Miyagi Prefecture

Gateway to the Tohoku region, where Sendai, the "City of Trees," and Matsushima, one of Japan's Three Scenic Views, complement each other.

Miyagi Prefecture lies in the middle of Honshu's Tohoku region, facing the Pacific Ocean to the east. The prefectural capital, Sendai, is Tohoku's largest city and is lined with trees, with the Aoba Castle ruins and Zuihoden associated with Date Masamune; gyutan (grilled beef tongue) is the local specialty, and the Sendai Tanabata Festival in summer is a sizable event. Matsushima Bay is dotted with islands and, together with Zuiganji Temple, is a signature sight. The prefecture also has hot springs such as Naruko and Akiu and scenery at the foot of Mt. Zao. Summers are cool and autumn leaves are especially fine. Sendai Airport has domestic and international flights, and the Tohoku Shinkansen takes about an hour and a half from Tokyo.

Destinations

• Sendai
• Matsushima
• Kesennuma

Itineraries

• Classic Tohoku Rail Traverse – Head north from Sendai along the Shinkansen line, connecting Matsushima, Hiraizumi, Morioka, Kakunodate, Hirosaki, and…
• Oku no Hosomichi: Matsushima to Sakata – Follow the Tohoku section of Matsuo Basho's journey, from Matsushima through Hiraizumi and Yamadera to the Dewa Sanzan…
• Grand Tohoku Six-Prefecture Rail Loop – Depart from Tokyo and loop through all six prefectures of Tohoku, exploring both the Pacific and Sea of Japan coasts.
• Tohoku Winter Snow, Juhyo & Onsen Rail Journey – A winter rail journey connecting Ginzan's snowy nights, Zao's snow monsters, Nyuto's rustic hot springs, and Hirosaki's…