Miyagi Prefecture offers a range of travel experiences side by side: island and lake landscapes, hot springs, traditional crafts and cultural sites. When looking for a hotel, it is worth first considering which of these themes you want to shape your stay. The places and experiences below offer some specific ideas.
Landscapes of Islands, Lakes and Gorges
Matsushima Prefectural Natural Park is considered Miyagi’s oldest natural park. More than 260 islands, formed by subsidence and erosion, and long capes enclose an inner bay. The park stretches across Shiogama, Higashimatsushima, Matsushima, Shichigahama and Rifu. In the north of the prefecture lies the Izunuma–Uchinuma lowland lake area: it covers 491 hectares, of which 387 hectares are water. The Izunuma–Uchinuma Sanctuary Center introduces both the natural environment and the human and social environment of the wetlands, and offers facilities for nature observation and education.
There are other natural destinations in the surrounding area, each with a different focus. Kejo-numa is an important wintering ground for migratory geese, including bean geese and Aleutian Canada geese. Naruko Gorge is four kilometers long; its rock walls reach 80 to 100 meters and feature unusual formations. Autumn foliage can be observed among these rocks. Katanuma is also shaped by volcanic activity: the crater lake is highly acidic, and there are boats and a walking path. On the ria coast, the Ogama viewpoint features rock formations shaped by wave erosion, including the marble pillar Oreishi. It is one of the signature landscapes of Sanriku Reconstruction National Park.
Hot Springs and Kokeshi Craftsmanship
The Naruko Onsen area lies in northern Miyagi, in the upper reaches of the Eai River, also known as the Arakawa. It comprises five hot spring areas: Naruko Onsen, Higashi-Naruko Onsen, Kawatabi Onsen, Nakayamadaira Onsen and OnikĹŤbe Onsen. Written records and oral tradition suggest that Naruko Kokeshi dolls have been made since the late Edo period. These wooden dolls have a head inserted into the body; when turned, it makes a squeaking sound. The Japan Kokeshi Museum displays Kokeshi from various parts of Tohoku. Visitors can watch craftspeople demonstrate woodturning and painting, and paint a Kokeshi themselves.
Akiu and Togatta also offer different hot spring experiences. The healing springs of Akiu have been documented for 1,500 years. Akiu’s Rairai Gorge has a 650-meter wooded walking trail along a gorge slope; allow 40 to 50 minutes for the round trip. Togatta Onsen has two public bathhouses supplied by a 68°C hot spring. There is also a free footbath next to Kamanoyu, which may be closed at times.
Cultural Sites and Local Cuisine
The surrounding area also has cultural destinations with histories of their own. Zuihoden in Sendai is the mausoleum of the warlord Date Masamune. The stone walls of Sendai Castle’s ruins are well preserved; the castle site is considered a particularly valuable example of an early modern Japanese castle. Shiogama Shrine is said to be about 1,000 years old and is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Tohoku. The Sendai Tanabata Festival is a traditional summer festival associated with Date Masamune and is one of the region’s signature summer festivals. The festival dates vary from year to year.
In Shiogama, you can combine a visit to the fish market with making your own “My Donburi” bowl: visitors choose fresh fish toppings for their rice. On Tashirojima, “Manga Island” was established as part of an island revitalization project inspired by manga; camping is among the activities available there. These examples show the breadth of themes for a trip through Miyagi—from crafts and shrines to food and island life.
Getting There and Practical Information
From Tokyo, Sendai is about 90 minutes away on the JR TĹŤhoku Shinkansen; travel time may vary depending on the service. Scheduled sightseeing cruises in Matsushima Bay each last 50 minutes. Fares are 1,500 yen for adults and 750 yen for elementary school children; children below elementary school age ride free. Check schedules and availability before making plans. When choosing a hotel, you can first decide on your preferred focus: for example, culture in Sendai and Shiogama, nature watching in the wetlands, or hot springs and Kokeshi craftsmanship.
Discover more destinations: Sendai, Shiroishi, ĹŚsaki, Ishinomaki, Kinosaki, Miya, Kesennuma, Arahama, Taiwa, Zao, Watari, Shichikashuku, TagajĹŤ, Miyagi District, Kami District, Tome, Higashimatsushima, Shiogama, Misato, Minamisanriku, Kurihara, Matsushima, Shichigahama.
For the main travel overview: Japan.
