What is Miyagi?

宮城県は、日本の東北地方に位置する県で、その県庁所在地は仙台市です。この地域は、古くから日本の歴史に深く関わっており、豊かな自然と共に、多彩な文化や伝統が息づいています。

歴史的に見ると、宮城県はかつて「陸奥国」と呼ばれていた地域の一部でした。奈良時代から平安時代にかけて、この地域は中央政府による支配が及ぶ前線基地として機能していました。特に、仙台市のある地域は、伊達政宗によって城下町として発展し、伊達家の本拠地として知られるようになりました。政宗は、仙台藩の初代藩主として、この地域の歴史と文化に大きな影響を与えた人物です。

近代に入ると、宮城県は産業の発展を遂げ、特に農業や漁業が盛んになりました。また、仙台市は東北地方の中心都市として経済や文化の中心地となり、多くの教育機関や研究施設が設置されました。これにより、宮城県は学問や技術の進歩にも寄与してきました。

しかし、2011年には東日本大震災により大きな被害を受けました。この災害は宮城県にとって大きな試練であり、復興への道のりは長く困難でした。しかし、その過程で地域コミュニティの絆が強まり、全国からの支援と共に復興への歩みを進めています。

宮城県は、美しい自然景観と豊かな文化が融合する地域です。松島湾の絶景、仙台の伊達武将隊、伝統的な工芸品、地元の美味しい食材など、訪れる人々を魅了し続けています。また、伊達政宗ゆかりの地としても知られ、歴史愛好家にとっても興味深い場所です。

Top 3 Selected Tourist Attractions in Miyagi

1. Sendai Castle

 ● Attraction

The Sendai Castle Ruins (Aoba Castle Ruins) are located in Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, and are known for being built by the famous Warring States period warrior, Date Masamune. The ruins are situated on a hill overlooking the cityscape of Sendai, offering spectacular views. In spring, the area is adorned with blooming cherry blossoms, and in autumn, it is graced with beautiful fall foliage, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery of each season. A statue of Date Masamune on horseback is erected within the ruins, conveying his brave figure. Additionally, the area around the ruins features historical buildings associated with the Date family and beautiful Japanese gardens, making it a popular spot not only for history enthusiasts but also for general tourists.

● History

Sendai Castle was built in the early 1600s by the renowned Warring States period warrior, Date Masamune. Masamune used the castle as the political and military center of the Sendai Domain. Throughout the Edo period, the domain flourished here, and the castle continued to serve as the residence of the Date family. After the Meiji Restoration, many buildings were demolished, but the ruins remain as an important heritage site, conveying their historical value to this day.

● Access

• Address: Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
• Google Maps Link: Sendai Castle Ruins (Aoba Castle Ruins)
• Walking Access: About 5 minutes on foot from the "Sendai City Museum-mae" bus stop, accessed from Sendai Station
• Train/Bus Information: About 20 minutes on foot from "Kotodai-Koen Station" on the Sendai City Subway Namboku Line, or accessible by bus

2. Zao Okama

 ● Attraction

Zao Okama, located in the Zao mountain range straddling Miyagi and Yamagata Prefectures, is a mystical caldera lake. Renowned for its stunning emerald green waters, the lake offers unique natural beauty in each season. In autumn, the lake is adorned with colorful foliage, while in winter, it presents a breathtaking view along with the famous 'snow monsters' (frozen trees) of Zao. As one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Zao mountain range, it is a must-visit spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

● History

Zao Okama is believed to have been formed by volcanic activity about 1,900 years ago. The lake has long been beloved by locals and visitors alike for its beauty and mysterious ambiance. Additionally, it holds significant geological importance, offering insights into the history of volcanic activity in the area.

● Access

• Address: Zao Onsen, Zao Town, Katta District, Miyagi Prefecture
• Google Maps Link: Zao Okama
• Access by car: About 50 minutes from Yamagata Expressway "Yamagata Zao IC"
• Public Transportation: Take a bus from Yamagata Station via "Zao Echo Line," and get off at "Zao Okama" bus stop