Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima
Miyagi Prefecture’s most famous specialty is Zunda Mochi. Such simple ingredients make it completely understandable if the dessert underwhelms you before you taste it. But there is a mochi shop in Sendai selling Zunda Mochi that people would still queue up for! The mild Zunda Mochi served at Murakamiya Mochiten (村上屋餅店) is different from that
Murakamiya Mochiten: Sendai’s Best Spot to Enjoy Zunda Mochi Read More »
When visiting Sendai, a must-see shrine is Osaki Hachimangu Shrine (大崎八幡宮). It is the only place in the Tohōku region that houses a National Treasure. The shrine was erected in 1607 as the guardian shrine of Sendai and carries Date Masamune’s (伊達政宗, the first lord of Sendai Domain) hope of bringing happiness to his subjects.
Ōsaki Hachimangū: The Magnificent Guardian Shrine of Sendai Read More »
Buried deep in the mountain, whether it is in Sendai City or within the Miyagi Prefecture, Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple (定義如来 西方寺) is one of the top tourist attractions. It is no wonder Hanyu Yuzuru and his family were willing to visit the temple regularly. The temple, located in the west of Sendai City, can
Saihōji – One of Hanyu Yuzuru’s Favorite Spots in Sendai Read More »
If you are a big fan of Japanese gardens, you would be interested in stopping at Rinnō-ji Temple (輪王寺) when you visit Sendai. It is where you will find the city’s best garden! In addition, the temple holds free meditation sessions on Saturday nights. Moreover, it is probably the only temple in the world that
Rinnoji: The Temple that Houses Sendai’s Best Garden 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 the white Kannon Buddha 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 »
Although not very close to Sendai Station, MUKU has gained much popularity among the locals since its opening in November 2024. As it opens at 8 o’clock in the morning, it is where you can head to for a healthy breakfast. In addition to the incredibly tasty plant-based lunch menu, MUKU’s vegan dessert range is
MUKU: Our Favorite Vegan-Friendly Cafe in Sendai Read More »
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 »
Speaking of Aizu-Wakamatsu‘s tourist attractions, Tsuruga Castle has to be at the top of the list. Although the castle was largely damaged during the Boshin War (戊辰戦争), the castle keep was restored in 1965. After restoring the castle’s red roof tiles in 2011, Tsuruga Castle soon regained its glorious appearance before it was dismantled in
Tsuruga Castle: The Only Red-Roofed Castle in Japan 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 »
