Higashimatsushima City is located almost midway between Miyagi Prefecture's two major cities, Sendai and Ishinomaki. 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. Higashimatsushima is also 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, created to preserve records of the disaster and pass them on to future generations, operates using the former Nobiru Station building, which was damaged by the earthquake.
The former Nobiru Station platform and tracks, which were in use at the time, remain as they were, with one of the platform lights preserved in its tilted state.
Inside the museum, detailed exhibits showcase records of the disaster in Higashimatsushima and various other parts of Miyagi Prefecture, as well as subsequent reconstruction efforts. You can learn about the trajectory from the disaster to the present-day Higashimatsushima and Miyagi Prefecture, so it's a place I recommend visiting if you're coming to Higashimatsushima for the first time.
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 Otsukakitabayashi-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's truly a place for relaxation.
Location: 3-16 Shintona, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0413
KIBOTCHA is a multi-purpose facility created from a former school. With disaster prevention as its theme, you can stay and dine here. Cycling around town using rental bicycles also sounds pleasant.
Also, there's a movement to revitalize the town with sand art, led by a sand sculptor who is part of Higashimatsushima City's regional revitalization cooperation team. Various sizes of sand art are created outside KIBOTCHA, so be sure to check them out when you visit. You'll surely be surprised by their scale.
Location: 80 Kameoka, Nobiru, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0411
The Okumatsushima Clubhouse is located very close to 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 gateway, local specialties from Higashimatsushima and its surroundings are sold. There are also distinctive 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 baked 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 the cold.
There's also a dog run space in the back. It's a spacious area, and your dog is sure to love it.
The shop offers sales and rentals of marine items such as SUP boards. They also provide activity courses like beach hopping tours and water board 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 the world-renowned treehouse creator, Takashi Kobayashi.
In Higashimatsushima City, a project was launched to rebuild local elementary schools that suffered catastrophic damage from the tsunami, utilizing the rich forest and natural environment of the area to create a place for learning. This treehouse was built as a symbol of that project.
a place that excites people of all ages.
Location: Nobiru Omokura, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0411
Irodori no Oka is located a short walk from Tona Station and the Reconstruction Forest Treehouse.
Opened in May 2021, you can relax with a coffee in the spacious area immediately upon entering.
The menu also features unique ice creams like '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.
If you're interested in Higashimatsushima and visiting for the first time, this is the facility I recommend you use first.
By spending time at Irodori no Oka, you'll truly experience its concept: 'a hub for new lifestyles where people gather, enjoy, and become healthy.'
Location: 2-25-2 Nobirugaoka, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0416
Finally, 'Satoura' is a scenic spot on Miyatojima Island, which is connected by land from the Roopt Higashimatsushima Shintona share house.
You'll be captivated by the islands of Okumatsushima that can be seen from the pier.
Miyatojima Island also has a mountain called 'Matsushima Shidaikan Sokan Otakamori,' and from the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Okumatsushima, as well as the vast Pacific Ocean, Nobiru Coast, and the view towards Ishinomaki.
It's a place you should definitely climb during daylight hours.
Location: Higashi-Oshibajo, Miyato, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0412
How was it?
The facilities and spots introduced this time are compactly arranged enough to be explored by car or even bicycle.
Also, there are many new shops and facilities, so just driving or cycling around and looking at them can be enjoyable.
If you like physical activity or enjoy visiting shops, please consider moving to Higashimatsushima!
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