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Matsushima
Considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful scenic spots, Matsushima is made up of some 260 islands scattered throughout the bay. Also located here is Zuiganji, the family temple of the Date han founded by Lord Date Masamune. Built in the gorgeous Momoyama style of architecture, it has been designated a National Treasure.
http://www.matsushima-kanko.com/ |
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Zao
A popular symbol of Zao, the Okama is a lovely crater lake situated near the top of Mt. Zao and the color of the lake changes depending on the angle of sunlight, giving it a mysterious aura. The area is surrounded by majestic creations of nature during each of the seasons, such as the lovely green of new leaves in spring, the crimson hues of changing leaves in autumn and the juhyo snow monsters in winter. Located at the foot of Mt. Zao is the historic Togatta Onsen, founded over 407 years ago. Its waters are said to be effective in the treatment of neuralgia and injuries.
http://www.zao-machi.com/ |
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Shiroishi
Shiroishi flourished as the castle town of Katakura Kojuro, a vassal of Date Masamune and member of the Date han, who built his home at Shiroishi Castle. The castle was restored in 1995 and has gained fame as a result of the popularity of the computer game "Warlords of the Sengoku Era" in which Katakura Kojuro appears. Shiroishi is famous for its u-men, similar to the somen noodle but thicker and some 10 centimeters long. No oil is used during its production, making it easy to digest.
http://www.shiroishi.ne.jp/htm/ |
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Shiogama
The port town of Shiogama was founded at the time that government offices were built at Tagajo. The 1200-year old Shiogama Shrine located here has been designated an "Important Cultural Property" and many worshipers come for its annual celebration.
Shiogama boasts the largest catch of fresh tuna in Japan and is a favorite spot for sushi connoisseurs.
http://www.kankoubussan.shiogama.miyagi.jp/
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Naruko
Naruko Onsen is said to contain as many as 8 of the 11 mineral elements found in Japanese onsen and has over 370 spring sources.
There are Teyu and Ashiyu in town where you can soak your hands and feet for free. You can buy a "Yumeguri ticket" to try out the different kinds of onsen. Just put on your yukata (summer kimono) and geta (wooden clogs) and make the rounds at the various onsen.
http://www.naruko.gr.jp/ |
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Ishinomaki
The “Ishinomori Mangakan” is a museum in Ishinomaki dedicated to Ishinomori Shotaro, a famous manga artist and native of Miyagi. Original anime movies of his works are shown and his manga are reproduced in three-dimensional form. There are statues of "Robocon", "Kamen Rider" and some of his other characters along the path from Ishinomaki Station to the Mangakan.
The San Juan Bautista Museum shows exhibits of the voyage to Europe made 400 years ago by a delegation lead by Hasekura Tsunenaga and you can experience a simulation of the journey. You can also tour a reproduction of the actual ship that made the voyage, the San Juan Bautista.
http://www.i-kanko.com/
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Toyoma
Toyoma's town is laid out in the style of the Meiji Period. The Kyoiku Shiryokan, (Museum of Education), a symbol of the period, was built in 1888 as a Western-style school and has been designated an Important Cultural Property. You can experience eating a school lunch of the Showa Period (reservations required / fee charged). You will feel as though you have slipped back in time as you walk along the former prefectural offices or samurai residences.
http://www12.plala.or.jp/aburahu/toyoma/ |
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Site of Sendai Castle
Sendai Castle (Aoba-jo) was home to the Date han whose extensive domain produced 620,000 koku of rice. This castle was built at an elevation of 130 meters and contained a natural fortress with cliffs to the east and south. Date Masamune intentionally did not build a castle tower because he wanted to show that he was not a threat to the shogun Ieyasu). Although the original castle no longer exists, the stone walls and reconstructed sumiyagura recall this earlier age. A statue of Date Masamune mounted on a horse is located at a spot with a panoramic view of Sendai and if you stand here, you can gaze out at the same view as Masamune did long ago.
SENDAI traveling infomation |
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Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
Built in 1607 by Date Masamune, this shrine was designated a National Treasure in 1952.
