Introducing Instagram-Worthy Photos from Miyagi Prefecture
One of Japan’s three most scenic spots, Matsushima, offers a breathtaking contrast of the blue sea and sky with the green islands. Especially at sunset, the beauty is so stunning it leaves you speechless. From the vermilion-colored Fukuurabashi Bridge, which floats in Matsushima Bay, you can take in the spectacular view of the bay and the islands of Matsushima. The Godaido Temple, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and Entsuin Temple, the family temple of Date Mitsunari, the grandson of Masamune Date, offer beautiful historical architecture. In particular, the autumn season at Entsuin Temple, with its illuminated gardens and autumn foliage, creates a fantastic landscape that is perfect for social media.
There are also highlights in Sendai City. The Sendai Tanabata Festival held in August decorates the city with luxurious Tanabata decorations, making it one of the most representative festivals of the Tohoku region. The equestrian statue of Masamune Date at the Aoba Castle ruins, which offers a panoramic view of the city, is a classic photo spot for Sendai tourism. You can enjoy the scenery throughout the four seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage. The Sendai Daikannon, which stands watch over the city, is another hidden gem. Its immense size is impressive, and capturing it against the blue sky will surely make it a hit on social media.
In Miyagi Zao, there’s the popular Zao Fox Village, where you can interact with foxes, a rare experience worldwide. Additionally, Miyagi Prefecture’s inland areas boast many representative hot spring resorts of the Tohoku region, such as Akiu Onsen, Sakunami Onsen, and Naruko Onsen. Relieve daily fatigue and capture the charm of these hot spring towns in your photos, making unforgettable memories of your trip.
Zao Fox Village
Zao Fox Village, located in Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, is the only facility in Japan where you can interact with foxes. Various types of foxes roam freely within the facility, allowing visitors to interact with them up close. Winter is especially remarkable as the foxes grow their winter fur, making them a sight to behold.
The operating hours vary by season: in summer, it is open from 9:00 to 16:30 (last admission at 16:00), and in winter, from 9:00 to 16:00 (last admission at 15:30). The hours may change or shorten depending on the weather, and there are regular closed days (Wednesdays, except for holidays and long weekends in February, August, and May). The facility takes strict measures to prevent parasitic infections from foxes, maintaining a safe environment for interaction through regular clinical examinations and medication. You can feed the foxes at the feeding area with food sold at the reception, but direct feeding is prohibited. Children of elementary school age or younger must be accompanied by an adult, with a rule of one child per adult to prevent injuries due to the free-roaming foxes. Visitors are asked to understand and cooperate with these rules.
Additionally, the facility offers a shop selling fox-related goods and opportunities to interact with other animals such as rabbits, goats, and ponies. However, caution is advised regarding clothing and belongings as foxes are attracted to moving objects.
Zao Fox Village provides a safe and enjoyable experience with foxes, but visitor understanding and cooperation are essential. To ensure a great day with the foxes and other animals, please follow the rules and staff instructions.
There are two important points to note when visiting. First, the rule that one adult is required for each child of elementary school age or younger. For example, a family of five (parents and three children) cannot enter all at once. It is crucial to be aware of this in advance to avoid disappointment, especially if traveling from afar. Second, do not stand still. Foxes are incredibly cute and tempting to touch, but their behavior changes when you feed them. Although there have been complaints about staff behavior in reviews, I did not experience any issues during my visit. Unlike other tourist facilities in Japan, injuries at this facility are considered the visitor’s responsibility. Understanding that foxes are wild animals and that accidents can occur is important before visiting. At the entrance, staff explained various precautions, such as the need for one adult per child and the risk of being bitten if you squat to take photos. It was also explained that if you are scared, moving forward rather than retreating will make the foxes move away. This place is about entering the foxes’ world, as clearly stated on the signboards. The advice to store items that might get bitten in bags was understandable. These precautions are for everyone’s safety, and those who cannot understand or follow the rules should refrain from visiting.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Currently, the official site is down
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information:20 minutes by car from Shiroishi-Zao Station
Matsushima
Matsushima, located in Miyagi Prefecture in the Tohoku region, is known for its beautiful scenery and is one of Japan’s three most scenic spots. The coastline dotted with over 260 islands of various sizes is renowned for its beauty. Matsushima also offers both historical and cultural experiences, such as at Zuiganji Temple. The main tourist spots in Matsushima are as follows:
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 2 minutes on foot from Matsushima-Kaigan Station
Matsushima Bay Sightseeing Cruise
To fully enjoy Matsushima, taking a boat tour is recommended. You can appreciate the seasonal beauty throughout the year. I took a sightseeing boat from Shiogama Port, which toured Matsushima in about 50 minutes. The view from the boat was incredibly beautiful, fitting for one of Japan’s three most scenic spots. Onboard, you can purchase food to feed the sea birds, making for an enjoyable experience as they gather around.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 7 minutes on foot from Matsushima-Kaigan Station
