SOUTH TOHOKU

Zuiganji Temple National Treasure

This temple was originally opened in 828 AD by Ennin (posthumously known as Jikaku Daishi), priest of the Tendai school of Buddhism. It was considered to be one of the greatest Zen temples in all of Oshu Province. During that time, it was often referred to as Enpuku-ji, which was inspired by Enryaku-ji, head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. At the turn of the Shogen era (1259), the temple was transferred to the Rinzai school of Buddhism and its name was officially changed to Enpuku-ji.
The present buildings were completed by feudal lord Date Masamune in 1609. During this five year-process, the old construction was renovated to conform to Momoyama-style architecture. In order to complete this task, craftsmen were gathered from many different countries, and construction materials were brought from the depths of the Kumano Mountains. Lord Date even participated in the rope stretching work, showing his enthusiasm as the overlord of Oshu Province.
The Main Building reopened to the public after extensive restoration in April 2016.
As is fitting for the Date family temple, Zuiganji is a majestic building that truly displays the essence of the Momoyama era. The hinged doors and ranma (transoms) along with the extravagant paintings on the the fusuma doors and toko-no-ma alcoves are said to be the culmination of the representation of natural beauty through man-made beauty.

Address:
〒981-0213　91, MATSUSHIMA AZA CHONAI, MATSUSHIMA TOWN, MIYAGI, JAPAN
Access:
JR Senseki Line: 5 min. walk from Matsushimakaigan Sta.
JR Tohoku Line: 20 min. walk from Matsushima Sta.
(Zuiganji does not have a visitors parking lot)

Godaido Temple National Important Cultural Property

Godaido is a Buddhist worship hall where Godaimyo (Five Dava Kings) have been enshrined that has come to symbolize Matsushima. In the year 807 AD, the shogun Sakanoue no Tamuramaro built a small Buddhist temple called Bishamon-do during his expedition to the east. In 828, Ennin (posthumously called Jikaku Daishi) not only founded Enpuku-ji (modern-day Zuigan-ji), but also placed images of the Five Dava Kings within Bishamon-do, which led to it being known as Godai-do. Fudo, the immovable, is placed in the center; Gozanze, the one who subjugates the three worlds, is located to the east; Daiitoku, deity of victory, is placed to the west; Gundari, enemy of devils, is positioned to the south; and Kongo Yasha, destroyer of foolish human desires, is located to the north.
The current structure was constructed in accordance with Momoyama-style architecture by Date Masamune in the year 1604. On the curved wooden supports of the four walls, carvings of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac are arranged facing their corresponding direction.
Leading to the temple are unusual red bridges with spaces between the planks- it is said that if you trip you are not yet ready to reach the temple!

Address:
〒981-0213　MATSUSHIMA AZA CHONAI, MATSUSHIMA TOWN, MIYAGI, JAPAN
Access:
JR Senseki Line: 7 min. walk from Matsushimakaigan Sta.
JR Tohoku Line: 20 min. walk from Matsushima Sta.
(Godaido does not have a visitors parking lot)

Zuihoden Mausoleum

Zuihoden is the final resting place of the members of DATE clan including the first feudal lord DATE Masamune.A superb example of elegant, gorgeously decorated architecture of the early Edo period.Ideal for strolls on the grounds, which are surrounded by cryptomeria groves.
Photo courtesy of: Zuihoden

Address:
〒980-0814　23-2 Otamayashita, Aoba-ku, Sendai
Access:
Take a Loople Sendai bus from bus stop 16 in front of Sendai Station West Exit, and get off at the Zuihoden-mae bus stop.

Site of Sendai Castle

This is the site where Lord DATE Masamune built Sendai Castle(also called Aoba Castle)more than four centuries ago.You can get a panoramaic view of Sendai from the place where a statue of Lord Masamune on horseback stands.Here you can visit the Aoba Castle Museum,which displays a range of items related to the DATE clan.

Address:
〒980-0862　1 Kawauchi, Aoba-ku, Sendai
Access:
Take a Loople Sendai bus from bus stop 16 in front of Sendai Station West Exit,and get off at the Site of Sendai Castle bus stop.

