Miyagi
Tohoku
Known for Matsushima Bay, one of Japan's three most scenic views, and Sendai city.
Capital
Sendai
Best Time to Visit
August for the Tanabata Festival; November for autumn foliage at Matsushima. Spring (April) brings cherry blossoms to Sendai's Tsutsujigaoka Park.
Getting There
Shinkansen from Tokyo to Sendai (1h 30min via Tohoku Shinkansen, ~¥11,000). Sendai is the gateway to the Tohoku region.
Top Highlights
Matsushima Bay
One of Japan's three most scenic views — a bay scattered with 260 pine-covered islands, best explored by boat cruise.
Tanabata Festival
Japan's most famous Tanabata celebration, held August 6–8, with enormous colorful streamers filling Sendai's shopping arcades.
Sendai Castle Ruins
Historic castle site of the Date clan overlooks Sendai city with a famous statue of lord Date Masamune on horseback.
Zuiganji Temple
Magnificent Rinzai Zen temple at Matsushima with cedar cave passages and elaborately decorated halls.
Local Cuisine
Gyutan (Beef Tongue)
Sendai's iconic dish — thick-sliced beef tongue grilled over charcoal, served with barley rice and oxtail soup.
Matsushima Oysters
Famous fat, creamy Pacific oysters cultivated in the clean waters of Matsushima Bay, eaten grilled or raw.
Zunda Mochi
Soft mochi rice cakes coated in a sweet edamame paste — a beloved Sendai confection found at every souvenir shop.
Stay Connected in Miyagi
Yesim eSIMs activate on arrival — no SIM swap needed. Japan data plans from $5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Matsushima worth a day trip from Tokyo?+
Yes. The Shinkansen makes it an easy 1h30min trip. A half-day covers the bay cruise and Zuiganji Temple; a full day lets you explore more islands.
Things to Do in Miyagi
12 sustainable experiences
Miyagi Sendai: Experience calligraphy, tea ceremony, and origami.A souvenir for the one-of-a-kind me is complete.
You can experience Japanese culture. You can write your name using kanji. Let's write a name with beautiful kanji. A one-of-a-kind souvenir of memories that you cannot buy will be made. Please enjoy the matcha with the Japanese sweets. Matcha you whisked yourself must be delicious. It is in a quie
From US$56.86
Make unique items with Kimono fabric Kimono fabric badge + Kimono fabric keyring
* Create a unique keyring that’s truly yours or for your loved one, choose from 1000s of fabrics. * Take home a memorable "only one in the world" souvenir of Japan * After you made your items, relax in our café with your favorite drink and baked cakes. ※Watalis product (Fuguro: directly translate
From US$21.47
Make unique items with Kimono fabric in a café Kimono fabric badge (38mm)
* Create a unique keyring that’s truly yours or for your loved one, choose from 1000s of fabrics. * Take home a memorable "only one in the world" souvenir of Japan * After you made your items, relax in our café with your favorite drink and baked cakes. ※Watalis product (Fuguro: directly translate
From US$10.74
Local Food Tour in Shiogama, Japan Top Tuna and Sushi Town
You can explore Shiogama City, boasting one of Japan's largest catches of fresh tuna, as well as its rich traditional culture as a gateway town to Shiogama Shrine. This is the walking tour and you can wander around Shiogama City on foot and by bus, enjoying various local delicacies. In Shiogama Fis
From US$126.51
Private Transfer from Sendai Airport to Sendai City
With our private transportation service, enjoy a hassle-free and comfortable transfer for your trip to Sendai City. Our driver will greet you at the airport's arrival hall, ensuring a smooth start to your journey. Relax in a spacious MPV that accommodates five, seven, or ten passengers, providing am
From US$187.44
Afternoon Cycling Tour in Naruko
This tour will depart from the meetup location at the Naruko Nature Center in Naruko at 1:00 pm. You will meet with your guide and start the 3.5 hour cycling tour to find something unique in Naruko onsen. Ride through some onsen towns in Naruko, a farming village and the beautiful Satoyama scenery
From US$142.01
Odawara to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) -Departure Private Transfer
Book your Private Departure Transfer from Odawara to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND). Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttles queues and use our private, door to door airport transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfo
From US$98.2
Make unique items with Kimono fabric in a café Kimono fabric keyring (38mm)
* Create a unique keyring that’s truly yours or for your loved one, choose from 1000s of fabrics. * Take home a memorable "only one in the world" souvenir of Japan * After you made your items, relax in our café with your favorite drink and baked cakes. ※Watalis product (Fuguro: directly translate
From US$14.31
Catch and Dine A Gourmet Fishing Experience in Miyagi
Enjoy Exceptional Fishing & Flavors in Scenic Miyagi 1. Delicious Fish: Savor the exquisite taste of fish raised for fine dining. We ensure top quality through meticulous water and feed management, offering you the best river fish. 2. Abundant Catches: Catch plenty of fish, even as a beginner or c
From US$22.48
Michinoku 3 Day Hike of Coastal Trail ;Soma,Natori,Matsushima
Highlights include: ➤ Hiking along the Michinoku Coastal Trail Southern route: Soma - Natori - Matshishima area ➤ Reflecting on the impact and recovery from the disaster ➤ Connecting with resilient locals ➤ Immersing in the region's natural and cultural richness - The one of highlight is Soma Shr
From US$2,584.42
Half Day Tour in Sendai Kitayama Gozan & Sendai Daikannon Statue
Visit the Five Zen Temples of Kitayama, prominently connected to the historic Date clan, and witness the grandiose majesty of the Sendai Daikannon Statue. Kitayama Gozan, or Five Zen Temples, refers to the line of Buddhist temples built in the Kitayama area of Sendai. This walking tour of these his
From US$110.48
Day Tour from Sendai Matsushima Bay Scenic Highlights
Take a walk through one of Japan’s most treasured picturesque sights. Located in the northeastern part of Miyagi Prefecture, Matsushima Bay’s 260 pine-clad islands create a breathtaking view that is a must-see while visiting the Tohoku region of Japan. On this tour, you will walk through history, t
From US$170.57