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!
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.
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!
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.
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?
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.
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.
After a tour of the famous Shiogama tuna auction and purchasing fish at the nearby wholesale market, learn from a local chef how to work with multiple types of Japanese knives to prepare rolled and nigiri sushi by hand with fresh ingredients from Miyagi.
Aizu-Wakamatsu is one of the most historic and culturally rich cities in the Tohoku Region often referred to as a samurai city.
Surrounded by the ever-changing beauty of Matsushima throughout the year, Hotel Matsushima Taikanso provides a memorable resort experience where comfort, scenery, and hospitality come together to create a truly special stay.
Located around the jutting southeastern peninsula of Oku-Matsushima and Miyato Island, contrary to Matsushima Bay’s feminine seascape, Sagakei Gorge continues to astound and move spectators with its panoramic masculine, rough cliffs. Enjoy the scenic beauty while listening to the captain’s commentary on this adventurous voyage.
Oku-Matsushima, a scenic spot rivaling Matsushima in both beauty and the freshest seafood, offers seaside horseback riding (including underwater riding during summer only).
Experience the Symbiosis of Horses, the Forest, and the Land! After learning some basics about horses, experience not only the strength of invisible bonds, but the harmony interwoven between humans and horses, a beautiful collaboration which transcends species through a teamwork activity using a machine through which humans and horses work together. Finally, learn about using sustainable agriculture to grow vegetables and rehabilitate the soil.
Mototaki Falls is a waterfall located in an atmospheric mossy ravine of the Mount Chokai Geopark in the Tohoku region of Japan.
Founded in 1897 (Meiji 30), Kichimi Seimen has faithfully preserved the traditional techniques and spirit of Umen-making. At the factory, high-quality ingredients are carefully selected and processed using time-honored methods combined with modern technology. Every step—from mixing and kneading to aging, stretching, and drying—requires the experience and refined judgment of skilled artisans.
During the factory tour, you can witness the noodle-making process up close, where manual craftsmanship and modern machinery coexist in harmony.
Learn the Suzume Odori, a traditional dance passed down from the times of the samurai. Enjoy the traditions of the samurai and townspeople from Sendai’s castle town days.
Enjoy a private performance of the Yatsu Shika Odori deer dance, a folk performing art from the Kurihara Ichihasama area with a 400-year history, which has been registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Miyagi Prefecture.
Embrace the hobby sweeping the masses- bird-watching! The Izunuma-Uchinuma wetlands are one of the wintering grounds frequented by the migratory waterfowl that come to Japan each winter. Contemplate the relationship between man and nature as you observe waterfowl rising from their roosts in the early morning and returning at dusk.
Zasu Pottery is one of the few remaining anagama (traditional wood-fired kilns) in the Tohoku region, continuing the tradition of producing unglazed, natural-fired pottery. Their work features everyday tableware as well as flower vases, tea utensils, and art objects, blending traditional techniques with designs that fit modern lifestyles.
During the experience, you will tour the old-style anagama kiln while listening to explanations from the pottery master.
Kayak through the submerged forests of Yamagata in the dams of Iide high up in mountains during the sunrise in spring time.
Around the end of May, rice fields of the Okitama region are filled with water. This hike aims to see the sunrise colors the surface of the rice fields and scattered villages below and travel to the summit of Mt. Kumano.
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.
