Shiogama City is the second smallest municipality in Miyagi Prefecture. However, it has the longest history among cities in Tohoku, and tracing its history back, it played an important political and economic role as a military and commercial port. During the Heian period, it was famous as a utamakura (a place known for its poetic associations) for nobles, and Minamoto no Tōru, said to be the model for Hikaru Genji, was captivated and loved the beautiful scenery of Shiogama. In this column, we will introduce tourist spots in Shiogama, a city full of such famous places. Why not take a walk through the city and feel the streets and atmosphere loved by historical figures?
This is the terminal for sightseeing cruises from Shiogama to Matsushima and regular ferries to the Urato Islands. It was established in 1996 and has been bustling with citizens and tourists alike. The facility is well-equipped with a restaurant area where you can enjoy seasonal seafood while overlooking the port, a direct sales shop for marine products, and souvenir shops, making it a convenient hub for tourism. There is an observation deck on the rooftop where you can overlook the city of Shiogama and Matsushima. The Marine Deck pedestrian bridge connecting Hon-Shiogama Station to Marine Gate also offers a great view of the port and is recommended for night viewing.
An archipelago consisting of islands such as Nono Island, Katsura Island, Sampūzawa Island, and Hōjima, scattered throughout Matsushima Bay. On these islands, rich in nature and surrounded by beautiful seas, "island hopping" by ferry to visit each island is a popular tourist style. Katsura Island: Swimming beach, Nono Island: Exploring camellia tunnels and viewing lavender, Sampūzawa Island: Visiting historical sites, Hōjima: Viewing canola flower fields, and many other highlights. If you have a full day, you can fully enjoy the activities on each island.
Katsura Island is the closest to Marine Gate Shiogama. It is an island with a population of 200, located about 20 minutes by boat from Marine Gate Shiogama. It's a perfect place for a date, or even for a solo trip to refresh your mind while gazing at the ocean. There are hiking trails on the island, where you can fully enjoy the observatory and the magnificent nature of Katsurahama.
There are fishing spots scattered throughout the island, so fishing enthusiasts can enjoy island time along the coast of this sea-surrounded island.
This is Miyagi's representative wholesale market, with about 100 shops lining a vast sales floor of nearly 5,000 square meters. Inside the lively market, you'll find a wide variety of ingredients, including fresh tuna and other seafood from Sanriku, salted and dried processed products, delicacies, dried goods, and frozen foods, all available at wholesale prices. Professional chefs and local shop owners also come here to buy, creating a great buzz from morning until early afternoon.
Inside the market, a rice and miso soup set is sold for 400 yen, but here's a secret tip. Buy your favorite seafood at the market and combine it with white rice right there... and you'll have your own original seafood bowl! I personally enjoyed a combination of sea urchin and tuna.
Shiogama, which flourished as a temple town for Shiogama Shrine, attracted many worshippers, and it is said that the taste of sake was refined there due to the large consumption of sake.
The brewery, Saura, was founded in 1724 (Kyoho 9), 300 years ago, and since then, as the sacred sake brewery of Shiogama Shrine, they have been committed to producing high-quality sake. In the store, they display and sell Urakasumi products exclusive to Miyagi Prefecture, as well as ceramic and glass sake vessels.
Urakasumi was not produced from the very beginning of the Edo period. Its birth dates back to 1925, at the end of the Taisho era. It was the name of the sake presented to Emperor Showa during his visit as Regent Prince, and it was named after the waka poem by Minamoto no Sanetomo, "The pine breeze of Shiogama's Ura is hazy, and spring seems to be arriving over the many islands," taking the characters "Ura" and "Kasumi." It was named with the wish that people would enjoy a pleasant intoxication like the spring haze.
"Junmai Ginjo Urakasumi Zen," with its harmonious balance of gentle aroma and rice umami, is a renowned sake representing Miyagi. It's a food-friendly sake that you won't tire of, and according to the staff, it pairs exceptionally well with white fish, vegetables, and cheese! Sake lovers should definitely try it. They also have a rich selection of seasonal products, and you can enjoy brewery tours and sake tasting (*).
Brewery tour: Held twice a day. Takes about 15 minutes, where staff guide you through the brewery buildings and history from the exterior. Sake tasting counter: Purchase an original Urakasumi sake cup (300 yen) to enjoy monthly sake tastings. *Currently suspended during the COVID period.
The most historic spot in Shiogama. Shiogama Shrine has a long history of over 1200 years, and since the Heian period, it has been regarded as the shrine with the highest status in Mutsu Province.
The current Shiogama Shrine was begun to be rebuilt by Date Tsunamura, the 4th lord of the Sendai domain, and later completed by Date Yoshimura, the 5th lord. The main hall and worship hall are designated as important national cultural properties.
Shiogama Shrine, affectionately known as "Shiogama-sama," is famous for bestowing blessings for "maritime safety," "bountiful catches," and "safe childbirth." It attracts a large following as one of Miyagi Prefecture's top power spots, and many visitors come to pray for safe childbirth.
The large torii gate at the entrance was dedicated to commemorate the rebuilding by Date Tsunamura, the 4th lord of the Sendai domain. The Omotezaka (front slope) visible beyond the torii is famous for its 202 stone steps, and the stones for its construction were reportedly transported about 100km from Ichinoseki in Iwate Prefecture. During annual events, a portable shrine weighing an astonishing 1 ton is carried up this Omotezaka.
From the shrine grounds, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Shiogama and Matsushima. This scenery became widely known as a "utamakura" (a place known for its poetic associations) by famous figures of the Heian capital, including Minamoto no Tōru and Murasaki Shikibu, and many poems were composed about it. It's clear that it has continued to captivate people's hearts since ancient times.
The shrine where salt was first made in Japan. It is also the origin of the place name "Shiogama." It is a subsidiary shrine (massha) of Shiogama Shrine and enshrines Shiotsuchi-no-Oji-no-Kami, the deity who taught how to make salt. Matsuo Basho, a haikai poet of the Edo period, also visited Okama Shrine and recorded his experiences there in "Oku no Hosomichi." The "Moshioyaki Shinji" (seaweed salt burning ritual) held every July is a ritual designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Miyagi Prefecture. You can observe the process of burning seaweed salt in a cauldron, so please see the traditional salt making with your own eyes.
How was it? Shiogama, which flourished as a salt-producing region and a commercial and political hub since ancient times, is packed not only with fresh seafood but also with historic buildings and the culture that accompanies them. In addition to these, you can experience the history of urban development throughout Shiogama. Please enjoy each of the tourist and historical spots.
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