Nature Spots in Miyagi Area

  • Lake Okama
    Travel / Tourism
    Zao-cho, Kariya-gun, Miyagi prefecture
    Lake Okama is a round crater lake on Goshikidake Peak in the Zao Range, and it is a famous scenic spot, considered a symbolic place in the Goshiki Zao region. It is surrounded by three peaks, Zao Karitadake Peak, Kumanodake Peak, and Goshikidake Peak, and it derives its name, which means “kettle,” due to its shape. Due to the concentration of sulfur and other chemicals in the water, the surface of the lake can take on a turquoise or emerald green color, creating a mystic landscape. This lake is unique among the world’s lakes in that it has multiple temperature layers, with the water hotter at certain depths. Due to the acidity of the water, no living organisms inhabit the lake.
  • Akiu Great Falls
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Pref. Sendaishi Taihaku-ku Akiumachibaba Otaki
    Numbered among Japan’s three most famous waterfalls, Akiu Great Falls is an impressive waterfall six meters across and 55 meters high. A pedestrian path along the river brings visitors close to the falls, where they can hear the roar of the water and feel the white mist produced as they view the impressive sight of powerful torrents falling from the cliff. In autumn, the Akiu Great Falls forms a beautiful scenery with the background of colored maple leaves, which attracts many visitors as well.
  • Naruko Gorge
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Pref. Osakishi Narukonsen Hoshinuma
    This gorge was formed at the southern foot of Mt. Hanabuchi by the Oyagawa River. The sides are precipitous, with drops from 80 to100 meters high, and stretch for about three kilometers. The fall leaves here are a famous sight, and this is designated one of Miyagi Prefecture’s top sights. There’s a maintained walking trail stretching about 2.5 kilometers along the river, taking about an hour to walk, and offering a gorgeous view of not only the forest but also rock formations created by the river’s erosion. The Narukokyo Resthouse in particular offers a stunning view of the Obukazawa Bridge contrasted against the leaves.
  • Tashiro Shima
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Ishinomaki-shi Tashirohama Hoka
  • Rairaikyo Gorge
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Pref. Sendaishi Taihaku-ku Akiumachiyumoto
    This ravine is along the Natori River in Yumoto, Akiu-machi, Taihaku Ward, Sendai City. It continues for approximately one kilometer, with Akiu Onsen's Nozoki Bridge near the center. Pathways provide access to the ravine's natural scenery, including waterfalls and distinctive rock formations cut by the river rapids adorned with the fresh green leaves of spring or the autumn's colorful foliage.
  • Mt. Kattadake (Mt. Zao)
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Prefecture
    A mountain located on the border between Miyagi Prefecture and Yamagata Prefecture. This is the third highest mountain in the Zao Mountain Range with an altitude of 1,758 meters. The Zao High Line mountain toll road is open from the end of April to the beginning of November, making it possible to drive up close to the summit. From the end of October until the official closing date, it's impassable at night, too. Kattamine-jinja Shrine's mountain sanctuary is on the summit, as well as a stone monument in recognition of Date Munetaka's great achievements; he prayed here at the time of a large eruption. There's also a view of Okama crater lake at Mt. Goshikidake just a five-minute walk from the parking lot. The color of the water changes dramatically depending on the weather.
  • Lake Hanayama
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Kurihara-shi
    This lake is located along National Route 398, in Hanayama, Kurihara City. The 11-kilometer dam lake, created by Hanayama Dam on Ichihasama River is an ideal place to enjoy the rows of cherry trees and red leaves in fall from the lakeside, as well as enjoy fishing and boating on the lake. Additionally, the Hanayama Youth Travel Village on the lakeside has a campsite, cottages and sports facilities.
  • Onikobe Kanketsusen
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Pref. Osakishi Narukonsenonikoube Fukiage 12
    Visitors can view geysers at this facility about 20 minutes by car from the JR Rikuu Tosen Line's Naruko-Onsen Station. You can view two geysers up close: the 15-meter high Benten which erupts at 10-minute intervals, and the two or three-meter-high Unryu which erupts every 20 to 30 minutes. Their eatery serves Okowa Teishoku set meals featuring onsen tamago eggs with their characteristic soft whites. There's also an area where you can try making onsen tamago yourself. It's closed for winter from December to late March.
  • Mt. Anba
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Pref. Kesennumashi Machiura
    A 239 meter tall mountain with a sweeping view of Kesennuma Bay and the streets of Kesennuma which serves as a symbol of the city. Visitors can drive a car partway up the mountain; the top of the mountain is a 15 minute walk from the highest parking area. Anbasan Park, created in the image of a dragon, is located near the top of the mountain, and visitors are greeted by two dragon statues at the entrance. The mountain is also popular because of its night view.
  • Lake Choro
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Pref. Kattagunshichikashukumachi Elder
    A 50 minute drive from the Shiroishi interchange on the Tohoku Expressway. This two kilometer in circumference lake is situated 500 meters above sea level at the foot of Mt. Fubo, part of the Zao Mountain Range. The lake's clear blue surface famously reflects Mt. Fubo like a mirror. Broadleaf forest consisting of Japanese beech, oak, and maples surrounding the lake, and the early summer fresh verdure and fall foliage are particularly beautiful. Visitors can also enjoy the area's seasonally blooming flowers. Walking courses circle the lake and connect with the Yokokawa Valley, and visitors are encouraged to go on a stroll and take in the beauty of the area's forest. When in season, visitors can also enjoy activities such as boating and fishing.
  • Karakuwa Peninsula
    Travel / Tourism
    Karakuwa Town, Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture
