Introducing "10 things to do in Miyagi (Sendai and Matsushima)".

Zuihoden

It was built in 1637 to enshrine Date Masamune. Zuihoden is a gorgeous building that conveys Momoyama architecture, and was designated a national treasure in 1931, but was destroyed in a fire during wartime and rebuilt in its current form in 1979. In addition to the mausoleums of the second and third generations, the grounds also house a museum that displays materials from excavations. The gorgeous building is an eye-catching sight.

Sendai Castle Ruins

Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle), the residence of the Date clan with 620,000 koku of rice, is located at an altitude of about 130m. Built on a site with cliffs to the east and south, it is said that the castle did not have a castle tower to avoid the vigilance of Shogun Ieyasu. The castle has now disappeared, and only stone walls and a reconstructed turret remain. From the castle ruins, where the "Masamune on Horseback Statue" stands, you can see the city of Sendai. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Osaki Hachiman Shrine

It was founded in 1607 by the Sengoku warlord Date Masamune as a local guardian shrine (a shrine that protects the area) to ensure peace for the people of Sendai. It was designated a national treasure in 1952. The main shrine building, built by craftsmen invited from Kyoto and Kishu, is a gorgeous example of Momoyama architecture. The gold leaf and vibrant colors used are very beautiful.

There are "three torii gates", two of which are painted vermilion and the other is made of stone.

Saihoji Temple

Gokurakuzan Saihoji, an ancient Jodo sect temple founded in 1706 by Taira Sadayoshi, a senior vassal of the Taira clan. You can see the main hall where the principal image is enshrined, the five-story pagoda, and more.

The five-story pagoda changes appearance throughout the seasons; in autumn it harmonizes with the autumn leaves, and in winter the snow piled up on the pagoda is very beautiful.

Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Distillery

This is Nikka Whisky's raw liquor factory, on a par with Yoichi Distillery in Hokkaido. The distillery is located in the mountains close to the border with Yamagata Prefecture, and is surrounded by the Shinkawa and Hirosegawa rivers. It was built in 1969 by Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whiskey, as the second distillery after Yoichi. On a free guided tour (book online), you can see the distillery building and storage facility, and you can also sample whiskey. Bottles exclusive to the distillery are also sold, making a great souvenir.

Akiu Waterfall

It is one of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan and is a nationally designated scenic spot. It is a very large waterfall with a width of 6 meters and a drop of 55 meters. The concentration of negative ions is very high, and you can reach the pool of the waterfall with a short walk. In the autumn, the trees around the waterfall change color and you can see the autumn leaves. The waterfall and the autumn leaves are a spectacular and photogenic sight.

Godaido

Bishamon-do Hall was founded by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro during his eastern expedition between 807 and 809, and later, Jikaku Daishi Ennin enshrined statues of the Five Great Kings here, which is why it came to be called the "Godai-do Hall."

"Tou Bridge" refers to the two vermilion bridges that span the small island on which the Godaido Hall stands. The bridge has a lattice pattern at the base, and through the gaps you can see 5 meters below into the sea. As the name suggests, the bridge is transparent, and is considered a warning to worshippers to brace themselves before entering the sanctuary. There is also a theory that the name "Tou Bridge" comes from the idea that by looking at your feet, you can clearly see your future.

Matsushima Fish Market

This is a tourist market that sells over 1,500 types of products, including fresh Sanriku seafood products.

There are dining seats on the outdoor terrace and on the second floor, and popular dishes include sushi with extremely fresh ingredients, hearty seafood bowls, and Matsushima oyster burgers. In addition, the attached "Yakigaki House" offers all-you-can-eat oysters all year round.

Matsushima Island Tour Cruise

We recommend the "Niomaru Course." This course is about 17 kilometers long and includes the famous "Kanejima" and "Niojima," as well as the spectacular rocky "Kagetajima" and Jomon period ruins, making for a pleasant boat trip. It is common to take a boat trip from Shiogama to Matsushima Coast, and Matsuo Basho also took this course.

There are many naturally formed rocks, each with a unique shape, and it's amazing how they could have been formed naturally.

Matsushima's Four Great Views

This is a place where you can see one of the Three Most Scenic Views of Japan from a vantage point. It is a famous spot where you can get a panoramic view of the 260 or so islands floating in Matsushima Bay. It is named after four different spots, each of which represents the impression of the view from each spot. It received three stars in the 2017 Michelin Green Guide Japan. The night view is also beautiful and overwhelming.

summary

We have introduced "10 things to do in Miyagi (Sendai and Matsushima)". The glittering gold leaf of Zuihoden and Osaki Hachimangu Shrine is a spectacular sight, created with attention to detail. Matsushima, one of the Three Most Scenic Spots of Japan, has many spectacular views. There is also the Matsushima Fish Market, where you can enjoy seafood to your heart's content. Please come and visit.