum of Date Masamune who died in 1636 at the age of 70, was built at his request. It consists of the main shrine, hall of worship, place of mercy, and Nirvana gate, conveying to the present the characteristics of luxurious and elegant Momoyama culture. Although it was designated as a National Treasure in 1937, it was destroyed by fire during the war in 1945. It was rebuilt in 1979, and large renovation works were carried out in 2001, and the beautiful colors were restored.

    Interesting architectural structure surrounded by a peaceful green surroundings. Very serene when I was there and there wasn’t a lot of people as well. This was where the late Date Masamune was...

  • Miyagi Zao Fox Village
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    3.0
    335 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Miyagi Shiroishi-shi Fukuokayatsumiya Kawarago 11-3

    I read very mixed reviews on this place, and I left with many mixed feelings. Ill try to be brief but theres a lot to cover. First of all, we came on a hot day (35C degrees), so pretty much all...

  • Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium
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    4.0
    253 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Miyagi Pref. Sendaishi Miyagino-ku Nakano 4-6
    Located in Takasago Chuo Park one kilometer from Sendai Port, Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium has 100 aquarium exhibits. The aquarium’s centerpiece is a giant aquarium recreating the sea of Sanriku, and the aquarium raises some 25 thousand creatures spanning 50 species. The Umino-Mori Stadium on the second floor is one of the largest such facilities in Tohoku and seats around 1,000 people. One of the unique features about this stadium is its lack of an acrylic divider between the audience and the performers. During a show, visitors can view vibrant dolphin and sea lion performances up close.

    Some of the tanks, I feel like, may be a nit too small. The sea turtle aquarium was cramped I didn’t take a photo because I felt bad for them. The rest of the tanks were nice! I got to see a lot of...

  • Matsushima Shimameguri Kankosen cruises
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    4.0
    404 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Pref. Miyagigunmatsushimamachi Matsushima Chounai 85
    Matsushima Shimameguri Kankosen cruises offer scheduled trips on large ships, setting out from the Matsushima Coast, for 50-minute cruises in which passengers can enjoy viewing the Matsushima Islands, which have traditionally been ranked as one of the “Three Views of Japan.” For an additional charge, passengers can relax and enjoy the views from the luxury seats on the ship’s upper deck. Other island cruises using medium-sized and small-boats (for groups of at least 15 passengers and at least 12 passengers respectively) are also available; because these boats have a shallower draught than the larger Nio-maru, they are able to follow different routes, giving passengers a closer look at the Matsushima Islands.

    Many islands, small to large, in various shapes, some with caves, are there. In addition, there are many gulls and black-tailed gulls (in Japan black-tailed gull is called Umineko – sea cat – as its...

  • Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
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    4.0
    299 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Pref. Sendaishi Aoba-ku Hachiman 4-6-1
    This is a shrine created in 1607 by the feudal lord Masamune Date. The shaden, comprised of the honden (or inner sanctuary), ainoma (which is also called ishinoma-zukuri) passageway, and haiden (or hall of worship) was designated as a National Treasure in 1952 for being the only remaining structure of the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Worshippers deeply believe that the deity enshrined here wards off evil and calamities and invites good luck, as well as helps to gain victory or have easy childbirth. It is known for its Matsutaki Matsuri festival, the largest New Year’s event in all of Japan. New Year’s decorations and amulets are burned and the event is also called Dondo-yaki because of the intensity of the fire. The shrine is also famous for its “Hadaka Mairi” when half-naked worshippers form a procession to the shrine in the winter. Visitors can access the shrine by taking a bus that leaves from in front of Sendai Station, getting off at the Osaki Hachimangu-Mae stop and walking for five minutes.

    Im a big fan of shrines and one year I went into every shrine I saw walking around Tokyo for a month. For some reason it felt like something was missing. It might be because they were setting up for...

