TOME 登米
When the Tome City JETs aren't eating at Coco's, Kappa Sushi, or Shangri La, they are either getting buff at Nakada Arena Gym, participating in community activities like volleyball, kyuudo, futsal, yosakoi, or frolicking in the rice fields -- totally kidding about the frolicking. If the kanji that makes up Tome didn't give it away, Tome is known for its rice. There's actually a sign in Tome that reads: "No rice, no life." Although there are are arguably more rice fields than people, Tome is a lovable city that has plenty to offer and is worth visiting.
Tome in a rice grain
In 2005, the towns of Hasama, Minamikata, Nakada, Towa, Ishikoshi, Yoneyama, Toyoma, Toyosato, and Tsuyama merged to form modern-day Tome; each town bringing in its unique charm and traditions. Although Tome is classified as a city, its remains a fairly rural area.
Getting here
Tome is located about 70 kilometers north of Sendai so the best (and most convenient) way to travel to Tome is by train. Take the Tohoku Honsen from Sendai Station to one of the three stations in Tome: Semine, Umegasawa, or Nitta. Oftentimes, you have to transfer at Kogota Station, but there are a few non-stop trains throughout the day. The Tome JETs prefer taking the train from Semine, since a ticket is 970 yen one way versus the 1140 yen ticket from Nitta. All stations have free parking and more importantly, it is safe to leave your car there.
If you prefer to drive from Sendai, there are two ways to get to Tome. One way is via the Tohoku Expressway and the second is via the Sanriku Highway. Although the Tohoku Expressway and the Sanriku Highway are both toll roads, the Sanriku Highway is free from Higashi Matsushima, making the trip 400 yen cheaper. However, drivng on the Tohoku Expressway saves you fifteen minutes of time.
If trains and cars aren't your thing, you can also take a bus! There are two bus companies that run regular routes to and from Sendai. One leaves from Hasama Town Hall and the oter from Toyoma Town Hall. Both buses will take you to the front of Sendai Station. Bus tickets cost about the same as train tickets but services are limited and the last bus back to Tome is around 6:00pm, while the last train is at 10:30pm.
Tome in a rice grain
In 2005, the towns of Hasama, Minamikata, Nakada, Towa, Ishikoshi, Yoneyama, Toyoma, Toyosato, and Tsuyama merged to form modern-day Tome; each town bringing in its unique charm and traditions. Although Tome is classified as a city, its remains a fairly rural area.
Getting here
Tome is located about 70 kilometers north of Sendai so the best (and most convenient) way to travel to Tome is by train. Take the Tohoku Honsen from Sendai Station to one of the three stations in Tome: Semine, Umegasawa, or Nitta. Oftentimes, you have to transfer at Kogota Station, but there are a few non-stop trains throughout the day. The Tome JETs prefer taking the train from Semine, since a ticket is 970 yen one way versus the 1140 yen ticket from Nitta. All stations have free parking and more importantly, it is safe to leave your car there.
If you prefer to drive from Sendai, there are two ways to get to Tome. One way is via the Tohoku Expressway and the second is via the Sanriku Highway. Although the Tohoku Expressway and the Sanriku Highway are both toll roads, the Sanriku Highway is free from Higashi Matsushima, making the trip 400 yen cheaper. However, drivng on the Tohoku Expressway saves you fifteen minutes of time.
If trains and cars aren't your thing, you can also take a bus! There are two bus companies that run regular routes to and from Sendai. One leaves from Hasama Town Hall and the oter from Toyoma Town Hall. Both buses will take you to the front of Sendai Station. Bus tickets cost about the same as train tickets but services are limited and the last bus back to Tome is around 6:00pm, while the last train is at 10:30pm.
Tome's "Have to See" Places
Naganuma Futopia Park (Hasama 迫)
A big Dutch-style windmill (yes, Tome has a legit windmill) called Hakucho, stands at the center of the park. Here, there are tulip gardens, camp sites, and other recreational facilities. You can fancy yourself a picnic as well as enjoy other activites such as camping, dancing, and sports games. Or if you're feeling up for a two minute thrill, slide down the big slide! The park is also the venue for the fireworks festival held in mid-August.
Izunima and Uchinuma (Hasama)
For the nature lovers (or just lovers) you can take a boat ride around Izunuma Lake to see the blooming water lotuses in August. In winter, you can watch geese from Siberia migrating overhead. The geese's call is considered one of the 100 Sounds of Japan.
Hanashobu Sato Park (Minamikata 南方)
Hanashobu is a kind of Japanese iris and man oh man, this park has plenty of them. There are about 800,000 Japanese ririses and 300 different kinds spread out over five hectares. The park also has sculptures by local and international artists.
