Leisure facilities

Michinoku Mori-no-Umi National Government Park

Shibata County in Miyagi Prefecture is dotted with hidden gems | 5 spots for parents and children to enjoy!

  • Chimon
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Shibata County is a hidden tourist spot in Miyagi Prefecture

When people think of Miyagi Prefecture, they often think of Sendai, Osaki City (home to Naruko Onsen), the coastal areas of Matsushima and Ishinomaki, and the Shiroishi-Zao region with its beautiful views of the Zao mountain range.
However, many people outside the prefecture may not be familiar with Shibata District.

Shibata District in Miyagi Prefecture is a district that includes four towns: Ogawara, Murata, Shibata, and Kawasaki. It
belonged to Mutsu Province, and during the Edo period, the entire area was part of the Sendai Domain.

Located about 30-40 minutes by car from Sendai Station, it's a relatively easy stop for those traveling to Miyagi Prefecture by car.
Murata Town, part of Shibata District, boasts historical value with its rows of storehouses, but it also has many recommended spots that families can enjoy.

In this article, we will introduce some hidden gems in Shibata County, located south of Sendai, that parents and children can enjoy

Michinoku Mori-no-Umi National Government Park

Michinoku Mori-no-Umi National Government Park

This large park is located on the shores of Lake Kamafusa. The expansive grounds are divided into three areas: the South Area, the North Area, and the Satoyama Area, each with a different theme

The southern area is home to a large flowerbed filled with seasonal flowers, a corner with large play equipment, and a hometown village where old houses from the six Tohoku prefectures have been relocated, making it an area specializing in entertainment that can be enjoyed by both adults and children

The north area has a grassy area and an auto camping site, allowing you to fully enjoy nature. In addition, the Satoyama area allows you to enjoy nature observation and trekking, allowing you to learn about Miyagi's nature while having fun

Each area is perfect for families to enjoy, so why not take your time and enjoy it over several days rather than just one day?

Michinoku Mori-no-Umi National Government Park ＜Information＞

  • Name: Michinoku Mori-no-Umi National Government Park
  • Address: 53-9 Nihonmatsu, Ono, Kawasaki-machi, Shibata-gun, Miyagi Prefecture
  • Phone number: 0224-84-5991
  • Official URL:https://michinoku-park.info/

Google Map

Aone Onsen

The hot spring was discovered in 1528. Its name comes from the fact that the water was bubbling up beneath a blue oak tree

During the Edo period, the hot spring was so famous that it even had a palace bath called "Aone Palace" built there for the Date clan of the Sendai domain, and it is said that even sick people who bathed there while chanting the name of Amida Buddha would instantly recover from their illness

Japponoyu

The only public bath remaining in Aone Onsen today is Japponoyu, which opened in 2006

The wooden building blends in with the surrounding nature and the hot spring water, known as "beauty water," will heal your body and mind

At the Aone Onsen Snow Light Festival, which is held once a year, the enchanting light illuminates Japponoyu in a fantastical way. It is a hot spring that you should visit at least once during the snowy season

Japponoyu <Information>

  • Name: Japponoyu, a day-trip hot spring public bath
  • Address: 9-1 Aone Onsen, Kawasaki-cho, Shibata-gun, Miyagi Prefecture
  • Phone number: 0224-87-2188
  • Official URL:https://japponoyu.jp/

Google Map

Sportsland SUGO

The only internationally certified circuit in Tohoku, it hosts the All Japan Road Race, Japan's highest level of motorcycle racing, and the popular SUPER GT car race

While you might think that only serious races will be held, there are also some unique and interesting races such as the "SUGO Mamachari Enduro", a bicycle race using mamachari bicycles, so it's fun not only to watch but also to participate!

Sportsland SUGO <Information>

Google Map

Mori no Mebuki Tamagoya Farm Factory

Mori no Mebuki Tamagoya, a popular store with its main store in Zao, has opened a new store right next to the Murata Roadside Station. Their dishes made with eggs from Zao and egg sweets delivered directly from the factory are so popular that they have gained fans both inside and outside the prefecture

"Hayaoki Cocco, Freshly Laid Egg Direct Sales Store" sells freshly laid eggs delivered directly from chicken farms by weight. Recommended for those who want to enjoy Miyagi eggs

Tamagoya ＜Information＞

  • Name: Mori no Mebuki Tamagoya Farm Factory
  • Address: 91-15 Muratasako, Murata-cho, Shibata-gun, Miyagi Prefecture
  • Phone number: 0224-82-1811
  • Official URL:https://www.tamagoya.gr.jp/

Google Map

Tonton Hill

This is a complex area that houses "Tonton no Oka Mochibutakan," which sells fresh Wabuta pork and prepared dishes, and "Ogawara Natural Hot Spring Ii-yu," where you can enjoy the Ogawara natural hot springs

At Mochibutakan, not only can you purchase Wagyu Mochibuta pork, but the popular barbecue set allows you to enjoy Wagyu Mochibuta pork grilled on the spot. The 90-minute all-you-can-eat course is 2,000 yen for adults, allowing you to eat as much meat and vegetables as you like

Iiyu is a bathing facility where you can enjoy the natural hot springs that bubble up from Ogawara, directly from the source. The stone-made Ishi-no-yu and wooden Kino-yu baths are available for men and women on a weekly rotation. The baths contain alkaline simple hot springs and hypotonic alkaline hot springs

Ishi-no-yu has a large bath, Unryu bath, open-air bath and sauna, while Kino-yu has a large bath, open-air cypress bath and sauna

Tonton no Oka <Information>

  • Name: Tonton no Oka "Mochibutakan" Main Store
  • Address: 185-11 Shindera Kita, Ogawara-cho, Shibata-gun
  • Phone numbers: Mochibuta-kan: 0224-51-5811　Iiyu: 0224-51-5110
  • Official URL:https://mochibuta.jp/

Google Map

summary

In addition to the things introduced here, Shibata County has many other fascinating tourist spots, such as the Kura Townscape. If you come to Miyagi, be sure to visit Shibata County. You might find an unexpected discovery waiting for you!

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