 Miyagi Prefecture
Miyagi Prefecture is located about 190 miles northeast of
Tokyo, lies in the central part of the Tohoku region, and has a population of approximately
2.3 million people (as of April 2012). Sendai, the prefectural capital, located
at the same latitude as San Francisco and Athens, is a modern city of more than
a million people offering excellent shopping, dining, and attractions. A ride
on the Tohoku Shinkansen (bullet train) between Sendai and Tokyo takes only 1
hour and 40 minutes.
Miyagi is an important production centre for high-quality
rice, vegetables, livestock and more, producing delicious products, such as
Miyagi rice, Sendai beef  and strawberries.
Bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the east, Miyagi is very fortunate to
have the world-class Sanriku fishing ground. Inshore, offshore and deep-sea
fishing are all popular and the farming of sea products, such as silver salmon,
kelp, oysters, seaweed, scallops and sea squirts, is also highly valued. There are a lot of great places for sightseeing in Miyagi. One example is Matsushima, the 260 picturesque pine
islands, which was ranked at three stars in the “Michelin Green Guide Japan”
and is regarded as one of the nation's three most famous scenic areas along
with Miyajima in Hiroshima and Ama-no Hashidate in Kyoto. Thanks to the great natural environment and variety
of resources, Miyagi is a popular destination for tourists, including those
from overseas.
 Miyagi
was in the centre of the region struck by the earthqake and tsunami of
11 March 2011. The despair from watching the damage was
extraordinary
beyond expectations. However, thanks to incredible amount of support
and
heart-warming encouragement from all over the world, the affected areas
are now
making gradual progress towards restoration and recovery. At present,
almost
all the infrastructure is in operation except on outlying coastal area,
with especially
Sendai returning to the same vibrant city as before the disaster. Miyagi Prefectural Government has produced the
Miyagi Prefecture Disaster Recovery Plan
(see link below) to outline a 10 year course aiming at recovery from the
enormous damage suffered as a result of the earthquake and tsunami.
 In
the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, many
people are concerned about visiting the region which was so heavily
damaged by the events of March 2011, but the region is on the path to
recovery and inviting people to visit. Matsushima,
located at the coast, fortunately was not damaged so it is still a popular
sightseeing spot, and other sightseeing spots in Miyagi such as onsen (hot
springs) and the “Okama” crater lake of Mt. Goshikidake at Zao onsen are in
business as usual. So, please be assured about coming and we look forward to
seeing you in Miyagi.
Websites (in English)
Miyagi Prefectural Government website
Miyagi Prefecture Disaster Recovery Plan
Sightseeing information
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