Breathtaking Juhyo (Tree Ice) Views & All-You-Can-Eat Charcoal-Grilled Oysters – A Must-Experience Winter Highlight in Miyagi, Japan
Last updated 2026-09-24 — Miyagi Prefecture is located in the central part of the Tohoku region, with Sendai City in the center being the largest city in the region. It boasts a full range of shopping streets and department stores, as well as Sendai Airport with direct international flights. To the east lies the Pacific Ocean, and the coastal area of southern Sanriku...
By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Reported by Chen Guanxin
Miyagi Prefecture is situated in the central part of the Tohoku region, with Sendai City in the center being the largest city in the region. It boasts a full range of shopping streets and department stores, as well as Sendai Airport with direct international flights. To the east lies the Pacific Ocean, and the coastal area of southern Sanriku has the second-highest fish catch in Japan, only after Hokkaido, ensuring visitors can always enjoy fresh seafood. To the south, the Matsushima Coast, with its picturesque odd-shaped rocks and emerald waters, has been beloved by literati since ancient times and is ranked as one of Japan’s Three Great Views. The oyster huts in Matsushima even offer an all-you-can-eat charcoal-grilled oyster special in winter. For those looking to soak in hot springs, the famous Naruko Onsen offers nine different types of mineral-rich waters, while the winter Juhyo (tree ice) scenery of Zao in Miyagi is a renowned attraction that draws visitors from around the world.
When visiting Matsushima in winter, don’t miss the delicious all-you-can-eat charcoal-grilled oysters. (Photo provided by Miyagi w ? Light Industry & Tourism Promotion Division)
Oyster Hut – Generous All-You-Can-Eat Charcoal-Grilled Oysters
The Oyster Festival is held on the first weekend of February, when oysters are at their plumpest and most delicious. Fresh oysters harvested from Matsushima Bay are plump, juicy, and full of flavor. During the festival, visitors can enjoy oyster hot pot, oyster congee, and grilled large oysters. If you miss the festival, you can still head to the oyster huts set up by the Tourist Association, where for just ¥2,000, you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet of freshly grilled oysters in their shells for 40 minutes straight.
[Info]
Address: 12-1 Matsushima Higashihama, Matsushima Town, Miyagi District, Miyagi Prefecture
Phone: 022-354-2618 (Matsushima Tourist Association)
Visiting Matsushima in winter, visitors can indulge in generous all-you-can-eat charcoal-grilled oysters for 40 minutes. (Photo provided by Miyagi w ? Light Industry)
Zao Juhyo (Tree Ice) – A National Treasure-Level Natural Wonder
Zao Juhyo is the most unique natural wonder on the snowy plains of the Tohoku region during winter. Its formation requires a rare combination of elements: a coniferous forest, consistent strong winds blowing in one direction, persistently low temperatures, and just the right amount of snowfall—making it a truly rare sight that the Japanese consider a national treasure. Juhyo begins to form around late November to early December each year. During this period, cloud particles and rime frost are brought by the seasonal winter winds of Tohoku, gradually coating the conifer trees with ice and snow. By January and February, the originally lush green pines on the Zao plateau are completely blanketed in white. Each formation is uniquely shaped, featuring human-like figures, animals, monsters, and even deities, resembling exquisitely crafted artificial “snow sculptures.” As a result, they are also called “Ice Monsters.”
[Info]
Website: www.zao-sumikawa.jp
The winter-exclusive “Zao Juhyo” is regarded as a national treasure-level natural landscape in Japan. (Photo provided by Miyagi w ? Light Industry & Tourism Promotion Division)
Naruko Onsen – A Millennium-Old Hot Spring Destination
Naruko Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, is one of the Tohoku region’s three most famous hot springs, alongside Iizaka Onsen and Akayu Onsen, boasting a history of over a thousand years.
Naruko Onsen Town collectively refers to the onsen areas of Onikoshi Onsen, Nakayamadaira Onsen, Naruko Onsen, Higashi-Naruko Onsen, and Kawatabi Onsen. Among these, Naruko Onsen is the largest in scale and the most well-known. Additionally, while there are about 11 types of hot spring waters in Japan, Naruko Onsen Town has nine. The charm of Naruko Onsen Street lies in its fun atmosphere. The street is lined with a wide variety of shops, including craft stores, souvenir shops, restaurants, and even fruit and vegetable stores. Strolling through the town in a yukata, you can enjoy the slightly pungent steam rising from the ground and savor warm onsen manju (sweet buns), immersing yourself in the local culture and hospitality of the Tohoku region.
[Info]
Website: www.naruko.gr.jp
After soaking in the hot springs, relax and enjoy the snow-covered mountain scenery—a peaceful and serene experience. (Photo provided by Kodansha Editorial Department)
Bonus Feature: “FREE Wi-Fi” – A Must-Have Free Travel Essential
Travelers heading to Japan can now pick up free Wi-Fi SIM cards at designated locations upon presenting their passport. These cards are valid for 14 days, totaling 336 hours of usage. Once the account is activated, you can access free Wi-Fi hotspots across East Japan (from Tokyo to Hokkaido). In Miyagi Prefecture, pickup locations include Sendai Airport, Sendai Station, and the Naruko Tourist Association, among 10 other spots. For more locations, please refer to the website: http://flets.com/freewifi/index.html.
● Further Reading:
Cool Summer Onsen Adventure in Miyagi – Soaking in Ancient Naruko Onsen and Marveling at Zao’s Breathtaking Views
http://goo.gl/Jp8C40
With this small card, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi hotspot services across East Japan. (Photo provided by Kodansha Editorial Department)
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