Kami-go is the official character for Kami!
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At a GlanceNearing the outskirts of the prefecture, before jutting through the Ou Mountains, there is the town of Kami. It is an amalgamation of three towns; Onoda (小野田), Miyazaki (宮崎), and Nakaniida (中新田). Known throughout the region for Yakurai Garden, Kami is a town of equal parts beauty and rice.
Onoda and Miyazaki are beautiful, with rolling hills and valleys filled with rice fields. Nakaniida has the majority of the shops in the town of Kami. Mt. Yakurai, situated in Onoda, casts it's shadow over Kami and makes for a good hour long hike. There are also restaurants, a nice hotel, (rentable) cabins, an onsen, and a water park at the base of Mt. Yakurai. When not swimming, you can practice karate in the evening at Nakaniida High School. |
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Onoda小野田
Onoda is a village that runs along the Naruse River in Kami town, near Yakurai Gardens. There is an interesting nature preserve there, designed to increase fireflies in the area. There is also the Matsumoto family residence historical site, where you can enjoy historical buildings and learn more about ancient Japan. Miyazaki宮崎 The huge mountainous area of Kami is called Miyazaki. It's rural and serene. There are multiple wooded shrines, natural preserves, and cultural landmarks in the mountains here. There are some bathhouses at the foot of the mountains. |
Nakaniida中新田
The cluster of buildings found on the intersection between Route 347 and Route 457 is Nakaniida. It is the most urban area of Kami town and where most residents go to run errands. Nakaniida also features a concert hall, castle ruins, and a library that doubles as a museum. If you have time while you're visiting Kami, it's worth stopping by. |
Restaurants
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Liverte
An Italian restaurant with a cute exterior, it's popular in Kami town. The owner can speak English and is very friendly. The menu consists of typical Japanese-Italian cuisine with affordable prices that make this place a great stop for lunch or dinner. Genjiro A restaurant featuring an all-organic menu, complete with fresh milk from local cows. Both the curry and the poundcake are highly recommended! The kind owners will even include free samples from their farm. The exterior has been described as reminiscent of Studio Ghibli, complete with a cozy interior. They're even featured in the Michelin Guide! Restaurant Bunamori - レストランぶな森 Part of the Yakurai Water Park complex, this is a half restaurant half beer garden. The dishes consist of common Western style dishes such as pasta, pizzas, and curry. The beer is brewed on site, and is quite delicious. It's worth coming for the fresh beer alone. Yakurai Heights - やくらいハイツ A yakiniku restaurant specialising in lamb. They sell a house made sauce that you can buy by the bottle. This restaurant is incredibly popular with both visitors to the nearby garden and locals! Picchone - 食堂ピッチョーネ A popular local Japanese-Italian restaurant serving up pizza, pasta, and more. The pizza is highly regarded, so it sells out often. The interior is modern and clean, making it a popular spot for couples and friend groups. |
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Yoshihisa - 喜久しん
An upscale Japanese restaurant with delicious eel dishes. It's luxurious ingredients make it a good location for special events. Soemon - 宗右衛門 A soba restaurant with locally milled buckwheat in its handmade noodles. The zaru-soba is perfect to beat the summer heat after hiking Mt. Yakurai. |
Cafés
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Cafe Grand - カフェぐらん
This cafe is affordable with dessert prices hovering around 400 yen for one serving, and drink sets costing about 800 yen. The interior has lots of natural light, making enjoying a sweet treat and a coffee here a tempting way to unwind in Kami town. |
Patisserie
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Baikado - 梅花堂
A popular bakery in central Kami. They specialize in fig based desserts, but also offer cream puffs and other classics as well. |
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Bunka - 文華
A ramen shop with common Chinese sides. It has a distinctly Showa Era feeling to it. If you want the retro dining experience with large portions, try it out! Menya Saitora - 麺屋 齋虎 A pretty popular ramen restaurant on the way to Yakurai Gardens. Due to it's popularity, it constantly has a line out the door, and parking fills up fast! Ozawa Shokudou - おざわ食堂 Another popular ramen restaurant. This restaurant offers a unique flavor option. It's popular for it's chicken flavored ramen! Chicken ramen is a less common flavor option in Japan, so if you've been craving chicken broth this is a great fix. |
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Paprika Cafe & Restaurant Fushigi - 不思議・パブリックカフェレストラン
A bar located in central Kami, and popular among foreigners. The owner is really friendly, so it's easy for anyone to feel welcome here. The pasta here is highly recommended, especially the pepperoncino. You can even enjoy live music here from time to time. |
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Miyagi Lapras Pokemon Manhole - Rosellia
There are 35 decorative Lapras Manhole Covers all over Miyagi! You can see Rosellia in Kami, which is known for their famous Rose Garden! If you head towards Mt. Yakurai you will see an yellow building known as Yakushi no Yu, which is a hot spring! Stop there for some relaxing baths and to see Rosellia and Lapras |
Gardens
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Yakurai Garden - やくらいガーデン
Yakurai Garden is a well known location in Miyagi prefecture. Popular for it's eight different themed gardens, it's a venue you can visit from spring through fall - with each season offering different scenery. From rapeseed blossoms, to roses, to sunflowers; there are flowers here for everyone to enjoy. In the spring, they decorate the garden with colored eggs, bunnies, and baby chicks. In the fall, they celebrate the season by adorning the park with pumpkins and an evening illumination. No matter the time of year, it's a perfect place to visit for a beautiful atmosphere. |
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Tenjo Mugen Sake Brewery - 中勇酒造店
An incredibly famous sake brewery, well respected throughout the region. Tours are available, but you need a reservation. Offers tasting as well. It's famous for producing Tenjo Mugen. Sanwa Sake Brewery - 山和酒造店 Another well-respected sake brewery in Kami. They also offer tours and tasting. Their sake pairs well with seafood, among other Japanese cuisines. |
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Dagashi Taketonbo - だがし屋 竹とんぼ
A small dagashi (sweets) shop in central Kami. This shop is reminiscent of a 10-yen-shop of the 50's. Anyone can enjoy yummy snacks for a great price here. The owner is a famous children's book author, so his works are on sale too if you're interested in supporting a local writer. |
Hiking Spots
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Mount Yakurai - 薬萊山
It's a reasonably sized local mountain. It's very accessible for people of all ages to hike. It has a lovely panoramic view of the Kami plains at the top! |
Hot Springs
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Tabinoyado Yakurai Rinsenkan - たびの宿 やくらい林泉館
A nice pit stop near Mt. Yakurai. A small resort, you can dine in at the cafeteria, enjoy golfing at Yakurai golf course, or relax in the onsen! Look for the yellow buildings on the way to Mt. Yakurai. Oshokuji-dokoro Kappa Chaya - お食事処 かっぱ茶屋 Another pit stop of sorts in Kami. It's an older onsen facility which is pretty popular among locals. There's a restaurant featuring dishes made from local ingredients, a small farmer's market, and clean facilities. |