Mitakisan Fudoin Temple

Mitakisan Fudoin Temple is a temple you can find right in the middle of a busy shopping arcade in downtown Sendai. Modern meets the old in this fascinatingly peculiar location for a buddhist temple. Enshrined here is Dainichi Daisho Fudomyo-o, as well as Sendai Shiro, Sendai’s god of fortune. After paying your respects, you can shop for talismans, souvenirs, or even delicious snacks at the charming stalls which line the path to the temple.

Address:
〒980-0021 2-5-7 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai
Access:
10 minute walk from JR Sendai Station.

Iroha Yokocho

Iroha Yokocho is a beloved and iconic side street to Sendai locals. Enjoy the unique atmosphere reminiscent of the Showa era inside this retro-style street that is filled with over 100 shops, from bars and restaurants to apparel boutiques and variety stores. Experience local life by shopping, eating, and drinking your way through Iroha!

Address:
〒980-0811　2-3-28 Ichibancho, Aoba-ku, Sendai
Access:
10 minute walk from JR Sendai Station.

Yuriage Port Morning Market (Maple Hall)

The Morning Market, which reopened in December 2013 after the Great East Japan Earthquake, boasts a 40-year tradition.Some 50 shops are open on Sundays and holidays, their proprietors shouting out to tell the passersby about their products such as ark shell and flounder.Anyone can participate in the famous auction.If you are lucky, you might be able to get something at half the normal price.

Address:
〒981-1213　5-23-20 Yuriage, Natori, Miyagi
Access:
10 minutes by car from Sendai-tobu Road, Natori IC

Kumano Sanja (the three shrines) of Natori

The Three Shrines(①Kumano-jinja Shrine, ②Kumanonachi-jinja Shrine, ③Kumano Hongusha Shrine)located in the same place as in the Kumano Sanzan(Three Major Shrines), the sacred places of the Kii Mountain Range, are dedicated to their respective deities. Get a feel of ancient times through the Kumano Sanja of Natori, said to be a replication of the world of the Kii Kumano Sanzan of the Tohoku region.

Address:
〒981-1241 51 Iwakuchikami, Takadate-Kumanodo, Natori, Miyagi
Access:
15 minutes by car from JR Natori Station

Shiroishi Castle

In March 1995, in the seventh year of Heisei, Shiroishi Castle was restored as a completely restored castle tower in wooden architecture.
The restoration was done for the first time in 120 years since the castle was dismantled in 1874.

Address:
〒989-0251　 1-16, Masuoka-cho, Shiroishi ( in Masuoka Park )
Access:
10 minutes walk from Shiroishi Station on JR Touhoku Main Line.

Zaimoku-iwa Park

The height/about 65 m and the width/about 100 m. Because the rocky mountain in the back looks like stripes of a tiger, it is called, “Toraiwa” and  the park is called “Toraiwa park”.

Address：
〒989-0233　Aza Kamidaichi-nai, Obara, Shiroishi
Access：
30 minutes by car from Tohoku Main Line Shiroishi Station．
30 minutes drive from Tohoku-expressway Shiroishi IC．

Kesennuma Fish Market

Kesennuma Fish Market boasts one

of the best fish hauls in Japan,

including bonito, Pacific saury, shark,

and swordfish. Visitors can watch the

busy fish port from above from the

longest observation deck (354 m) in

Japan, located on the second floor.

Address:

8-25 Uoichibamae

Kesennuma-shi, Miyagi

Access:

by taxi:10 minutes from Kesennuma Station

Mt. Tokusenjo Azalea Festival

Thoroughly enjoy beautiful flowers in full bloom on Mt. Tokusenjo, which has one of the largest communities of rhododendrons and Japanese azalea that is 10 times the size of Tokyo Dome (late May).

Access:

by taxi:50 minutes from Kesennuma Station

( Shuttle bus is available during the Azalea Festival)

Naruko-onsen-kyo Hot Spring Village

This hot spring village opened about 1200 years ago. It consists of five major hot springs.Surrounded by mountains, you ca relax while soaking in hot springs, enjoying looking at the beautiful streams, plum and cherry blossoms, and strolling in the highland.

Access:

By train: 40minutes from Furukawa Station
By car: 28.5km from Furukawa I.C.

