Off the main road near Sendai Station, Ohisamaya (おひさまや) is a cafe selling organic and macrobiotic cuisine. The spot, started by Shigihara-san (鴫原さん) and her business partner in 1981, has been loved by locals who prefer to eat healthily. While meat and fish were served when it first opened, the restaurant’s menu was largely veganized
Ohisamaya: Sendai’s Best Spot for Vegan Lunch and Bento Box Read More »
Sendai is the biggest city in the Tohoku region. So, if you are planning to be one of the 20 million tourists visiting the city soon, the good news is that there are several vegan or vegetarian-friendly spots where you can enjoy Japan’s delicious food just like everyone else! The vegan/vegetarian food served in the
The Best Guide to Sendai’s Vegan-Friendly Restaurants Read More »
While the First Tadami River Bridge is undoubtedly the “postcard shot” of Fukushima, the true magic of the Oku-Aizu region lies in the lesser-known spans that most travelers overlook. From the unique three-tiered view at the Miyashita Arch Sankyodai to the remote, striking red truss of the Kanozu River Bridge, these “hidden” locations offer breathtaking
Beyond the 1st Bridge: The Ultimate Tadami Line Travel Guide Read More »
Planning a trip to Japan but want to escape the crowds of Tokyo and Kyoto? Look no further than the Tohōku Region. The Northeastern part of Japan is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. With two weeks in Japan, you will have enough time to experience a land of ancient samurai towns, breathtaking landscapes, and
2-Week Itinerary in Japan’s Stunning Tōhoku Region 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 »
If you love whisky and would like to tour around a Japanese whisky factory, jump onto a train and head to Sendai city‘s outskirts and visit Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory (ニッカウヰスキー 宮城峡蒸溜所). The distillery holds factory tours throughout the day to show visitors how their delicious whisky is made. And the best thing is that
Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory: Sendai’s Hidden Gem for Alcohol Read More »
If you are a Japanese history buff, the first attraction you will want to visit once you arrive at Sendai must be the Sendai Castle (仙台城). The castle, situated atop Mt. Aoba or Aobayama in Japanese, was built by Date Masamune (伊達政宗), one of the most famous feudal lords in the late 15th to early
Sendai Castle – The Throne of Powerful Ruler, Date Masamune Read More »
If you have a competition or something similar coming up, make sure you visit Akiu Shrine (秋保神社) in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, during your next Japan trip. The shrine erected in the early Heian period is famous for those who want to pray for victory. In recent years, starting with the famous Japanese figure skater Hanyu
Akiu Jinja – The Ultimate Shrine to Pray for Victory Read More »
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 »
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 »
