TOKYO TO FUKUSHIMA AND MIYAGI

NEWS
TOP
BLOG
読売新聞(Japanese Edition)
POLITICS
SOCIETY
Planned by The Yomiuri Shimbun Advertising Bureau [PR]
BUSINESS
WORLD
SPORTS
EDITORIAL
FEATURES
COLUMNS
ALL GENRES
DISCOVER A HIDDEN SIDE OF JAPAN
VENTURING OUT OF
TOKYO TO FUKUSHIMA AND
MIYAGI
Japan’s capital is an exciting tourist destination with all kinds of things to see and do. The Odaiba area in particular is a fantastic seaside location
featuring a massive shopping mall as well as cutting­edge technological experiences at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
(Miraikan). Ooedo­Onsen Monogatari gives you easy access to hot spring baths, while KidZania Tokyo is hugely popular with kids looking to role­
play in a seemingly endless variety of jobs and activities. Nighttime in Odaiba offers gorgeous views of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge, making
the area a popular romantic destination for couples as well. But once you’ve played your heart out in Tokyo, there’s a different side of Japan that
awaits you, tucked away in places like Fukushima and Miyagi.
MIYAGI
If you’re headed up to Tohoku once you’ve had your fill of the futuristic urban
landscape in Odaiba, you should pay a visit to Miyagi, heralded as one of the
three most celebrated scenic sights in Japan. There are many areas linked to
the famous Sengoku period samurai Date Masamune, and the prefecture is full
of tourist destinations where you can really feel history come alive. Just a short
journey from Tokyo, Miyagi lets you experience an entirely new side of Japan.
Matsushima: One of the most picturesque
spots in Japan
There are countless things to
see in Miyagi Prefecture in
the area around its major city
of Sendai—including
Matsushima (one of Japan’s
famed Three Views) and the
Naruko Onsen hot spring
resort which has a history of
1100 years. We’ll start by
telling you more about
Matsushima, prized as one of
the most beautiful sights in the country.
→
©Yasufumi Nishi/©JNTO
the most beautiful sights in the country.
Here, more than 260 pine­covered islands rise out of Matsushima. Particularly
beautiful amidst the fresh greenery of springtime, the sight of these verdant
islands woven among the sparkle of blue ocean waters creates a scene that
has long captivated travelers to the area. When you visit, the best way to start
is by taking in a panoramic view of Matsushima Bay from a high vantage point
like Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park. Spread out below you will be a scene that
looks like it’s been taken right out of a Japanese painting.
Once you’ve enjoyed the full view of the land, hop on a tourist cruise so you
can see the islands from the water. A fifty­minute ride will take you right by
several of the islands, including Kanejima, famous for its four holes, and the
uniquely shaped Niojima. After the cruise, take some time to visit some of the
local temples like Entsu­in, which has an illumination event when the leaves
change in autumn. The Michinoku Date Masamune Historical Museum is
known for its wax dolls, and also offers handicraft experiences and samurai
armor for visitors to try on.
Trace the steps of Japan’s Sengoku warriors
Next we turn to Sendai,
Tohoku’s largest city. Sendai
is known for being founded by
Date Masamune, and his
presence still echoes
throughout the city in
everything from the
equestrian statue at the ruins
of Sendai Castle to his
mausoleum complex at
mausoleum complex at
Zuihoden and the shrine he
led construction at Osaki Hachimangu. The city is a bit too spread out to walk
across comfortably, but there is a circular bus called the Loople Sendai that
stops at most of the major tourist spots. Buy an all­day pass and you can get
on and off as many times as you like.
The circular bus leaves from Sendai Station, so look for route information inside
the station before you head out. Sendai Station itself is actually packed with
souvenir shops and restaurants where you can buy some of the local
specialties, including beef tongue and sushi. There is even a “Beef Tongue
Street” and “Sushi Street” set up inside the station—and thankfully, all of the
restaurants have menus translated into English and other languages.
If you’re feeling a bit peckish, visit the Zunda Saryo café on the first floor of the
station for a Zunda Shake. Zunda is the word for crushed edamame, a regional
specialty, and it’s now being offered in snacks and desserts in addition to
traditional cuisine. At the tourist information center on the second floor, you can
get a free Wi­Fi pass as well as information on things to see and do in the
Sendai area. You’re sure to get a lot more out of the great sightseeing,
shopping, and food in the area if you stop by here first.
Immerse yourself in the bounty of nature:
Fresh seafood and hot­spring villages
Miyagi Prefecture is also
home to numerous hot
springs. Not far from Sendai
is Naruko Onsen, an ancient
hot spring that has been
receiving visitors for more
receiving visitors for more
than 1100 years. Along the
streets of the hot spring
village, you’ll find public baths
open to visitors as well as
souvenir shops, soba
restaurants, and more—making it a great place to take a stroll once you’ve
finished your soak. Wooden kokeshi dolls are another famous product of
Naruko, and you’ll find plenty of kokeshi­inspired arts and crafts in the town as
well as shops where you can buy or even paint your own. There’s plenty for
visitors to enjoy in this area.
Miyagi has a long list of other attractions, including the Sanriku Coast (known
for its abundant seafood) and the magnificent natural beauty of the Zao area. If
you have some extra time to spend, use Sendai as a jumping­off point to visit
some of the other lovely prefectures in the Tohoku area.
Both Matsushima and Naruko Onsen are within an hour of Sendai Station by
train, and the station also gives you access to a variety of other Tohoku
hotspots via bullet train or expressway bus. The TOHOKU & TOKYO website
(a joint project by Tokyo, Sendai, and the prefectures of the Tohoku region) is a
great place to get information on tourist routes that make it easy to get to the
area’s many attractions. Be sure to check it out as you’re planning your trip!
GETTING THERE
■Tokyo Station → Sendai Station
Take the JR Shinkansen Hayabusa to Sendai Station. Total travel time is
about an hour and thirty minutes.
■Sendai Station → Matsushima
Take the JR Senseki Line to Matsushimakaigan Station. Total travel time
is about forty minutes.
is about forty minutes.
■Sendai Station → Naruko­Onsen Hotspring
Take the JR Shinkansen to Furukawa. Switch to the JR Rikuuto Line and
get off at Naruko Onsen Station. Total travel time is about forty­five
minutes.
>>HOME
SCROLL TO TOP
WEB SITE POLICIES
MEDIA DATA
ABOUT US
Links
Web Site Policies Top
The Yomiuri Shimbun
SUBSCRIBE
NEWSPAPER
Privacy Policy
Statement
The Japan News
The Japan News
Partners
Copyrights
Linking Policy
Contact us
Advertising with The
Japan News Website
CONNECT
Waseda Online
Chuo Online
Facebook
NTV
Twitter (English)
YTV
Twitter (Japanese)
ANN
© The Yomiuri Shimbun