Experience Miyagi! Fruit Picking, Artisan Crafts, and Sword Drawing Training Course

Suggested Time
Suggested Time : 3 days / 2 nights
Transport Options
Transport Options : Drive
Area Map 青森県 岩手県 宮城県 秋田県 山形県 福島県 新潟県

A course packed with experiences exploring Tagajo's history and the scenic beauty of Shiogama and Matsushima, then relaxing in hot springs. A luxurious course brimming with nature, culture, and history.

START
Day1
Sendai

JR Fruits Park Sendai ARAHAMA

A tourist orchard where you can pick fruit year-round

JR Fruits Park Sendai ARAHAMA
[JR Fruits Park Sendai ARAHAMA: a hands-on tourist farm] 
Visitors can experience picking 150 varieties of 8 fruits, including strawberries, grapes, apples, and other fruits in season throughout the year. 
In addition, there is the “Arahama Marche," which sells vegetables produced by local farmers and fruits from the farm, and "Les Pommes," a café/restaurant where you can enjoy dishes and desserts produced by the chef of Hotel Metropolitan Sendai using a variety of seasonal ingredients from the farm and the area. 

Tagajo Ruins

A political, military, and cultural hub of ancient Tohoku

Tagajo Ruins
Established in 724, this administrative office was set up to govern Mutsu Province, which lay beyond the reach of the central government during the Nara period. It served as a key strategic point for governing the Tohoku region, housing both the provincial government office (“kokufu”) and the military garrison and command center (“chinju-fu”). Today, it is counted among Japan's Three Great Historic Sites, alongside the Heijō-kyō ruins in Nara Prefecture and the Dazaifu ruins in Fukuoka Prefecture. It is also renowned as the city's premier cherry blossom viewing spot and serves as a place of relaxation for citizens. (National Special Historic Site, Japan Heritage)

Shiogama Shiogama Shrine

Shiogama Shiogama Shrine

Matsushima Bay and the four best viewing locations (Shitaikan)

Unbeatable locations to enjoy views across Matsushima Bay

Matsushima Bay and the four best viewing locations (Shitaikan)
Along with Amanohashidate in Kyoto and Miyajima in Hiroshima, Matsushima Bay is known as one of Japan’s top three scenic views. The bay is dotted with some 260 islands of various sizes. The best locations for a panoramic view of these islands are known as the Shitaikan and each location has a nickname describing its view.
The Sokan (magnificent view) from Mount Otakamori at 105.8m above sea level offers a view of Matsushima Bay from the east. Visitors can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of Matsushima Bay while feeling as if they were at their own private water villa. The view includes the Sagakei cliffs and the distant Zao mountain range.
The Reikan (elegant view) from Mount Tomiyama at 116.8m above sea level is the highest viewpoint of the Shitaikan. Visitors can enjoy a graceful view of Matsushima Bay from the peaceful garden of Daigyoji Temple enshrining Tomiyama Kannon at the top of the mountain.
The Ikan (grand view) from Mount Tamon at 55.6m above sea level offers views of the bay and Shiogama port with its ships gracefully entering and departing.
The Yukan (spiritual view) from Ogidani highland at 55.8m above sea level provides a panoramic view of Matsushima Bay and the beautiful fan-shaped inlet spanning to the bay before you. The Yukan is also known for its stunning display of autumn leaves.
After enjoying the magnificent view from the Shitaikan, a pleasure boat ride through the islands is another popular attraction. Feeding the flock of seagulls from the boat will be one of the many local memories that will remain with you!

Matsushima Onsen

Indulge in the magnificent view of Matsushima, one of the Three Most Scenic Spots of Japan

Matsushima Onsen
Matsushima Onsen is a new hot spring that opened in 2008 in Matsushima, one of the Three Most Scenic Spots of Japan. The silky spring hot water is known for making skin beautiful and smooth. The hot spring water is gentle and relieves the fatigue of travel. The hot spring is home to seven inns.
There is good access to Matsushima and is about 25 minutes by train from Sendai. The scenery of a moonlit night and the morning sunrise, as well as that during the daytime, is truly scenic. When poet Matsuo Basho departed to travel the narrow path in the back, he expressed his soaring heart saying, ""I have made up my mind to go see the pale moon in Matsushima."" Matsushima's moon, which has long been a repeated descriptive epithet in poetry, rises from the pine tree islands and has been referred to as a ""silver wave"" because of the heavenly light that sparkles on silver ripples in the bay. What better way to relax than to soak in a hot spring while enjoying the magnificent view of Matsushima that is unchanged since ancient times.
A thematic journey in the Tohoku region:Hot springs
Day2
Depart from accommodation

Akiu Traditional Crafts Village

Demonstration of the beauty of handwork

Akiu Traditional Crafts Village
Located in a mountain village just outside Akiu Onsen, this is a community of traditional Miyagi craftspeople. There are eight workshops, including ones for traditional kokeshi dolls, Sendai tansu (chests), and dyeing and weaving, where you can see superb craftsmanship up close and personal, or try your hand at making your own original work. For details, please inquire at each workshop.
[Activities] (Reservations required)
・Kokeshi doll painting
・Lacquering chopsticks
・Itonoko (coping saw) woodworking
There is also a walking path, and from the gazebo built at the east end of the "Kokeshi no Mori" (Kokeshi Forest), you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Akiu Onsen Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) area.
*Please check the official website for the latest information.

