Shiogama

While Tokyo’s fish markets may be famous, the actual sushi capital of Japan lies far to the north. Nestled just a thirty-minute ride north-west from Sendai lies the port town of Shiogama, the “Sushi Capital of Japan.” This charming port town is famous for its fish and for its connection to Matsushima Bay, one of Japan’s top three vistas. It is also a great place to experience art and Japanese traditional culture!

Sushi

Shiogama is famous for its fishing industry, particularly its swordfish and tuna. While much of the abundant catches go on from Shioagama fish market to be sold in Sendai and elsewhere in Japan, Shiogama boasts the largest number of sushi restaurants per capita in the entire country. Whether you try the fish at one of these restaurants for lunch, or get up with the sun to catch the market in action before breakfast time, you are sure to enjoy some of the most delicious sushi in the country in Shiogama.

 

Salt Furnace

The name Shiogama literally translates to Salt Furnace, in reference to the ancient practice of boiling the local salt water to produce salt. While salt is no longer one of the city’s top exports, you can still catch a traditional salt furnace event at Shiogama Jinja each July during their summer festival. Interestingly, the kanji for the city of Shiogama are not fixed. Sometimes locals will use kanji that mean “salt furnace” and sometimes “salt kettle.” The Shiogama shrine even uses archaic kanji that are no longer used elsewhere!

Shrines

Believed to be over 1200 years old, Shioagama and Shiwahiko Jinja shrine is one of the most important shrines in the Tohoku region. Dedicated to safe childbirth and fishing, the shrine’s 15 buildings are designated important cultural treasures. There is also a small local history museum on the grounds. The shrine’s main entrance is up 202 steps, but there is a more accessible entrance round the back! Some of the festivals hosted at the shrine include a mounted archery festival, the salt furnace festival, and a spring cherry blossom festival which takes full advantage of the shrine’s hundreds of cherry trees.

Island Hopping

Shiogama is home to roughly half the islands dotting the famous Matsushima Bay. From the port’s Marine Gate you can take the Maruban Matsushima Kisen sightseeing boat to the Urato islands, which are popular among locals for sunbathing, marine sports, and of course, fishing. One of the islands, Sabusawajima, was the birthplace of the first Japanese to traverse the globe, Tsudayu and Sahei. As you gaze out over the stunning scene, why not reflect on your own the world-travelling adventures?

Art

Shiogama is home to the Sugiwara Jun Museum of Art, which showcases the considerable work of oil painter Sugiwara Jun (1907-2001). This museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and community events, making it a great place to rub elbows with the locals! For a limited time, the museum is also offering a brooch lacquering workshop. This workshop is unique, as it uses the dry lacquer technique which was popular in the Nara period for the creation of lightweight but imposingly large Buddha statues.

Access to Shiogama

Shiogama can be easily accessed via the JR Senseki local line from Sendai. This trip takes approximately thirty minutes. Most of Shiogama’s attractions are located quite close to one another, making it an easy and enjoyable day-trip from Sendai. 

Shiogama is also connected to the nearby port of Matsushima via both train lines and sightseeing boats.

Elsewhere in Niigata Prefecture

Other prefectures

Mototaki Falls

Mototaki Falls is a waterfall located in an atmospheric mossy ravine of the Mount Chokai Geopark in the Tohoku region of Japan.

Read More »

Discovering Sendai: Anime Special Interest Tour

Boasting deep history and tradition and surrounded by nature, Sendai is a dynamic and fascinating city. On this tour, hit top sightseeing spots and sites of special interest to anime/manga fans. Try hands-on cultural and creative experiences, and enjoy the atmosphere of this vibrant northeastern city.

Read More »

The Samurai Town of Shiroishi

Nestled at the foot of the Zao Mountain Range in southern Miyagi Prefecture is the historic castle town of Shiroishi, a community deeply tied to the legacy of the Katakura Clan and the samurai spirit of Japan’s feudal past.

Read More »

Samurai Spirit Experience

Experience what it felt like to be a retainer of the castle town of the Sendai Date clan. You will have the opportunity to try out drawing a real sword, which is something you don’t usually get to do, and try out tea at the Zangetsu-tei teahouse, where you will experience the mindset of a samurai.

Read More »

Sendai City

Sendai is the capital of Miyagi Prefecture. As the largest city in Tohoku, it also serves as the gateway to this off-the-beaten-path region.

Read More »

The Arcadian Journey

Embark on a journey to experience the unspoiled wilderness of the Okitama region in rural Yamagata, Japan. Visit the places written about generations past, enjoying the sights, locals, cuisine and culture of the land.

Read More »