At a Glance
Magusuke is officially Shiagama's PR Character, BUT he is just one of ELEVEN characters Shiogama has.
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Shiogama is a port town in Miyagi, located between Sendai and Matsushima. The city derives its name ("salt furnace" or "salt cauldron") from an ancient method to harvest salt by boiling seawater in large kettles. The ritual is still performed every July at Shiogama Shrine, the oldest Shinto shrine in Tohoku. The city supports a large fishing industry, and a significant portion of Japan's tuna and swordfish catch is processed along Shiogama's waterfronts. Not surprisingly, Shiogama is famous for its local seafood, especially its sushi. It boasts the highest number of sushi restaurants per capita in Japan.
The main hub of the city is around Hon-Shiogama Station. There are many restaurants, bars, coffee shops, an Aeon Mall, and Marine Gate. Marine Gate has a couple of restaurants and souvenir shops. At Marine Gate you can buy ferry tickets to Shiogama's Urato Islands and Matsushima. There are 5 islands that you can visit, and prices vary according to the distance. Katsurashima is the first stop on the ferry. There is a post office, a nori factory, and Katsurashima beach where you can swim. It's known for it's relaxing atmosphere. The next island is Nonoshima. There, you can find the General Development Center, Urato ES and JHS, a Christian Buddha statue in the Kumano Shrine, and a curious group of caves. The third island is Ishihama. It's primarily known for it's fishing spots and beautiful views of the surrounding islands. There are a number of shrines on this island, and a cute bed and breakfast. The largest of the Urato Islands is Sabusawajima. It is the birthplace of Tsudayu and Sahei, who were the first Japanese people to circumnavigate the world. During the Edo period, Sabusawajima had thrived as the Date Clan's port. There are objects that show it's former prosperity observable today, such as the stone compass of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, statues of bound Jizo in Hiyoriyama Mountain, and the monument for the very first Western-style warship "Kaiseimaru" built by the Date Clan. The last island on the itinerary is Hojima Island. This island's main industry is fisheries with raw oyster and fry oyster cultures. They have beautiful canola flower fields on this island, drawing in day trippers from the mainland. |
Sushi Restaurants
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Shiogamako Kaisenzushi Restraurant - 廻鮮寿司塩釜港
A highly regarded conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, this shop serves the freshest fish in delicate portions with high quality flavors. This shop has it's roots in Shiogama, but you can find branches for this establishment even in Tokyo. Shiogama Sushi Tetsu Honten - 塩竃すし哲 本店 One of the most prolific sushi restaurants in Shiogama is Sushi Tetsu. It's built it's reputation on delicious bites with beautiful plating and a friendly atmosphere. Highly regarded in one of the most famous sushi cities in Japan, Sushi Tetsu is a great option for a night out. |
Pizzeria
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La Gita Pizzeria
La Gita Pizzeria has delicious pizza and it's located across from Marine Gate. They are known for their pizzas but also offer other Italian dishes like pasta. They also offer a selection of delicious wines to pair with your meal. |
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Miyagi Lapras Pokelid - Plusle
Did you know that Miyagi's Ambassador Pokemon is Lapras? There are 35 decorative Lapras Manhole Covers all over the Sanriku Coast of Miyagi! To find Plusle, go to Hon-Shiogama Station and look behind the souvenir shop. If you're looking for Minun, go to Shiogama's neighbor, Rifu! |
Shrines
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Shiogama Shrine - 鹽竈神社
Shiogama Shrine is one of the oldest and most prolific shrines in all of Tohoku. It's estimated to have been erected during the Nara period. This shrine enshrines Shiwahiko-no-kami, the god of agriculture, national development, industry, and commerce. The shrine grounds are free to enter, but the museum requires tickets. The best time to visit the shrine is probably during cherry blossom viewing season in mid-to-late April. There are a wide variety of sakura trees including the 'shiogama-zakura', a sakura unique to the shrine and are designated as a national monument. The shrine stands atop a steep hill so accessing it requires more exertion than a typical shrine visit. |
Museums
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Shiogama Shrine Museum - 鹽竈神社 博物館
Right next to Shiogama Shrine is the Museum dedicated to it. Here you can learn about the history of Shiogama Shrine's history, why they use the archaic form for the kanji, and learn about salt making! There are some English translations available here! |
Shopping Centers
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The Shiogama Fish Market - 塩釜水産物仲卸市場
Shiogama Fish Market supplies fresh seafood to Sendai, Tokyo and many other cities. Auctions of raw tuna fish are well worth watching as Shiogama has the biggest unloading of tuna for distribution in Japan due to the high quality catches sought after by buyers all over the country. The Fish Market is open in the early hours and is always considered fresh and cheap. You can pay 400 yen to make your own kaisendon (Seafood Rice Bowl) with the fresh fish at the market at "My Kaisendon!" |
