A Perfect 2-Day Itinerary in Onagawa – A Scenic Port Town with Fresh Seafood

Onagawa, a charming coastal town in Miyagi Prefecture, is known for its stunning ocean views, fresh seafood, and relaxing atmosphere. This 2-day itinerary covers the best experiences Onagawa has to offer, from scenic walks to delicious local cuisine and cultural activities.

Day 1: Discovering Onagawa’s Scenic Beauty & Local Cuisine

Morning: Arrival & Seaside Walk

  • Getting There: From Sendai Station, take the JR Senseki-Tohoku Line to Onagawa Station (approx. 1.5 hours).
  • Explore Onagawa Seaside Walk
    • Stroll along the beautifully designed waterfront area.
    • Enjoy the unique Onagawa Station, designed by world-famous architect Shigeru Ban.

Afternoon: Seafood Delights & Local Attractions

  • Lunch: Fresh Seafood & Local Specialties
    • Recommended restaurants:
      • Kibou Shokudo – Famous for fresh Sanma (Pacific saury) and Maguro-don (tuna rice bowl).
      • Shiosai Terrace – Offers grilled scallops and other fresh seafood.
  • Seapal-Pier Onagawa
    • A modern shopping and dining complex with seaside cafes and local craft shops.
    • Pick up some local souvenirs, such as handmade seaweed products.
  • Onagawa Art Museum & Community Center
    • Learn about the town’s recovery and resilience after the 2011 tsunami.

Evening: Relaxation & Onsen Stay

  • Check-in at a Local Ryokan or Hotel
    • Recommended stays:
      • Hotel El Faro – A cozy, cabin-style hotel near the station.
      • Yupoppo Onsen Ryokan – A traditional inn with a natural hot spring bath.
  • Dinner & Night Stroll
    • Enjoy a seafood kaiseki dinner at your ryokan.
    • Take an evening walk along the peaceful harbor.

Day 2: Exploring Nature & Local Culture

Morning: Onagawa’s Scenic Spots & Outdoor Activities

  • Breakfast at a Local Café
    • Cafe G – Offers delicious coffee and Japanese-style breakfast.
  • Hike to Mount Kinka (Optional)
    • Take a morning ferry to Kinkasan Island for a short hike and a visit to Koganeyama Shrine.
    • Enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Afternoon: Hands-on Experiences & Departure

  • Onagawa Fish Market & Cooking Experience
    • Visit the lively fish market to see the morning catch.
    • Try a hands-on seafood cooking experience with local chefs.
  • Relax at Yupoppo Onsen (If not staying there)
    • A great way to unwind before heading back.

Evening: Return to Sendai

  • Take the JR Senseki-Tohoku Line back to Sendai.
  • If you have time, enjoy a final Gyutan (grilled beef tongue) dinner in Sendai before heading home.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day Onagawa itinerary offers a mix of beautiful seaside scenery, fresh seafood, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, Onagawa is a hidden gem worth visiting!

A Perfect 2-Day Itinerary in Matsushima – One of Japan’s Most Scenic Spots

Matsushima, one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views, is the perfect destination for a 2-day trip. With breathtaking coastal landscapes, historic temples, and delicious seafood, this itinerary ensures an unforgettable experience.

Day 1: Exploring Matsushima’s Scenic and Historic Attractions

Morning: Arrival & Sightseeing Cruise

  • Getting There: From Sendai Station, take the JR Senseki Line to Matsushima-Kaigan Station (approx. 40 min).
  • Matsushima Bay Sightseeing Cruise (50 min)
    • Enjoy a relaxing boat ride through the picturesque bay with over 260 small islands.
    • Best photo spots: The famous Niojima and Kanejima islands.

Afternoon: Temples & Local Food

  • Lunch: Fresh Seafood & Local Delicacies
    • Recommended restaurants:
      • Matsushima Fish Market – Try fresh sushi and grilled oysters.
      • Shokado – Famous for Kaisendon (seafood rice bowl).
  • Zuiganji Temple & Entsuin Temple
    • Zuiganji Temple: A stunning Zen temple with beautifully carved wooden interiors.
    • Entsuin Temple: Known for its beautiful moss gardens and autumn foliage.

Evening: Sunset & Stay at a Ryokan

  • Godaido Temple – A small but iconic temple with stunning sunset views.
  • Check-in at a Ryokan (Traditional Japanese Inn)
    • Recommended ryokans:
      • Hotel Matsushima Taikanso (Luxury with ocean views)
      • Komatsukan Kofutei (Private open-air baths available)
      • Breezbay Seaside Resort Matsushima (Budget-friendly)
    • Enjoy a relaxing onsen (hot spring) bath and a delicious kaiseki dinner.

Day 2: Cultural Exploration & Nearby Excursions

Morning: Nature & Relaxation

  • Oshima Island Walk
    • A peaceful island with Buddhist caves and scenic walking trails.
  • Breakfast at a Local Café
    • Cafe Albert – Enjoy Japanese-style breakfast with a great view.

