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, Shiogama 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.
A 5-day, 4-night private adventure tour in Tohoku’s incredible northern prefectures. Trek, hike, cycle, and kayaking through three prefectures, actively enjoying Aomori, Akita, and Iwate’s sights, sounds, and some really excellent cuisine.
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.
From oyster fishing and cooking in Ishinomaki to the seafood auction of Shiogama, Japan’s sushi capital, delight in the delectable seafood of the Miyagi coastline on this 3 day, 2 night gastronomy tour.
Experience an indispensable element of Japanese holidays: mochi-pounding! Using a traditional mallet and mortar, pound mochi rice into this staple chewy morsel, and then enjoy the result as part of a delicious local dish.
On this private brewery tour, we invite you to visit for a tour of this incredible natural water source and the sake brewery in Miyagi Prefecture. Afterwards, delight in the subtle flavors of this incomparable sake in a guided a tasting session with one of the sake makers.
Spend time in a space of extraordinary freedom, surrounded by tranquil countryside views in a nostalgic old Japanese-style house.
Explore nature’s wonders in the Mogami region of northeastern Japan on this 2 day, 1 night tour, including a riverboat cruise and trekking to an ancient forest.
Immerse yourself in the spirituality of the Dewa Sanzan Mountains in this active 3 day and 2 night experience.
Info on access to and lodging in Ginzan Onsen in winter, how to make reservations for the popular Twilight Bus tour, and more!
