Traveling to exotic Japan is the cherished dream of every tourist who dreams of discovering a country that is fraught with many mysteries. The real treasury of centuries-old traditions is a modern state, personifying the strong spirit of its people.
Some facts about the administrative unit
Miyagi Prefecture, with a population of more than two million people, is located on the island of Honshu, in the Tohoku region, on the Pacific Ocean. Its territory is crossed by two rivers - Kitakami and Abukuma. The area of the district is almost 7300 km 2 . The center of the administrative unit, which includes 13 settlements and 10 counties, is the city of Sendai.
Miyagi Prefecture, according to researchers, has always had a developed infrastructure. In the XII century, during the reign of the Date samurai dynasty, the heyday of the province began. In the 70s of the XIX century, the prefecture, which became an important political and cultural center of the country, finds its current borders.
Residents of the region are engaged in agriculture, mining and processing of ore, and fishing. In addition, rice, wheat, buckwheat, barley and fruit are grown in an administrative unit. Here, the electronic, paper and food industries are developed, however, trade and tourism bring the greatest income to the prefecture.
Prefecture Capital
Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture has been rebuilt on the site of neighborhoods that were destroyed as a result of the hostilities of Americans who dropped bombs on residential buildings. It has long been considered the cultural center of an administrative unit. The charming capital, whose sights tell a rich story, is often called the "city of trees" due to the abundance of green vegetation. The vibrantly developing Sendai has a modern look, but its residents observe ancient traditions laid down in the Middle Ages.
In summer, the famous Tanabata festival takes place here, gathering hundreds of thousands of guests from around the world. The "Celebration of Stars", which came from China, is widely celebrated throughout the country, but the most magnificent parade and bright fireworks can be observed in Sendai in early August.
Natural and man-made monuments
The main gem of Miyagi Prefecture is Matsushima Bay, strewn with tiny rocky islets covered with evergreen pine trees. The marvelous landscape is so beautiful that tourists are speechless with delight. Included in the top three scenic landscapes of Japan, a natural masterpiece is perfect for a honeymoon.
Not far from the bay is the family temple of the Date Dynasty - a Buddhist religious building, which is one of the most revered. Zuiganji was founded in 828, but at the beginning of the XVII century it was completely rebuilt. The national treasure is open to tourists.
In the north-west of the administrative unit is one of the most beautiful gorges in the world - Naruko. It is located near the resort, where over 400 thermal springs come to the surface.
An island where there are more cats than people
Another interesting attraction of Miyagi Prefecture in Japan is the so-called cat island. Tashiro (Tashiro) is a part of the city of Isinomaki, where no more than 100 people live, and there are 4 fluffies per inhabitant. Cats were brought in a long time ago, when help was needed in the fight against agricultural pests, and since then pets have remained here to live.
The islanders sacredly believe that pets bring good luck, and even built a small temple in their honor. Travelers often come here to meet with the mustachioed inhabitants and get a lot of positive emotions.
Devastating earthquake
On March 11, 2011, a real tragedy occurred, Japan was seriously affected by a severe earthquake and the subsequent powerful tsunami. It was Miyagi Prefecture that took upon itself the main blow of the raging elements. For more than a year, local residents restored the devastation, tidying houses and roads. In the capital of the administrative center, the international airport and the seaport were completely destroyed, and residential quarters were demolished. But Matsushima Bay, due to the fact that numerous islands created a natural barrier, did not lose its charm, and most of the landscapes remained unchanged.
However, life returned to the ruined prefecture quite quickly, and now nothing reminds of the tragedy.
All the cities of Miyagi Prefecture look very modern, which does not prevent them from preserving the spirit of old Japan. This is a calm region, famous for its rich cultural traditions and very friendly residents, and its amazing nature and many unique attractions leave an indelible mark on your soul.