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Dakedai Forest Nature Observation and Education Area

Dakedai Forest Nature Observation and Education Area

Within this 12-hectare primeval beech forest, a 1.8 km walking trail has been developed, allowing even beginners to enjoy an easy and pleasant trek.Along the path, you can admire moss-covered boulders, majestic beech trees, and a pond where forest green tree frogs (Moriaogaeru) can be seen.This video also introduces other attractions in the Akita Shirakami area.Please note that it was produced during the COVID-19 pandemic; currently, sightseeing is available without wearing masks.

Akita
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn

Tanaashiro Marshland

Tanaashiro Marshland

About a 15-minute walk along the old trail from the Kuroishizawa Trailhead brings you to Tanaashiro Marshland,where Asian skunk cabbage (mizubashō) blooms around May and daylilies (nikkōkisuge) cover the area in early July.Even those who don’t plan to hike can enjoy a light and pleasant trekking experience.This video also features other tourist attractions in the Akita Shirakami area.Please note that it was produced during the COVID-19 pandemic; currently, sightseeing is available without wearing masks.

Akita
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn

Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage Conservation Center

Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage Conservation Center

At the Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage Conservation Center (Fujisato Branch), located on the southern foothills of Shirakami, you can explore and learn deeply about the Shirakami Sanchi, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.The true value of this forest may not be apparent at first glance, so we recommend listening to the explanations provided by resident nature advisors to better understand its wonders.This video also features other tourist attractions in the Akita Shirakami area.Please note that it was produced during the COVID-19 pandemic; currently, sightseeing is available without wearing masks.

Akita
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn

Yoneshiro River Canoe Experience

Yoneshiro River Canoe Experience

A popular water activity where you can leisurely paddle down the magnificent Yoneshiro River in a handcrafted canoe.Certified instructors from the Japan Canoe Federation provide thorough and friendly guidance—from on-land lessons to landing the canoe.This video also introduces other tourist attractions in the Akita Shirakami area.Please note that it was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic; currently, sightseeing is available without wearing masks.

Akita
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn

Ojima Island

Ojima is known as a sacred island where many monks once practiced asceticism, located within Matsushima, one of Japan's three most scenic views.Crossing the vermilion Togetsukyo Bridge reveals numerous "caves" hand-carved into the rock faces and ancient stone monuments, enveloping the island in a mystical and serene atmosphere. Away from the bustling tourist center, it is a hidden gem where you can experience the history of ancient Buddhist culture while listening to the sound of the waves. A walk around the island allows you to slowly enjoy the beautiful archipelago of Matsushima Bay in a quiet environment.

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kesennuma City

Kesennuma is a vibrant port town living in harmony with the rich Sanriku sea, which is counted as one of the world's three greatest fishing grounds.The main attraction is the fish market and various gourmet spots where you can enjoy exquisite dishes made from freshly landed shark, swordfish, and skipjack tuna. The stunning views of the rias coastline are also not to be missed. The azaleas of "Mt. Tokusenjo," which dye the entire mountain red in early summer, and the peculiar rock formations of "Oogama and Hanzo," where you can hear the waves up close, are truly breathtaking. It is...

Miyagi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nishi Park

Nishi Park is renowned as a famous spot for cherry blossoms, featuring many highlights such as a steam locomotive, a Kokeshi doll tower, a Matsuo Basho haiku monument, sculptures by prominent artists, and the Garyu-bai (reclining dragon plum tree), which is said to have been brought back from Korea by Date Masamune. During the cherry blossom season, the Nishi Park Hanami Piazza is established, where it is charming to stroll past food stalls while admiring the night cherry blossoms illuminated by lanterns.Within the park, there is a teahouse founded in 1868 (the first year of the Meiji era), where you...

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Atago Jinja Shrine

Atago Jinja Shrine

Atago Jinja Shrine is a historic shrine standing atop Mount Atago, offering a sweeping view of downtown Sendai. Known as a deity for protection against fire, it was moved to its current location by the feudal warlord Date Masamune.The main attraction is the grand panoramic view of the Sendai cityscape from the shrine grounds. The beauty of the sunset and night views is truly exceptional, making it a popular photo spot even among locals. By climbing the stone steps of the approach enveloped in a quiet forest, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy both...

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Zuihoden Mausoleum

Zuihoden Mausoleum

Zuihoden is a lavishly decorated mausoleum dedicated to Date Masamune, the founder of the Sendai Clan. It is characterized by an architectural style that reflects the Momoyama culture of the late 16th century, and its vibrant colors and exquisite carvings never fail to overwhelm visitors.Surrounded by a grove of cedar trees hundreds of years old, the area is filled with a sacred and serene atmosphere. The nature that changes with each season is also beautiful; the autumn foliage and evening illuminations are particularly mystical. It is one of Sendai's premier historical spots where you can simultaneously experience samurai history and...

