From frost-covered trees to hot springs and spectacular views! Let's enjoy Miyagi in winter

Miyagi Prefecture , located in Japan's northeastern region, is famous for its iconic views of Matsushima Bay and the colorful festival held annually in the city of Sendai . Miyagi Prefecture is full of hidden gems, and many of its spectacular views are at their most beautiful, especially in winter.

Miyagi is covered in snow every year from December to February, with nighttime temperatures often below freezing. Winter is a special season with a particularly atmospheric atmosphere.

In this article, we'll explain why you should spend your winter vacation in Miyagi, one of Japan's most scenic prefectures, and give you some useful information to make your trip to this region special.

1. Zao's Rime: Zao's Snow Monster

The snow monsters of Zao, which seem to watch over the slopes of Mt. Zao, present a sight that seems unreal to people. What appear to be residents of another world are actually trees covered in frost. Its eerie presence makes Zao's wonderful winter scenery even more mysterious and fantastical.

The best time to see snow monsters is in February, when temperatures and weather conditions are ideal for snow monsters to spawn.

Many experienced backcountry skiers and snowboarders are surprised to encounter twisted, frozen frost on their way down from Mt. Katsudake. If you want to see snow monsters more leisurely and without moving around too much, you may want to take a cat tour at Sumikawa Snow Park.

For winter sports enthusiasts with no backcountry skiing experience, Zao Onsen Ski Resort in neighboring Yamagata Prefecture has great slopes where you can watch snow monsters.

Whether you ski or not, you can also ride the gondola and see it from above! Additionally, from December 24th to February 27th, the frost-covered trees at Zao Onsen Ski Resort will be colorfully illuminated. This makes the mysterious frost-covered appearance even more graceful and captivating.

2. SENDAI Pageant of Light

Sendai is known nationwide for hosting large-scale festivals such as the Aoba Festival and Tanabata.

Every December in Sendai, the sparkling illumination event ``SENDAI Pageant of Lights'' is held in Sendai.

"is held. During this period, Kozenji-dori, the downtown area of ​​Sendai, is transformed into a sea of ​​over 600,000 lights as 160 zelkova trees are lit up. The winter scenery of Sendai covered in snow provides the perfect backdrop for this magical event.

As well as a romantic stroll through the twinkling boulevard's tunnel of lights, there's food, drink, concerts, Christmas markets and even ice skating. The gorgeous atmosphere of this area is the biggest highlight of Sendai in winter. The event will be held throughout December.

3. Akiu Onsen

As the temperature drops and we start to feel the chill of winter, many people in Japan want to soak in a natural hot spring as soon as possible. Hot springs can basically be enjoyed all year round, but the contrast between a warm bath and the clear winter air is special. This traditional activity has become a popular pastime for tourists and locals alike.

Miyagi Prefecture is home to several picturesque, historic, and well-maintained hot spring towns. Akiu Onsen in particular boasts a history of 1000 years.

Akiu Onsen is famous in Japan for its long history and peaceful natural environment. This wonderful hot spring town is home to numerous bathhouses, traditional hotels, and restaurants, making it a popular summer resort for Sendai residents.

When you come to Akiu Onsen, we recommend enjoying it in a traditional way. That means checking into a local ryokan early, relaxing in a hot spring, changing into an elegant yukata, and ending the evening with a kaiseki meal. Relaxing by soaking in the hot springs in this winter resort with a traditional Japanese atmosphere is sure to relieve tension, even if you're shy.

The town has many great accommodation options for those looking to spend the night. ``Sakan, a thousand-year-old traditional inn'' has a history spanning approximately 1,000 years and 34 generations. Although it is now a modern and comfortable hotel, it retains many traditional aspects. The vast grounds include a huge indoor bath, a lobby with an indoor koi pond, two restaurants, a bar, and even a small museum!

The beautiful hotel Zuiho has a swimming pool with a children's waterslide, as well as a variety of baths, making it ideal for families traveling with children. You can use the hotel's hot springs without making a reservation in advance, so it's very convenient to enjoy the hot springs.

Akiu Onsen can be accessed by bus from Sendai city in 50 minutes one way. There are also relatively many buses to the hot spring town, with at least one bus leaving every hour.

4. Aone Onsen Snow Light

Like Akiu Onsen, Aone Onsen is also one of Miyagi's beautiful hot spring towns with deep ties to history. Surrounded by mountains and with a beautiful natural scenery, this town is said to have been a favorite place of the famous warlord Date Masamune. Aone Onsen is also the venue for one of Japan's most unique and bewitching winter illumination events.

Every year, locals gather to create thousands of hokoras (miniature shrines) out of ice and light them with candles at night. The endless rows of small ice floes and their mysterious glow create an atmosphere that feels like another world. This event is extremely popular with tourists. The first 600 people will receive free pork soup and hot cocoa, giving them a warm welcome!

However, the bewitching beauty of the gently glowing shrine is fleeting. This event is held only from February 7th to 10th every year.

5. Matsushima

Matsushima is known as Miyagi Prefecture's most famous tourist spot. The enchanting scenery created by the countless small islands dotted within the bay is considered one of the top three most scenic views in Japan. If you're traveling to Miyagi, be sure to visit Matsushima , regardless of the season.

The sight of the bay covered in snow in winter is also particularly impressive. The view of Fukuura Bridge in winter is truly magical, and the contrast between the white snow and the red railings is breathtakingly beautiful. The bridge connects picturesque Fukuura Island with the mainland, giving tourists a glimpse of the famous temple on the snow-covered islet.

However, Matsushima's charm goes beyond its iconic scenery. There are so many great hotels and restaurants in this area! Why not enjoy Matsushima's local cuisine and seafood at the historic seafood specialty restaurant ``Ishidaya Shokudo'' while enjoying the spectacular view?

If you want to spend the night in Matsushima, Matsushima Ichinobo is a luxurious hotel overlooking the bay. From morning till night, you can enjoy unparalleled panoramic views while relaxing in the hotel's open-air bath. Why not have a different experience than usual while looking at Matsushima Bay illuminated by moonlight? Matsushima Komatsukan Kofuutei also has a bath with a panoramic view of Fukuura Island.

Matsushima is easily accessible from Sendai City, taking about 40 minutes by local train via the JR Senseki Line.

After sightseeing, enjoy a hearty hot pot!

Miyagi's unique charm is that it not only has great tourist attractions, but also unique and delicious local cuisine! Seri nabe is especially loved in Miyagi. Seri has been cultivated in Japan since the Edo period (1603-1868), and Miyagi Prefecture is currently the largest producer. You can eat it whole, including the root, but each part has its own unique texture and flavor.

Eating this popular winter herb rich in vitamin C may help prevent colds! ``Seri-nabe'' is a rich hot pot that contains not only meat and seafood, but also plenty of vegetables. It also contains popular ingredients such as mushrooms, tofu, chicken, and duck, making it a staple of Miyagi gourmet food during the cold season. It's perfect for warming up your body after sightseeing in winter.

Spend an unforgettable winter in Miyagi

With breathtaking views, mesmerizing illuminations, soothing hot springs, and delicious local cuisine, Miyagi Prefecture is the perfect place to spend a magical and memorable winter in Japan.

Click here for information about popular spots on SNS in Sendai City!

Learn traditional crafts at a hot spring resort! Click here for recommended spots near Sendai!

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