Miyagi Hidden Gems
Tohoku's gateway — the samurai city of Sendai, oyster-rich bays and the pine-dotted islands of Matsushima, one of Japan's classic three views.
5 spots
Climate & Best Season
Milder than the rest of Tohoku thanks to the Pacific; comfortable summers, moderate snow. Year-round, with a peak in early August.
Famous For (Food)
- Gyutan (grilled beef tongue)
- Matsushima oysters
- Zunda (edamame) sweets
- Sasa-kamaboko
Signature Sights
- Matsushima Bay
- Zuihoden mausoleum
- Naruko onsen gorge
- Sendai Tanabata Festival
Matsushima Bay Scenic Cruise
Matsushima Bay contains exactly 260 islands (the count was verified in the 1790s by a monk who documented each one). The…
Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle Ruins)
Sendai Castle, also known as Aoba Castle, served as the seat of power for the Date clan for over 260 years, a commanding…
Akiu Great Falls (Akiu Otaki)
Akiu Great Falls ranks among Japan's three most famous waterfalls, a powerful 55-meter cascade where the Natori River pl…
Godaido Temple
Godaido Temple stands as one of Matsushima's most iconic landmarks, a small vermillion Buddhist hall perched on a tiny i…
Sendai Pageant of Starlight
The Sendai Pageant of Starlight transforms the city's main boulevards into a glittering wonderland each December, when s…