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Sendai Castle Ruins

Sendai Castle Ruins

The Sendai Castle Ruins are the site of the castle built by Date Masamune, one of the most powerful feudal lords in history. While the buildings no longer stand, the massive stone walls still convey the grandeur of the castle's former days.The main highlight is the equestrian statue of Lord Masamune, standing as if to overlook the entire city of Sendai. The panoramic view from this spot is breathtaking, and the night view is especially exceptional. In the museum on-site, you can enjoy reconstructed footage of the castle using VR technology. It is a must-visit spot where you can savor...

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Jozenji-dori Avenue

Jozenji-dori Avenue

Jozenji-dori Avenue is the main street symbolizing the "City of Trees, Sendai," featuring a beautiful rows of zelkova trees. Bronze statues by Italian sculptors are dotted along the central promenade, creating an artistic atmosphere like an open-air museum.The changing expressions of the four seasons are also captivating; from fresh greenery and autumn colors to winter, when the "SENDAI Pageant of Starlight" fantastically colors the city with hundreds of thousands of shining LEDs. With many stylish cafes and shops nearby, it is the perfect spot for a stroll, where urban energy and natural tranquility merge.

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Sendai City

Sendai, the capital of Miyagi Prefecture, is known as the "City of Trees," where modern buildings and lush greenery harmonize perfectly, making it the ideal base for sightseeing in the Tohoku region.The city is dotted with historical sites related to Date Masamune, the warring states warlord who laid its foundation. At Zuihoden, a lavishly decorated mausoleum, and the Sendai Castle Ruins, which offer a panoramic view of the city, you can experience firsthand the aesthetic sense of the samurai and the depth of their history.Additionally, close to the city center, you can find famous hot springs such as Akiu Onsen...

Miyagi
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mount Tokusenjō

Mount Tokusenjō

Mount Tokusenjō is a $711text{m}$ high mountain spanning Kesennuma City and Motoyoshi Town, Miyagi Prefecture, and is nationally famous for its massive rhododendron (tsutsuji) colonies.Approximately 500,000 Japanese Azaleas (Yama-tsutsuji) and Rhododendron molle (Renge-tsutsuji) grow densely across the mountainside, dyeing the entire mountain red, typically from mid to late May. This landscape of azalea carpets is known as the "Sea of Azaleas" and is of breathtaking beauty.From the summit observatory, you can overlook the magnificent Pacific Ocean and the rias coastline, along with the Sea of Azaleas. It is a spot where you can experience a moving show of colors woven...

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer

Ruins of the Tagajō Administration Center

Ruins of the Tagajō Administration Center

The Ruins of the Tagajō Administration Center served as the hub of the government office that ruled the ancient Tōhoku region (Mutsu Province) approximately 1,300 years ago, spanning the Nara and Heian periods.This site was the political, military, and cultural center of Tōhoku at the time, making it an extremely important historical ruin in Japanese history. Currently, the foundation (kidan) of the central building (Seichō) where official duties were performed has been restored, and the vast grounds are maintained as a Special Historic Site.By strolling through the spacious grounds, visitors can experience the history of ancient Japan's governance of Tōhoku...

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Onikōbe

Onikōbe is a region surrounded by magnificent nature, located in the northwest of Miyagi Prefecture, deep within the Naruko Onsen Village.This area is geothermally active, offering dynamic sights where you can feel the breath of the Earth, such as geysers spouting steam everywhere and mud volcanoes (natural gas vents) that gurgle and bubble. The Onikōbe Geyser, in particular, is incredibly powerful.Additionally, hot springs are dotted throughout the quiet mountains, allowing visitors to enjoy a hidden hot spring (Hitō) atmosphere. Skiing is also available in winter, making it an area where you can experience the energy of nature and the warmth...

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Sekaiyachi Primeval Flower Garden

Sekaiyachi Primeval Flower Garden

The Sekaiyachi Primeval Flower Garden is a beautiful high-altitude wetland (bog) located at an elevation of approximately 900 meters, spreading out at the foot of the magnificent Mt. Kurikoma."Yachi" means wetland or marsh. Here, well-maintained wooden boardwalks are laid out, allowing visitors to stroll through the marsh without getting wet. Especially from early summer to summer, alpine plants like Nikko Daylilies (Nikkō Kisuge) and Cottongrass (Watasuge) bloom all at once, creating a magnificent landscape resembling a flower field.It is a treasure trove of nature, appealing for its abundant water flow and the changing colors of the flowers throughout the seasons.

