Higashimatsushima City is located almost midway between Sendai and Ishinomaki, the two major cities of Miyagi Prefecture. Following the Great East Japan Earthquake, redevelopment has led to an increase in families, and the city boasts a well-developed educational system. Furthermore, Higashimatsushima is wide from east to west and north to south, with varying streetscapes and atmospheres depending on the area. This column introduces activities and tourist spots around Higashimei Station, Nobiru Station, and the Roopt Higashimatsushima share house, all located in the western part of Higashimatsushima City. There are plenty of places and facilities to learn, play, and relax.
Higashimatsushima City was one of the areas severely affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. The Higashimatsushima City Disaster Reconstruction Memorial Museum, created to preserve the records of that disaster and pass them on to future generations, operates using the former Nobiru Station building, which was damaged in 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's lampposts is preserved in its tilted position.
The museum features detailed exhibits documenting the earthquake and tsunami in Higashimatsushima and other parts of Miyagi Prefecture, as well as the subsequent recovery efforts. It offers a glimpse into the trajectory of Higashimatsushima and Miyagi Prefecture from the time of the disaster to the present day, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Higashimatsushima for the first time.
Location: 56-36 Kitayokei, Nobiru, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0411
This is the site where the Tōmei Station building stood until the earthquake. It's located some distance from the current Tōmei Station, and standing at the site of the "old Tōmei Station" gives you a strange feeling, wondering, "Did trains really run here?"
What's unique is that they've paved over the area where the railway tracks used to run and turned it into a path for walking and cycling. It would be lovely to cycle through it on a sunny day.
Location: 39 Kitabayashishita, Otsuka, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0414
Ipponmatsu Park is located in a residential area, about a 5-minute walk from the share house. It's a spacious park with basketball hoops, swings, and benches where you can relax.
Whether you're playing ball with friends, playing tag with family, or enjoying a leisurely lunch, this place can truly be used as a place to relax.
Location: 3-16 Shin-Tomei, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0413
KIBOTCHA is a multi-purpose facility created using a former school building. It focuses on disaster prevention, and offers accommodation and dining options. Cycling around town on one of their rental bicycles sounds like a great way to spend time.
Furthermore, a sand sculptor who is part of the Higashimatsushima City Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team is leading an initiative to enliven the town with sand art. Various sizes of sand art have been created outside Kiboccha, so be sure to check them out when you visit. You'll surely be amazed by their size.
Location: 80 Kameoka, Nobiru, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0411
Located very close to the Higashimatsushima City Disaster Reconstruction Memorial Museum is the "Okumatsushima Clubhouse." True to its concept of "a special, luxurious space to experience Okumatsushima," it's a place where you can feel luxurious just by being there.
The clubhouse, which serves as the entrance to the resort, sells local specialties from Higashimatsushima and the surrounding area. You can also find distinctive desks and chairs made from carved wood.
A short walk from there is the bonsai garden "EN". All the bonsai trees are beautifully maintained, making you feel as if you have stepped into another world.
Furthermore, the premises also feature various restaurants, including the coffee stand "Nobiru no Chaya" which sells roasted sweet potatoes, the soba restaurant "Okumatsuan," and the charcoal-grilled seafood restaurant "Sumibiyaki Umi." Okumatsushima Clubhouse is truly a place where you can fully enjoy a luxurious time.
Location: 15-1 Nobiru Kitayokage, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0411
Kameoka Base is your base of operations for exploring Okumatsushima to the fullest. If you're looking to enjoy activities in Higashimatsushima, this is the first place you should visit.
The large black building is the cafe and bar "California Diner," where you can enjoy coffee and alcoholic beverages. You can also eat and drink in the tents outside, and each tent has a stove, so you're well protected from the cold.
There's also a dog run area at the back. It's a spacious area that your dog is sure to love.
The shop also offers the purchase and rental of marine items such as SUP boards. They also offer activity courses such as beach hopping tours and waterboarding tours, so if you love activities, be sure to visit Kameoka Base.
Location: 34-3 Nobiru Kameoka, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0411
If you walk north for about 10 minutes from Tōmei Station, you will see the "Reconstruction Forest Treehouse." It is a treehouse called "Tree Dragon" created by Takashi Kobayashi, a world-renowned treehouse creator.
In Higashimatsushima City, a project was launched to rebuild the local elementary school, which had suffered devastating damage from the tsunami, by utilizing the region's natural environment, including its abundant forests, to create a place of learning. This treehouse was built as a symbol of that project.
It's a place that can excite people of all generations.
Location: 981-0411 Miyagi Prefecture, Higashimatsushima City, Nobiru Omogura
"Irodori no Oka" is located just a short walk from Tomei Station and from the Reconstruction Forest Treehouse.
This facility opened in May 2021, and you can relax and enjoy a cup of coffee in the spacious area right inside the entrance.
The menu even includes unique items like "ice cream that shoots fire."
Due to measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are currently only open for lunch and café service as of December 2021.
If you make a reservation in advance, you can also enjoy dinner on Fridays and Saturdays only.
Actually, in addition to the stylish cafe and restaurant, this place also has a hot spring and a bedrock bath.
It's open to everyone, and can be enjoyed by both locals and tourists.
Furthermore, overnight stays are possible, meaning you can literally spend the whole day at Irodori no Oka (Hill of Colors).
This facility is highly recommended for anyone interested in Higashimatsushima and visiting for the first time.
By spending time at Irodori no Oka, we believe you will experience firsthand our concept of "a hub for a new lifestyle where people gather, have fun, and improve their health."
Location: 2-25-2 Nobirugaoka, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0416
Finally, we have Satoura, a scenic spot on Miyato Island, which can be reached by land from the Shin-Tomei Expressway via the Roopt Higashimatsushima share house.
The islands of Okumatsushima, visible from the pier, are truly breathtaking.
Miyato Island also has a mountain called "Matsushima's Four Great Views: Spectacular Otakamori," from which you can enjoy panoramic views of Okumatsushima, as well as the vast Pacific Ocean, Nobiru Coast, and the Ishinomaki area from its summit.
This is a place I highly recommend visiting during daylight hours.
Location: 981-0412 Miyagi Prefecture, Higashimatsushima City, Miyato Higashi-Oburiba
What did you think?
The facilities and spots introduced here are all compactly located and can be visited by car or even bicycle.
Furthermore, there are many new shops and facilities, so it would be fun just to look around while driving or cycling.
If you enjoy physical activity or browsing shops, you should definitely consider moving to Higashimatsushima.
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