Miyagi

Miyagi Prefecture is located on the Pacific coast in the southern part of the Tohoku Region and boasts a wealth of attractions connected to the natural ecosystems and wildlife of Japan. Like other surrounding Tohoku provinces such as Yamagata and Iwate, Miyagi is also home to many historic castles and samurai residences. As of 2012, nearly a quarter of the prefecture’s total land area had been designated as Natural Parks, further highlighting Miyagi’s reputation for having no shortage of beautifully forested scenery both inland and along its coastline.

Miyagi’s capital city of Sendai is more than worthy of a stop for visitors to this multifaceted prefecture that is much more than just a nature lover’s dream. For tourists heading to the city in August, the Tantaba Matsuri festival is a must-see event in which thousands of brightly colored streamers decorate nearly the entire city.

Miyagi is a prefecture with a savory culinary tradition heavily influenced by proximity to the sea. The most well-known local dish, however, is gyutan, which consists of thinly sliced beef tongue with other sides such as vegetables. Another regional delicacy unique to the Miyagi Prefecture is sasakamaboko — a steamed fish paste cake formed into the likeness of a bamboo leaf. Rows of small street side shops in Sendai have been preparing and serving their own homemade style of the dish for years. Kaki Ryori, which is a renowned local dish of steamed oysters, is yet another delicious culinary option characteristic of Miyagi Prefecture.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Matsushima Bay Scenic Area

About an hour away from Sendai lies Matsushima Bay where 260 tiny, pine-covered islands seem to float upon the bay's calm waters. The bay has been the subject of Japanese poets and artists for hundreds of years, and in 1643 CE it was famously lauded as one of the top three sites in all of Japan. The bay is perfect for exploring, and several of the islands are connected to the mainland by picturesque, red-lacquered bridges.

A chance confluence of nutrient-rich hot and cold currents has led to especially delicious oysters in Matsushima Bay, and these have been drawing crowds for several hundreds of years. Oysters are eaten raw, grilled, and even deep-fried. The raw oysters are paired with ponzu sauce, a type of lemon juice, and red chili peppers, while the deep-fried ones are covered with panko breadcrumbs. There is also a miso-flavored hot pot concoction, and all-you-can-eat oyster shacks line the pier.

Mt. Zao Blue Crater Lake

Mount Zao is a complex volcano on the border of Yamagata Prefecture and Miyagi Prefecture that is known for the Okama Crater, a breathtaking caldera lake that changes color according to weather, season, and even time of day.The lake can even appear a different color when viewed from different angles, hence its other moniker, “The Lake of Five Colors.” While you can get near the top of the mountain by car, bus, ropeway, or chairlift, the only way to get to the crater lake is by a 45-minute scenic hike to the peak, and if you've already made it this far then the hike is a must. At a peak some 6,040-meters tall, the lake is an inseparable component of one of Tohoku's most recognizable peaks. In the summer months flowers and alpine plants are in full bloom, and come autumn intense yellows, oranges, and reds fill the treetops.

Shiogama Sushi City

A short distance from Sendai, the Pacific coastal city of Shiogama is famous for its sushi. Its port unloads the largest amount of fresh tuna in all of Japan yearly, and it boasts the highest density of sushi restaurants in the Land of the Rising Sun. The port also catches a large amount of swordfish and is a major supplier of seafood for Tokyo. The Shiogama Fish Market is near the wharves where boats unload tons of fresh seafood daily. There are about 140 shops and stalls on-site that offer a large variety of fresh and processed seafood products, and there are also a number of places to enjoy a sushi breakfast or a lunch inside the market as well. Within the city itself, there is every caliber of sushi restaurant available — from the run-down shack to the upscale sushi bar.

Fox Village

Foxes have traditionally been a common subject in Japanese folklore. Sometimes sinister in their motives, but often friendly, the foxes of legend typically possessed the ability to shapeshift and take on a human form. In modern Japan, people are mostly drawn to foxes for their “cute factor,” and there is perhaps no better place to get your fill of this than the Fox Village, located in the mountains near Shiroishi. The “village” is filled with over 100 animals, representing six different types of foxes. They freely roam about a preserve that visitors are allowed to enter and explore. Guests can purchase feed on-site and give it directly to the foxes within the preserve under the friendly supervision and instruction of the staff.

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