Located in the heart of Miyagi in the city of Shiroshi, the Shiroishi Castle, a flatland castle, was the home of the Katakura clan, a family in the Date clan. During the Boshin War, it was temporarily the headquarters of the Ōuetsu Reppan Dōmei. […]
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The 2018 Sakura season began on March 17th. These Kawazuzakura in Tokyo, along the Tamagawa river, are in full bloom! Even better, Japanese media has announced that other varieties of cherry trees are also starting to bloom all around Tokyo and we expect to have them in full bloom […]
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Yubikan, located in Miyagi, consists of a small, yet gorgeous house surrounded by a pleasant garden and pond. Unfortunately, Yubikan was totally destroyed by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Originally built in 1677 as a retreat for Munetoshi the second-generation head of the Iwadeyama Date Family. [...]
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Located in the northeast mountains of Yamagata City, and in the prefecture of the same name, Yamadera is a scenic temple sitting on a cliff and offering a stunning view of its surrounding valley. Yamadera was founded in 860 and belongs to the Rissakuji Sect, also known as the […]
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Located in Sendai city in Miyagi, Osaki Hachimangu Shrine was built in 1607 by Date Masamune himself, and yes, the same Date Masamune buried in Zuihoden Mausoleum! The shrine of the Hachiman deity, or the Shinto god of war, Hachiman is also considered as both the guardian and protector [...]
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Jigokudani or Hell Valley is one of the most stunning scenic areas of Noboribetsu in southern Hokkaido. Located just above the Noboribetsu Onsen village, Jigokudani displays hot steam vents, sulfurous streams and other volcanic activity. It's the main source of water for the Onsen village! While beautiful all year […]
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Joginyorai (also known as Jogi Nyorai) Saiho is a complex of Buddhist temples located about an hour drive from Sendai city in Miyagi Prefecture. The first temple was built just after the Genpei War (1180-1185) opposing the Taira and Minamoto clans during the late-Heian period of Japan. [...]
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Sakunami Onsen is a village onsen outside of Sendai city in Miyagi. Discovered in 1300, Sakunami onsen quickly became quite popular and it still is to this day today. The village is nothing more than a huge resort now with a huge five luxury hotel complex tailored around enjoying the […]
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Capital city of Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai, with a population of over one million, covers a total area of over 780 km2. Founded in 1600 by Date Masamune who also happen to have its mausoleum Zuihoden near the city center. Sendai features some of Tohoku’s most famous festivals like for […]
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Build in 1646 in the heart of Matsushima city and nearby the majestic Zuiganji Temple, Entsuin is the actual mausoleum of Date Mitsumune, the son of the ruling local feudal lord Date Terumune who died at age 19 under strange circumstances that have yet been determined. [...]
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30 minutes away by car from the center of Sendai city, in the hot spring town of Akiu, you will find the gorgeous rock formation of Rairaikyo Gorge. Thanks to a 1km long hiking trail on both sides of the gorge you can enjoy some of Miyagi’s best natural […]
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Located in near the city of Sendai in Miyagi prefecture, Zuihoden is a mausoleum for Date Masamune, one of the most powerful feudal lords of the Edo Period. He was one of the first in a long line of Date lords to rule over Sendai from Aoba Castle which […]
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