The southern part of Miyagi Prefecture is full of history and science and technology! ? Introducing the highlights of Shiroishi and Kakuda!

The southern part of Miyagi Prefecture isCity of history and future. Lord of Sendai Kojuro Katakura, the center of gravity of the Date familyMany historical buildings remain in Shiroishi, which was ruled by the Emperor, and Kakuda City is also home to some amazing science fiction buildings!

This time, we will introduce you to the highlights of this historic and science fiction city!

Shiroishi Castle (Shiraishi City)

It is the center of gravity of the Date family.Katakura Kojuro's castleis.

The original castle was demolished, but it was faithfully restored using domestic timber. The castle tower is 16.7m high and offers views of Shiroishi City and the Zao Mountain Range.

The attached museum exhibits items related to the Katakura family and food samples that recreate meals eaten at the castle at the time. At the museum shop, you can purchase Katakura Kojuro goods and the famous Shiroishi Onmen.

Katakura Family Samurai Residence (Shiraishi City)

A short walk from Shiroishi Castle is a samurai residence.
The exterior is so beautiful that it was chosen as a JR poster, the large well-maintained garden, and the interior, which recreates the lifestyle of those days, are must-sees.
The inside of the house is not as spacious as you would expect, but you will discover a real life without all the decorations you see in period dramas.

INFORMATION

• Name: Shiroishi Castle/Samurai Residence
• Address: 1-16 Masuoka-cho, Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture 989-0251
• Phone number: 0224-24-3030
• Official URL: http://www.shiro-f.jp/shiroishijo/

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Local Kura Museum Sairiyashiki (Marumori Town)

A complete change from the simple and sturdy samurai residence, the life of a merchant can be described as luxurious.

『Kurano Local Museum Sairiyashiki” is a local museum that shows the Saito family, a wealthy merchant, from the Edo period to the early Showa period.

There are six storehouses and two mansions built on the vast grounds. I was surprised to see that the standard of living was clearly different from the samurai residence, which was just a single mansion.

On the second floor of the storehouse, there is a cafe inspired by the Taisho era, where you can enjoy light meals and tea. After admiring the luxurious lifestyle, being enveloped in the romantic atmosphere of the Taisho era will remain in your memory!

INFORMATION

• Name: Kurano Local Museum Sairiyashiki
• Address: 25 Nishi, Marumori-cho, Igu-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, 981-2165
• Phone number: 0224-72-6636
• Official URL: https://sairiyashiki.com/

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Yajiro Kokeshi Village (Shiraishi City)

There are five Kokeshi doll villages in Miyagi Prefecture.

There are 5 types of Kokeshi dolls: "Naruko Kokeshi", "Togatta Kokeshi", "Yajiro Kokeshi", "Sakunami Kokeshi", and "Hijiori Kokeshi", which we will introduce this time.Yajiro Kokeshi Villageis one of them.

Yajiro Kokeshi dolls are characterized by a line-shaped border pattern.At Yajiro Kokeshi Village, you can also experience making kokeshi dolls.

To make it, simply place the kokeshi doll on a table that rotates like a potter's wheel and apply a brush to it while rotating it. This may sound easy, but it is actually very difficult to draw a straight line. It's so hard to keep the force constant and not move your hands at all! You won't understand this until you actually experience it!

What you actually make may not have straight lines, but it will remain memorable. If you visit, please try it!

On the first floor of the facility, there is a museum exhibiting the history and process of kokeshi doll making. In addition to kokeshi dolls, traditional wooden toys are also on display. There is also a corner where you can actually play.

Dad, this is your chance to show your child how good you are! While playing, it might be a good idea to think about the games children used to play in the past!

INFORMATION

• Name: Yajiro Kokeshi Village
• Address: 72-1 Yajiro Kita, Fukuoka Hachinomiya, Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, 989-0733
• Phone number: 0224-26-3993
• Official URL: https://yajirou.thebase.in/

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Space Tower Cosmo House (Kakuda City)

A science fiction feeling suddenly appears in the beautiful sky of Miyagi. Towering in Taishan Park is a space rocket that is approximately 49 meters high! here Kakuda City Space Tower Cosmo Houseis.

This rocket is a full-scale model of the H-II rocket, which is famous as a domestically produced rocket.

actuallyThere is a JAXA facility in Kakuda City.Therefore, the Space Tower Cosmo House was built to help people feel closer to space.

The Space Exhibition Hall adjacent to the rocket displays a variety of materials related to space.

There are not many facilities in Japan where you can see valuable materials such as the second stage engine of the H-II rocket.From the Space Tower Observation Deck, you can see not only the majesty of the H-II rocket, but also a panoramic view of the Zao Mountain Range.

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!

INFORMATION

• Name: Kakuda City Space Tower Cosmo House
• Address: 100 Kakuda Ushidate, Kakuda City, Miyagi Prefecture
• Phone number: 0224-63-5839
• Official URL: http://www.kakuda-kousha.jp/facilities/10.php

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summary

When you think of southern Miyagi Prefecture, you think of activities in Zao, but there are still many interesting sightseeing spots in Shiroishi City and Kakuda City!
If you are interested in history and science and technology, why not take a trip there?