Higashimatsushima City is located almost midway between Sendai City and Ishinomaki City, the two major cities in Miyagi Prefecture. Due to redevelopment after the Great East Japan Earthquake, the number of families living here has increased, and it is a city with a well-developed education system. Also, Higashimatsushima is wide from east to west and north to south, and the townscape and atmosphere vary by region. This column introduces activities and tourist spots around Tona Station, Nobiru Station, and the Roopt Higashimatsushima share house base, all located in the western part of Higashimatsushima City. There are many places and facilities where you can learn, play, and relax.
Higashimatsushima City was one of the areas severely damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake. The 'Higashimatsushima City Disaster Reconstruction Memorial Museum' was established to preserve and pass on the records of the disaster to future generations, utilizing the former Nobiru Station building, which was damaged by the earthquake.
The platform and tracks of the former Nobiru Station, which were in use at the time, remain as they were, and one of the platform lights is preserved in its tilted state.
Inside the museum, records of the disaster from Higashimatsushima and various other parts of Miyagi Prefecture, as well as subsequent reconstruction efforts, are extensively displayed. You can learn about the trajectory from the disaster to the present-day Higashimatsushima and Miyagi Prefecture, so it's a place we recommend first-time visitors to Higashimatsushima see.
Location: 56-36 Nobirukita Yokei, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0411
This is where the Tona Station building stood until the earthquake. It is now located far from the current Tona Station, and standing at the site of the 'Former Tona Station' makes you wonder, 'Did a train really run here?'
What's unique is that the former railway line has been paved and repurposed as a path for walking and cycling. It would feel great to cycle along it on a sunny day.
Location: 39 Otsuka Kitabayashi Shita, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0414
'Ipponmatsu Park' is located in a corner of a residential area, about a 5-minute walk from the share house. It's a spacious park with a basketball hoop, swings, and benches where you can relax.
You can play ball with friends, play tag with family, or enjoy a leisurely lunch. It truly serves as a place of relaxation.
Location: 3-16 Shintona, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0413
'KIBOTCHA' is a multi-purpose facility created by utilizing a former school building. With disaster prevention as its theme, you can also stay and dine here. Cycling around the town with a rented bicycle would also be pleasant.
Also, a sand sculptor who is part of Higashimatsushima City's regional revitalization cooperation team is leading an effort to liven up the town with sand art. There are various sizes of sand art sculptures outside KIBOTCHA, so please be sure to see them when you visit. You will surely be surprised by their size.
Location: 80 Kameoka, Nobiru, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0411
The 'Okumatsushima Clubhouse' is located right near the Higashimatsushima City Disaster Reconstruction Memorial Museum. True to its concept of 'a special luxurious space to savor Okumatsushima,' it's a place where you can feel luxurious just by being there.
At the clubhouse, which serves as the entrance, local specialties from Higashimatsushima and its surroundings are sold. There are also unique tables and chairs made by carving wood.
A short walk from there is the bonsai garden 'EN'. All the bonsai are beautifully arranged, making you feel as if you've stepped into another world.
Furthermore, within the grounds, there are various dining establishments such as 'Nobiru no Chaya,' a coffee stand that also sells pot-roasted sweet potatoes, 'Soba-dokoro Okumatsuan,' and 'Sumibiyaki Umi.' This 'Okumatsushima Clubhouse' is truly a place where you can fully enjoy a luxurious time.
Location: 15-1 Nobirukita Yokei, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0411
'Kameoka Base' is an activity hub for fully enjoying Okumatsushima. If you want to enjoy activities in Higashimatsushima, this is the first place you should visit.
The large black building is the cafe & bar 'California Shokudo,' where you can enjoy coffee and alcoholic beverages. You can also dine in the outdoor tents, and each tent has a stove, so you're well-prepared for cold weather.
Further back, there's a dog run area. With such a spacious area, your dog is sure to be delighted.
At the shop, you can purchase and rent marine items such as SUP boards. They also offer activity courses like beach hopping tours and waterboard touring, so if you love activities, please visit Kameoka Base.
Location: 34-3 Nobiru Kameoka, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0411
About a 10-minute walk north from Tona Station, you'll see the 'Reconstruction Forest Treehouse.' This treehouse, named 'Tree Dragon,' was created by Takashi Kobayashi, a world-renowned treehouse creator.
In Higashimatsushima City, a project was launched to rebuild local elementary schools that suffered devastating damage from the tsunami, by utilizing the rich forests and local nature to create a place of learning within them. This treehouse was built as a symbol of that project.
a place that excites people of all generations.
Location: Nobiru Omokura, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0411
'Irodori no Oka' is located just a short walk from Tona Station and the Reconstruction Forest Treehouse.
This facility opened in May 2021, and you can relax with coffee in the spacious area right after entering.
The menu also includes unique ice creams, such as 'Fire-Spitting Ice Cream.'
Due to COVID-19 countermeasures, as of December 2021, only lunch and cafe services are available.
If you make a reservation in advance, you can also enjoy dinner on Fridays and Saturdays.
In fact, besides the stylish cafe and restaurant, there are also hot springs and a bedrock bath here.
Anyone can use it, and both locals and tourists can enjoy themselves.
Furthermore, accommodation is also available, so you can literally spend an entire day at Irodori no Oka.
For those interested in Higashimatsushima and visiting for the first time, we highly recommend using this facility first.
By spending time at Irodori no Oka, you will experience its concept: 'a hub for new lifestyles where people gather, enjoy, and become healthy.'
Location: 2-25-2 Nobiru-ga-oka, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0416
Finally, 'Satoura' is a scenic spot on Miyatojima Island, which can be reached by land from the Roopt Higashimatsushima Shintona share house.
You'll be captivated by the islands of Okumatsushima, which can be viewed from the pier.
Miyatojima Island also has a mountain called 'Matsushima Shidaikan Sokkan Otakamori,' from the summit of which you can enjoy panoramic views of Okumatsushima, as well as the vast Pacific Ocean, Nobiru Beach, and the Ishinomaki area.
This is a place you should definitely climb during daylight hours.
Location: Miyato Higashi Oofuriba, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0412
How was it?
The facilities and spots introduced this time are compactly located, so you can visit them by car or even by bicycle.
Also, there are many new shops and facilities, so just driving or cycling around and looking at them would be enjoyable.
Whether you like physical activity or enjoy visiting shops, please consider moving to Higashimatsushima.
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