  • Godaido Temple
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    4.0
    336 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Pref. Miyagigunmatsushimamachi Matsushima Chounai
    As a symbol of Matsushima, Godaido Temple is a Buddhist temple that was designated as an Important Cultural Property. It belongs to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism headed by Myoushin-ji Temple and to which Zuiganji Temple also belongs. The temple takes its name Godaido because it houses images of the Five Wisdom Kings of Japanese Buddhism (Acala, Kundali, Trilokavijaya, Vajrayaksa, and Yamantaka). The images of the five great wisdom kings created in the middle of the Heian period are normally withheld from public view but are revealed once every 33 years.

    Godaido Hall stands just northeast of the pier and is worth stopping by. A lovely (if somewhat precarious as the handrails are rotting away) bridge connects the small island to the shore. The hall...

  • Loople Sendai
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    4.0
    358 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi ken Sendai-shi Aoba-ku
    The Loople Sendai bus brings passengers to tourist spots around central Sendai City, and it arrives every 20 minutes on weekdays and 15 minutes on weekends. Buying a day pass gives you unlimited bus access all day and also provides bonuses at various facilities along the bus line, making it a great option. The bus runs on a special schedule during the three-day Sendai Tanabata Festival and the Sendai Pageant of Starlight that takes place in December. Board at Stop #16 at the West Exit of JR Sendai Station.

    This bus has one thing going for it and that is that it stops close to the sights. However thats the only good thing as the bus is seriously overcrowded. Not only that but the number of departures is...

  • Shiroishi Castle
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    4.0
    168 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Pref. Shiroishishi Masuokachou 1-16
    Shiroishi Castle is a flatland-style Japanese castle in the city of Shiroishi, just a 10-minute walk from Shiroishi Station. The castle was used by the Date clan of the Sendai Domain but then the Katakura clan were hereditary retainers of the castle for 260 years from after the battle of Sekigahara until the Meiji period. At the start of the Meiji period the castle was demolished by Ordinance for the Disposal of Castles but in remembrance of the achievements of Date Masamune’s senior retainer Katakura Kagetsuna, the three-story keep and two gates were faithfully restored in 1995. Shiroishi Castle has around 400 cherry trees (in Masuoka Park). It is a famous cherry blossom spot that attracts a lot of tourists around mid-April.

    We went there to see the festival which is held every first Saturday of October. There were many different acts playing, singing or showing skills with samurai swords. When we arrived we had the...

  • Sendai City Museum
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    4.0
    160 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Miyagi Pref. Sendaishi Aoba-ku Kawauchi 26 (Sendai castle Sannomaru trace)
    This museum primarily displays items related to the history and culture of the Sendai Clan, based on materials donated from the Date family. The trademark golden crescent moon crested helmet is a piece of the black lacquer five-layered body armor (an important cultural property) used by Lord Masamune Date, which is housed here along with the 8-meter-wide large painting of the ''Tempo Kuniezu Mutsu-no-Kuni Sendai-ryo.'' Also on display are many treasured archives related to the national treasures of the envoys to Europe during the Keicho Era, which are UNESCO World Heritages. Special exhibits and other scheduled exhibits are also held 3-4 times a year.

    This is a small but interesting museum, largely focusing on the history of Sendai and how it came to be. A lot of the displays have English translations which is handy. You can also get an audio...

  • Minamisanriku Sansan Shopping street
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    4.0
    131 Reviews
    Shopping
    Miyagi Motoyoshi-gun Minamisanrikucho Shizugawa Itsukamachi 201-5

    So many tasty seafood restaurants are available, and noodle shops. Many local fresh sea foods, when you buy at market you can eat at sitting area which is comfortable (sheltered from wind and rain...

  • Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall
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    4.0
    91 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Miyagi Pref. Sendaishi Miyagino-ku Odawarayamamotochou 101-14
    Sendai Anpanman Children’s Museum & Mall is an interactive participatory facility where visitors can have fun seeing, touching, and experiencing. Visitors can have fun meeting and interacting with friends from Anpanman, and there are also goods and food shops, a restaurant salon. The facility has a sense of security for parents with its place for strollers, coin lockers, and a spacious baby room. It is approximately 15 minutes by car from Sendai-Miyagi Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway.

