At a Glance
Official Symbol Character for Kakuda, Muu-hime!
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Located in south-central Miyagi, Kakuda is quite rural despite being close to both Shiroishi and Iwanuma/Natori. Once famous for its silkworms, the town is now a manufacturing and rice powerhouse. While it might not look like it, the town is home to JAXA (Japan's space agency)'s rocket development and testing facility.
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WAI-WAI - 居酒屋WAI-WAI
Wai Wai izakaya is near the Shimin Center. Yoronotaki - 養老乃瀧 角田店 Yourou no Taki is an izakaya on the main road through Kakuda. Restaurant & Bar Panch A very modern and fancy restaurant/bar not too far from Kakuda station. Both the food and atmosphere are excellent, and the staff is accommodating. |
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Cafe & Kitchen Terrier
A fashionable looking cafe not too far from Kakuda station. Their portions are quite large, and prices aren't too terrible. There's not too much in the way of parking though, unfortunately. Cream Tea Another fashionable cafe, this time in the north of Kakuda. Specialising in British style tea, they have scones and a few types of tea on offer. Clover Coffee Stand A small roaster located in Kakuda. They have different types of beans from all over the world on offer, so you can choose your favourite! There's also some foodstuffs on offer, such as cakes. Marukei Coffee Located near Oka station, this small roaster even offers their own blends of coffee! |
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Kokahanten - 光華飯店
A ramen shop outside of Kakuda station serving a speciality black ramen. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area and looking for something to eat. Shoya - 翔屋 Another small yet mildly famous ramen restaurant, known for their miso ramen. Charme - チャーム A Japanese style curry restaurant, with some interesting curry-pasta combinations on offer. Evan's 89 - エバンズ '89 A nice little cafe/restaurant. Very rustic feeling on the inside, surrounded by all kinds of wood while jazz plays. Both the pasta they serve and the after meal desserts are quite delicious. Sukeroku - 味亭すけろく Sushi restaurant located not too far from Kakuda station. Featuring large, fresh portions it's sure to impress both the eyes and the appetite! |
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Sobasho Yama no Nai Bunkou - そば処山の内分校
Only open on the third weekend per month and only for a three hour window, this is one out-of-the-way location. However, if by some stroke of luck you manage to get there in time, you will be granted with some of the best soba you've ever had. |
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Hori Pan - ほーりーパン
Another hidden place. Has some of the best rosemary focaccia outside of Little Italy. Gagyuu Bakery - がぎゅうベーカリー Small bakery near Oku station. They have different pies and baked goods for sale, and worth a stop if you're looking for breads. |
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Miyagi Lapras Poke Lid - Latias
Did you know that Miyagi's Ambassador Pokemon is Lapras? There are 35 decorative Lapras Manhole Covers all over the Sanriku Coast of Miyagi! Why Latias? Kakuda has Kakuda Space Center!! At the Sapce Center they test all sorts of rocket technology! Check out the Pokelid at the Kakuda Roadstation! If you're looking for Latios, go to Higashi Matsushima! |
Castle Site
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Kakuda Castle Site
A little misleading but Kakuda Castle is where Kakuda got its name. Currently it is now the campus of Kakuda Senior High School so the only remaining parts of the castle is the castle gate and a sign detailing the history of the castle. |
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Yakumo Shrine - 八雲神社
A lovely shrine with 24 hour parking and right next to the Teshirogi Pond. A nice place to take a walk either around the pond or around the rice fields. |
Temples
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Kozoji Temple - 高蔵寺
If you're willing to go into the mountains between Kakuda and Shiroishi, there is a very old temple. Designated as an Important Cultural Site and has one of the oldest buildings in Miyagi. There's also a small park next to the temple grounds, which turns beautiful shades of red and gold in autumn. |
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Nishine Rice Paddy art - 田んぼアート西根
A rice paddy near Kozoji which has different artworks made from different varieties of rice planted in the fields. |
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Shinken Factory - JA宮城仙南 シンケンファクトリー
A restaurant/brewery with some very good beer on offer. Their stout won first place in the International Beer Cup in 2019! |
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Kakuda Rapeseed Festival
Despite the unfortunate name, these beautiful yellow flowers are all over Miyagi come springtime (they're used to make canola oil). Kakuda has a yearly festival each time they bloom - it's an excellent site for portraits. |
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Michi no Eki - Kakuda
Located by Tsunoda Central Park. This Roadstation offers plenty of small shops and restaurants as well as a 24/7 restroom. You can buy fresh flowers and other plants at the nursery and you can go play in the park afterwards! |
Parks
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Tsunoda Central Park - 角田中央公園
This park has several sport facilities; soccer field, baseball field, athletics field, and a swimming pool. There's a large field of yellow flowers and sakura trees that bloom in spring and summer. A good place to take kids as there is a playground near the entrance. Kakuda Michi-no-Eki is right near by as well. Daiyama Park - 大山公園 Despite not being called it, this is the true central park of Kakuda. Featuring an H-II rocket from the Japan Space Agency, there is even a small museum where you can see a satellite and an astronaut's spacesuit. |
Shopping Center
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Forte Shopping Mall - シーズンズウォーク フォルテ
Technically located in Ogawara but an interesting place to shop either way. |
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Kakuda Homeland History Museum
A former merchant's house turned into a museum detailing the history of Kakuda. They have a 400yr old Hina doll display put out each year for Hinamatsuri. |
