Miyagi

Sendai Pageant of Starlight, Miyagi

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Every December, various illumination events are held throughout the country. Among them, the “Page of of Starlight” to be held in Sendai City, Miyagi prefecture is a popular event where zelkova rows of trees are wrapped in beautiful illumination, enjoyable from children to adults.
The city of Sendai is full of greenery called “Mori no Miyako” (The Capital of Greens), but in the city after the war the building was destroyed by air raids, especially under the harsh environment where the air was full of flying grit in winter. In order to manage this situation, it seems that citizens and others invented an event covering zelkova trees, which is the source of the current “Page of of Starlight”, with electric decorations. Currently under clear air, during the event period, over 600,000 beautiful electric decorations are said to cover trees.

Approximately 600,000 illuminations shine on 160 zelkova trees of the Zenjo-ji Street “Sendai Pageant of Starlight”. During the event period, not only illumination but also Kotodai park and citizen open space will be set up opening booths and ice rinks etc. Also, around the venue, “Starlight Symphony” will be held on the first day of the event, and Sendai Philharmonic will hold charity concerts and many fun events will be held. This event has a long holding period and lighting ceremonies are held three times every day, so how about walking to Sendai, looking forward to the winter scenes beautifully coloring the Capital of Greens?

The “Sendai Pageant of starlight” is annual illumination event of Sendai-shi every year on December.
It becomes the common feature in the winter time of Sendai-shi, and continues being held more than 30 years.

Citizen volunteers having given zelkova tree-lined illuminations had been the beginning of it, and its scale is extended now, there is an immense crowd nearly 3 million every year.

It is carried out every year from the beginning of December to December 31. Its lighting time is from 17:30 to 23:00 (24:00 lights out only for December 31th). In addition, at 18:00, 19:00, and 20:00, all electric bulbs temporarily turn off. This event called “a starlight wink” that is very popular so the audience raise a round of cheers.

pageant3 — xn--lck0dza7281aflf.blog.so-net.ne.jp

The scene of hundreds of thousands of LED which is mounted on zelkova tree-lined seems like “a corridor of the light” seeing from ground, and like “the Milky Way” seeing from the sky.

This scenery is beyond a doubt the best part, as if you feel being in a forest of the light.
It is a splendid illumination event so everybody feel happy while they are surrounded by the warm light of electric bulbs.
The gentle light of illuminations to color the tree of 160 zelkovas light up the night of Sendai.

Information

Name:	Sendai Pageant of Starlight
Adresse:	Honcho Sendai Aoba-ku, Miyagi 980-0014 Japan
Access:	Sendai Municipal Subway Nanboku-sen line "Kotodai-Koen-eki Station” (1 minute walk)
Tel:	(+81) 22-261-6515 (Sendai Pageant of Starlight Executive Committee)
Price/Charge:	Free
Official site:	http://www.sendaihikape.jp/

Sendai Star Festival (Tanabata Matsuri), Miyagi

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In the famous festivals of Tohoku region, excitement of the Nebuta Festival in Aomori, Kanto Matsuri (Lantern Festival) in Akita, Hanagasa in Yamagata, etc. are all highlights. But the Sendai Star Festival (Tanabata Matsuri) is a quiet festival where you can watch Tanabata decorations full of streets.

sendaitanabata5 — newsreleases.jcom.co.jp

Sendai Star Festival is a festival held in Sendai City, Miyagi prefecture, and it should be said to be the forerunner of the Japanese Star Festival (Tanabata Matsuri). In August, when the leaves of the trees deepen the color, the Aoba area will be all over the street in the Tanabata. Wishes and dreams wrapped up in the colorful Tanabata ornament, led by the breeze of “Mori no Miyako” (the Capital of Greens). It is Japan’s luxurious and graceful Star Festival (Tanabata Matsuri), which is transmitted over 400 years. In addition to Tanabata ornament, there are lots of sights such as “Stardust Festival”, “Sendai Tanabata Firework Festival”, “Cool off-concert”.
At Sendai Star Festival, a large Tanabata ornament made of Japanese paper colors the city of Sendai. It is a festival with a history that has been held since the early Edo period. It is held from August 6 to 8 every year. Tourists visit from around Japan and from around the world trying to see gorgeous Tanabata ornament. It is said that the number is 2 million people.