Himawari festival

In the sunflowers hill of Sambongi Osaki city, 420 thousand “Himawari” called as sunflower bloom profusely. These flowers are best viewed from the beginning of July through the end of August. This as much as 6 hectares scenery dyed yellow is beyond a doubt the best part. The “Himawari” festival is held in that same period, The specialties made from sunflower seeds sell.

Access:

By car: About 20 minutes from Tohokudo furukawa Interchange

About 20 minutes from Taiwa Interchange

About 5 minutes from Sanbongi smart Interchange

Address:

Sanbongisaidamagishi Oosaki City

Kirakira Domburi（Colorful Glittering Rice Bowl）

Locally sourced Minamisanriku seafood is used abundantly in this dish, and not only is it great to look and to eat, but just as the name suggests this fresh catch glistens magnificently. Why not try this beautifully presented domburi filled with seasonal ingredients. They offer four kinds of domburi in each season; harutsuge-don (signs of spring) in spring, uni-don (sea urchin) in summer, akiuma-don (taste of autumn) in autumn, and ikura-don (salmon roe) in winter.

Kamiwarisaki Camp Field

Go back to basics under the sun and camp at Cape Kamiwarisaki, a natural sanctuary where powerful whitecaps continuously rush into the split between the rocks. From late fall to winter time, visitors can view the miraculous instant when the sun rises in the split in the rock. The nature trail along the cliff is, in contrast to the waves, an area of quiet and tranquility. After traveling through colonies of day lilies, wild blue flag flowers, and pine trees shaped like works of art, you come to the end of the cape to enjoy the view of the islands of Enoshima and Kinkazan in the distance rising in the vast Pacific Ocean.

Access:
81-23 Terahama, Tokura, Minamisanriku-chō, Motoyoshi-gun, 986-0781 Miyagi

Address:
Approximately 120min. (90km) drive from Sendai on National Road No45

Approximately 35min. (26km) drive from Monoutsuyama IC on Sanriku Expressway

Yamadera(Risshakuji Temple)

Founded by Jikakudaishi Ennin(the third leader of the Tendaishu) in 860 which is known as Yamadera. These are branches of Enryakuji Temple and one of the most famous ones of Tendaishu in Tohoku region. You will see the superb and fantastic views from Godaido.

Address：
〒999-3301　4456-1, Yamadera, Yamagata
Access：
Take JR Senzan Line from JR Yamagata station to JR Yamadera Station.
Ａbout 10 minutes walk after.

Ice trees（Zao-Onsen)

The seasonal wind blowing from Siberia picks up moisture which crosses the Sea of Japan and put this moisture on the fir trees as ice. Thus the ice trees are born from typical climate of Zao.
The ice trees also called snow monsters which are nature’s artwork and a sculpture of snow and ice. The massive and powerful ice trees in Zao presents one of the best sights in the world.

Address：
〒990-2301　229-3, Zao-Onsen, Yamagata
Access：
Take the bus from JR Yamagata station to Zao-onsen bus terminal.
Transfer to the cable car from Zao-Sanroku station after.

Mount Haguro (Dewa Sanzan)

Mount Haguro, one of the Three Sacred Mountains (Dewa Sanzan), is the place where Yamabushi (mountain monks whose desire is to protect the nature and live a sinless life) practice Shugendo, a religion based on very strict ascetics.
Climb the 2446 stone stairs and experience a symbolic death after which you will be reborn once arrived at the top. You will encounter on your way Yamabushi, blowing trumpet shells to keep the bad spirits away, the Five-Storied Pagoda, National treasure that has stood at the bottom of the mountain for 700 years, Grandpa Cedar (Jiji-sugi), a giant cedar still existing after 1000 years, several shrines and a waterfall where Yamabushi accomplish their rites.

Address:
〒997-0211 Haguro-machi Touge 5, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata
Access:
Take the bus from Tsuruoka Station (Bus stop No.2) to Zuishinmon stop (if you want to arrive at the bottom), or at Haguro Sancho (if you want to arrive directly at the top)

Self-mummified monks (Nangakuji)

Self-mummification was a Buddhist practice used by monks who aspired to become Buddha after their death. The monks who succeeded in this were called Sokushinbutsu (Buddha of flesh).
The process was long and harsh. They had to cut the 5 forbidden grains from their diet for more than 1000 days, eat only pines needles for another 1000 days, then completely stop eating, retire themselves inside a hole they dug and drink an urushi-lacquer based poison in order to preserve their organs until their death.If the body remained intact and didn’t rot, then the monk succeeded in becoming a Sokushinbutsu.
There are 4 Sokushinbutsu in Tsuruoka. You can visit them in Mt. Yudono and inside Tsuruoka city.

