Miyagi Prefecture
Shiroishi Town
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.
This quiet town was once the seat of the powerful Katakura family, loyal retainers to the legendary warlord Date Masamune. At the heart of the town stands Shiroishi Castle, originally constructed in the late 1500s and later governed by Katakura Kagetsuna, Masamune’s most trusted general. The castle played a key role as a border stronghold of the Sendai Domain and remained under Katakura control for more than 260 years.
Today, Shiroishi makes for a great location for those looking to experience the historical and cultural roots of Japan far off the radar of other tourists. Its ease of access from Tokyo via direct bullet train and compact layout also makes it easily approachable for day trippers with little stress or preplanning needed to visit.
Quick Info
About
Shiroishi Town can easily be accessed from Tokyo via the Tohoku Shinkansen. This direct bullet train takes about 1 hour and 53 minutes and can also make for a great day trip from Sendai City. Shiroishi has many traditional ryokan nearby which are far off the radar of most tourists.
Address
Shiroishi Zao Station
A Castle Town of the Katakura Clan
Unlike the massive castles of other regions, Shiroishi Castle was designed with modesty and efficiency in mind, blending beautifully into the surrounding terrain. While the original structure was lost during the Meiji period, it was faithfully rebuilt in 1995 using traditional methods and materials. Today, visitors can climb its watchtower, walk along its sturdy wooden walls, and take in views that once greeted the samurai of centuries past.
Surrounding the castle are preserved samurai streets and residences that tell the story of daily life in the Edo period. The city embraces its warrior heritage through seasonal events, including the popular Shiroishi Castle Festival, where locals don armor and stage historical reenactments honoring the Katakura Clan. These cultural traditions offer a rare chance to experience the spirit of the samurai in an authentic setting.
Shiroishi is also known for its time-honored culinary traditions. One of the city’s most famous offerings is umen, a delicate and smooth wheat noodle that has been a local specialty since the Edo era. This somen is unique in that it is made without oils unlike other somen. Originally created as a nutritious meal, umen noodles are still made using the same careful hand-pulled method passed down through generations and can be enjoyed here in Shiroishi at many of its local restaurants.
There is even a factory tour here where guests can see umen being made and also try their hand at making their own noodles.
The city’s charm is not limited to history and food. Shiroishi is also home to traditional crafts and master artisans that you can visit during your time in the town. This includes traditional washi paper and even one of the few remaining sword smiths in Japan.
Visitors can take part in a tour of a traditional washi paper studio and make uchiwa (Japanese fans) together with local artisans.
With special permission you can even visit the blacksmith studio of Shiroishi’s resident master sword smith and take part in workshops alongside the artisan. Note that these require special arrangements.
Please contact us on our contact form if you are interested in either of these experiences.
Shiroishi is trying to promote its rich samurai and crafts history as a means to draw international visitors to its small castle town.
The Hidden Japan is currently working with Shiroishi and other small towns in Miyagi Prefecture to develop tours here and would be happy to assist with your visit to this town.
While there are no commercial links for tours or experiences with instant bookings, visitors who take the time to plan a trip here will be rewarded with an experience away from the crowds and enjoy a side of Japan free from suffocating over tourism.
