Kin-san of Shiroyama is Wakuya's official PR Character!
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At a GlanceWakuya is a small and quaint town nestled in between Misato and Tome. It's well known in Miyagi for both growing delicious rice and the cherry blossoms around Wakuya castle. It's certainly a nice place to find yourself in.
There is a gold museum there (天平ローマン館), as gold was discovered here during the Heian Period. The gold was used to cover the Daibutsu of Nara, and for 600 yen, you can pan for your own gold! |
Restaurants
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Tsukimichi
A hamburg steak restaurant popular with the townsfolk. This restaurant actually has an extensive menu, offering many varieties of hamburg steak as well as pasta, ramen, and hearty lunch sets. They also offer massive fruit parfaits utilizing locally grown produce. Datenosato -だての里 Located behind Wakuya town hall, this restaurant specializes in set menus that change daily. There are also a la carte options. A great place to visit for a local, seasonal menu. |
Sushi Restaurants
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Miura - 割烹みうら
A sushi restaurant located on the banks of the Eai river. A very traditional yet warm setting, with plenty of fresh fish to try. You can even get a lunch set served inside a flower basket. It's got a great reputation, so it's recommended to make a reservation before visiting. |
Cafés
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Leche
Located on Route 346, this small cafe has all you'd expect; a warm atmosphere, delicious desserts, and nice lunch sets. Whether just passing through or looking for a nice cafe, Leche is a great option! Shinmachiura Coffee Roasters - 新町裏珈琲 A coffee roaster in downtown Wakuya. Roasting beans daily, they have their own special blends and roasts available for purchase. Parlor Tabi - パーラー旅 A cafe & restaurant in business since 1970! Still retaining most of the Showa Era charm, it does feel like stepping back in time when you enter. Known for their special katsu curry, they also offer spaghetti, sandwiches, and a few set meals as well. |
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Memory - メモリー
A patisserie in Wakuya, dedicated to affordable prices. You can even purchase cake scraps here for an incredible deal. |
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Miyagi Lapras Pokemon Manhole - Mudsdale
You can find Mudsdale by walking a bit from Wakuya Station. It's in a weird spot inside the parking lot area at the meeting hall area next to the pachinko parlor. Why Mudsdale? Because Wakuya is where the first gold mine was created! Now, Wakuya is known for it's rice production. |
Shrines
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Koganeyama Jinja - 黄金山神社
In Wakuya, you can find Koganeyama Shrine, which translates into "Golden Mountain" in English. It is the site of the first gold mine in Japan. It is protected as a National Historical Site. |
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Wakuya Castle Runs - 涌谷城跡
While the original castle is long gone, there is a reproduction of the castle's keep standing in it's original location. It's a famous spot in the prefecture for cherry blossom viewing in spring. The road running past the tower is lined with flowering cherry trees that bloom every April. Wakuya castle is definitely worth visiting! |
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Konpoji Temple - 箟峯寺
A very old temple located on top of one of the mountains in Wakuya. Built around the late Heian Period, the temple has a rich history in the town. There is an observation deck located behind the temple which provides a nice view of the area. |
Museums
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Tenpyo Roman-kan - 天平ろまん館
Located right next to Koganeyama Shrine in Wakuya, this museum is a great visit! This is the place where much of the gold used in the construction of the Great Buddha of Todaiji Temple was mined from. For 1,200 yen, you can take a look inside the museum for a quick history lesson on how gold was mined during the Nara Period, and you can even try your hand at panning for gold yourself! |
Hot Springs
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Wakuya Tenpyo Hot Spring - わくや天平の湯
A man-made hot spring facility in Wakuya. There are the typical amenities of onsen here, as well as a sauna. There's also a fruit and vegetable stand on the grounds of the facility, so you can shop after your relaxing stay! |
