Want to get away from the crowds in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto on your visit to Japan? Miyagi Prefecture, located in the country’s Tohoku (northeastern) region, offers history, temples, markets, natural beauty, and great food.
Mov Co., Ltd. has announced its ranking of popular tourist destinations for inbound tourists. This is based on the latest review data from tourist spots in each prefecture. Here are the top ten destinations in descending order of popularity.
10th place: Mitsui Outlet Park Sendai Port (三井アウトレットパーク 仙台港)
The biggest outlet mall in Tohoku, the Mitsui Outlet Park Sendai Port, houses many popular brands, from Nike to Adidas. It also features a variety of Japanese clothing brands, making it a perfect place to discover your favorite Japanese brand. Located only 30 minutes away from Sendai Airport, it provides easy access to tourists from all over the nation.
Address: 3-7-2 Nakano, Miyagino-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi (宮城県仙台市宮城野区中野3-7-2)
Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (shops), 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM (restaurants & food court)
Admission fee: Free
Website: Mitsui Outlet Park Sendai Port
9th place: Godaido of Zuiganji Temple (五大堂)
Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, Godaido Hall, a symbol of Matsushima, was built during the Daido era (807-809) by Sakakibara Tamuramaro during his eastern expedition.
Located on a hill by the sea, head to the Godaido for breathtaking views of Matsushima Bay and a chance to immerse yourself in the rich history of this Important Cultural Property, where you can admire exquisite architecture and intricate zodiac carvings.
Address: 111 Matsushima, Matsushima Town, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture (宮城県宮城郡松島町松島字町内111)
Opening hours: Free
Admission Fee: Gates close at night
Website: Godaigo
7th place (tie): Sendai Morning Market (仙台朝市)
A spot for locals and foodies, the Sendai Asaichi (Morning Market) is a shopping district located just a 5-minute walk from Sendai Station, offering a wide variety of fresh local ingredients from Miyagi. Centered around stores selling affordable fresh produce, it also features a variety of gourmet spots, providing visitors with a comprehensive shopping and dining experience. A must visit for anyone looking to indulge in the flavors of Sendai.
Address: Shin-Sendai Ekimae Building, 3-8-5 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture (仙台市青葉区中央3-8-5 新仙台駅前ビル)
Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission fee: Free
Website: Sendai Morning Market
7th place (tie): Osaki Hachiman-guu (大崎八幡宮)
Designated as a national treasure in 1952, this shrine was established in 1607 by Date Masamune. It’s a classic example of Gongen-zukuri (stone chamber style), with the main hall, stone chamber, and worship hall integrated into one structure.
In fall of 2004, preservation and repair work on the shrine building was completed after approximately five years, restoring its splendid appearance from the time of its founding.
Address: 4-6-1 Hachiman, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture (宮城県仙台市青葉区八幡4-6-1)
Opening hours: Open any time
Admission fee: Free
Website: http://www.oosaki-hachiman.or.jp
4th place: Matsushima Fish Market (松島さかな市場）
Japan is known for its fresh and delicious seafood. If you are in to that, head to the Matsushima Food Market. This tourist market offers over 1,500 types of fresh seafood products from the Sanriku region. The second floor features dining areas where visitors can enjoy sushi made with incredibly fresh ingredients and popular hearty seafood bowls. In addition, the original ‘Matsushima Oyster Burger’ is also a favorite. What’s more, the adjacent ‘Grilled Oyster House’ hosts an all-you-can-eat oyster event year-round.
Address: 4-10 Fugen-do, Matsushima, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture (宮城県宮城郡松島町松島字普賢堂4-10)
Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; meals are served until 3:00 PM
Admission Fee: Free
Website: Matsushima Fish Market
5th place (tie): Zuigan-ji (瑞巌寺)
Zuiganji is a Zen Buddhist temple belonging to the Myoshinji branch of Rinzai Buddhism, located in Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture. Situated in Matsushima, one of Japan’s three scenic views, its full name, including its mountain title, is Matsushima Seiryuzan Zuigan Enpuku Zenji.
The temple’s main hall and kitchen are designated as national treasures. The stunning folding screen paintings in the main hall are a must-see. In spring, the ‘Garyubai’ tree located in front of the main hall blooms beautifully.
