Higashi-Matsushima City is located almost midway between Sendai City and Ishinomaki City, the two major cities of 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. Higashi-Matsushima is also wide from east to west and north to south, and the townscape and atmosphere vary by region. In this column, we will introduce activities and tourist spots around Tona Station, Nobiru Station, and the Roopt Higashi-Matsushima share house base, all located in the western part of Higashi-Matsushima City. There are many places and facilities where you can learn, play, and relax.
Higashi-Matsushima City was one of the areas severely damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake. The 'Higashi-Matsushima City Disaster Reconstruction Memorial Museum' was created to preserve and pass on records of the disaster to future generations, and it operates using 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, detailed exhibits showcase records of the disaster in Higashi-Matsushima and various other parts of Miyagi Prefecture, as well as subsequent reconstruction efforts. You can learn about the trajectory from the disaster to the current Higashi-Matsushima and Miyagi Prefecture, so it's a place I recommend first-time visitors to Higashi-Matsushima see.
Location: 56-36 Nobirukita-yokei, Higashi-Matsushima 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' gives you a strange feeling, wondering if trains really ran here.
What's unique is that the former railway line has been paved and repurposed as a path for walking and cycling. It must feel great to cycle along it on a sunny day.
Location: 39 Otsuka Kitabayashi-shita, Higashi-Matsushima 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.
It's a perfect place for recreation, whether you're playing ball with friends, playing tag with family, or enjoying a leisurely lunch.
Location: 3-16 Shintona, Higashi-Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0413
'KIBOTCHA' is a multi-purpose facility created from a former school. With disaster prevention as its theme, it offers accommodation and dining. Cycling around town with rented bicycles also sounds pleasant.
Also, there's a movement to liven up the town with sand art, led by a sand sculptor who is part of Higashi-Matsushima 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, Higashi-Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0411
The 'Okumatsushima Clubhouse' is located very close to the Higashi-Matsushima 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 Higashi-Matsushima 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 maintained, 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 where you can fully enjoy a luxurious time.
Location: 15-1 Nobirukita-yokei, Higashi-Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0411
'Kameoka Base' is an activity hub for fully enjoying Okumatsushima. If you want to enjoy activities in Higashi-Matsushima, 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. 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 water board touring, so if you love activities, be sure to visit Kameoka Base.
Location: 34-3 Nobiru Kameoka, Higashi-Matsushima 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, Mr. Takashi Kobayashi.
In Higashi-Matsushima City, a project was launched to rebuild a local elementary school that had suffered catastrophic damage from the tsunami, utilizing the rich forest and natural environment of the area to create a place for learning within it. This treehouse was built as a symbol of that project.
a place that excites people of all ages.
Location: Nobiru Omokura, Higashi-Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0411
'Irodori no Oka' is located just 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 even includes 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 addition to its stylish cafe and restaurant, it also has a hot spring and bedrock bath.
It's open to everyone, so both locals and tourists can enjoy it.
Furthermore, accommodation is also available, so you can literally spend an entire day at Irodori no Oka.
If you're interested in Higashi-Matsushima and visiting for the first time, this is the facility I recommend you use first.
By spending time at Irodori no Oka, you will truly experience its concept: 'a hub for new lifestyles where people gather, enjoy, and become healthy'.
Location: 2-25-2 Nobiru-ga-oka, Higashi-Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0416
Finally, 'Satoura' is a scenic spot on Miyatojima Island, which is connected by land from the Roopt Higashi-Matsushima 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,' and from its summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of Okumatsushima, as well as the vast Pacific Ocean, Nobiru Coast, and the Ishinomaki area.
It's a place you should definitely climb during daylight hours.
Location: Miyato Higashi-Ofuriba, Higashi-Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0412
What do you think?
The facilities and spots introduced this time are compactly arranged, allowing you to visit them 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.
Whether you love physical activity or enjoy visiting shops, please consider moving to or relocating to Higashi-Matsushima.
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