Events in Miyagi Prefecture (Ishinomaki, Shiogama, Sendai, Matsushima)

This is a manga museum dedicated to Shotaro Ishinomori, located on a sandbar in the Kitakami River. Original drawings of Kamen Rider and Cyborg 009 are on permanent display.

Special exhibitions change every few months, so the content will be different even on a second visit.It can also be used as a destinationon a rainy day.

It's within walking distance from accommodations in Ishinomaki. The street outside the museum (Ishinomaki Manga Road) is lined with character statues, so you won't get bored on the way.

This is a music festival where the entire city becomes a stage. Performances begin simultaneously at dozens of locations throughout the city, from under the zelkova trees of Jozenji-dori to parks and building eaves.

It's not just professionals performing. Student bands and working adult bands also stand on the same street corners. No tickets are needed. Just walk around and stop where you like the sound.

Although it's called jazz, in reality, rock, gospel, and wind ensembles are all mixed in.

This is the one day a year when the home base of the Blue Impulse is open to the public. Admission is free, and no application is required.

In addition to demonstration flights, equipment is also on display. You can see the sky from outside the base, but you won't know the loudness of the sound seen directly below unless you enter.

In 2026, the event has moved from late August toearly October(as a measure against extreme heat). On the preceding day, October 3, the renamed "Higashimatsushima Autumn Festival" will be held. Flights are heavily dependent on the weather, so please check the announcement on the day before heading out.

For two days, dancers with naruko fill Sendai in autumn. Venues are scattered throughout the city, and if you walk around, you'll find dancing everywhere.

It's free to watch, and there's no set time, so you can stop by during a stroll. No language is needed.

This is a winter tradition in Sendai. Hundreds of thousands of light bulbs illuminate the zelkova trees of Jozenji-dori, turning the entire street into a tunnel of light throughout December.

Just walk around; no admission fee or reservation is required. It's cold, so wear a thick coat.

The period and lighting hours vary each year. Please check the official website before you go.

This is an event to pray for good health throughout the year by burning New Year's decorations. It is the largest in Miyagi Prefecture, attracting about 100,000 visitors.

The highlight is theHadaka Mairi (Naked Pilgrimage). Worshippers wrapped in loincloths walk towards the fire, exhaling white breaths. Nights in Sendai in January can drop below freezing.

Since it's a shrine with a National Treasure main hall, it's also worth visiting during the day.

This is a festival where a 1-ton portable shrine (mikoshi) is carried down the 202 steps of the main approach to Shiogama Shrine.It is a festival where a 1-ton portable shrine is carried down the 202 steps of the main approach to Shiogama Shrine.There are 16 bearers.

Whether viewed from above or below, the sight of the mikoshi descending the stairs is the main highlight. It is said to have begun in the Edo period as a prayer for fire prevention and is counted as one of the three major festivals of the Shiogama Shrine parishioners (Hotematsuri, Hanamatsuri, and Minato Matsuri).

It's within walking distance from the accommodation on Shiogama Kaigan-dori.

During the cherry blossom season, the portable shrine of Shiogama Shrine parades through the city. It is called "Hanamatsuri" (Flower Festival) because it is held in conjunction with the cherry blossoms.

Shiogama Shrine itself is famous for its cherry blossoms, and the late-blooming Shiogama-zakura is a national natural monument. Even if you don't attend the festival, the shrine grounds are worth a walk during this season.

This is a festival in Sendai in early summer. Saturday evening's festival featuresSuzume Odori (Sparrow Dance), and Sunday's main festival features a historical procession of Date Masamune and a parade of floats.

The Suzume Odori is a dance where participants leap and jump with fans. There are also times when you can join in. Just watching is lively enough.

This is one of Japan's three great boat festivals. Two portable shrines from Shiwa Hiko Shrine and Shiogama Shrine board sacred boats and tour Matsushima Bay, accompanied by about 100 escort boats.

The eve festival's fireworksare launched from Shiogama Port. Since they open over the sea, they are reflected on the water's surface.

The 2026 event concluded in July. The next one will be around Marine Day in 2027. Once the dates are announced,we will update the page fornearby events.