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. In the Heian period, it was famous as a utamakura (place name with 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 walk through the city and feel the townscape 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. 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 port, offering a panoramic view of the Shiogama cityscape and Matsushima. The Marine Deck pedestrian bridge connecting Hon-Shiogama Station to Marine Gate also offers excellent views of the port and is recommended for night viewing.
An archipelago consisting of islands such as Nono-jima, Katsura-jima, Kanpu-jima, and Hō-jima scattered across 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-jima: Swimming beach, Nono-jima: Camellia tunnel walk and lavender viewing, Kanpu-jima: Historical site tour, Hō-jima: Rapeseed blossom viewing, and many other highlights. With a full day, you can fully enjoy the activities on each island.
The closest island to Marine Gate Shiogama is Katsura-jima. 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 yourself while overlooking the ocean. There are hiking trails on the island, where you can fully enjoy the magnificent nature of the observation deck and Katsura Beach.
Fishing spots are scattered throughout the island, so fishing enthusiasts can enjoy island time along the coast of the island surrounded by the sea.
This is Miyagi's leading wholesale market, with approximately 100 stores lining a vast sales floor of nearly 5,000 square meters. The lively market offers 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 to purchase goods, creating a bustling atmosphere from morning until early afternoon.
A rice and miso soup set is sold for 400 yen inside the market, 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 mine with 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 alcohol.
The brewery, Saura, was founded in 1724, 300 years ago, and since then, they have been dedicated to brewing high-quality sake as the purveyor of sacred sake to Shiogama Shrine. In their shop, they display and sell Urakasumi products exclusive to Miyagi Prefecture, as well as ceramic and glass sake vessels.
Urakasumi was not brewed from the very beginning of the Edo period. Its birth was in 1925, at the end of the Taisho era. It was the name of the sake presented to Emperor Showa during his regency when he visited. The name "Ura" and "Kasumi" were taken from Minamoto no Sanetomo's waka poem: "The pine breeze of Shiogama's bay is hazy, as spring begins across the many islands." It was named with the wish that people would enjoy a pleasant intoxication like the spring haze.
"Junmai Ginjo Urakasumi Zen," with its gentle aroma and harmonious rice umami, is a famous sake representing Miyagi. It's a food-friendly sake that you won't get tired of, and according to the staff, it pairs perfectly with white fish, vegetables, and cheese! Sake lovers should definitely try it. A wide variety of seasonal products are also available, 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 exterior of the brewery buildings and their history. Sake Tasting Counter: Purchase an original Urakasumi sake cup (300 yen) and enjoy monthly rotating sake for tasting. *Currently suspended due to COVID-19.
The number one historical 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 initiated by Date Tsunamura, the 4th lord of the Sendai Domain, who began rebuilding the shrine buildings, and was 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 many worshippers as one of Miyagi Prefecture's leading power spots, and many people visit for prayers for safe childbirth.
The large torii gate at the entrance was dedicated by Date Tsunamura, the 4th lord of the Sendai Domain, to commemorate its reconstruction. The Omotezaka (front slope) visible beyond the torii gate is famous for its 202 stone steps, and the stones used for its construction were reportedly transported about 100 km from Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture. During annual events, a mikoshi (portable shrine) weighing a staggering 1 ton is carried up these very steps.
From the shrine grounds, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Shiogama cityscape and Matsushima. This scenery became widely known as a "utamakura" (place name with poetic associations) by prominent figures of the Heian capital, including Minamoto no Tōru and Murasaki Shikibu, and many poems were composed about it. It is evident that it has continued to captivate people's hearts since ancient times.
The first shrine in Japan where salt was made. It is also the origin of the place name "Shiogama." It is a subsidiary shrine (small shrine attached to the main shrine) of Shiogama Shrine, enshrining 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 Narrow Road to the Deep North). 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 actually 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 since ancient times and was bustling commercially and politically, 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 town development everywhere in Shiogama. Please enjoy each of the tourist and historical spots.
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