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 an excellent 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 its records to future generations, utilizing 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 lights is preserved in its tilted state.
Inside the museum, detailed exhibits showcase records of the earthquake in Higashi-Matsushima and various other parts of Miyagi Prefecture, as well as subsequent reconstruction efforts. You can learn about the trajectory from after the earthquake 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 Nobiru Kitayokei, 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' 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 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 by utilizing a former school. With disaster prevention as its theme, it offers accommodation and dining. Cycling around town with a rented bicycle also sounds pleasant.
Also, sand sculptors, who are part of Higashi-Matsushima City's regional revitalization cooperation team, are leading an effort to liven up the town with sand art. There are various sizes of sand art sculptures outside KIBOTCHA, so be sure to check them out when you visit. You'll surely be amazed by their size.
Location: 80 Nobiru Aza Kameoka, Higashi-Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0411
'Oku-Matsushima 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 Oku-Matsushima,' 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 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 Oku-an,' and 'Sumibiyaki Umi.' This 'Oku-Matsushima Clubhouse' is truly a place where you can fully enjoy a luxurious time.
Location: 15-1 Nobiru Kitayokei, Higashi-Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0411
'Kameoka Base' is an activity hub for fully enjoying Oku-Matsushima. 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 cold weather.
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 waterboard 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, 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 of 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 coffee in the spacious area immediately upon entering.
The menu also 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 fact, in addition to the stylish cafe and restaurant, there are also hot springs and bedrock baths here.
Anyone can use them, 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 Higashi-Matsushima and visiting for the first time, this is a facility I highly recommend you use.
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 Nobiru-ga-oka, Higashi-Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0416
Finally, 'Satoura' is a scenic spot on Miyatojima Island, which can be reached by land from the Roopt Higashi-Matsushima Shintona share house.
You'll be captivated by the islands of Oku-Matsushima that 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 Oku-Matsushima, the vast Pacific Ocean, Nobiru Beach, and the Ishinomaki area.
It's a place you should definitely climb during daylight hours.
Location: Miyato Higashi-Oshibajo, 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, making it enjoyable just to drive or cycle around and look at them.
If you love physical activity or visiting shops, please consider moving to Higashi-Matsushima.
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