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Nature
Summer

Sendai Tanabata Festival

Sendai Tanabata Festival

The Sendai Tanabata Festival is the most famous summer festival in the Tohoku region, held annually from August 6th to 8th.Its biggest feature is the gorgeous and massive "Tanabata decorations" that fill the entire shopping arcade. Colorful streamers made of washi (Japanese paper) and seven decorations embodying various wishes are displayed, coloring the night sky.This is a traditional Japanese festival where people pray for a good harvest and improvement in skills. The nighttime illumination is also fantastic, making it an event where you can experience the beauty and vibrant traditions of a Japanese summer.

Miyagi
Festivals & Events
Summer

Sakunami Onsen

Sakunami Onsen is a hot spring resort surrounded by abundant nature, located in the western part of Sendai City, upstream of the Hirose River.Its opening is ancient, and it flourished as a therapeutic bathing site (Tōji) during the time of Date Masamune. It is characterized by its colorless, transparent, skin-friendly simple alkaline hot spring, known especially as the "Beauty-making Hot Water." The open-air baths, enjoyed while listening to the murmuring of the river, are exceptional.The surrounding area also has many scenic spots, such as the Hōmei Shijūhachi-taki Falls, where you can enjoy beautiful ravines. Since it is relatively close to...

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tōgatta Onsen Mahoroba no Yu

Tōgatta Onsen Mahoroba no Yu

Hoshiakari no Yado Mahoroba, located in Tōgatta Onsen at the foot of Zaō, is a charming, purely Japanese-style inn inspired by a Kyoto machiya (traditional townhouse).Its greatest appeal is the guest rooms with private open-air baths, allowing guests to monopolize the hot spring without any interruption. At night, you can gaze at the starry sky from the private open-air bath, offering an exceptional healing experience.Guests can also use the adjacent day-trip facility "Mahoroba no Yu," including its massive stone open-air bath. It is an inn where you can fully enjoy the beautiful scenery of a Japanese mountain village and highly...

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tōgatta Onsen

Tōgatta Onsen is a traditional hot spring resort with a history of about 400 years, located at the foot of the Zaō mountain range.Its spring quality is a sulfate spring, known as the "Hot Water (Netsu no Yu)" because it thoroughly warms the body when immersed. In the center of the town, there are two public bathhouses used by locals, where you can easily experience Japan's public bathing culture.The town is also famous as a production center for Kokeshi dolls, allowing visitors to tour traditional Tōgatta Kokeshi workshops or try painting their own dolls. It is an ideal base for...

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Akiu Onsen

Akiu Onsen is a distinguished hot spring resort with a history of over 1,500 years, located in the "Okuzashiki" (inner parlor) of Sendai City, the capital of Miyagi Prefecture.It is a famous spring reputedly visited by the 29th Emperor in ancient times, and Date Masamune also used it during the Edo period. The water quality is a skin-friendly chloride spring, making it widely popular among tourists and therapeutic bathers (Tōji) alike.Nearby, there are abundant natural scenic spots, including the beautiful gorge "Rairaikyō," designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty, and the dynamic Akiu Great Falls. Due to its easy...

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Aone Onsen

Aone Onsen is a historic hot spring resort nestled in a quiet mountain area at the foot of the Zaō mountain range.Its opening dates back over $450text{ years}$, making it a distinguished hot spring reputedly used by the Date clan lords. During the Edo period, a temporary residence (O-Kariya) for the Sendai domain was established here. The water is colorless and transparent, and has long been known for its efficacy against cuts and skin diseases.Surrounded by rich nature, it is ideal for those who wish to quietly undergo therapeutic bathing (Tōji) or refresh themselves while enjoying the beautiful scenery of...

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kesennuma Ōshima Island

Kesennuma Ōshima Island

Kesennuma Ōshima is a beautiful island floating in Kesennuma Bay, also known as the "Green Pearl."The island is designated as part of the Sanriku Reconstruction National Park, and its appeal lies in its untouched nature and beautiful rias coast scenery. Specifically, from the Kameyama Observation Deck on the island, visitors can enjoy a magnificent panorama overlooking Kesennuma Bay and the Pacific Ocean.The opening of the Kesennuma Ōshima Bridge has made access from the mainland convenient. It is a soul-soothing resort destination where you can fully enjoy fresh seafood and the tranquil island atmosphere.

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Zuiganji Temple

Zuiganji Temple

Zuiganji Temple, located in Matsushima, is the foremost Zen temple in the Tohoku region and a treasure trove of history and art.It was reconstructed by Date Masamune, the lord of the Sendai domain. The magnificent main hall (Hondō) and kitchen (Kuri), built in the Momoyama style reflecting the power and aesthetic sensibilities of the time, are designated as National Treasures.Must-see features include the gorgeously decorated wall paintings and the design of Masamune's family crest, "Take ni Suzume" (Sparrows and Bamboo). Passing through the silent avenue of cedar trees, it is a place where you can deeply experience Japanese history and...

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter