Situated along the Pacific coast of Tohoku region, Miyagi is a prefecture made up of 14 cities, with Sendai as its capital and largest city.
Bordered by mountain ranges on the northeast and west, and the Pacific Ocean on the southeast, it is home to some of the most scenic natural attractions in the country. Moreover, it has a significant role in Japanese history, being home to several castle towns ruled by some of the most powerful clans during the Sengoku period.
On March 11, 2011, the prefecture was greatly damaged by a magnitude-9 earthquake and a 10-metre high tsunami. It was followed by a magnitude-7.1 aftershock on April 7, 2011, which only increased the numbers of the already staggering destruction and casualties brought by the first calamities.
Despite everything that it has been through in the last decade, Miyagi remains a beautiful and breathtaking place that is highly recommended to tourists visiting Japan.
How To Get To Miyagi
To get to Miyagi, you can either fly, or take the train or bus.
Located in Natori, approximately 14 kilometres from Sendai, Sendai Airport is an international airport that operates a number of international flights by Air China, Asiana Airlines, EVA Air, Tigerair Taiwan, and United Airlines, to and from foreign cities, like Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul, and Taipei. Its domestic routes include Tokyo, Naha, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Hiroshima, and Kobe via Japan Airlines, Ibex Airlines, Peach, Skymark Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and Air Do.
If you are coming from Tokyo, the best way to reach Miyagi is via the JR Tohoku Shinkansen. It departs from Tokyo Station, and passes through different cities in Miyagi Prefecture, including Sendai, Osaki, and Kurihara. It offers multiple departures per day, and a one-way trip takes about one and a half to two hours.
The non-Shinkansen train lines in the region operated by JR East, such as the Tohoku Main Line, Joban Line, Senseki Line, and Senzan Line, provide a good alternative to accessing Miyagi, especially if you are coming from Ibaraki, Fukushima, Tochigi, Aomori, and others.
There are many bus companies that offer direct bus connections to Miyagi Prefecture from Tokyo and other cities. Check the Willer Express and Japan Bus Online website for routes, ticket prices, timetables, reservations, and other information.
Top Attractions in Miyagi
Sendai
Sendai is the capital of Miyagi Prefecture and the biggest city in the Tohoku region, home to more than one million people. It was established in 1600 by Date Masamune, one of Japan’s most famous feudal lords, and is also sometimes referred to as the City of Trees, because of the many dozens of zeikova trees that line Aoba Street and Jozenji Street in the downtown area.
- Zuihoden – Zuihoden is the resting place of Date Masamune. Constructed on a hill, surrounded by a forest, it is a mausoleum intricately adorned with colourful wood artistry. Recognized as a National Treasure, it also has other items and artefacts owned by the Date clan. More information about this historical landmark is found on the Zuihoden website.
- Aoba Castle Ruins – Built in 1601 on Mount Aoba, Aoba Castle served as the official residence of the ruling Date family during the Edo period. Because of earthquakes and fires, a lot of its structure got destroyed through the years. Today, visitors can check out some of the castle’s remaining stone walls and a few wooden structures, and enjoy scenic views of the city from there.
- Tanabata Matsuri – Observed every August 6 to August 8 in Sendai, the Tanabata Matsuri is among Japan’s most popular festivals. It is one of Tohoku Region’s Three Great Festivals, along with the Kanto Matsuri held in Akita and the Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori. It features countless of bright-coloured, three-to-five-metre long streamers that are hung from long bamboo poles, and displayed at the shopping arcades in the downtown area. The Sendai Tanaba Matsuri website provides more information on this event.
To get around Sendai, you can use the city’s regular buses, or train and subway lines. More information can be found on Sendai’s Transportation Bureau website.
The city also has a special tourist bus, the Loople Sendai, which follows a loop route around the city, stopping at the different tourist attractions. It offers a one-day pass that costs 620 yen. Learn more about it here.
Naruko Gorge
Stretching approximately two kilometres in the forested valleys of Tohoku, Naruko Gorge is a beautiful gorge best known for its breathtaking autumn foliage. From late October to early November, the site becomes a stunning spectacle of colours, as the changing of the leaves reach its peak.
Naruko Gorge is situated between two train stations along the JR Rikuu-to Line, the Nakayamadaira Onsen Station and the Naruko Onsen Station. The best way to view the gorge is to get off at one of the stations, and then enjoy a pleasant two-kilometre walk to the other station.
Matsushima
Composed of about 260 small islands, Matsushima is famous for its bay and ancient cultural and historical sites.
- Zuiganji Temple – An important Zen temple in Tohoku, Zuiganji was founded in the early 9th century, and served as the Date clan’s family temple during the Edo period. To enter the temple grounds, you walk along a pathway lined with cedar trees on both sides. Nearby, there are meditation caves that house some statues. From JR Matsushima Kaigan Station, the temple is about five to ten minutes away on foot.
- Matsushima Bay – Recognized as one of the three best scenic views in Japan, along with Amanohashidate and Miyajima, Matsushima Bay is a gorgeous bay with more than 200 islets covered by forests of pine trees. It is best explored via a cruise ship. More information on the sightseeing cruise tour is available on the Marubun Matsushima Kisen Co., Ltd. website.
Getting Around Miyagi
Multiple train lines, such as Ishinomaki line and Senseki line, which are both operated by JR East, serve MiyagI Prefecture. The former runs from Kogota to Onagawa, and the latter includes several stops in Sendai and Miyagi District. You can use Hyperdia for train routes, timetables, and fares.
There are also bus companies that offer services between the different cities and towns in the prefecture. Check out Japan Bus Online for available routes.
Weather in Miyagi
From June to September, Miyagi experiences a lot of rainy days, with temperatures in the mid 20s degrees Celsius. In October, daily temperatures drop to below 20, but still with a few rainy days. In winter, the region experiences about 9 to 25 centimetres of snow, with temperatures below 5 degrees. Spring time weather is mild, with temperatures around 10 to 15 degrees, and some rainy days, especially in May.