Shoko-maru, Marumori's PR character.
|
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 being produced today from it's ancient history. One of these is washi paper made from silk, and the other is a unique form of dried daikon. Marumori is perfect for those interested in nature and small Japanese towns with rural charm. |
|
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. |
|
Kissako - きっさこ
A charming little cafe hosted in a small wooden cabin, located south of Marumori city. They serve double curry, which is a dish featuring both green curry and a Japanese style curry on the same plate. In winter, the roaring log fire is raises spirits and creates a cozy, warm atmosphere, Cafe Persikka - カフェペルシッカ Another log cabin cafe, this time located in south-central Marumori. This cafe is popular, so it tends to fill up around noon! They serve typical Japanese cafe fare, like hamburg steak, pasta, and quiche. Cawa Cafe A cafe located along the Abukuma River, this shop has a vibrant menu featuring both classics and special items. They offer cat shaped sandwiches, cat shaped curry, scones, pizza, and plenty more. Cafe Tsubukko - カフェつぶっこ A cafe located in a residential area in the foothills of Marumori. They offer a nice assortment of tea to pair with various pastries. |
|
Shirokiya - 白木屋
A comfortable teishoku restaurant in south-central Marumori, serving all the classic teishoku dishes with a Chinese flare. Watafu - 丸森のランチ わた福 Another well-known teishoku restaurant in Marumori - known for having reliably delicious soba and tempura! Pontomomeshi - ポン友飯店 A Chinese restaurant located in south-central Marumori. They have all the classic Chinese-Japanese dishes, all offered at reasonable prices - especially for their hearty, filling portions. Midoriyama - 緑山 An Italian style restaurant located within Fudoson Park, this establishment serves delicious pasta dishes. They have other specialty dishes as well, from cheese covered curries to crab fried rice. |
|
Maurumori Furusatokan - まるもりふるさと館
This local history museum details the past of Marumori, from pre-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 In a fairly remote location, it's a beautiful area during spring. The grove is surrounded by deep nature, making it feel secluded. Sawajiri Rice Terraces - 沢尻の田植 One of the 100 Great Terraces of Japan, during the harvest season these layers of rice present a beautiful, colorful display. Marumori Fudotaki - 丸森不動滝 A waterfall located on the border of Fukushima and Miyagi. In summer, the falls rush over a valley into the river, creating a stunning scene. In winter, they'll freeze over for an unforgettable frozen sight. If you are going to attempt hiking to them in winter, you will need prior experience with mountaineering. There is a danger of avalanches and other winter-based emergencies here. |
|
Akiyoin Temple
Famous for its fringed irises, this temple is also a spectacle in autumn. Framed by massive, fire-red maples, it makes for a picturesque view. There is also a campground here available to be used in summer - letting you experience sleeping under the stars, next to the river which flows by the temple. |
|
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 similar to America's Appalachian and Pacific Trails. It's a long hiking trail, intended to be completed over the course of a season or longer. Part of it runs through Marumori, along the border 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; so a guide and map are recommended. |
|
Abukuma Line Boat Rides
Want to take a nice, relaxing boat ride downriver? You can experience just that at Abukuma Line. 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. |
|
Sonotsumori - そのつ森
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 host group outings. |
|
|
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 delicious. 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. |
