The tall trees and a beautiful rustic temple provide an environment that is worlds away from the busy streets of the nearby city. The next day brought more natural delights in the form of the Akiu Otaki waterfall: a local attraction close by the Nikka Whisky Distillery. The purified foot baths are free to use and provided a welcoming and refreshing treat to this weary traveller after a day of sightseeing. The experience of walking along the illuminated forest path as I listened to the sounds of the river rushing through Rairaikyo Gorge, imparted a serene calm upon me and I almost floated back to my room in a local hotel. Once I'd scratched the shopping itch, I left the mini metropolis to spend the evening in Akiumachi – a town famed for its hot spring onsen baths. I indulged in a quick soak in one of the nearby foot baths before heading to the Rairaikyo Gorge to witness the Momiji illuminated path. If anything, the stunning way in which the region been has been reconstructed – making something beautiful out of a devastating event – speaks volumes about the resilience, tenacity and strength of the people in this area.įor those in search of a relaxing retreat into nature, while also being spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do, Miyagi is an absolutely wonderful place to start! Read on for the highlights of my week in the garden of Japan. Known as one of the worst hit areas of the tsunami in 2011, the region has been steadfast over the last eight years in rebuilding not only the residential areas and urban hubs, but creating beautiful trails and sightseeing opportunities along the Sanriku Coast and the town of Matsushima. Miyagi sits on the Pacific coast in the Tohoku region and Sendai is the region’s largest city. Stephanie enjoys the stunning views of the volcanic landscape © Said Karlsson / Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization North to Miyagi PrefectureĪfter one (jet-lagged) day in the big city, I find myself aboard the Shinkansen (bullet train) heading north and suddenly the landscape changes to rolling green hills, beautiful fertile fields and an incredible spread of picturesque volcanic silhouettes I'm venturing 220 miles north-east of Tokyo to the Miyagi Prefecture to discover why this is such an incredibly popular destination for Japanese travellers.
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