Miyagi

Miyagi is a prefecture in Japan's Tōhoku region, centred on Sendai, its capital and largest city. It stretches from the Pacific coast to forested mountains and is best known for Matsushima Bay, hot-spring towns and a strong connection to the legacy of the samurai lord Date Masamune.

History and culture remain visible across Miyagi. Sendai was founded by Date Masamune in the early 1600s, and sites such as Zuihōden mausoleum, the Aoba Castle ruins and Ōsaki Hachiman Shrine reflect the city's samurai heritage. Around Matsushima Bay, pine-covered islands, Zuiganji temple and Godaidō hall form one of Japan's most celebrated coastal landscapes.

Visitors can explore Sendai's downtown around Sendai Station and the tree-lined Jōzenji-dōri Avenue, then travel to onsen towns such as Akiu, Naruko and Sakunami for hot springs and mountain scenery. Coastal areas including Ishinomaki and Kesennuma offer seafood, fishing culture and insights into the region's recovery after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

As the largest city in Tōhoku, Sendai functions as a regional centre for government, commerce, universities and conventions, with Tohoku University and industries in electronics, automotive manufacturing and food production. The region is also known for rice, strawberries, oysters and long-established sake breweries.

Miyagi works well for both leisure and business travellers. Tōhoku Shinkansen services and Sendai Airport make the prefecture easy to reach, while the mix of urban amenities, coastal scenery, hot springs, festivals and local food supports short stays and longer trips alike.