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.
A 5-day, 4-night private tour to experience the best of cuisine and craftsmanship in the Uetsu area of Japan. Observe and experience techniques for making outstanding kitchenware of the master craftsmen of Tsubame-Sanjo and enjoy cooking and dining experiences with chefs of Tsuruoka City, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
A four-day, three-night tour to experience the highlights of the Uetsu region of Japan, with a special focus on nature and its connections with the local spiritual and culinary cultures.
From Niigata to Yamagata, experience the charm and beauty of traditions of craftsmanship in the Uetsu region of Japan. Experience Japan’s “monozukuri” tradition for yourself while learning about the history and charm of creation in each area.
Mototaki Falls is a waterfall located in an atmospheric mossy ravine of the Mount Chokai Geopark in the Tohoku region of Japan.
Snow Monsters are synonomous with winter on Mount Zao—read on to find out how to access them, the best times to visit, and more!
Established in 1836, Tadami Kogyosho is a tatami mat maker with a long history.This hands-on experience offers guests the opportunity to use the tools of a tatami craftsman to make their own mini tatami mat. Select from some 10 kinds of tatami mat bases, and over 300 styles of tatami mat borders. After selecting your base and border, make your original mini tatami mat—the only one like it in the world!
The kokeshi doll, born in the Tohoku region first as a toy, took on new life as an item travelers visiting the hot springs of the region would take back with them as a souvenir. In this experience, paint their own original kokeshi doll using the same kind of brushes and electric lathe the artisans themselves do.
Swordsmith Norizane Miyagi has been making swords for 45 years, continuing to refine his skills even to this day. At the workshop of Norizane Miyagi, receive a demonstration and explanation of the steps involved in sword making, try your hand at some smithing yourself, and view some genuine samurai swords in a private showing.
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.
Immerse yourself in the spirituality of the Dewa Sanzan Mountains in this active 3 day and 2 night experience.
Experience being a miko, a shrine maiden, for a day at a largely revered shrine. Wear traditional miko clothing, learn about shintoism, create your own lucky amulet and participate in a formal
ceremony, then enjoy a local lunch.
The small town of Oishida goes all out during their Oishida Matsuri, a summer festival featuring fireworks and exuberant traditional dance.
