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Matsushima

Matsushima is located 30 minutes north from Sendai by local train. Since ancient times, it is famous as one of the three famous sights of Japan. In the Edo Period, Matsuo Basho (1644-1694) visited and praised its beauty in his poetry. Now, Matsushima Bay is designated as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. You’ll be charmed by the calm archipelago with 260 islands that were created by gradual erosion. More than half of them have names, and they attenuated the tsunami waves caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake. After that, you can visit the old Zuiganji temple (designated as a national treasure, and now under restoration till 2018) and Entsuin temple (with a Japanese garden and a mausoleum). There are some other historic places including Godaido hall, and you can enjoy tea ceremony at Kanrantei tea house. You can feel great satisfaction visiting Matsushima.

Shiogama

Shiogama sits between the cosmopolitan city of Sendai and Matsushima, one of the three famous sights of Japan, and has prospered as a harbor city and the Monzen machi (temple town) of Shiogama Shrine and since the ancient times. Shiogama literally means “salt cauldron,” referring to an ancient Shinto ritual of making salt from seawater. This ritual is still performed every July at the Okama Jinja Shrine in Shiogama. Shiogama Shrine has been the guardian of Tohoku and home to the important Oshu shrine for more than 1200 years. It has been worshiped since ancient times in order to pray for successful fishing, safety in the sea, and safe childbirth. Shiogama is recognized as the largest unloading port for fresh tuna in Japan, as well as a city with abundant fresh seafood. It boasts the most sushi restaurants per square kilometer of any city in Japan.

Sendai Part 1

“Sendai Aoba Festival,” representing spring in Sendai, is proud of its 350 years of tradition. Many citizen groups dance the “Sendai Sparrow Dance.” Tanabata, or Star Festival, in Sendai is one of the most colorful summer festivals in Japan. It has its origin in an ancient Chinese legend. It goes back to the time when Date Masamune, the feudal warlord, built Sendai Castle and the castle town around it at the beginning of the 17th century. Two million visitors come from all over the country to see the colorfully decorated shopping arcades. In autumn, street corners form the stages for an outdoor music event. Jozenji Street Jazz Festival sees about 750 bands performing along the city’s main streets. Come winter, and the zelkova trees lining the streets are lit with brilliant lights. Sendai Pageant of Starlight lasts until the temple bells ring in New Year.

Sendai Part 2

The population of Sendai is over one-million. You can take a bus tour on LOOPLE SENDAI to see major sightseeing spots in the center of the city. It is one of Japan’s major treasure troves of food. The plain produces a variety of agricultural products throughout the year such as rice, oats, soybeans and vegetables. One of the world’s three largest fishery grounds is located off the coast of Sendai. The fish and seafood caught in these areas are some of the best in Japan. Sendai’s cuisine is characterized by making full use of the freshness of natural ingredients. Sushi is one of the cuisines of Sendai. Sendai beef tongue is a well-known and popular food. Sendai beef is in the highest grade of Wagyu beef. Miyagi is also a major oyster production area. At some oyster houses, you can eat as many oysters as you can for a standard charge.