    I believe every kids or even some mum will go gogo gaga over this Anpanman museum. A famous character from Japan children superhero. It’s really cute with all the toys and dolls and accessories with...

  • Ishinomori Mangattan Museum
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    4.0
    105 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Pref. Ishinomakishi Nakaze 2-7
    Opened in 2001, the Ishinomori Mangattan Museum has eagerly adopted and employed the “Manga Declaration”, which represents the creative ideals of Shotaro Ishinomori regarding the expressive potential of manga (comics) as a media. In addition to entertaining and animated displays, standard exhibits, special exhibition rooms, and an original animation theater, this museum even offers you the opportunity to try animation for yourself. The plentiful content is overwhelming. About 10 minutes by car via Ishinomaki Kanan Interchange on the Sanriku Expressway.

    I visited with my brother and a friend. I didnt know much about the particular mangas and anime shown in the museum but one caught by eye. This was Cyborg 009 (I am now obsessed). I now know much...

  • Michinoku Lakewood National Government Park
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    4.5
    101 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Miyagi Prefecture Shibata-gun, Kawasaki-machi
    Located near Lake Kamafusa, this is Tohoku’s most extensive public park administered by the national government. It is becoming a popular sightseeing spot since it is close to sightseeing areas such as Akiu Onsen. Visitors can experience Tohoku’s nature and culture, and it is worth seeing the flowers that bloom across the four seasons. Tulips in the spring, and the fields of cosmos flowers that bloom from summer to autumn fill the park with color.

    I visited this park at the end of April when the flowers were at their full bloom. the view is really exceptional and amazing, I think this park deserves to be considered as one of the marvels of...

  • Rinno-ji Temple
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    4.5
    83 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Pref. Sendaishi Aoba-ku Kitayama 1-14-1
    Rinnoji Temple is located about 15 minutes by taxi from Sendai Station. It was first founded in Fukushima in 1441, but when the Date clan moved from the castle there to other places, it was reestablished in each location, but it was finally moved to its current site in Sendai in 1602. Its Zen garden, known as one of the many famous gardens in the Tohoku region, attracts many visitors from in and outside the city of Sendai, giving them an opportunity to appreciate seasonal blooms, such as cherry blossoms and hydrangeas. Its statue of Seated ShakaNyorai (an incarnation of the Buddha), Sendai City's Tangible Cultural Property, is exhibited on the 1st and 15th of every month. Every Saturday, the temple sponsors Zen meditation sessions that are open to the public.

    Take the train from Sendai Station to Kitayama Station and walk downhill for about 15 minutes to the entrance to this temple . Well worth the visit with a beautiful garden area and pond to walk...

  • Johgi Nyorai (Saihoji Temple)
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    4.0
    69 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Pref. Sendaishi Aoba-ku Okura Up / down 1
    Ths temple is known for the hauntingly beautiful “Candle Festival” that takes place on August 15. It is said to have been founded by Taira no Sadayoshi, who protected a statue of Amitabha bequeathed to him by Taira no Shigemori and escaped the purge of the Minamoto Clan. In 1706, Hayasaka Genbei, a subordinate’s descendant, became a monk by the name of Kanrensha Ryonen and established the temple. It’s about a 45-minute drive from the Sendai-Miyagi Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway.

    定義山の西方寺。仙台の山奥にあります。天皇塚は縁結びスポットらしいです。本堂は新しく、きれいでした。 駐車場も十分にあります。

  • A la Datena Michinoeki
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    4.0
    85 Reviews
    Transportation
    Miyagi Pref. Osakishi Iwadeyamaiketsuki Shimomiyamichishita 4-1
    A roadside station standing along National Route 47 in Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. The station has a farm-fresh market carrying an abundant selection of local foods such as vegetables as well as rice, bread, and folk crafts. The station also hosts a shop owned and operated by renowned Hokkaido confectionary company Royce, and here you'll find shelves filled with an astonishing variety of chocolate sweets. The station's restaurant is a buffet serving six varieties of curry and dishes made with local ingredients. The station also has an outdoor light meal stand serving soft serve ice cream as well as spare rib barbecue, a rarity in Japan.

