KIZUKI Tours for Parents and Children～Enjoy Southern Miyagi Prefecture in a day trip～
On the way from the center of downtown Sendai to the southern coastal area, there is the "Golden Snake Water God Shrine," which has long been worshipped as a god of prosperous business, safety at sea, and financial fortune. There is also a modern café that attracts many people.
Further south is the Watari-Yamamoto area, which boasts the largest production of strawberries in Tohoku, harako-meshi (harako rice), hokki (shellfish) rice, and other delicacies unique to this area.
At the Yamamoto Earthquake Remnants, there is a workbook that parents and children can work through together to share disaster preparedness and awareness, and a yellow handkerchief with messages of support from all over Japan is displayed on a large tree nearby.
Families looking for a trip to bring luck and motivation to parents and children should take this route!
Golden Snake Water Shrine
A power spot in southern Miyagi Prefecture dedicated to a snake that is believed to be an incarnation of the water god. It is known as a god of money and wealth, life force, and protection of one's livelihood!
A large wisteria trellis welcomes you as you pass through the torii gate. The "Kowloon wisteria," said to be 300 years old, is said to be a source of power! The best time to visit is from early to mid-May!
Sando Terrace, winner of the Good Design Award 2021, is a facility with the warmth of wood and a sophisticated appearance, and also has a café and an original souvenir corner. Visitors can also enjoy rest and shopping!
Original Watari and Yamamoto's Harakomeshi＆Hokkimeshi
Harakomeshi, a delicacy of rice cooked in broth made from salmon meat and topped with salmon meat and harako (salmon roe), is a must-try dish! Harakomeshi is usually available from early September to early December, when the salmon fishing is at its peak!
From December to March, another gourmet specialty is hokkimeshi, a large, fluffy, meaty, tender, and sweet-tasting dish made by boiling raw hokki-gai clams in a soy sauce-based sauce and serving them over rice cooked in the broth! Please enjoy these seasonal delicacies at restaurants in the town with your children!
Yamamoto Town Ruins of the Great East Japan Earthquake: Nakahama Elementary School
The Nakahama Elementary School is the only earthquake-damaged building in the southern part of the prefecture that has been preserved as it was at the time of the disaster. Visitors can learn about the importance of disaster preparedness and awareness through exhibits and commentary by a storyteller guide.
You can also visit the attic space on the roof where the children spent the night. It is a miraculous space where everyone was able to evacuate safely due to a combination of various coincidences, including simple blankets and aluminum heat insulation sheets stored in the gymnasium. When you imagine the situation at that time, you will surely realize how grateful we are for our daily life.
Yamamoto Town Strawberries
Strawberries in southern Miyagi Prefecture are exquisite...! Among them, Yamamoto, one of the largest strawberry producing areas in the prefecture, has been working on strawberries with the whole town. Strawberry farmers, more than 90% of which were damaged in the earthquake, are now making a strong comeback, and the town is thriving!
Yume Ichigo no Sato, a roadside station, is a market that offers a wide repertoire of local products, including strawberries, fresh agricultural products, souvenirs, and even marine products! The TSUNAMI Harley Exhibition Hall, where Harleys damaged by the tsunami are on display, is also worth a visit. The TSUNAMI Harley Exhibition Hall, where Harleys damaged by the tsunami are on display, is definitely worth a visit!
Michinoeki Kakuda(Kakuda Sports Village)
In addition to the "parent-child playground" where children can play without reservations and free of charge, there is even go-karts and other playground equipment! Free sports classes for parents and children are also available, making this the perfect facility for those with rambunctious children!
There are traffic lights, railroad crossings, and road signs in the park where the whole family can learn traffic rules!
This roadside station offers a wide variety of delicious foods from Sennan as well as attractive agricultural products, processed foods, and food and beverage menus produced in Kakuda. Events and other events are also held in the outdoor space. It might be a good place to buy souvenirs or dinner dishes at the end of your trip!