    A 30 minute drive from JR Kesennuma Station. This peninsula, covered with picturesque scenery is located on the northeastern tip of Miyagi Prefecture. The peninsula's fabulous scenery includes magnificent cliffs and the complex inlets and coves characteristic of a ria coast. The peninsula has been designated a part of Sanriku Fukko National Park as well as an underwater park. Famous sights include the beautifully contrasting blue ocean, green trees, and white bare rock of the Dairiseki Coast; the stretch of distinctive rock formations known as the Ogama; and the Oreishi, a huge natural marble stone column 16 meters tall and three meters wide. The area is also an excellent fishing ground and oysters, Japanese scallops, wakame seaweed, and other seafood products are harvested here.
  • Tamonzan
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Miyagi-gun Shichigahama Machi Yogasakihama Hachigamori
    "A 55.6 meter high mountain located on the northern tip of Shichigahama Town a 20 minute drive from Tagajo Station on the JR Senseki Line. The mountain's sweeping view of the more than 260 islands floating in Matsushima Bay is called the ""Bikan"" (or ""Ikan,"" ""Beautiful View/Magnificent View""), one of the Four Views of Matsushima, four spectacular views which also include the ""Sokan"" of Mt. Otakamori in Higashimatsushima City, and the ""Reikan"" of Mt. Tomi and ""Yukan"" of Ogitani in Matsushima Town. The surrounding area is maintained as Tamonzan Tenbo Hiroba Park. A walking path in the park leads to the rear of the Bishamon-do Temple from which visitors can enjoy vast, majestic scenery immediately below encompassing Mahanashi Island, Jizo Island, and the other islands floating in Matsushima Bay."
  • Sekaiyachi Wild Flower Garden
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Kurihara-shi
    "A 50-minute drive from the Wakayanagi Kannari interchange on the Tohoku Expressway. This large wetland area sprawling on Mt. Kurikoma between 669 and 707 meters above sea level is a treasure trove of alpine plants. Sekaiyachi means ""vast wetland."" There are wooden walkways in the area, and from May to September, visitors can encounter Enkianthus campanulatus, Japanese azaleas, hare's-tail cottongrass, and a variety of other alpine plants. The area is particularly famous nationwide for its large patch of Nikko day lilies which color the wetlands orange with their blossoms. The area is also popular in part because of its convenience, being located just a five minute walk from the nearest parking area."
  • Cape Kamiwari
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Motoyoshi-gun Minamisanrikucho Tokuraterahama Chinai
    A 24 minute drive from the Shizugawa interchange and a 33 minute drive from the Kahoku interchange. Situated on the border between Ishinomaki City and Minamisanriku Town, this top sightseeing destination is notable for its famous scenic crag which has been split in two. The sun can be seen rising between the rocks only around middle of February and middle of October, a unique sight which can only be enjoyed here. Even outside this time frame, the ocean waves crashing through the narrow crevice are stunning and this view is so beautiful it has been selected for inclusion in a list of Japan's 100 best white sand and green pine landscapes. According to legend, the cape was split in two by a god after two villages in the area fought here over a whale that had washed ashore.
  • Nametsu Waterfall
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Pref. Kattagunshichikashukumachi Nametsu
    This waterfall is in Nametsu, Shichikashuku Town, Katta County. The 10-meter-high, 30-meter-wide waterfall is on the Shiroishi river, and its unique shape earned it the nickname Two-step Fall. There is an observation deck in the parking lot of the farm-direct shop Shun-no-Ichi Shichikashuku, on Michinokuotogi Road, and the area is lit up at night during fall foliage season.
  • Nanokahara Highland
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Katta-gun
    This plain is located in Nanokahara Togattaonsen, Zao-cho, Katta District, Miyagi Prefecture. Dairy farming has been actively conducted here since ancient times in the vast pastures spreading out from the foot of Mount Zao. The Zao Dairy Center has a pasture, dairy factory, direct sales store, restaurant and training center all in one area.
  • Sai no Kawara
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Katta-gun
    This plateau is located in Zao Echo Line in Kuraishidake Kokuyuchi-nai,Togattaonsen, Zao Town, Katta County. Situated to the east of Mt. Katta at an altitude of around 1,300 meters, the expansive yet desolate plateau was formed by accumulated volcanic rock ejected by volcanic activity. Zao Temple, which enshrines the Enmei Jizoson, is adjacent to the plateau.
  • Dairiseki Coast (Marble Coast)
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Kesennuma-shi Karakuwacho Iwaisawa
    This coast lies along Iwaisawa Karakuwa-cho, Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture. Dairiseki means “marble,” and as the name implies, the cliffs are made of marble, and the region has quarries that produce a fine grade of marble. Visitors can admire the scenery created by the combination of white marble and the blue sea.
  • Mt. Tomiyama
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Miyagi-gun Matsushimamachi Toyama
    This mountain is in Tomiyama, Tetaru, Matsushima Town, Miyagi County. On a 116. 8 meter mountain stands Daigyoji Temple, a temple devoted to Kannon, one of the three great Kannon temples of Oshu. Along with Otakamori, Mt. Tamon, and Ogitani, it is considered one of the four best spots for viewing the rocky islands of Matsushima.
  • Gyosha Falls
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Kurihara-shi
    This falls is located in Kurikoma-Numakura, Kurihara City, with a sheer vertical drop of 30 meters. During the era when worship at the summit of Mt. Kurikoma was popular, ascetic hermits (“gyosha”) headed toward Komagatane Jinja Shrine used to purify themselves by bathing under the waterfall, hence its name.

Miyagi Areas

around-area-map

Lying along the northeastern coast of Japan, Miyagi prefecture is home to lashings of natural parks, oysters, and hot springs. While the bustling city of Sendai offers some simple city entertainment, it’s the Matsushima islands that deserve the most attention, having boosted the prefecture’s reputation as one of Japan’s most scenic views.

Miyagi Photo Album

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