Miyagi Prefecture

Aomori-ken-at-Aomori-Museum-of-Art-Aomori-Japan

2-Week Itinerary in Japan’s Stunning Tōhoku Region

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 »

Sakunami-Onsen-Sendai-Miyagi-Japan

The Top 10 Places to Visit or Stay in Sakunami Onsen

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 »

Nikka-Whisky-Sendai-Factory-Sendai-Miyagi-Japan

Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory: Sendai’s Hidden Gem for Alcohol

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 »

Statue-of-Date-Masamune-Sendai-Castle-Sendai-Miyagi-Japan

Sendai Castle – The Throne of Powerful Ruler, Date Masamune

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 »

Akiu-Shrine-Torii-Sendai-Miyagi-Japan

Akiu Jinja – The Ultimate Shrine to Pray for Victory

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 »

Manga-Ai-land-Tashirojima-Island-Ishinomaki-Ehime-Japan

Tashirojima – The Utopia for Cats and Cats Lovers in Tōhoku

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 »

Tsutsujigaoka-Tenmangu-Shrine-Cow-Statue-Sendai-Miyagi-Japan

Tsutsujigaoka Tenmangū and the Plum and Cherry Blossoms

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 »

Zuihoden-Sendai-Miyagi-Japan

Zuihōden – Date Masamune’s Splendid Mausoleum

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 »

Life-size Hanyu Yuzuru panel at Sendai City Tourist Information Center in traditional Sendaihira kimono

The Ultimate Hanyu Yuzuru Sendai Pilgrimage: A Fanyu’s Guide

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 every performance. For fans of the “Ice Prince,” Sendai is more than just

The Ultimate Hanyu Yuzuru Sendai Pilgrimage: A Fanyu’s Guide Read More »