Address:
〒997-0839 Sunada-machi 3-6, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata
Access:
By renting a bicycle (free at FOODEVER’s Tourist Information Center): 20min
By bus from Tsuruoka Station (Atsumi Onsen dir.) 10min + 4min by foot

Uesugi Shrine

Constructed in 1876 on the site of the former Yonezawa Castle keep , this shrine is dedicated to Kenshin Uesugi, one of the most powerful lords of Japan’s feudal era and a formidable warrior. The current sanctuary is a reconstruction built in 1923. The grounds also include the Keishoden, a treasure hall that houses and displays cultural artifacts including relics of Lord Kenshin.

Address:
〒992-0053　1-4-13 Marunouchi, Yonezawa city
Access:
5-minite walk from the”Uesugi jinja-mae”bus stop.

Uesugi Clan Mausoleum

Many members of the Uesugi clan that ruled Yonezawa are interred here, from its forefather, Kenshin, to Kagekatsu, the first ruler of the feudal domain of Yonezawa, and all the way up to its eleventh-generation ruler Narisada. A nationally-designated historic site, the grounds are surrounded by a cedar grove, giving them a solemn atmosphere.

Address:
〒992-0055　1-5-30 Gobyo, Yonezawa city
Access:
4-minute walk from the “Gobyosho Nishiguchi” bus stop.

Yozo Pass

The Yozo mountain pass of Sakekawa Village, Yamagata prefecture, is known as a place to view the sun rising thtough a  sea of clouds.As Shinjo valley is in full swing, in early morning you’ll see sunrise from the skirts of mountains encompassed with a thick fog and have a magificent view of a glittering mountain ridge in the morning sun.

Access:

1hour by car from JR Shinjo Station and 2hours by walk. (accessible: from June to November)

Snow Wonderland Shinjo

You can enjoy activities that are only available in the snowy regions right after you get off Yamagata Shinkansen,
at a venue only 3 minutes away on foot from the east exit of Shinjō Station. The unforgettable experience of snowmobile-led
banana boat ride is something you can only have on the snow. A huge slide down the hill can be enjoyed in various ways. As it is
located along Route 13, the place is also easily accessible by car. A fun place all can enjoy, from small children to adults.

Access:

It takes 3minutes on foot from the east exit of Shinjo station

Address

Mogami Chuo Park (Kamuten Park),  1147 Kanazawa, Shinjo City, 996-0002

Kaminoyama Hot Springs

This historical hot spring resort opened about 560 years ago.Here you can feel a different atmosphere depending on the district, for example, the atmosphere of the castletown and the view overlooking the  Zao Mountains. There are five foot baths and five public baths  in the city that use water from hot springs.

Access:

It takes about 10 minutes on foot from Kaminoyama Onsen station on Yamagata Shinkansen line.

Kurort

Kurort is a world that refers to a ”health  resort area ” in German. In Kaminoyama, we have an area where prevention and treatment are provided by utilizing natural power, such  as the Satoyama course, close to a hot spring town, and the Zao-Kogen-Bodaira-Highland course, at an altitude of 1000 meters or more.

Access:

By Yamagata shinkansen: Get off Kaminoyama onsen station.

Hanamiyama Park

Since it was opened to the public in 1959, Hanamiyama Park has been a popular destination for locals and tourists to experience the beauty of spring in Japan. The park features a wide variety of plum and cherry blossoms, forsythia, and numerous other varieties of flowering plants. The hillside comes to life with numerous shades of pink and yellow in spring, but the extensive range of flowering trees means that there is plenty to see throughout the year.

Address:
〒960-8141　Watari, Fukushima City, Fukushima
Access:
Seasonal bus runs from Fukushima Station during peak season (250 yen, 15 mins + 10 mins walk). Regular bus (240 yen, 13 mins + 25 mins walk).

