Miyagi Prefecture occupies the heart of Japan's Tohoku region, anchored by Sendai, the largest city in northeastern Japan. The prefecture is famed for Matsushima Bay, ranked among Japan's three most scenic views, where more than 260 pine-clad islets emerge from calm waters. Sendai itself thrives as a vibrant metropolis known for its tree-lined boulevards, the legacy of feudal lord Date Masamune, and a food scene anchored by tender beef tongue, fresh oysters, and sea urchin from the Pacific coast.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Miyagi.
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1
Jomon period settlements along Miyagi's rivers and coast; shell middens found near Sendai
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2
Taga Castle established as the northern headquarters of the Nara government to control the Emishi people
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3
Zuiganji Temple founded at Matsushima as Enpukuji
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4
Minamoto no Yoritomo defeats the Fujiwara clan in Hiraizumi; Tohoku brought under Kamakura shogunate control
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5
Date Masamune born; he would unite Tohoku under his control and define the region for generations
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6
Date Masamune establishes Sendai as his castle town; Aoba Castle (Sendai Castle) built; Zuiganji Temple rebuilt to current form
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7
Date Masamune sends envoy Hasekura Tsunenaga on the Keichō Embassy to Europe — Japan's first direct diplomatic contact with Rome and Spain
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8
Death of Date Masamune; Zuihoden mausoleum built to house his remains
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9
Boshin War; Sendai-based Date clan sides with the shogunate and surrenders to Meiji forces
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10
Tohoku Imperial University (now Tohoku University) established in Sendai — the first imperial university in Tohoku and Japan's first to admit women (1913)
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11
US air raids destroy much of Sendai; city rebuilt rapidly in postwar period
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12
Great East Japan Earthquake (Mw 9.0) and tsunami devastate the Miyagi coast, killing ~10,000 residents and destroying entire coastal towns including Minamisanriku and Onagawa
Historical sites
Places where Miyagi's past comes alive.
Taga Castle Ruins (Tagajo)
Where: Tagajo
Admission: Museum ¥100 (~$0.65); ruins free
Zuiganji Temple
Where: Matsushima
Admission: ¥700 (~$4.60) adults, ¥400 (~$2.60) children
Aoba Castle Ruins & Museum
Where: Sendai
Admission: Museum ¥700 (~$4.60); ruins free
Zuihoden Mausoleum
Where: Sendai
Admission: ¥570 (~$3.75) adults, ¥210 (~$1.40) children
Osaki Hachimangu Shrine (National Treasure)
Where: Sendai
Admission: Free