Address: 91 Matsushima, Matsushima Town, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture(宮城県宮城郡松島町松島町内91)
Opening hours: April to September: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, October to March: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, November and February: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, December and January: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Admission fee: Adults: 700 yen, Elementary and Middle School Students: 400 yen
Website: Zuiganji
5th place (tie): Aoba Castle Honmaru Hall (青葉城本丸会館)
The Aoba Castle also known as the Sendai Castle is a true icon for Sendai city. Sendai Castle, the residence of the Date clan with a domain of 620,000 koku, is situated at an elevation of approximately 130 meters, fortified by natural cliffs to the east and south. It is said that to avoid the vigilance of Shogun Ieyasu, the castle was intentionally built without a main keep. Unfortunately, the castle has now disappeared, leaving behind only the stone walls and a reconstructed side turret as reminders of its former glory. Standing before the equestrian statue of Masamune, visitors can gaze over the city from the same perspective as the ambitious Masamune himself.
The Aoba Castle Museum showcases computer-generated imagery of the castle’s restoration, and the surrounding area features literary monuments dedicated to Doei Bansui, who is associated with Sendai. In the summer of 2003, it was designated as a national historic site.
Address: Aoba Castle Honmaru Hall, 1 Kawauchi, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture (仙台市青葉区川内1 青葉城本丸会館)
Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission fee: (for the Aoba Castle Museum) Adults: 770 yen, Middle and High School Students: 550 yen, Elementary School Students: 330 yen
Website: Honmaru Hall
3rd place: Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium (仙台うみの杜水族館)
Sendai Uminomori Aquarium is located in the Nakano area, close to Sendai Port. It aims to ‘create’ new connections between the sea and people and between water and people. The aquarium showcases a variety of exhibits featuring Japan’s marine life, including a large tank that recreates the rich waters of the Sanriku region, as well as unique creatures from around the world. Moreover, the aquarium hosts various night events and seasonal exhibits, providing year-round enjoyment for visitors.
Address: 4-6 Nakano, Miyagino-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture (仙台市宮城野区中野4-6)
Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (last admission at 5:00 PM); hours may vary by season
Admission Fee: Adults: 2,400 yen, Seniors: 1,800 yen, Middle and High School Students: 1,700 yen, Elementary School Students: 1,200 yen, Toddlers: 700 yen
Website: Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium
2nd place: Zuihoden (瑞鳳殿)
Zuihoden, the mausoleum of the renowned daimyo Date Masamune, is a must-visit attraction in Sendai, known for its historical significance and architectural beauty. Established in 1637, this luxurious burial site exemplifies the elegance of the Momoyama period and was designated a national treasure in 1931, although it was tragically destroyed during wartime.
The current structure, rebuilt in 1979, continues to attract visitors with its intricate design and cultural heritage. Affectionately called “Otamaya” by locals, Zuihoden honors Masamune, also known as the “One-Eyed Dragon,” who laid the foundations for modern Sendai.
The surrounding area retains the charm of old Sendai, providing a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls along the Hirose River. The site also includes the mausoleums of Masamune’s descendants and a museum displaying excavation materials, making it a rich cultural experience for visitors exploring this historical landmark.
Address: 宮城県仙台市青葉区霊屋下23-2 (23-2 Otamayashita, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture)
Opening hours: February 1 to November 30: 9:00 AM to 4:50 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM) / December 1 to January 31: 9:00 AM to 4:20 PM (last admission at 4:00 PM)
Admission fee: Adults: 570 yen, High School Students 410 yen, Elementary and Middle School Students: 210 yen
Website: Zuihoden
1st place: Miyagi Zao Fox Village (宮城蔵王キツネ村)
In first place is the Miyagi Zao Fox Village. However, we’re deleting our description of this location as multiple social media users have pointed out that the facility has been credibly accused of animal exploitation. Read the review on Japan Starts Here for more information.
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Sources
独自調査】2024年最新：外国人に人気の観光スポットランキング［宮城県編］1位は「宮城蔵王キツネ村」！| インバウンド人気観光地ランキング #インバウンド #MEO Foods Channel
