• Miyagi Prefecture


Over 100 foxes roam freely in the forest sanctuary. You can see them do cute things you never thought they did, like pulling your clothes.
The road runs across the Zao mountains from east to west. The view ranges from unique geographical features to alpine plants. From late September you will be surrounded by vibrant autumn leaves while you drive through.
The circular crater lake surrounded by three of Zao’s peaks, namely Kattadake, Kumanodake, and Goshikidake. The emerald green water and the rough crater walls create a romantic contrast.
The 55-m-high, 6-m-wide waterfall ranks among the three most beautiful waterfalls in Japan. Enjoy the combination of dynamic waterfall and autumn foliage.
Come and enjoy the large tanks showcasing marine life in the Sanriku area. Also see unique creatures from all over the world and enjoy the performance by dolphins and sea lions.
Located on the road connecting Miyagi and Yamagata, this is one of the most popular roadside stations in the Tohoku region. The extensive facility houses a homemade bakery, buffet-style restaurant, and much more.
From mid-October to early November, the leaves on the trees in the large 100m-deep ravine turn brilliant reds and yellows, creating a beautiful contrast with the river.
Located in central Tohoku, this hot spring resort consists of five hot spring areas. Go around the hot springs and try the nine different kinds of water.
This roadside station is a good place to rest and get information. It has a market that sells local vegetables, rice cakes, and ready-to-eat foods, as well as a restaurant and hot spring facilities.
Matsushima refers to the 260 small islands scattered across Matsushima Bay in in Miyagi Prefecture. The native beauty of the expansive horizon and islands ranks as one of Japan’s three most scenic places.
The temple houses the mausoleum of Date Mitsumune, second son of Date Tadamune (the second lord of the Sendai Domain). The scenery is beautiful in any season, but especially in autumn when the trees are lit up. You can also try your hand at making a Buddhist rosary.
The ruins of the castle built by the powerful feudal lord Date Masamune offer frandstand views over the city. The statue of Masamune on horseback and the northern wall of the keep are lit up from sunset until 11 pm.
The roadside station offers a variety of Murata specialties, processed products such as udon noodles made with broad beans, and homemade pickles. Handicrafts and ceramics by local artists are also displayed and sold.
The market sells fresh fish and seafood at reasonable prices. My Kaisendon where you make your very own seafood rice bowl with the sashimi you bought in the market is popular.
This popular antenna shop sells local specialties, processed products and Higashimatsushima mascot character “EAT-kun” goods.
The manga museum features the world of cartoonist Shotaro Ishinomori. The library constantly contains 6,000 comics and there is a theatre showing animations.
Cows and sheep live quietly on this farmland spanning approx. 100 hectares. There is a caf_ serving cheese dishes, a Mongolian BBQ house, and a facility offering hands-on experiences making cheese and sausages (reservations required).
This beautiful waterfall flows down in 3 tiers from a height of 181m with a width of 7m. The magnificent fall in Tohoku is not to be missed and has been selected as one of the best 100 waterfalls in Japan. The vista amid fall foliage is especially breathtaking.
This waterfall is the largest in scale in Zao. It's name stems from the fact that there is a stone statue of the Buddhist deity, Fudo Myoo at the base of the waterfall. When the area is thick with greenery, the fast-flowing water splits into 3 falls, while around the time autumn leaves are turning the waterfall has become more restrained.
This temple hall is located in one of the most picturesque places in Japan, Matsushima. It came to be called Godaido because of the 5 statues of Myoo placed here after the hall's construction in 807. The treasured images are only displayed to the public every 33 years.

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