At a Glance
Pochi Warrior Kojuro! This is the official PR Character for Shiroishi.
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Shiroishi is in southern Miyagi Prefecture, and the southernmost peak of Mount Zaō is within the city borders. The area of present-day Shiroishi was part of ancient Mutsu Province and was under control of the Date clan of Sendai Domain during the Edo period. During the Boshin War of the Meiji Restoration, Shiroishi Castle was the site of a fierce battle between the pro-imperial and pro-Tokugawa forces. Today Shiroishi Castle is a popular tourist destination in Miyagi and it's especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.
The train line to Shiroishi is the Tohoku Hon Line. It takes 45-50 minutes to get to Shiroishi from Sendai. There are express trains that take about 40 min. Shiroishi has a Shinkansen station called Shiroishi-Zao. The shinkansen to Sendai takes 15 minutes. The shinkansen to Tokyo takes about 1 or 2 hours, depending on the route. Shiroishi has a toll road interchange. You can take the local road (Route 4) all the way from Sendai, or use the toll road. There are many shopping centers and other convenient shopping options in the commercial area of town. |
Restaurants
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Shiroishi Umen Nakajima - 元祖白石うーめん処 なかじま
Shiroishi is famous for a regional food item called "umen". The story behind umen is that there was once a child who had a father with a stomach illness that made it difficult for him to eat heavy foods, like ramen or fried food. A monk was traveling through his neighborhood and listened to the boy's story about his father. The monk taught him to make noodles that were thick, short and retained their flavor without being fried. And so, umen was born. You can try some at Nakajima right by Shiroishi Station. Udon Muginoki - 麦の季 Features in the Michelin guide for Miyagi, this udon restaurant is well regarded by both locals and visitors alike. It serves fresh, handmade udon noodles in a delicious broth. The restaurant also offers a duck-based udon, creating a unique and memorable culinary experience. |
Ramen
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Ramen Unjyarage - らぁめん うんじゃらげ
Located near Shiroishi Zao Station, this place is known for its unja-ramen which is a broth-less ramen bowl that comes with meat, bean sprouts, and other small veggies. |
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Miyagi Lapras Pokelid - Nickit
Did you know that Miyagi's Ambassador Pokemon is Lapras? There are 35 decorative Lapras Manhole Covers all over the Sanriku Coast of Miyagi! Nickit can be found in Masuoka Park, the same place Shiroishi Castle is located! Why Nickit? In the mountains of Shiorishi is Zao Fox Village! |
Castle Site
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Shiroishi Castle - 白石城
Also known as Masuda Castle, this castle is the only standing castle in Miyagi and therefore a very popular tourist spot. The original castle was destroyed in 1875 during the Meiji Period and the castle area was turned into Masuoka Park. In 1995, it was restored using the original building techniques and is now open for tourists. You can try on different outfits here such as armor or kimonos with the help of some staff. |
Shrines
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Shinmeisha Shrine - 神明社
There are several Shinmeisha Shrines around Japan, this one is located near Shiroishi Castle. The architecture is pretty unique compared to other shrines. A nice place to stop by if you're already at Shiroishi Castle. Manzo Inari Shrine - 萬蔵稲荷神社 Similar to the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine in Kyoto, Shiroishi has its own Inari shrine. There are about 50 torii gates leading up to the shrine. In the winter, it's very picturesque after a heavy snow. |
Hot Springs
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Katsura Hot Springs - 小原温泉 岩風呂 かつらの湯
An iwafuro (stone bath), meaning it's a bath cut into the cliffside. It's considered a pretty hot bath, (50C), but is very relaxing and affordable. |
Parks
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Masuoka Park - 益岡公園
Masuoka Park is famous for being the old castle ground of the original Shiroishi Castle. This park has several cherry trees that bloom in the spring, and the park is surrounded by vibrant fall colors in autumn. |
Museums
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Shiroishi Castle History Museum - 白石城歴史探訪ミュージアム
A museum right next to Shiroishi Castle detailing the history and significance of Shiroishi Castle. It has a 3D theatre at the top and the other floors are dedicated to historical exhibits. |
