Learning About the Six Cities and Towns

Higashimatsushima

Views of the ancient Jomon islands,
dynamic rock faces overlooking the sea,
and the Blue Impulse squadron in the sky!
It’s all here in Higashimatsushima,
the city of history, nature, and cultural experiences.

About Higashimatsushima

Higashimatsushima is home to Miyatojima, the largest island in Matsushima Bay. Be sure to climb Mt. Otakamori during your visit. From the mountaintop you can see the blue of the sea and the sky, with the Blue Impulse soaring in a straight line across it. You’ll be enchanted by your encounter with the beautiful blue scenery.

If you’re looking for a vigorous workout, the Miyagi Olle Okumatsushima course is also a good choice. Take a tour of the eight scenic spots of Shin-Miyato selected by the locals.

Nature

Miyatojima is full of the natural attractions of Higashimatsushima. The 'magnificent view' (Soukan) of Matsushima as seen from the Otakamori lookout offers a panorama of the islands that shine in the morning and turn golden at dusk. The landscape remains largely unchanged since the Jomon period, and you can enjoy the expressions of the four seasons as you walk along the Miyagi Olle trail. If you take a boat tour of the island, you can also enjoy the dramatic coastline and various unusually shaped rock formations.

The area is also home to a plethora of seasonal plants, such as the 600 cherry trees that bloom in Takiyama Park and the fields of rapeseed blossom at Satohama Historical Park. Stay overnight at a seaside inn and enjoy some time relaxing, surrounded by nature.

Otakamori “Soukan,” one of the Four Great Views of Matsushima

Eight Views of Shin Miyato
(Satohama Historical Park)

Local Products and Culture

Higashimatsushima is known for its production of nori seaweed, which is always highly prized at produce markets throughout the prefecture. Nori udon is a specialty of Higashimatsushima, made by kneading plenty of nori into udon noodles. The more you chew, the more the rich aroma of nori spreads throughout in your mouth. Higashimatsushima ’Choju’ Miso has been maintaining its traditional taste and technique since 1902. The miso is naturally fermented using soy koji, which is rare nowadays, and is an indulgent product with a strong flavor and sweetness. The meals served at local minshuku guesthouses featuring fresh local seafood, and the 'Jogetsutsumi go-wari' soba noodles are also not to be missed.

Agriculture and Fishery Products

The sea of Higashimatsushima is a mix of seawater and freshwater which contains a wealth of minerals and nutrients flowing from the Ou Mountains. Creating the perfect conditions for fisheries, the waters nurture a wide variety of seafood, including fresh and abundant fish, first-class nori seaweed and rich oysters packed with minerals.

As for agricultural products, 'Kaguyahime', a local brand of rice known for its elegant sweetness and fragrance, and 'Mouikko', an original variety of strawberry, are produced here.

Historical Figures Associated with Higashimatsushima

Tajuro 1771-1806

One of the first Japanese to circumnavigate the globe, he left Ishinomaki Port for Edo (now Tokyo) in 1793 but encountered a storm and drifted ashore. After travelling to Russia, the Baltic Sea, and Hawaii, he returned to Nagasaki in 1804.
Gihei 1762-1806

Along with Tajuro, he was one of the first Japanese to circumnavigate the globe. Like Tajuro, he was born in Murohama, Fukaya, Mono-gun, Mutsu Province (now Murohama, Higashimatsushima).

Useful Notes

Higashimatsushima is home to the Satohama Shell Mound, the remains of a village where people lived during the Jomon and Yayoi periods. At the Okumatsushima Jomon Village History Museum, where the artifacts from this shell mound are displayed, you can try your hand at building a fire, making earthenware, and many other things as if you were a Jomon person. Imagine what life was like in the Jomon period through these experiences.

Major Tourist Attractions in Higashimatsushima

Sagakei

Sagakei Gorge is one of the three largest gorges in Japan, along with Geibikei Gorge in Iwate Prefecture and Yabakei Gorge in Oita Prefecture. The rocky cliffs carved by the wind, rain, and rough Pacific waves are called “sea cliffs”. Take a boat ride and experience the dynamic scenery up close.
Otakamori Look-out: “Soukan” (Magnificent View) one of the 'Four Great Views of Matsushima' (105m above sea level)

Otakamori look-out is located almost in the center of Miyatojima. After a 15-minute walk along a narrow forest path one of the 'three most scenic views' in Japan, suddenly unfolds. From the top of the mountain, you can see Mt. Zao to the west, Mt. Kurikoma to the north, and the Oshika Peninsula and Mt. Kinkazan to the east. The view is called “Soukan” (magnificent view) because the view of Matsushima Bay from this angle resembles a Japanese garden.

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