Miyagi Prefecture is a prefecture located in the southeastern part of the Tohoku region. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Ou Mountains to the west, it is an area rich in nature, history, and culture.
Matsushima (松島)
The first is abundant nature.Miyagi Prefecture is home to a variety of scenic natural attractions, including majestic mountains, beautiful coastlines, and lush forests. Here are some of the most recommended spots:
Matsushima (松島): Matsushima, counted as one of the Three Views of Japan, is a beautiful bay dotted with over 260 small islands. The islands are covered with pine trees, and the scenery is simply breathtaking. In Matsushima, you can take a cruise ship and tour the islands, or take a sightseeing boat and enjoy the view from the sea. You can also visit historical temples such as Zuiganji Temple and Godaido.
Zao (蔵王): Zao is a mountain famous for skiing and snowboarding. In winter, the snow-covered trees create a fantastical landscape called "Zao rime". In summer, you can enjoy hiking, trekking, and hot springs. Zao is also home to Okama, an emerald green crater lake.
Naruko Gorge (鳴子狭): Naruko Gorge is a gorge that stretches for about 4 kilometers. Cliffs and strange rocks line the gorge, and the scenery is truly magnificent. In Naruko Gorge, you can walk along the walking trail and enjoy the scenery. There is also a hot spring town called Naruko Onsen in Naruko Gorge.
Zuiganji Temple (瑞巌寺)
The second is history and culture. Miyagi Prefecture is a region that flourished under the reign of Date Masamune. Historical buildings such as Sendai Castle and Zuihoden remain, and traditional performing arts and culture are also thriving.
Zuiganji Temple (瑞巌寺): Zuiganji Temple is a Rinzai Zen temple located in Matsushima. It is home to many buildings designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Matsushima.
Sendai Castle (仙台城): Sendai Castle is a castle located in Sendai City. It was built by Date Masamune and is also known as "Aoba Castle". It is currently open to the public as the Sendai City Museum, and offers panoramic views of the city.
Kyōiku Shiryōkan (Former Tome Higher Elementary School Building)教育資料館(旧登米高等尋常小学校校舎): This is a museum located in Tome City, Miyagi Prefecture, that utilizes the former Tome Elementary School building built in 1888 (Meiji 21). It is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and classrooms and a principal's office from that time are preserved in their original state. Educational materials from the Meiji era are also exhibited, allowing visitors to experience what schools were like in the Meiji era.
In addition, in the Tohoku region on the Pacific side, the remains of the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred in 2011 have been maintained and remain. Many of them are scattered along the overseas coast. Check here for more detail.→ 3.11 Densho Road Promotion Organization