Journey to the Ancient Northern Heart Roots of Japan

First, we will gather at Sendai Station and then take the train to Kokufu-Tagajo Station.

A guide will lead you to the Tohoku History Museum, where you'll enjoy both the permanent and special exhibitions with expert commentary from a curator. Afterward, you'll have lunch at the museum's restaurant "&Sun," featuring a special dish made with ancient rice, a specialty of Tagajo City.

At the adjacent facility "Shiyukan," you will experience shell painting, followed by a visit to the exhibition at the Cultural Heritage Research Center. You'll also have the opportunity to try on ancient attire.

You will tour the historic sites of Tagajo City, including the "Tagajo Ruins," one of Japan's three major historical sites, while dressed in ancient attire for commemorative photos. A highlight of the tour is the "South Gate," which is currently being restored in honor of the 1300th anniversary of Tagajo’s founding.

Shiogama Shrine is dedicated to the deity of salt-making and is considered a spiritual support for the people of Tagajo, even during the Nara period. You can stroll through the beautiful shrine grounds and take commemorative photos while dressed in ancient attire.

In the Nara period, meals often relied on preserved dried foods due to their long shelf life. Since the capital, Heijokyo in Nara, was located in a basin, dried goods were brought from across Japan. However, it is believed that in coastal areas like Tagajo, fresh seafood may have been consumed even back then. With this concept in mind, this tour offers an original special dinner inspired by Nara-period imperial cuisine. The location of the dinner may vary depending on the date.

From Tagajo Station or Kokufu-Tagajo Station, take the train to Sendai Station, where the tour ends.