Shoko-maru, Marumori's PR character.
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At a Glance
Marumori is the southernmost part of Miyagi, slightly jutting into neighbouring Fukushima. While the town itself is quite small, the area comprising Marumori is large and full of all kinds of nature.
A very old town, Marumori was incorporated after the Meiji Restoration, and has a number of local crafts which are still made from that time. One of these is washi paper made from silk, and the other is a unique form of dried daikon - so good it even has its own dedicated volume in the go-to manga for gourmet washoku! Perfect for both those into nature and small Japanese towns, it's a nice place to stop in or spend a day around the area. |
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Ramen Kikuya - ラーメンきく屋
Ramen restaurant located on the Odate side of Marumori (north of the river). A popular place, it's not uncommon to have groups of people line up before the shop opens for a chance to get a bowl of its delicious soy sauce ramen. |
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Cafe Kissako - カフェきっさこ
Charming little cafe located in a small wooden cabin located south of Marumori proper. They serve double curry, which is a green curry with a Japanese style curry alongside! In winter, the roaring log fire is quite nice. Cafe Persikka Another log cabin cafe, this time located in south-central Marumori. Fairly popular, it tends to fill up around noontime and the food is worth it! They serve the standard Japanese cafe fare. Cawa Cafe A cafe located along the Abukuma River, they have some pretty nice Italian inspired foodstuffs on offer. The prices are a bit high, but for what you get, it's worth it. Marumori Cafe While not in central Marumori, it certainly is Marumori nonetheless. While more of a patisserie than a dedicated cafe, they still offer coffee to drink while you eat their delectable desserts! Cafe Tsubukko - カフェつぶっこ A cafe located in a tiny residential area in the foothills of Marumori proper. They have some nice cake and tea options. Agarin Dateya - あがりん伊達屋 Another river cafe, this time serving up oven fresh pizzas! |
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Shirokiya - 白木屋
A modest teishoku restaruant in south-central Marumori, serving all the classic teishoku dishes with a Chinese twist! Watafu - 丸森のランチ わた福 Another modest teishoku restaurant in Marumori - known for having some quite nice soba and tempura! Pontomomeshi - ポン友飯店 Small Chinese restaurant located in south-central Marumori. They have all the classic Chinese-Japanese dishes, all offered at reasonable prices and portions to keep you full for hours! Ryokuzan - 緑山 An Italian style restaurant located within Fudoson Park, serving some delicious pasta dishes. They have other dishes as well, from cheese covered curries to crab fried rice! Kinpachi - 金八 While labeled as a sushi restaurant on most maps programs, they're a bit more specialised than that. This is one of the few restaurants in the prefecture where you can eat boar! The boar dishes are a bit expensive, but well worth the price - full of vegetables and meat, they make for hearty dishes on a cold winter's day or after a hike in the summer. |
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Maurumori Furusatokan - まるもりふるさと館
While small, this museum goes over the history of Marumori, from per-incorporation to today. Sairi Yashiki The home of a former local lord, it's full of all kinds of Edo Period and early Meiji Era items. They hold events throughout the year, with Hinamatsuri and August's Lantern Festival being the two most popular. Occasionally different groups will come here to perform as well. Great Ginko Tree - 丸森の大イチョウ Listed by the Japanese government as a Natural Monument, this massive, nearly 700yr old tree explodes into a cascade of gold come autumn. Great Weeping Cherry - 筆甫のウバヒガン桜 A fairly remote location, it's nonetheless quite beautiful come springtime. The area around it is hardly traveled, making it quite a nice contemplative spot. Sawajiri Rice Terraces - 沢尻の田植 One of the 100 Great Terraces of Japan, come harvest time it's easy to see why these terraces were chosen. Marumori Fudotaki - 丸森不動滝 A waterfall located on the boarder with Fukushima. In summer they're quite nice, but come winter they'll freeze over for an incredible sight. NOTE that if you are going to attempt hiking to them in winter, you will need prior experience with mountaineering or at very least hiking through avalanche prone areas. |
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Akiyoin Temple
Famous for its fringed irises, this temple is also a spectacle come autumn. Ringed by massive firey maples, it makes for quite the sight! There is also a campground here available to be used in summer, letting you sleep under the stars next to the river which flows by the temple. |
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Michinoku Coastal Trail - みちのく潮風トレイル
Stretching from Hachinohe in Aomori down to Soma in Fukushima, this trail is vaguely analogous to America's Appalachian and Pacific Trails. Part of it runs through Marumori along the boarder with Yamamoto and Fukushima, providing some stunning views of the sea and Ou Mountains. During New Years, it's not uncommon to find quite a few people hiking to see the first sunrise of the year atop one of the various mountains in the region. Abukuma Prefectural Park - 阿武隈渓谷県立自然公園 A decently sized prefectural level park in Marumori. There's hiking trails throughout the park, including pathways up to the Wedded Rocks (Meotoiwa). The trails are in various states of upkeep; you might want either a guide, map, or a very good sense of direction if it's your first time. |
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Abukuma Line Boat Rides
Want to take a nice, relaxing boat ride downriver? This is the thing for you! During the ride, you'll see all kinds of interesting looking rock outcroppings, and also hear about various local history events by the tour guide. |
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Sonotsumori - そのつ森
Can't get enough of Japanese schools? Even on your breaks? This place might be the solution to your issues if that's the case! Puns aside, this hotel is a former school in the Marumori area. Most of the interior was converted into guest rooms, complete with a miniature sento inside. It's quite spacious, which means that it's an excellent spot to take groups to for one interesting experience! |
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Ishizuka Apiary - 石塚養蜂園
An un-bee-lievabe place out in the middle of the forests of Marumori! Featuring different types of honey; baked goods; jam; and more, there's sure to bee something there to strike your fancy. They also have honey stroopwafel, which are absolutely outstanding in taste. You'll bee wanting to come back for more. 4kumura - 四駆村 Are you into offroading? Here's the spot for you! With cheap all-day entry fees, you can enjoy the course to your heart's content and then some. |