Do you know the event of Tanabata?
It is based on the old story of China.
When Hiko-hoshi(Altair) met Orihime-hoshi(Vega), they were attracted each other, then they have fallen love. After that they didn’t work and a disease has spread over the cow. The Lord of Heaven got angry with them, and separated them by the Milky Way. However, the Lord of Heaven felt pity for them. And he allowed them to meet only on the night of July 7th.

On the day of Tanabata Festival, Japanese people display bamboo grass with a strip of paper and ornaments to celebrate their reunion. When we write a wish to this paper and display it on bamboo, it is said that a wish comes true.

sendaitanabata1 — marieefleurir.sakura.ne.jp

Sendai Tanabata Matsuri is one of “the Tohoku three great festival” and as to be said it is the best Star Festival in Japan. It is held from August 6 to 8 every year. The central site for the Sendai Star Festival is an arcade town around JR Sendai Station. The large-scale decoration is done in the arcade street called Ichibancho and Chuo-dori.

In addition, approximately 3,000 Star Festival decorations are attached to the various places throughout the city, and downtown becomes all in the Star Festival.

And approximately 16,000 fireworks will light up the summer night sky near Sendai west park. You can spend a romantic day on the grand Sendai Tanabata Matsuri.

Information

Name:	Sendai Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival)
Adresse:	Chuo 1-7-2, Aobaku Sendai-city, Miyagi 980-0021 Japan
Access:	JR Tohoku Shinkansen line "Sendai-eki Station” (2 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81) 22-265-8185 (Sendai Tanabata Festival Support Association)
Price/Charge:	Free
Official site:	http://www.sendaitanabata.com/

Matsushima, Miyagi

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The spot which makes you feel history is also attractive

There are 260 large and small islands in Matsushima in Miyagi prefecture, and beautiful scenery is attractive. The islands of Matsushima are spectacular views from the spot called “Shidaikan”. In addition, the spot which makes history feel like Zuiganji Temple which is designated as a national treasure, Oshima which is the sacred island written in “Hyakunin Isshu” (One Hundred Waka Poems By One Hundred Poets), Godaido rebuilt by Date Masamune etc. is also attractive.

“Setsugetuka” (Snow, Moon and Flowers)

The three sights of Japan are Amanohashidate in Kyoto Prefecture, Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima Prefecture, and Matsushima here in Miyagi Prefecture. Each of Japan’s three scenic spots are facing each other to “Setsugetuka” (Snow, Moon and Flowers), Matsushima is “Moon”, Amanohashidate is “Snow”, Miyajima is “Flower”.

The course goes around the Matsushima bay

“Matsushima Pleasure Boat cruise” that you can see the islands floating in Matsushima Bay nearby is indispensable for Matsushima sightseeing. You can see the islands of different shapes from each other. You can choose according to the time and sightseeing style, such as a course that goes around the bay, “Niojima Island course” around Niojima Island, course from Matsushima to Shiogama.

“Sokan”, “Reikan”, “Ikan”, “Yukan”

Four view points that can overlook the islands floating in Matsushima Bay are called “Shidaikan”. It is called “Sokan”, “Reikan”, “Ikan”, “Yukan” from the impression of Matsushima Bay from each place. Each viewpoint is on the top of the mountain, so it is recommend going by car.

You can see the islands of Matsushima from there

On the east side of Matsushima Bay, the view from the mountain in the middle of Miyatojima Island in Higashimatsushima City is the “Sokan-Ohtakamori”. It is said to be the most beautiful observatory in Shidaikan. Together with Matsushima Bay, you can also see the mountains of the Ou Mountains far away. From there you can see the islands of Matsushima, which is called “Sokan” (glorious view) because it can enjoy the scenery like a miniature garden.

Information

Name:	Matsushima
Address:	Miyato Higashimatsushima, Miyagi 981-0412 Japan
Access:	JR Sengoku-sen Line “Nobiru-eki Station” (15 minutes by car)
Tel:	(+81) 22-354-2618 (Matsushima Tourism Association)
Price/Charge:	Free
Official site:	http://www.matsushima-kanko.com/

Okama (The crater lake of the Zao Mountain Range), Miyagi

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The mystical atmosphere is created

Okama is a circle type crater lake held in three peaks of Mt. Kattadake of Zao, Mt. Kumanodake, and Mt. Goshikidake. Since it was the shape of Kama (caldron), it came to be called to as “Okama.”
In the surface of a lake, it is full of the emerald green water. The mystical atmosphere is created as contrasted with the violent crater wall.
With the Juhyo (frost-covered trees) of winter, it is a symbol of Zaou.