Built in the typical Gongen-zukuri style of architecture, the main hall, the ishinoma (Stone Room) and haiden (Hall of Worship) are united in a single structure. The roofs are made in the irimoyazukuri (hipped and gabled roof) and kokerabuki (shingled roof) style with chidorihafu (dormer gables) attached to the front and magnificent nokikarahafu (undulating gables) attached to the eaves. Numerous flowers and herbs are painted on the gotenjo (latticed ceiling) of the ishinoma. Both the interior and exterior of the shrine as well as sculptures and metal fittings are painted with lacquer made with a gofun (chalk) base, creating an elegant atmosphere. This shrine is considered one of the masterpieces of Momoyama architecture.
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Zuihoden
Surrounded by cypress trees, Zuihoden, the final resting place of the founder of the Date han, Date Masamune, is situated here. In addition, Kansenden, the mausoleum of the Tadamune, the second lord of the han, and Zennoden, the mausoleum of Tsunamune, the third lord of the han, are located here. The museum exhibits historic and cultural artifacts. This mausoleum of Date Masamune was built in the gorgeous Momoyama style of architecture to reflect the grandeur and glory of his life.
SENDAI traveling infomation |
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Jozenji-dori Avenue
Jozenji-dori Avenue, surrounded by tall buildings on either side, accurately symbolizes the image of Sendai as the "City of Trees" with its long ribbon of green running through the middle. Beneath thick growths of zelkova trees, strollers leisurely walk along the lush promenade as sunshine filters through the leaves, stopping occasionally to gaze up at the stately trees. Sculptures such as Emilio Greco's "Summer Memory" and "Bathing Woman" by Venanzo Crocetti are placed along the walkway, making it a "mini outdoor art gallery." Visitors can experience the cosmopolitan atmosphere of big-city life here.
SENDAI traveling infomation
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Akiu Onsen
Located along the upper Natori River, Akiu Onsen is sometimes referred to as an "oku zashiki" (hideaway or retreat) for Sendai's residents. Legend says that it was first discovered by Emperor Kinmei (531-571) who returned to the capital with water from this hot springs to cure his smallpox. After bathing in its waters for some time, he was said to be completely cured with no scars remaining. In ancient times, it was called "Natori no yu" and was known as one of Japan's three greatest hot springs together with Arima and Dogo Onsen. During the feudal age, the Date family had their own bath house here. Sightseeing spots such as Rairaikyo Gorge, Akiu Kogei no sato, Tenshukaku Natural Park and the Akiu Shinrin Sports Park are located nearby.
SENDAI traveling infomation |
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Sakunami Onsen
The waters here spring up from the bottom of the valley and are made up of motoyu (original spring) and shin-yu (new spring). It is said to have been discovered in 721 by Gyoki, a high-ranked priest who was touring various hot springs in the Tohoku area and in 1189, legend says that Minamoto no Yoritomo stopped here with his army to rest his horses. Lodging for travelers was first built in 1796 after Iwamatsu Kisoji received permission from the han to develop the motoyu. The shin-yu was called “Kami no yu” and in 1854, the priest Shusen was said to have opened the hot springs. This onsen is especially famous for its outdoor baths and people come from all over Japan to relax in its waters. There are activities to enjoy throughout the year, such as viewing the new leaves of spring, gathering edible wild mountain plants, fishing in the summer, holding an imonikai (cooking potato stew in a large pot by a river) in the fall, gathering mushrooms or viewing the autumn colors. It is also famous for the beautiful view of the Funagata Mountain Range and Futakuchi Gorge. Located nearby are the Jogi Nyorai Temple and the Nikka Whiskey Brewery.
SENDAI traveling infomation |
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Akiu Otaki
Akiu Otaki Falls is especially beautiful in early summer when it is surrounded by the vivid green of new leaves and during autumn when leaves turn gold and crimson. With a width of 6 meters and a height of 55 meters, it is considered one of the three greatest falls in Japan. As you walk along the path that runs alongside the river, you will feel the cool breeze against your face as you approach the falls. At the nearby Akiu Otaki Botanical Gardens, you will see delicate plants and flowers that grow on Mt. Zao.
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Sendai Daikannon
At a height of 100 meters, the Sendai Daikannon is 12 stories tall and the top floor enshrines a deity. There are 108 Buddhist statues and Juni Shinsho (Twelve Divine Generals) displayed here and the windows at the top offer a panoramic view of Sendai. Elevators are available.
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