[Sendai Day Trip] Tagajo, a Peaceful Ancient Capital & Shiogama Shrine & Overlooking the Sea View of Matsushima (Miyagi Prefecture, Tohoku)

※Reminder: The period costume experience at the "Tagajo South Gate" and the sake tasting experience at the "Urakasumi Brewery" included in the itinerary are optional paid activities. If you wish to participate, please note this in your order when booking the tour. Please pay the fees on-site to the staff on the day of the tour.

• Tohoku History Museum Located in Tagajo City, Miyagi Prefecture, the Tohoku History Museum is a comprehensive facility that exhibits and researches various fields such as the history, culture, traditions, folklore, archaeology, and art of the Tohoku region. In the permanent exhibition room, you can explore by era and theme, from the Paleolithic era to the modern and contemporary periods, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the history and culture of the Tohoku region.
• National Treasure Tagajo Stele This stele is made of granite-based sandstone, standing 248 cm tall (196 cm above ground), with a maximum width of 103 cm and a thickness of 72 cm, facing due west. It is listed as one of Japan’s three ancient steles and was officially designated as a “National Treasure” in 2024.
• Tagajo South Gate
• ※Cherry blossoms can be viewed from late March to early April; irises can be viewed in May. Restored in 2025 on the occasion of the 1300th anniversary of the founding of Tagajo. Standing at 14.5 meters tall, it adopts a double-gate architectural style, featuring a solemn and magnificent appearance that recreates the layout of that era.
• Shiogama Shrine Although the exact founding date of Shiogama Shrine cannot be determined, it is generally believed to have been established before the Nara period (710–794). Located in Shiogama City between Sendai and Matsushima, Shiogama Shrine serves as the guardian shrine of the Tohoku region and has historically been regarded as the “Mutsu Province Ichinomiya,” deeply revered by the local people. The shrine enshrines deities of the sea and salt, and legend has it that they protect maritime safety, promote business prosperity, and bring purification and protection to both body and mind, earning deep respect.
• Tamonzan Observation Plaza Park & Bishamondo
• ※Cherry blossoms can be viewed from late March to early April. Tamonzan is a scenic viewpoint in Matsushima, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, and is ranked among the “Four Great Views of Matsushima” alongside Daigamori in Higashimatsushima City, and Tomiyama and Ogitani in Matsushima Town. From behind Bishamondo, you can overlook more than 260 floating islands in Matsushima Bay, offering a magnificent view.