Bandai-Azuma Skyline

Known as ‘the road that runs across the sky’ the Bandai-Azuma Skyline is a 29km scenic drive that connects Takayu Onsen to Tsuchiyu Onsen. With an abundance of spectacular panoramic views, you can also stop at Jododaira to hike through pristine marshlands and climb Mt. Azuma-Kofuji. The area is a popular spot to witness the spectacular beauty of autumn in Japan. Immerse yourself in nature, relax in a nearby onsen, and stay at a traditional Japanese inn.

Address:
〒960-2157　Washikurayama, Tsuchiyu Onsen-machi, Fukushima City, Fukushima
Access:
1 hour by car from Fukushima Station. Azuma Skyline Tour Bus runs twice daily during peak season (3,140 yen).

Iiizaka Hot Springs

Iizaka Onsen is an historic hot springstown where you can stroll through the streets in a light cotton yukata. You can also relax in streaming hot spring water direct from the source at a one of the many ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), or in one of the nine oublic bathhouses.

Adress:

〒960‐0201

Iizaka cho Fukushima city

Access:

By Tohoku Shinkansen: Get off JR Fukushima station and transfer to Fukushima-Koutsu-Iizaka line to Iizaka onsen station. It takes about 25 minutes. After you get to the station, it takes 5minutes to Iizaka onsen on foot.

By car: About 10 minutes from Fukushima Iizaka Interchange to Iizaka onsen.

Round Dumplings

Dumplings are made with a filling (mixed mince meat, cabbage and herbs ), and wrapped in dough (made from kneaded flour and water).They are steam-cooked in a flying pan, so that the skin is crisp, the dough is springy and the filling is juicy!

Recommended places

Hobaraya shokudo

It takes 10 minute walk from Iizaka onsen station.

〒960-0201

Iizakamachi Higashihorikiri11

Banrai

It takes 1minute walk from Iizaka onsen station.

〒960-0201

Iizakamachi Totsunacho5

Hitachi

It takes 5minutes walk from Iizaka onsen

〒960-0201

Iizakamachi Sabakocho7

Terui

It takes 5minutes walk from Iizaka onsen

〒960-0201

Iizakamachi Nishikicho1-21

Tsurugajo Castle and Rinkaku [Tea ceremony room]

Tsurugajo is a symbol of Aizuwakamatsu city. The castle tower of
Tsurugajo is one of the largest in eastern Japan.
Inside the five-story castle, you can see lots of historical materials.
And there is the tea-ceremony room called Rinkaku in the site of the castle, too.
Powdered green tea and jouyo-manju, a japanese traditional sweet can be tasted.

Address:
〒965-0873　1-1 Otemachi, Aizuwakamatu City, Fukushima, Japan
Access:
About 20 minutes by Haikarasan bus from Aizuwakamatsu station.

Oyakuen [Medical herb garden]

Oyakuen was originally used as the villa of the Aizu lord, but was later used by the second of Aizu as a medicinal herb garden to save the people of Aizu. Through the Aizu clan became the first in Japan
to export valuable Korean ginseng to China, they were also able to export the plant cultivation research done in Oyakuen.
You may also enjoy powdered green tea and sesame-youkan in the garden’s small tea house.

Address:
〒965-0804　8-1 Hanaharumachi, Aizuwakamatu city, Fukushima, Japan
Access:
About 30 minutes by Haikarasan or Akabe bus from Aizuwakamatsu station.

Bandai Atami Hot Spring

Bandai Atami Hot Springs are popular hot springs situated at the center of Fukushima and are very easy to access.
There are many Japanese inns along the Gohyaku River which flows through this hot spring town.
It is a very convenient place for you to stay in while you explore other beautiful sight-seeing spots in neighboring areas.

The hot spring has a good reputation as a“Hot Spring of Beauty”, making visitors’ skin smooth with the refreshing water since times gone by.
It was opened about 800 years ago.
It is an alkaline simple hot spring and the water is kind to the skin.
It is very popular as a “Hot Springs of Beauty” and famously effective for burns, injuries, and skin diseases as well.

In addition to staying, there are hotels and inns where you can make day trips.
Enjoy the atmosphere of the old hot spring town at Bandai Atami Hot Springs.The Hagihime Festival is held on August 9th and 10th every year.
It is a festival that appreciates the grace of hot springs, named after Hagihime’s legend.
It is said that a daughter of a Court noble in ancient Kyoto visited here and she recovered
from an incurable disease.
The women who dressed as Hagihime perform the festival ritual.
The appearance of Hagihime’s dance and ritual is fascinating.