Fukuurabashi Bridge
This 252-meter-long bridge is the longest in Matsushima, connecting to Fukuura Island. It is said that crossing this bridge brings good luck in relationships.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Late August to late December
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 16 minutes on foot from Matsushima-Kaigan Station
Godaido Temple
A symbol of Matsushima, Godaido Temple was originally built by General Sakanoue no Tamuramaro in 807 during his conquest of the Tohoku region. The current structure was built by Date Masamune in 1604 and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 11 minutes on foot from Matsushima-Kaigan Station
Entsuin Temple
A temple dedicated to Mitsunari, the grandson of Date Masamune. It is famous for its beautiful Japanese gardens and autumn foliage illuminations. I visited after a rain, and the interplay of sunlight through the trees and the autumn colors was stunning. Of all the places I’ve visited, Entsuin’s beauty left the most lasting impression. The best time to visit is mid-November.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Mid-November
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 6 minutes on foot from Matsushima-Kaigan Station
Aoba Castle
Aoba Castle was built over 400 years ago by the Date family, a warlord family from the Sengoku period, on a natural fortress about 130 meters high. To avoid alarming the then-shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, it was built without a main keep. Although the castle itself no longer remains, the site is open as Aobayama Park, offering panoramic views of Sendai City and the Pacific Ocean. The equestrian statue of Masamune Date is an iconic scene of Sendai. The Aoba Castle Historical Museum features a restored image of the castle using computer graphics.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 25 minutes by subway from Sendai Station
Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
Osaki Hachimangu Shrine, founded by Date Masamune in 1607, serves as the guardian shrine of the Sendai region. It features a richly decorated architectural style similar to Nikko Toshogu Shrine and is known for blessings of good fortune, warding off evil, and safe childbirth. The Matsutaki Festival, held for over 300 years, involves burning New Year’s decorations and old talismans to pray for family safety throughout the year. The festival takes place on January 14th each year.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 24 minutes by bus from Sendai Station
Sakunami Onsen
Sakunami Onsen is about 40 minutes by car from Sendai City and has been known as a hidden retreat for the lords of the Sendai domain since 1796. The gentle hot spring waters are famous for their skin-beautifying effects. You can enjoy various baths, including open-air baths and rock baths. Nearby, you can visit the beautiful “Hōmei Shijūhattaki” (Phoenix Cry Forty-Eight Waterfalls), named for their sound reminiscent of the legendary phoenix’s cry.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 43 minutes by train from Sendai Station to Sakunami Station
Akiu Onsen
Akiu Onsen boasts a history of about 1500 years and was used as a bathing place by the Date family during the Sengoku period. Today, it is widely loved as a relaxing place surrounded by nature. The nearby Akiu Great Falls, with a height of about 55 meters and a width of about 6 meters, is known for its powerful presence and beautiful autumn leaves.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 30 minutes by bus from Sendai Station
Naruko Onsen
Naruko Onsen, located in Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, is one of the most famous hot springs in the Tohoku region, along with Iizaka Onsen and Akiu Onsen. Known for its abundant hot spring water and healing properties, the onsen town is filled with steam and the scent of sulfur. The narrow alleys lined with souvenir shops exude a charming hot spring atmosphere. Famous souvenirs include “Naruko Kokeshi” dolls and “Naruko Lacquerware.” Staying at an inn and walking to communal baths in a yukata and geta is a highlight. Nearby Naruko Gorge is adorned with beautiful autumn leaves from mid-October to early November.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 40 minutes by train from Furukawa Station to Naruko Onsen Station
Sendai Daikannon
The 100-meter-tall statue of the Sendai Daikannon at Daikanmitsuji Temple offers a panoramic view of Sendai City from its 12-story interior. Inside, there are 108 statues and other artifacts. It can be accessed via an elevator. It is about 40 minutes by bus from Sendai Station. The statue was built in 1964 by a local businessman as a token of thanks for the success of his business ventures. It is well-known overseas, including in Thailand, and has been used as a film location.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 35 minutes by bus from Sendai Station
Sendai Tanabata Festival
The Sendai Tanabata Festival, along with the Aomori Nebuta Festival and the Akita Kanto Festival, is one of the three great festivals of the Tohoku region. It is Japan’s most famous Tanabata festival, continuing from the time of Date Masamune. The streets around Sendai Station, Central Street, and Ichibancho Arcade are decorated with luxurious Tanabata decorations. These decorations are set up from around 8:00 am on August 6th and compete in grandeur. The Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Festival, held on the evening before the Tanabata Festival, features about 16,000 fireworks lighting up the night sky of Sendai.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity:August 6th to 8th
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Central Sendai City
