Miyagi Travel Recommendations

Miyagi Prefecture is located in the Tohoku region of Japan and is famous for its beautiful nature, hot springs, and delicious seafood. It is one of the six prefectures on Honshu Island known as Tohoku, located about 300 km north of Tokyo.

How to Get to Miyagi

One way to get to Miyagi is by plane. Miyagi’s biggest airport is Sendai International Airport that receives international and domestic flights from major cities of Japan such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo. From Sendai International Airport, it takes around 40 minutes to reach Sendai Station via the Sendai Airport Access line or by bus.

The other way to reach Miyagi is by bullet train (Shinkansen) that connects Tokyo to Sendai in just 90 minutes. The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Tokyo to Sendai is by the Tohoku Shinkansen. Alternatively, regular train services are also available.

Best Season to Visit Miyagi

The best time to visit Miyagi is during spring and autumn. Spring (March to May) brings cherry blossoms, and the sight of the pink blossoms against the backdrop of Sendai Castle is an unforgettable experience. Autumn (September to November) is incredibly beautiful with fall foliage. Winter is also a great season for snow sports lovers as Zao Onsen, one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Japan, turns into a winter wonderland with the deep snow and ice sculptures.

Must-See Places in Miyagi

Miyagi Prefecture has plenty of attractions that cater to all kinds of travelers. Here are some of the must-see places:

Sendai City

The largest city in the Tohoku region and the capital of Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai is a modern city known for its history and cultural heritage. It is home to several museums, temples, and shrines, including the famous Zuihoden Mausoleum, where the legendary samurai leader Date Masamune is buried.

Matsushima Bay

Matsushima Bay is famous for its picturesque landscape of tiny islands covered with lush greenery. Visitors can take a boat tour and admire the view of the bay from the water.

Naruko Onsen

Naruko Onsen is a famous hot spring resort known for its therapeutic waters and beautiful natural surroundings. The onsen boasts a long history dating back over a thousand years and is known for its high-quality mineral-rich hot springs. Visitors can relax and rejuvenate in the various traditional ryokans and hot spring baths that line the streets of Naruko Onsen. The area is also surrounded by scenic mountains, forests, and rivers, offering opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and outdoor exploration. Naruko Onsen is a popular destination for those seeking relaxation, cultural experiences, and immersion in Japan’s hot spring culture.

Akiu Onsen

Akiu Onsen is another famous hot springs resort in Miyagi prefecture that is easily accessible from Sendai. It is known for its open-air hot springs and traditional Japanese inns.

Cuisines you can enjoy in Miyagi

Miyagi is a prefecture on the eastern coast of Honshu Island in Japan, famously known for its beautiful natural scenery, historic landmarks, and delicious local cuisines. The region is blessed with fertile land, abundant seafood, and a temperate climate, making it an ideal place for producing high-quality ingredients and preparing various delectable dishes.

Zunda mochi

One of the most famous dishes in Miyagi is “zunda mochi.” This traditional dish consists of glutinous rice cake topped with sweetened mashed edamame paste. To make the paste, soybeans are first boiled, peeled, and mashed before adding sugar and salt. Zunda mochi is eaten as a snack, dessert, or during special occasions such as the New Year or Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day). It has a unique flavor that locals and tourists love.

Sanriku seafood

Another must-try cuisine in Miyagi is “sanriku seafood.” The region’s long coastline provides an abundance of fresh seafood such as sea urchin, abalone, squid, salmon, and scallops. One of the most popular dishes is “sashimi,” which is raw fish thinly sliced and served with soy sauce and wasabi. Sashimi is a delicacy that dates back centuries and is often enjoyed with a bowl of rice or sake. Another dish that showcases Miyagi’s seafood is “gyutan,” which is grilled beef tongue often served with wasabi and rice.

Sendai beef Gyutan yaki

For meat lovers, Miyagi has “Sendai beef,” which is known for its marbling and tenderness. The cattle in Miyagi are raised using traditional methods and fed a special diet of rice straw and beer, resulting in flavorful and juicy beef. One of the best ways to try Sendai beef is in “gyutan yaki,” which is grilled beef tongue.

Soba noodles

Miyagi is also known for its “soba noodles,” which are made from buckwheat and wheat flour and served hot or cold. The region’s soba noodles are famous for their earthy flavor and unique texture. A popular dish is “zaru soba,” which is cold soba noodles served on a bamboo mat with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi. The dish is often accompanied by toppings such as sliced green onions, wasabi, and grated radish.

Recommended Accommodations in Miyagi

Hotel Metropolitan Sendai

This hotel, located in the heart of Sendai, offers luxurious rooms and suites with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy an indoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurants serving Japanese, French, and Chinese cuisine.

The Westin Sendai

A contemporary hotel with spacious rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the city. It has an indoor pool, spa, fitness center, and multiple dining options serving international and Japanese cuisine.

Sendai Royal Park Hotel

A luxurious hotel overlooking Sendai City, featuring spacious rooms with elegant decor. It offers a hot spring bath, sauna, fitness center, and on-site restaurants serving local and international cuisine.

Hotel Bel Air Sendai

This hotel offers a luxurious stay with modern amenities, including an indoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurants offering local and international cuisine. Guests can also enjoy a relaxing massage at the spa.

Hoshino Resorts KAI Matsushima

A luxurious ryokan-style hotel with serene views of Matsushima Bay. Rooms feature traditional Japanese decor, and guests can enjoy hot spring baths, massage services, and seasonal kaiseki cuisine.

Matsushima Ichinobo

This luxurious Japanese-style inn offers rooms with traditional tatami floors and futon beds, private hot spring baths, and stunning views of Matsushima Bay. Guests can also enjoy a Japanese kaiseki meal with fresh seafood.

Hotel Green Mark

A luxurious hotel located in the heart of Sendai, featuring spacious rooms with modern amenities. It offers a fitness center, sauna, and on-site restaurants serving international and Japanese cuisine.

Hotel Pearl City Sendai

This hotel offers modern rooms with city views, and guests can enjoy a hot tub, sauna, and fitness center. The on-site restaurant serves local and international cuisine.

Hotel Goshoboh

A luxurious traditional Japanese-style ryokan located in the serene countryside of Miyagi. Guests can enjoy private hot spring baths, massage services, and a traditional kaiseki meal featuring local ingredients.

Conclusion

Miyagi Prefecture is an excellent destination for travelers who want to experience the natural beauty of Japan and enjoy its rich culture and history. From hot springs and cherry blossoms in spring to the colorful autumn leaves and winter sports in winter, Miyagi has something to offer throughout the year. With easy access from Tokyo and a variety of attractions, Miyagi Prefecture is an excellent choice for anyone visiting Japan.