Afternoon: Side Trip to Shiogama or Matsushima Aquarium

  • Option 1: Shiogama Shrine & Tuna Sushi (20 min by train to Hon-Shiogama Station)
    • Shiogama Shrine: One of the most important shrines in the Tohoku region.
    • Try Maguro-don (Tuna rice bowl) at a local sushi restaurant.
  • Option 2: Matsushima Marinepia Aquarium (Great for families and marine life lovers)
    • See adorable penguins and various sea creatures native to Japan.

Evening: Return to Sendai

  • Take the JR Senseki Line back to Sendai.
  • Explore Sendai’s shopping streets or try Gyutan (grilled beef tongue) before heading home.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day itinerary provides a perfect balance of scenic beauty, historical exploration, and delicious local cuisine. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, Matsushima is a must-visit destination in Japan!

The Best Travel Destinations in Miyagi for International Tourists

The Best Travel Destinations in Miyagi for International Tourists

Miyagi Prefecture is home to many hidden gems beyond Sendai. From breathtaking scenery to cultural experiences, here are some of the best places in Miyagi that international tourists should visit.

1. Matsushima – One of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views

📍 Location: 40 minutes by train from Sendai (JR Senseki Line, Matsushima-Kaigan Station)
🌊 Highlights:

  • Over 260 picturesque islands scattered across the bay. Take a sightseeing cruise to admire the scenery.
  • Zuiganji Temple – A historic Zen temple associated with Date Masamune.
  • Godaido Temple – A small temple offering stunning seaside views.
  • Local Food – Fresh oysters, seafood rice bowls, and zunda (sweet soybean) sweets.

🎟 Travel Tip: English-guided tours are available to help visitors understand the area’s history and culture.

2. Zao – Home of the Mystical “Okama” Crater Lake

📍 Location: 1.5 hours by car from Sendai, or accessible by bus from Yamagata Station
🏔 Highlights:

  • Okama Crater Lake – A stunning emerald-green caldera lake, perfect for photography.
  • Zao Onsen – A famous hot spring town with sulfuric waters, great for relaxing after hiking.
  • Winter Attractions – Zao is a popular ski and snowboard resort. The “Snow Monsters” (frost-covered trees) are a must-see.

🎿 Travel Tip: Many hotels in Zao offer hot spring baths with scenic mountain views.

3. Naruko Onsen – A Historic Hot Spring & Kokeshi Doll Town

📍 Location: 20 minutes by Shinkansen to Furukawa Station → 40 minutes by JR Rikuu-East Line
♨️ Highlights:

  • Diverse Hot Springs – Naruko has nine different types of onsen, making it a unique spa destination.
  • Kokeshi Doll Crafting – Visitors can experience painting their own traditional wooden doll.
  • Naruko Gorge – A breathtaking valley, especially beautiful during autumn.

🎨 Travel Tip: Perfect

仙台市民が本気で推薦！仙台のおすすめごはん屋さん

仙台といえば牛たんが有名ですが、実はそれだけではありません。地元の人々が本当に通う「間違いない」ごはん屋さんを厳選して紹介します。

観光で訪れる方はもちろん、地元の方でも新しいお気に入りを見つけるきっかけになるかもしれません！

1. 牛たん炭焼 利久（本店）

おすすめポイント

  • 仙台名物「牛たん」といえばココ！
  • 炭火で焼き上げる香ばしい牛たんが絶品
  • 定食には麦飯とテールスープがついて、満足感抜群

📍 住所: 宮城県仙台市青葉区中央4-10-11
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2. 仙台朝市の寿司店 鮨勘 総本店

おすすめポイント

  • 地元民が通う、本当に美味しい寿司屋！
  • 仙台朝市直送の新鮮なネタを使用
  • お得なランチメニューもあり、観光客にもおすすめ

📍 住所: 宮城県仙台市青葉区中央4-9-7
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3. 阿部蒲鉾店 本店

おすすめポイント

  • 仙台名物「笹かま」を楽しむならここ！
  • 店内で職人が焼き上げる出来立ての笹かまぼこが味わえる
  • お土産としても人気

📍 住所: 宮城県仙台市青葉区中央2-3-18
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4. 仙臺たんや 利久（仙台駅店）

おすすめポイント

  • 牛たん専門店の中でも特に人気！
  • 仙台駅直結でアクセス抜群
  • 肉厚な牛たんと特製の味付けが魅力

📍 住所: 宮城県仙台市青葉区中央1-1-1 仙台駅3F
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5. ずんだ茶寮（仙台駅店）

おすすめポイント

  • 仙台名物「ずんだスイーツ」を堪能！
  • ずんだシェイクやずんだ餅が人気
  • お土産にもピッタリ

📍 住所: 宮城県仙台市青葉区中央1-1-1 仙台駅3F
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まとめ

仙台には、牛たんや寿司、笹かまなど、地元ならではの絶品グルメがたくさんあります。観光の方も地元の方も、ぜひ本当に美味しい仙台のごはん屋さんを楽しんでください！気になるお店があれば、Retty で事前に予約して、確実に美味しい時間を確保しましょう！