This site is a web media that delivers all kinds of trivia, from sightseeing and gourmet spots in the six Tohoku prefectures to local, customs, and history.
Southern Miyagi Prefecture is a city of history and the future. Shiroishi, the center of power of the Date clan, the feudal lord of Sendai, ruled by Katakura Kojuro, is home to many historic buildings, while Kakuda City is home to some amazing sci-fi buildings!
This time, we will introduce you to the history and highlights of this SF city!
Shiroishi Castle (Shiraishi City)
This was the castle of Katakura Kojuro, a senior retainer of the Date clan
The original castle was demolished, but it has been faithfully restored using domestic timber. The castle tower is 16.7 meters high, and offers views of Shiroishi city and the Zao mountain range
The attached museum displays items related to the Katakura family and food samples that recreate the meals that were eaten at the castle at the time. At the museum shop, you can purchase Katakura Kojuro merchandise and the famous Shiroishi Onmen noodles
A short walk from Shiroishi Castle is the samurai residence. Its beautiful exterior, which was even featured in a JR poster, its spacious and well-maintained garden, and the interior, which recreates the lifestyle of the time, are a must-see. The interior of the house is not as spacious as you might expect, but you can discover the authentic lifestyle without any of the decorations you see in period dramas.
Shiroishi Castle and Samurai Residences <Information>
Name: Shiroishi Castle and Samurai Residences
Address: 1-16 Masuoka-cho, Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture 989-0251
In stark contrast to the simple and sturdy samurai residences, the lifestyle of merchants was nothing short of luxurious
The Sairi Yashiki Storehouse Local History Museum is a local history museum that houses the Saito family, a wealthy merchant family that flourished from the Edo period to the early Showa period
The large grounds are home to six storehouses and two mansions. It's surprising how the standard of living is clearly different from that of the samurai residences, which only had one mansion
On the second floor of the storehouse, there is a cafe with a Taisho-era feel, where you can enjoy light meals and tea. After observing the luxurious lifestyle, being enveloped in the romantic atmosphere of the Taisho era will be a memorable experience!
There are five kokeshi hometowns in Miyagi Prefecture
There are five types of kokeshi: Naruko Kokeshi, Togatta Kokeshi, Yajiro Kokeshi, Sakunami Kokeshi, and Hijiori Kokeshi, and the Yajiro Kokeshi Village we will introduce this time is one of them
Yajiro Kokeshi dolls are characterized by their border line patterns. At Yajiro Kokeshi Village, you can also experience making one yourself
The production method is to place the kokeshi doll on a rotating platform like a potter's wheel and apply the brush while rotating it. This may sound simple, but it is actually very difficult to draw a straight line. You never knew it was so hard to maintain a constant force and not move your hands at all! You really have to try it for yourself to understand!
The actual creation may not have straight lines, but it will be a memorable experience. If you visit, be sure to try it out!
On the first floor of the facility, there is a museum that displays the history and process of kokeshi doll making. In addition to kokeshi dolls, there are also traditional wooden toys on display. There is also a corner where you can actually play with them
Dads, this is your chance to show your kids what you're good at! While playing, it might be fun to reminisce about the games children used to play!
A sci-fi feel suddenly appears in the beautiful sky of Miyagi. Towering in Daiyama Park is a space rocket approximately 49 meters tall! This is the Kakuda City Space Tower Cosmo House
This rocket is a life-size model of the H-II rocket, a famous domestically produced rocket
In fact, there is a JAXA facility in Kakuda City, so the Space Tower Cosmo House was built to make space feel more familiar to people
The Space Exhibition Hall next to the rocket displays a variety of space-related materials
There are not many facilities in Japan where you can see valuable materials, including the second stage engine of the H-II rocket. From the observation deck, the Space Tower, you can not only see the majestic H-II rocket, but also enjoy a panoramic view all the way to the Zao mountain range
This is a facility that both adults and children can enjoy! Don't forget to check it out when traveling to the southern part of the prefecture!
Kakuda City Space Tower Cosmo House <Information>
Name: Kakuda City Space Tower Cosmo House
Address: 100 Ushidate, Kakuda, Kakuda City, Miyagi Prefecture
When you think of southern Miyagi Prefecture, you probably think of Zao as a place for activities, but there are still plenty of interesting tourist spots in Shiroishi City and Kakuda City! If you're interested in history and science and technology, why not take a trip there?
A thin-haired writer who loves traveling and laughter. A nice guy who hides thinning hair by shaving his hair! I will run north and south to make Tohoku smile with my writing!
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