Address:
〒963-1309　Atami-machi, Koriyama City, Fukushima
Access:
It is 13 minutes by rapid train(Ban-etsu West Line) and 25 minutes by car from Koriyama Sta.to Bandai Atami Sta.

Kaiseizan-Daijingu Shrine

First built in 1876, this shrine was founded to house the divided Ise Shrine’s spirit.
It is one of the most famous shrines in Fukushima.
Many visitors come here during both New Year and cherry blossom season.
Hatsumode is visit to the shrine for the first time in New Year and pray. Many people come to pray.

Sakura Festival is crowded with lots of street stalls and many people.
It is very popular as it is adjacent to the Kaiseizan Park of Fukushima most famous cherry-blossom viewing spot.
Cherry trees were planted there in 1878, and there are 1,300 cherry trees now.
The trees are lit up at night when they are in full bloom.
The cherry blossoms in the day are also beautiful, but the cherry blossoms that were lighted up especially at night are also fantastic.

Kaiseizan is an important place for Koriyama.
Because this is the place where the development of Koriyama called ” Asaka Land Development ” began.

The development of the plains around Kaiseizan started in 1873.
‘Asaka Land Development Project’, which was the first state-operated Land Development Project in the Meiji era, and ‘Asaka Canal Cultivation’ to irrigate water from Lake Inawashiro served as the foundation for Koriyama to develop.
Kaiseizan park and Kaiseizan-Daijingu Shrine are symbol of Asaka Reclamation to be the foundation of development of Koriyama City.

Address:
〒963-8851　3 Chome-1-38 Kaisei, Koriyama City, Fukushima
Access:
It takes about 15 minutes by bus from Koriyama Station.

Iwaki Yumoto Hot Springs

Placed centrally in Iwaki City, the onsen town is thought to be one of the best in the Joban region and is among a small group of the most prestigious hot spring areas in Japan.Gushing a world-class 5.5 tons of hot water per minute, the sulfur rich hot springs’ rare water qualities provide relief from a wide range of aliments and is also said to make bathers beautiful.

Adress:

〒972-8321

Joban-Yumoto-machi, Iwaki

Access:

By walk:  5~10 miniutes walk from Yumoto Station on the JR Joban Line.

By car: About 10 minutes from Joban Expressway Iwaki Yumoto Interchange.

Spa Resort Hawaiians

Iwaki Yumoto Hot Springs provides abundant hot water for Spa Resort Hawaiians. With its indoor temperature maintained all year round at a 29 degrees Celsius perpetual summer, you can get your fill of onsen fun. There are pools and the Edo Jowa Yoichi, which is one of the world’s largest open-air baths.
Spa Resort Hawaiians also features must-see entertainment with hula girls and fire knife dancers. The running pool has been recently renovated and the park added Japan’s first aquarium pool, which offers the experience of swimming alongside fish in the sea.
There is Japan’s largest water slide in terms of height and length opened in the summer of 2017.

Adress:

〒972-8326
50 Warabidaira, Joban-Fujiwara-machi, Iwaki

Access:

By car: About 5 minutes(1km) from Joban Expressway Iwaki Yumoto Interchange.
By public transportation: Get off at JR Yumoto Station on the JR Joban Line and take the shuttle bus for Hawaiians for 10 minutes.　Get off at the final stop.
※There is also a free shuttle bus from JR Yumoto Station.

Shirakawa Ramen

The chewy hand-made noodles tangle in a robust soup for a superb flavor in Shirakawa Ramen. There are many shops in Shirakawa City, and each shop owner constantly pursuing a unique tastiness, which builds Shirakawa City’s ramen culture.

Komine Castle

Komine Castle is a renowned castle that was largely rebuilt by Niwa Nagashige in 1632, during the early Edo period. The beautiful stone-walled and graceful Sanjyuyagura castle was largely burned down during the Boshin War (1868 to 1869). But, it was faithfully restored using wood in the Heisei era (1989 to 2019) based on excavation, research and Edo period drawings. It’s also been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles.

Access：
Kakunai, Shirakawa City, Fukushima（About a 5 minute walk from JR Shirakawa Station）