    伊達ラーメンを食べましたが、とてもしょっぱかったです!スープとチャーシューの塩味と醤油の味が強くて全部食べれませんでした!

  • Roadside Station Joubon no Sato
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    4.0
    56 Reviews
    Transportation
    Miyagi Pref. Ishinomakishi Kofunakoshi Futagokitashimo 1-1
    A roadside station standing along National Route 45 close to the Kahoku interchange on the Sanriku Expressway. The station is adjoined by the Futago no Yu hot spring bath facility, and visitors can soothe away the fatigue of their journey here. The station's restaurant, Shiori, serves a popular buffet consisting of a variety of local specialty dishes. Manjuya-san, located at the entrance to the station's farm-fresh market, sells Chikuwa Sankyodai chikuwa fish paste skewers and the Ishimaki Oden Burger, which was developed in collaboration with the local Ishinomaki Senshu University.

    道の駅ランキング2位ということであるが、そこまで目新しさを感じなかった。食事もそこまでの名物感がなく産直、お土産コーナーも普通。温泉がついているのが良いのだろう。

  • Sendai Tourist Information Center
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    4.0
    81 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Pref. Sendaishi Aoba-ku Chuou 1-1-1 JR Sendai Station 2F inside the Plaza
    A tourist information center located in Sendai Station in Sendai City. The center was originally located at the entrance to the station but was moved to a newer, updated facility in the station's View Plaza area. The center provides sightseeing and lodging information on the Sendai area and Miyagi Prefecture. The center's walls and shelves are stuffed with pamphlets providing information on area events. The center always has English-speaking staff on hand ready to help international tourists. The center is also frequently used as a starting point for tie-up events with works of fiction taking place in the area such as the popular anime series Wake Up, Girls! and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.

    Staffs are very nice and helpful. They can communicate in English very well. They give me the completed information in Sendai and the other area around Sendai especially the updated local bus...

  • Michinoku Date Masamune Historical Museum
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    4.0
    70 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Pref. Miyagigunmatsushimamachi Matsushima Fugendou 13-13
    A history museum dedicated to the samurai Date Masamune. The museum's entrance, modeled after the Date clan crest, draws the eye. One of the museum's biggest draws is its lifelike wax models depicting epic moments from Date Masamune's life. Amazingly, Masamune's face as it appears in the museum's exhibits was reconstructed based on the remains of the samurai exhumed during work to rebuild the Date clan mausoleum. Visitors can also try on samurai armor and take a commemorative photo. In the museum cafe, you can enjoy sweets made with zunda mashed boiled green soybeans or a Masamune Parfait topped with a crescent moon-shaped cookie.

    If you are a Date Masamune fan then you must visit I loved Sengoku Basara and this is the place to visit to learn his life plus aftermath There are also statues that are important to people of...

  • Kanahebisui-jinja Shrine (Golden Snake Shrine)
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    4.0
    40 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Pref. Iwanumashi Miroyoshi Suijin 7
    This shrine, located about 10 minutes by car from Iwanuma Station that worships the god of golden snakes. It has been introduced by the media as a power spot for good fortune, and has gathered faith since long ago as a god of business prosperity, good fortune with money, warding off evil and bringing luck, as well as maritime safety. In the precincts there is a historic peony garden with 1,500 bushes planted, in the season of colorful wisteria and azalea in the middle of May, the “Flower Festival” is held and the shrine is crowded with many visitors. Also, there is a soba kitchen using shrine underwater spring water to make freshly made soba noodles that visitors can enjoy in the rest area.

    I stopped by here on my first visit to Sendai. To get there, train may not be the most convenient to get there from Sendai Station, so I decided to rent a car and get there 8:00 AM. There were...

Miyagi Areas

around-area-map

Lying along the northeastern coast of Japan, Miyagi prefecture is home to lashings of natural parks, oysters, and hot springs. While the bustling city of Sendai offers some simple city entertainment, it’s the Matsushima islands that deserve the most attention, having boosted the prefecture’s reputation as one of Japan’s most scenic views.

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