Miyagi Prefecture is located in the central part of the Tōhoku region, with Sendai City in the center serving as 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, Miyagi faces the Pacific Ocean, and the coastal southern Sanriku area has the second-highest fish catch in Japan, offering visitors an abundance of fresh seafood. In the south, the Matsushima coastline, with its scenic rocky islets and emerald waters, has been cherished by literati and artists 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 experience in winter. For those seeking relaxation, the renowned Naruko Onsen offers nine different types of hot spring water, while the winter Juhyo (tree ice) scenery in Zaō Mountain is a world-famous attraction drawing visitors from around the globe.
When visiting Matsushima in winter, don’t miss out on the delicious all-you-can-eat charcoal-grilled oysters. (Photo provided by Miyagi Tourism & Industry Promotion Division)
Oyster Hut – Generous All-You-Can-Eat Charcoal-Grilled Oysters
The Oyster Festival is held on the first weekend of February, when the oysters are at their plumpest. Fresh oysters harvested from Matsushima Bay are plump, juicy, and incredibly flavorful. During the festival, visitors can enjoy oyster hot pot, oyster porridge, and grilled oysters. If you miss the festival, you can head to the oyster huts set up by the Tourism Association, where for just ¥2,000, you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat feast of freshly grilled shell-on oysters for 40 minutes straight.
[Info]
Address: 12-1 Higashihamatsuura, Matsushima-machi, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture
Phone: 022-354-2618 (Matsushima Tourism Association)
Visiting Matsushima in winter means unlimited access to hearty charcoal-grilled oysters for 40 minutes. (Photo provided by Miyagi Tourism Department)
Zaō Juhyo (Tree Ice) – A National Treasure–Grade Natural Wonder
Zaō Juhyo is the most extraordinary natural phenomenon on the Tōhoku region’s snowy plains during winter. It forms only when a unique combination of elements comes together: a coniferous forest, consistent strong winds blowing in one direction, prolonged sub-zero temperatures, and just the right amount of snowfall—making it a rare sight often regarded as a national treasure by the Japanese. The formation begins around late November to early December each year, when cloud particles and rime ice carried by the seasonal winter winds of Tōhoku gradually coat the conifer trees with ice and snow. By January and February, the once emerald-green pines of the Zaō Plateau are completely blanketed in white. The resulting tree ice formations, each uniquely shaped like humans, animals, monsters, or even deities, resemble exquisitely crafted artificial “snow sculptures,” which is why they’re also called “Ice Monsters.”
[Info]
Website: www.zao-sumikawa.jp
The winter-exclusive “Zaō Juhyo” is considered a national treasure–grade natural landscape in Japan. (Photo provided by Miyagi Tourism & Industry Promotion Division)
Naruko Onsen – A Millennium-Old Hot Spring Destination
Naruko Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture is ranked among the top three hot springs in Tōhoku, alongside Iizaka Onsen and Akiu Onsen, with a history spanning over a thousand years.
The Naruko Onsen area collectively refers to a group of hot springs, including Onikōbe Onsen, Nakayamadaira Onsen, Naruko Onsen, Higashi-Naruko Onsen, and Kawatabi Onsen. Among them, Naruko Onsen is the largest and most famous. Additionally, while Japan has about 11 different types of hot spring water, Naruko Onsen boasts nine of them. The streets of Naruko Onsen are especially lively and fun. The area is lined with numerous shops offering a wide variety—from handicrafts and souvenir stores to restaurants and greengrocers. Strolling the streets in a yukata, you’ll breathe in the slightly pungent steam rising from the ground and savor steaming hot onsen manjū (sweet buns), immersing yourself in the charm of the Tōhoku region.
[Info]
Website: www.naruko.gr.jp
After soaking in the hot springs, relax while admiring the distant snowy mountain scenery—it’s the epitome of leisure. (Photo provided by Kodansha Editorial Department)
Bonus Feature: “FREE Wi-Fi” – An Essential Free Travel Companion
Travelers heading to Japan can now pick up free Wi-Fi SIM cards at designated locations by presenting their passport. These cards are valid for 14 days, totaling 336 hours of usage. Once activated, they provide free access to Wi-Fi hotspots across East Japan (from Tokyo to Hokkaido). In Miyagi Prefecture, pickup locations include Sendai Airport, Sendai Station, and the Naruko Tourism Association, among 10 other spots. For additional locations, please refer to the website: http://flets.com/freewifi/index.html.
● Extended Reading:
A Cool Summer in Miyagi: Soaking in Naruko’s Ancient Springs and Marveling at Zaō’s Breathtaking Views
http://goo.gl/Jp8C40
With this small card, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi hotspot access across East Japan. (Photo provided by Kodansha Editorial Department)