The maximum depth of 27.6 meters

26 eruptions were repeated until now and, these days, it erupted in 1895.
Although the depth was 63 meters those days which was measured in 1939, it is buried by collapse of the Goshiki mountain cliff year by year, so at the time of the measurement in 1968, it was the maximum depth of 27.6 meters, the average depth of 17.8 meters, and 1,080 meters of circumferences.

Does not have an example in the world

The lake is the strong acidity, and the creatures cannot inhabit.
The water temperature falls to 2 degrees centigrade from appearance in depth of about a dozen meters, when depth is increased from it, It become high in temperature. This is special double water layer and is the lake which does not have an example in the world.
It is called “Goshiki-ko” (Five color lake) to change the color by hit of the sunbeam variously.
It flows out of southwest, and it becomes the Nigorigawa River and is flowing into the Pacific Ocean.

The Zao mountaintop rest house

You arrive at the observation deck which can look at Okama on foot from the terminal of the Zao High Line in approximately three minutes when you come by car. The Zao mountaintop rest house which can take a break is installed to the front.

Cannot observe it from the beginning of November to the end of April

* Important
The Zaou Echo Line and the Zao High Hine are closed and it cannot observe it from the beginning of November to the end of April every year.

Information

Name:	Okama (The crater lake of the Zao Mountain Range)
Address:	Togattaonsen Kattagun Zaomachi, Miyagi 989-0916 Japan
Access:	JR Tohoku-honsen Line “Shiroishi-eki Station” (100 minutes by bus)
Tel:	(+81) 224-33-2215 (Zaoh-cho Tourism Office)
Price:	Free
Official site:	http://www.town.zao.miyagi.jp/kankou/guide/look.html

Aobajo (Sendaijo) Castle, Miyagi

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The “Aobajo Castle” as an elegant name

Sendai which is the greatest town in the Tohoku district. Speaking of the tourist attraction representing Sendai, it is the “Sendaijo Castle”.
The Sendaijo Castle is known also for “Masamune Date” who was famous Sengoku Busho (Japanese military commander) having built the castle. It is called the “Aobajo Castle” as an elegant name and this name is more common in the hometown.
The castle tower which is the symbol of the castle was not built from the beginning. The number of the restored buildings is one at present, and it is unusual situation compared with other ruins of a castle.

Buildings were burned down by the Sendai air raid

It was Yamashiro without the castle tower, and the broadness seemed to be unique in those days in the whole country.
In the Meiji era, the main building of the castle was destroyed. Then, buildings other than Tatsumi-mon Gate of Sannomaru were burned down by the Sendai air raid in 1945. Furthermore, the Tatsumi-mon Gate has also been destroyed by the Occupation Forces at the postwar period.

It is the only building restored in the Sendai ruins

What it remains in now is only a stone wall and side tower restored in 1967.
It is the only building restored in the Sendai ruins of the castle, and is one of a few spots which can feel castle-likeness.

The statue of Valiant Masamune Date

There is “Masamune Date horseriding statue” which is the most popular here in the former site of main building of the castle. Valiant Masamune Date is looking down on the castle town of Senda.

Many souvenirs are sold here

Next to Gokoku-jinja Shrine (shrine honoring war dead), there is the building called Aobajo Honmaru Hall. You can have a meal here or can buy a souvenir.
In a wide, tidy shop, the specialty of Sendai such as Hagi-no-Tsuki (sweets that are popular in Sendai) or Gyutan (Ox tongue) and accessory goods are sold.
There are also the exhibition library and the CG theater.