Akiu Great Falls

An incredible, dynamic waterfall

Akiu Great Falls
[National Designated Place of Scenic Beauty] 6 meters wide and with a 55-meter drop, this waterfall has been selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan. Walk up to the basin to feel the dynamic flow of the waterfall up close. The view is even more spectacular in early summer, with its lush greenery, and in autumn, when the autumn foliage is beautiful.
*Please check the official website for the latest information.

Akiu Shrine Sword Drawing Training Experience

Akiu Shrine Sword Drawing Training Experience

Matsushima Onsen

Indulge in the magnificent view of Matsushima, one of the Three Most Scenic Spots of Japan

Matsushima Onsen
Matsushima Onsen is a new hot spring that opened in 2008 in Matsushima, one of the Three Most Scenic Spots of Japan. The silky spring hot water is known for making skin beautiful and smooth. The hot spring water is gentle and relieves the fatigue of travel. The hot spring is home to seven inns.
There is good access to Matsushima and is about 25 minutes by train from Sendai. The scenery of a moonlit night and the morning sunrise, as well as that during the daytime, is truly scenic. When poet Matsuo Basho departed to travel the narrow path in the back, he expressed his soaring heart saying, ""I have made up my mind to go see the pale moon in Matsushima."" Matsushima's moon, which has long been a repeated descriptive epithet in poetry, rises from the pine tree islands and has been referred to as a ""silver wave"" because of the heavenly light that sparkles on silver ripples in the bay. What better way to relax than to soak in a hot spring while enjoying the magnificent view of Matsushima that is unchanged since ancient times.
A thematic journey in the Tohoku region:Hot springs
Day3
Depart from accommodation

Akiu Traditional Crafts Village

Demonstration of the beauty of handwork

Akiu Traditional Crafts Village
Located in a mountain village just outside Akiu Onsen, this is a community of traditional Miyagi craftspeople. There are eight workshops, including ones for traditional kokeshi dolls, Sendai tansu (chests), and dyeing and weaving, where you can see superb craftsmanship up close and personal, or try your hand at making your own original work. For details, please inquire at each workshop.
[Activities] (Reservations required)
・Kokeshi doll painting
・Lacquering chopsticks
・Itonoko (coping saw) woodworking
There is also a walking path, and from the gazebo built at the east end of the "Kokeshi no Mori" (Kokeshi Forest), you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Akiu Onsen Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) area.
*Please check the official website for the latest information.

Nikka Whisky Sendai Brewery Miyagikyo Distillery

Irresistible for whisky lovers! Tour a distillery with a guide

Nikka Whisky Sendai Brewery Miyagikyo Distillery
There is a distillation building, Red brick cellar storehouse and guest hall inside this brewery that makes full use of the lushly green natural scenery. You can learn about the whisky making process and the history of Nikka Whisky. Of course, you  can try some whisky! (Soft drinks are available for minors and drivers.) It takes approximately 70 minutes to tour the distillery. You will need to make a reservation over the Internet or by telephone/fax. You can also use just the shop.
You cannot try the alcoholic drinks if you are driving a car, riding a motorbike/bicycle, a minor, pregnant or nursing. Please use public transportation if you wish to try the alcoholic drinks. In addition, there is a Free shuttle bus service is also available from JR Sakunami Station on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.A thematic journey in the Tohoku region:Alcoholic beverages

Jogi Nyorai Saiho-ji Temple

Jogi Nyorai Saiho-ji Temple has helped people to realize their hopes for 800 years.

Jogi Nyorai Saiho-ji Temple
Jogi Nyorai Saiho-ji Temple is about 50 minutes by car from Sendai Station and 5 kilometers away from Okura Dam. It is known as the home of the Heike Ochijin (Heike's fallen), members of the Heike Clan who were defeated in the Genpei War and retired to this remote area. The temple has long been visited by many people as a place where once-in-a-lifetime wishes comes true. It is also said to be a place where you will be blessed with good luck in love, good children, and safety, where it is customary to make a wish while praying. The emperor’s Mound, where the relics of Emperor Antoku are said to have been buried, is also famous as a sacred place for those seeking to get married. In the temple's precincts is the Sanmon Gate, a registered tangible cultural property, the Bell Tower, the Gomyo Sadayoshi-do (mausoleum), Chozuya (purification fountain), and a place where visitors can purchase a variety of charms. The five-story pagoda made of Aomori cypress and the main hall are also must-sees. 
*Information is current as of April 2020
Sendai
GOAL
  • JR Fruits Park Sendai ARAHAMA
  • Tagajo Ruins
  • Matsushima Bay and the four best viewing locations (Shitaikan)
  • Matsushima Onsen
  • Akiu Traditional Crafts Village
  • Akiu Great Falls
  • Matsushima Onsen
  • Akiu Traditional Crafts Village
  • Nikka Whisky Sendai Brewery Miyagikyo Distillery
  • Jogi Nyorai Saiho-ji Temple

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