Ishimori Shotaro Furusato Memorial (Nakada 中田)
The collected works of Shotaro Ishinomori as well as some other famous comic book artists are exhibited here, including his masterpieces, "Masked Rider" and "Cyborg 009." Some of Ishinomori's belongings are also on display in the museum. Ishinomori was born in Ishinomori, Nakada, where he frolicked as a child. An apartment complex called Tokiwaso, where he lived while he was in Tokyo, is reproduced and exhibited at the memorial. His original house, located near the memorial, is also open to the visitor, and exhibits some of his favorite books and doodles during his childhood.
Emisawa Shizen Park (Toyosato 豊里)
There is a hill in the center of Toyosato commaning a fine view of the town. Emisawa Park is one of the top 100 sightseeing spots in Miyagi and for good reason too. This hilltop park has a fine view of the town and has 300 cherry and chestnut trees. in the fall, the ground is crunchy-full of chestnuts! Visit this park and do it for the Instagram.
Recommended Eateries
Coco's is a favorite among the Tome JETs for its cheap(ish) fare, unlimited drink bar, and dessert menu. The menu is pretty varied; you can find things like pizza, pasta, steak, and some eally great parfaits. if anything, the parfaits alone make this place worth checking out!
Marumatsu is the washoku cousin of Coco's. Ramen, sob, or any kind of donburi...they have it all! Their drink bar selection isn't as expensive as Coco's but the prices are a little friendlier for your wallet.
Shangri La is arguably the best Indian curry place in town. This restaurant has an assortment of curries and you can choose between plain, garlic, or cheese naan. You can also pick how spicy you want your dish. Be forewarned though, if you ask for a four star spice, you will be getting a four star spice.
Strawberry Cones is reported to be the best pizza in the world since 1976. Yeah...totally. It's definitely not the best pizza in the world but it's the best you can find in Tome. From traditional toppings like margherita and cheese to Japanese toppings like mayo and corn, you can find your flavor at Strawberry Cones.
Naganuma Futopia Park (Hasama 迫)
A big Dutch-style windmill (yes, Tome has a legit windmill) called Hakucho, stands at the center of the park. Here, there are tulip gardens, camp sites, and other recreational facilities. You can fancy yourself a picnic as well as enjoy other activites such as camping, dancing, and sports games. Or if you're feeling up for a two minute thrill, slide down the big slide! The park is also the venue for the fireworks festival held in mid-August.
Izunima and Uchinuma (Hasama)
For the nature lovers (or just lovers) you can take a boat ride around Izunuma Lake to see the blooming water lotuses in August. In winter, you can watch geese from Siberia migrating overhead. The geese's call is considered one of the 100 Sounds of Japan.
Hanashobu Sato Park (Minamikata 南方)
Hanashobu is a kind of Japanese iris and man oh man, this park has plenty of them. There are about 800,000 Japanese ririses and 300 different kinds spread out over five hectares. The park also has sculptures by local and international artists.
Ishimori Shotaro Furusato Memorial (Nakada 中田)
The collected works of Shotaro Ishinomori as well as some other famous comic book artists are exhibited here, including his masterpieces, "Masked Rider" and "Cyborg 009." Some of Ishinomori's belongings are also on display in the museum. Ishinomori was born in Ishinomori, Nakada, where he frolicked as a child. An apartment complex called Tokiwaso, where he lived while he was in Tokyo, is reproduced and exhibited at the memorial. His original house, located near the memorial, is also open to the visitor, and exhibits some of his favorite books and doodles during his childhood.
Emisawa Shizen Park (Toyosato 豊里)
There is a hill in the center of Toyosato commaning a fine view of the town. Emisawa Park is one of the top 100 sightseeing spots in Miyagi and for good reason too. This hilltop park has a fine view of the town and has 300 cherry and chestnut trees. in the fall, the ground is crunchy-full of chestnuts! Visit this park and do it for the Instagram.
Recommended Eateries
Coco's is a favorite among the Tome JETs for its cheap(ish) fare, unlimited drink bar, and dessert menu. The menu is pretty varied; you can find things like pizza, pasta, steak, and some eally great parfaits. if anything, the parfaits alone make this place worth checking out!
Marumatsu is the washoku cousin of Coco's. Ramen, sob, or any kind of donburi...they have it all! Their drink bar selection isn't as expensive as Coco's but the prices are a little friendlier for your wallet.
Shangri La is arguably the best Indian curry place in town. This restaurant has an assortment of curries and you can choose between plain, garlic, or cheese naan. You can also pick how spicy you want your dish. Be forewarned though, if you ask for a four star spice, you will be getting a four star spice.
Strawberry Cones is reported to be the best pizza in the world since 1976. Yeah...totally. It's definitely not the best pizza in the world but it's the best you can find in Tome. From traditional toppings like margherita and cheese to Japanese toppings like mayo and corn, you can find your flavor at Strawberry Cones.