Information

Name:	Aobajo (Sendaijo) Castle
Address:	Kawauchi 1 Sendai Aoba-ku, Miyagi 980-0862 Japan
Access:	Sendai Subway Tozai-sen Line “Kokusai Center-eki Station” (15 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81) 22-222-0218
Price:	700 yen (Adult) 500 yen (Junior High School Students / High School Students) 300 yen (Elementary School Students)
Official site:	http://honmarukaikan.com/

Umi No Bon Festival, Miyagi

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“Umi No Bon Festival” started in 2011 when the Great East Japan Earthquake happened

The new summer festival which the young volunteers of Matsushima-cho, Miyagi made up is “Matsushima Ryutoe Umi no Bon Festival.”
“Umi No Bon Festival” started in 2011 when the Great East Japan Earthquake happened.
In Matsushima where the earthquake disaster was damaged, the sightseeing events which carried out till then were canceled. So, local people gathered, everybody’s power was united and the festival of this area was revived for the first time in 30 years.

Around the national treasure Zuigan-ji

“Umi No Bon Festival” is performed in the whole area around the national treasure Zuigan-ji which Matsushima is proud of.
It is also the feature of this festival that the event performed newly harmonizes with the event from handed-down convention.
The large Bon festival is held on August 15, and “Osekigae” which is a traditional event to have the history with more than of 700 years is performed on 16th.
The event “Osekigae” in which 50 priests of Zuigan-ji burn sotoba (pagoda), and chant the sutras in the open space where the tower was constructed.

Various events are carried out

In addition, various events are carried out like floating of lanterns and “the light way of all”, which the children of Matsushima made, and “toy fireworks open spaces”.

Cucumber horse, eggplant cow

Moreover, not only a festival but the workshop “the making of a spirit-of-a-departed-person horse” which a local old person teaches to children is held.
At the time of the ancestor to meet, since he would like to meet them early, it is a cucumber horse of a swift-running.
At the time of a send-off, since separation with the ancestor is memorable, it is a eggplant cow of a slow-moving.
Children learn the meaning of the Bon Festival while hearing such an old manners and customs.

Won the good design prize

These actions were evaluated, and “Umi No Bon Festival” won the good design prize in 2012.

Information

Name:	Umi No Bon Festival
Address:	Miyagigun Matsushimamachi, Miyagi 981-0215 Japan
Access:	JR Senseki-sen Line “Matsushima-Kaigan-eki Station” (7 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81) 22−354−2618 (Matsushima Tourism Association)
Price:	Free
Official site:	http://uminobon.jp/

Zao Frost Covered Tree Festival (Snow Monsters), Yamagata

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The rare scene appearing only in winter

Especially in Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort equipped with large and various courses even in Yamagata, “Zao Juhyo Matsuri” (Frost Covered Tree Festival) is performed every winter.
The beautiful frost-covered trees which nature made has a wonderful form just like long humps. February when it grows greatly becomes especially best time to see.
It is introduced as “Snow Monsters” in CNN of America, frost-covered trees of Zao is world-famous. Backed by this rare scene appearing only in winter, there are full of memorable events like a firework display, torch ski, etc.

The light spreads and brings on a fantastic atmosphere

The frost-covered trees, which fog and clouds freeze and clings to trees, is a true symbol of a severe winter.
The period of the whole “Zao Frost Covered Tree Festival” is from the end of December to the beginning of March.
Moreover, “Torch Ski” will be performed in February. This is the event which can see 1000 persons’ ski with a torch. The light of the torch reflects in snow, and it seems that light spreads and brings on a fantastic atmosphere.

The frost-covered trees being lit up is directed fantastically

From the beginning of February to the beginning of March, frost-covered trees is lit up at night, and also it will be directed fantastically.

360-degree panoramic of frost-covered trees opening under eyes

The “Zao ropeway” in the Zao Onsen Ski Resort is sponsoring lighting. You can go to the field of frost-covered trees by the ropeway and can overlook them from the observation deck of mountaintop Station. In addition, from the car of the ropeway of the 18-passenger, you can appreciate 360-degree panoramic of frost-covered trees opening under eyes.

Gorgeous fireworks shine in a clear night sky

The beautiful fireworks of winter are launched by the skiing slope during the period. Gorgeous fireworks shine in a clear night sky and pure white snow. Why don’t you look at fireworks while enjoying night skiing and silver frost?

Information

Name:	Zao Frost Covered Tree Festival (Snow Monsters)
Address:	Zaoonsen Yamagata, Yamagata 990-2301 Japan
Access:	JR Yamagata-shinkansen Line “Yamagata-eki” station (40 minutes by bus)
Tel:	(+81)23-647-2266 (Yamagata-shi Tourism Information Center)
Official site:	http://www.kankou.yamagata.yamagata.jp/

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