Miyagi Prefecture: Kokeshi, Nature and Hot Springs

When planning a trip to Miyagi Prefecture and its surrounding area, it is worth choosing a focus first: landscapes, hot springs, crafts, history or regional cuisine. The places and themes vary considerably. If you are looking for a hotel, you can tailor your search to the destinations you would like to make the focus of your trip.

Landscapes and Wetlands

In Miyagi Prefecture, Matsushima Prefectural Natural Park extends across Shiogama, Higashimatsushima, Matsushima, Shichigahama and Rifu. It is considered the prefecture’s oldest natural park. Its landscape includes more than 260 islands, formed by subsidence and erosion, as well as elongated capes that enclose an inner bay. This description gives the coastal landscape a concrete frame: islands and capes together shape the bay.

Nearby, Izunuma–Uchinuma is a 491-hectare lowland lake area in northern Miyagi; the water surface covers 387 hectares. The Izunuma–Uchinuma Sanctuary Center introduces both the natural environment and the human and social environment of the wetlands, and offers facilities for nature observation and education. Kejo-numa is also of interest to nature lovers: the area is an important wintering ground for migratory geese, including bean geese and Aleutian Canada geese.

Gorges, Lakes and Hot Springs

Naruko Gorge is four kilometers long and U-shaped. Its rock walls are 80 to 100 meters high and feature unusual rock formations. The gorge is also a destination for viewing autumn foliage. This makes it a specific nature attraction to consider when planning by season. Nearby, Katanuma is a crater lake formed by a volcanic eruption. Its water is highly acidic, and boats and a walking trail are available.

At Rairai Gorge in Akiu, a 650-meter forested trail is described along a gorge slope. The round trip takes 40 to 50 minutes. Akiu’s healing hot springs have a long history, with records dating back 1,500 years. Thus, the Akiu area offers both a short, time-defined walk and historic hot springs as distinct travel interests.

Togatta Onsen also offers specific information about its bathhouses: two communal bathhouses are fed by a 68°C hot spring. There is also a free footbath beside Kamanoyu, which may be closed temporarily. Check whether the footbath is available before visiting.

Kokeshi, History and Regional Cuisine

Nearby, the Japan Kokeshi Museum displays kokeshi from different parts of Tohoku. Visitors can watch woodturning and painting demonstrations by artisans and paint their own kokeshi. The origins of Naruko kokeshi making in the Naruko Onsen area are estimated, based on written sources and oral tradition, to date back to the late Edo period. A distinctive feature of these kokeshi is the head set into the body: when turned, it makes a squeaking sound. The historical estimate and this striking feature of the craft offer two different ways to explore it.

In Sendai, Zuihoden is the mausoleum of the warlord Date Masamune. The stone walls at the ruins of Sendai Castle are well preserved, and the castle grounds are considered a particularly valuable example of a castle from Japan’s early modern period. The shrine in Shiogama is said to be about 1,000 years old and is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Tohoku. These places offer different historical perspectives, from a mausoleum to a castle site and a shrine.

The Sendai Tanabata Festival has a long tradition, a connection to Date Masamune, and is one of the representative summer festivals of the Tohoku region. The dates vary from year to year. For a culinary experience, visit Shiogama Fish Market, where visitors can put together their own “My Donburi” by choosing fresh fish toppings for rice.

Getting There and Seasonal Planning

From Tokyo, Sendai is about 90 minutes away by JR Tohoku Shinkansen; journey times may vary depending on the service. Scheduled sightseeing cruises in Matsushima Bay are listed as lasting 50 minutes each. The stated fares are 1,500 yen for adults and 750 yen for elementary school children; children up to elementary school age travel free. Check schedules, journey times and prices before your trip.

Two different seasonal tips can help you choose when to visit: Kejo-numa is an important wintering ground for geese, while the Sendai Tanabata Festival takes place in summer and its dates vary each year. Check the festival dates for your travel year. First choose your travel period and preferred themes; you can then use them to guide your search for a hotel in Miyagi Prefecture.

Discover More Destinations

Shiroishi, Ōsaki, Ishinomaki, Kinosaki, Miya, Kesennuma, Arahama, Taiwa, Zao, Shiogama, Kami District, Tagajō, Higashimatsushima, Tome, Watari, Shichigahama, Kurihara, Misato, Minamisanriku, Sendai, Matsushima, Shichikashuku, Miyagi District

For the main travel overview: Japan.