Miyagi Prefecture, located in the Tohoku region of Japan, is a region known for its natural beauty and historical charm. Facing the Pacific Ocean, it boasts many coastlines and beaches. Especially, Matsushima Bay is famous for its beautiful scattered islands, making it a renowned scenic spot. Moreover, the changing seasons offer stunning landscapes, with autumn foliage being particularly impressive.
In Sendai City, you can find numerous historical attractions such as Sendai Castle, Mt. Aoba, and the statue of Date Masamune. These places convey the history and culture of Miyagi Prefecture. The region is also known for its delicious cuisine, including beef tongue (gyutan), oysters from Matsushima, Sendai miso, and zunda mochi, providing tourists with delightful dining experiences.
Miyagi Prefecture is dotted with various hot spring resorts, making it a popular destination for relaxation. Some of the notable ones include Naruko Onsen-kyo and Akiu Onsen. It’s also known for producing high-quality Japanese beef known as “Miyagi Beef” or “Miyagi Gyu.” The tender meat makes for delicious steaks and yakiniku.
Here is a ranking of the top 10 popular tourist destinations in Miyagi Prefecture.
１．Matsushima
Matsushima is one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Spots, known for its beautiful landscapes, particularly the islands in Matsushima Bay and the view of Karahafu-style rooftops. Zuigan-ji Temple, a Buddhist temple in Matsushima, houses important cultural properties and a beautiful garden.
２．Sendai Castle Ruins
A historical castle located in Sendai city, featuring a restored keep that offers panoramic views of the city. It’s often referred to as “Aoba Castle” due to its association with Date Masamune.
３．Mount Zao (Zaozan)
An excellent place to appreciate nature’s beauty, renowned for its hot spring resorts. It also offers skiing and snowboarding during the winter season.
４．Naruko Gorge
Naruko Gorge is a canyon formed by the erosion of the Oya River at the southern foot of Hanabuchi Mountain. It spans nearly 3 kilometers with cliffs and precipices ranging from 80m to 100m in height. It is renowned as a spot for autumn foliage and has been designated as a place of scenic beauty in Miyagi Prefecture.
５．Sendai Tanabata Festival
One of Japan’s Three Great Tanabata Festivals, known for its splendid decorations with bamboo grass and colorful paper. The swaying decorations in the wind are a summer tradition in Sendai.
６．Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory
Located in a picturesque setting, this brick whisky factory offers guided tours of the distillery. Visitors can learn about the whisky production process, Nikka Whisky’s history, and enjoy tasting sessions.
７．Akiu Onsen
Akiu Onsen is a historic hot spring resort in Sendai City with a history dating back 1,500 years. It’s considered one of Japan’s Three Great Hot Springs along with Arima Onsen in Hyogo and Dogo Onsen in Ehime.
８．Shiroishi Castle Ruins
Shiroishi Castle, originally a hilltop castle located in Shiroishi City’s Masukawacho Park, was dismantled in 1874. However, the main keep and two gates were faithfully reconstructed in 1995. It’s a symbol of Shiroishi City.
９．Okama Crater Lake
Okama is a circular crater lake approximately 325 meters in diameter located along the Zao Echo Line, connecting Miyagi and Yamagata. It’s called “Okama” because its shape resembles a kettle. The lake’s color changes throughout the day due to weather and sunlight, earning it the nickname “Goshikinuma” or “Five-Color Pond.”
１０．Zuihoden Mausoleum
Zuihoden is a mausoleum constructed based on the final wishes of Date Masamune, who passed away at the age of 70 in 1636. Designated as a national treasure in 1931, it was destroyed during World War II but reconstructed in 1979.