Off the Beaten Path - Miyagi Prefecture, Japan

Miyagi Prefecture is on the Pacific coast of the northern Tohoku region of Honshu, and was one of the most severely damaged areas during the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Despite this, There is still much to see and do in the area and many tourist areas remain intact and undamaged.  The capital and largest city is Sendai.  

The 5 largest cities are:
Sendai
Ishinomaki 
Osaki
Tome 
Kurihara 

Castles

Shiroishi Castle
 Nestled in the south-east of Miyagi Prefecture, the small city of Shiroishi might not seem like an ideal vacation stop when compared to other sights nearby like the hot springs of Naruko or the islands of Matsushima. However, this small town is a surprising little treasure trove of Japanese culture, especially samurai lore. While the town does have a small Kabuki theater and a model restoration of a samurai home, the main attraction is Shiroishi Castle. Shiroishi Castle is a recent reconstruction.  It was rebuilt using traditional methods, and is quite faithful to the original.

Aoba Castle
Aoba Castle in Sendai consists of ruins and some reconstructed buildings.  There is currently some reconstruction or restoration going on. It’s also known as Sendai Castle. Aoba Castle was built in 1600 by the powerful feudal lord Date Masamune. Because of considerations for the castle's defense, Masamune chose to locate his fortifications on Mount Aoba, 100 meters above the town below.

In the last 400 years the castle endured the anti-feudal fervor of the Meiji Period, a giant fire in 1882 and the carpet bombing of 1945. Now all that is left of the castle are remnants of the outer stone walls and a guard tower. The location's lookout onto the city below presently serves an aesthetic rather than military role, though a statue of Masamune, armor-clad and horseback, recalls the site's origins.

Naruko Gorge 

Naruko Gorge is one of the Tohoku Region's most scenic gorges. It is located in north-western Miyagi Prefecture, about 70 kilometers from Sendai and two kilometers from the small hot spring town of Naruko Onsen. Every year around late October to early November, the gorge transforms into one of the region's most popular autumn color spots. This is when the Gorge is the busiest, but other times of the year you might find yourself quite alone.

The gorge stretches about two kilometers east-west. The best area for autumn leaf viewing is around the Narukokyo Resthouse towards the western end of the gorge. The famous views of the Ofukazawa Bridge can be enjoyed from the observation deck next to the rest house.

Along the main road there are several free parking areas and a large paid one close to the Narukokyo Resthouse. A few steep paths lead from the road to the bottom of the gorge, where the breathtaking Naruko Gorge Walking Trail runs the length of the ravine. This walking trail is usually the best way to see the gorge; however, as of July 2014 it was closed until further notice due to the danger of falling rocks and landslides.

The less dramatic Ofukazawa Walking Trail makes a loop west of the main road, starting around the Ofukazawa Bridge and ending at the Narukokyo Resthouse. This nature trail leads into a forested side valley and remains less crowded during the fall season. It takes about 45 minutes to complete the loop. 

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. 

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6008 West Bell Rd # F105
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