Smile Palace Series (1) / Post-Disaster Recovery: Easy Travel to Miyagi for Backpackers

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Reported by Chen Guanxin

The long summer vacation is about to begin, and for students who enjoy independent travel, besides domestic trips, nearby Japan is also a very popular destination. Located in northeastern Japan, Miyagi Prefecture was hit hard by the Great East Japan Earthquake last year. Local guides indicate that compared to before the earthquake, the number of foreign tourists visiting Miyagi has dropped by 40%. However, by the end of April last year, key railway transportation and famous attractions within Miyagi Prefecture had gradually resumed operations. As of May 31 this year, facilities at tourist attractions in Sendai Airport, as well as areas along the coast such as Matsushima and Shiogama that were damaged in the disaster, have largely returned to normal. Even backpackers can easily explore Miyagi.

Sendai Airport in Miyagi Prefecture was severely damaged by the tsunami. After six months of intensive repairs, it fully resumed operations on September 25 last year, and the Taipei–Sendai route was reinstated by the end of October. Currently, a corner of the airport lobby displays photos taken after the tsunami. Compared to the chaos captured in those images, today’s Sendai Airport shows no signs of having been hit by a tsunami. Meanwhile, downtown Sendai presents the vibrancy of Japan’s largest city in the northeast, with bustling crowds reflecting the city’s energy.

Matsushima, along with Amanohashidate and Itsukushima, is known as one of Japan’s Three Great Views and is a must-visit destination for Taiwanese tour groups traveling to Japan’s Tohoku region. Thanks to the protective effect of the over 260 small islands in Matsushima Bay, the impact on Matsushima itself was not as severe as in other areas. Nearby attractions, including the Five-Story Pagoda—a Japanese cultural heritage site—and the national treasure Ryoanji Temple, are all open for visits. As for sightseeing cruises in Matsushima Bay, local operators report that about 70% of cruise ships are currently in operation, and visitors can board from either Matsushima Tourist Port or Shiogama Tourist Port. Regarding railway transportation, including the Shinkansen, JR conventional lines, and Sendai Subway, all routes have resumed service except for the Kesennuma, Ishinomaki lines, and some sections close to the coastal areas. For the routes that are not yet operational, shuttle bus services have been arranged to accommodate passengers.