Things You Need to Know Before Exploring Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
Hello friends! It’s such a joy to be writing this blog post on Bill Balo, especially because it’s about a country I truly love—Japan. This article kicks off a new series about exploring the Land of the Rising Sun, starting with one of its lesser-known but incredibly charming regions: Miyagi Prefecture. Let’s dive in!
When Is the Best Time to Visit Japan?
Japan is beautiful all year round, but the fall foliage season is truly breathtaking. It’s also the hardest time for Vietnamese passport holders to get a visa due to the high volume of international tourists flooding Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hokkaido. But guess what? When I applied for a visa to visit Miyagi, it was surprisingly easy!
I got to enjoy the autumn colors and immerse myself in the traditional culture of this region—and everything about the atmosphere in Japan was simply amazing. I’ve heard that winter in Miyagi is also magical, with snowy landscapes and even rare “snow monsters.” I’m already planning a return trip!
About Miyagi Prefecture
Miyagi is part of the Tohoku region in northeastern Japan. It was one of the areas hit hardest by the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami. But when I visited in 2018, just seven years later, the region had already made a remarkable recovery. Instead of hiding the past, the people of Miyagi keep the memories alive as a symbol of their resilience.
Besides its natural beauty, Miyagi is a paradise for seafood lovers. The coastal waters here are home to some of the best oysters and scallops in Japan. I highly recommend slowing down and taking your time to explore the region deeply.
How to Get to Miyagi
The capital of Miyagi is Sendai City. You can reach it in two main ways:
- By plane: Fly from Narita International Airport (Tokyo) to Sendai Airport — it takes around 1 hour.
- By train: Take a train from Narita to Tokyo Station, then hop on the bullet train to Sendai Station. It’s a bit longer but you get to enjoy more of Japan’s city life along the way.
Sendai Station – The Heart of Miyagi
Sendai is lively and modern, and everything seems to center around Sendai Station. The nearby shopping streets like Clis Road are packed with shops, restaurants, and local delicacies.
Inside Sendai Station, you’ll find a tourist information center, traditional Japanese treats like mochi, matcha, and Sendai beef, as well as popular stores like Uniqlo and Muji. Don’t miss the AER Observation Terrace on the 31st floor of the AER Building for free panoramic views of the city!
Zao Town – Nature, Foxes & Snow Monsters
Zao is a small town in Miyagi, near the Yamagata border. It’s most famous for its winter landscapes and mystical “snow monsters” — trees transformed by frozen mist into ghostly shapes. The best time to see them is from late December to April.
If you’re not visiting in winter, don’t worry! Zao is also home to the adorable Zao Fox Village (Zao Kitsune Mura), where over 100 foxes roam freely. For 300 yen, you can hold a fox and take photos — a unique experience!
On the way to Zao, especially in autumn, stop by Muronoi Fruit Farm to pick and eat juicy pears and crispy apples right in the orchard. And if you’re feeling chilly, unwind like the locals at the Togatta Onsen, a traditional Japanese hot spring village.
Recommended Hotel: Active Resorts Miyagi Zao
Must-Try Dish: Kuranet – a baked dish featuring Zao’s creamy mozzarella cheese.
Minami Sanriku – A Town That Rose from the Ashes
Minami Sanriku is a seaside town in northeastern Miyagi that was also devastated in 2011. I visited the Suenaga Kaisan seafood factory in Ishinomaki, which produces the region’s famous oysters and scallops. After the tsunami destroyed the plant, it was fully rebuilt within just two years—an inspiring testament to Japan’s resilience.
Now the area is home to modern shopping stops like Jobon no Sato and Minamisanriku Sun Sun Shopping Village, perfect for a meal break, a dip in the onsen, or souvenir hunting (don’t miss the cute octopus plushies!).
Stay at: Minami Sanriku Hotel Kanyo, a stunning seaside hotel that survived the tsunami. The hotel offers a rooftop experience where you can feed seagulls and stargaze with telescopes. The manager, who used to live in Vietnam, warmly welcomes Vietnamese guests!
Matsushima Bay – One of Japan’s Top 3 Scenic Views
Matsushima is another must-see in Miyagi. Take a cruise on Sagake Sightseeing Boat to admire limestone islands shaped by centuries of wind and waves — many of which resemble bonsai trees. It’s often compared to Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay.
Want a more peaceful view? Head to Kanrantei Tea House for a traditional tea ceremony with seasonal views of the bay. Try the Kabocha Cake (made from Japanese pumpkin) and sip matcha while gazing at nature’s beauty.
If you’re into temples, don’t miss Godaido Temple and Zuigan-ji Temple. Japanese temple architecture is very different from other Asian countries—minimal incense, no overwhelming statues, and serene surroundings.
Food tip: Try MATSU Restaurant in Matsushima for the best all-you-can-eat oyster buffet!
Final Thoughts
From snowy mountains to peaceful temples, juicy seafood to adorable foxes, Miyagi Prefecture truly has it all. If you’re planning to visit Japan but want to explore somewhere different from the typical Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route, I highly recommend Miyagi. Check out my upcoming posts where I’ll dive deeper into each destination mentioned here. See you soon!