Tashirojima (田代島) is a small island east of Ishinomaki City (石巻市) in Miyagi Prefecture. It is the only “cat island” in the Tohōku region, where the cat population is larger than human residents (61 humans vs. more than 130 felines). So many locals refer to the island as Cat’s Island (Neko no Shima, 猫の島).
Tashirojima – The Utopia for Cats and Cats Lovers in Tōhoku Read More »
Because the cherry blossom season in most parts of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka usually starts from late March to the beginning of April, if you can’t travel during that part of the year, that is okay! The season in Northeastern Japan starts in mid-April and can last until early May, giving you more flexibility to
The Best Cherry Blossom 14-Day Itinerary in the Tōhoku Region Read More »
If you ever get a chance to head up to the observatory area at Sendai‘s SS30‘s top floor on a clear day, you should see this white Kannon statue sticking out of a residential area. The Sendai Daikannon (仙台大観音) is the second tallest Buddha statue in Japan (the tallest is the Ushiku Buddha (牛久大仏) in
Sendai Daikannon – Explore Japan’s Tallest Kannon Statue Read More »
Sendai, the Tōhoku region‘s biggest city receiving more than 20 million tourists each year, is an amazing destination that encompasses both city and countryside characteristics, even in the city center. This is why the locals proudly advertise their hometown as Forest City (Morio no Miyako, 杜の都). The city, with a good balance of urban and
The Ultimate Guide to Sendai – The City of Trees Read More »
In Sendai, apart from the Sendai Castle, there are a few more spots in the city center where you can overlook the cityscape of the City of Trees. The good news is two of them are close to Sendai Station, making it easy for us to access these free observation decks!
The Best Guide to Sendai’s Top Observation Decks Read More »
If you visit Sendai between late February and late March, head to Tsutsujigaoka Tenmangū Shrine (榴岡天満宮) to adore the lovely plum blossoms. Just like all the Tenmangū shrines in Japan, Tsutsujigaoka Tenmangū enshrines Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真). Because plum blossom is Michizane’s favorite flower, plum trees are planted here and there in the shrine’s precinct.
Tsutsujigaoka Tenmangū and the Plum and Cherry Blossoms Read More »
One of the best attractions in Sendai that is scenic all year round is Zuihōden (瑞鳳殿), the mausoleum complex of Sendai Domain’s first lord, Date Masamune and his heirs. The temple’s precinct is filled with stunning nature, and the buildings are intricately decorated with vivid colors and various auspicious images. In fact, when Hanyu Yuzuru was asked for recommended places to visit in Sendai in
Zuihōden – Date Masamune’s Splendid Mausoleum Read More »
Hanyu Yuzuru is more than just a two-time Olympic champion. People around the world are enchanted by his great passion and dedication to ice skating, as well as his gentle and compassionate personality. His self-challenging spirit continues to move the audience in each of his performances. So if you are a “Fanyu” or someone who
A Guide to a Pilgrimage to Hanyu Yuzuru’s Hometown, Sendai Read More »
Besides the famous Akiu Onsen, if you are looking to enjoy a hot spring session in Sendai, Sakunami Onsen (作並温泉) is another great option to consider. Although the hot spring town has less exciting things to see and do, the weakly alkaline onsen is gentle on the skin and is nicknamed the Beauty-Making Onsen (美女づくりの湯)!
The Top 10 Places to Visit or Stay in Sakunami Onsen Read More »
When you visit Sendai, the capital of the kingdom of the famous samurai, Date Masamune, you will notice that supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes are selling a particular traditional dessert with a creamy light green topping wherever you go. That mysterious light green colored topping can also be found in various types of drinks!
The Best Traditional Japanese Dessert Cafes in Sendai Read More »