Higashi-Matsushima City is located almost midway between Sendai City and Ishinomaki City, the two major cities in Miyagi Prefecture. Due to redevelopment after the Great East Japan Earthquake, the number of families living here has increased, and it is a city with a well-developed education system. Higashi-Matsushima is also wide from east to west and north to south, and the townscape and atmosphere vary by region. In this column, we will introduce activities and tourist spots around Tona Station, Nobiru Station, and the Roopt Higashi-Matsushima share house base, all located in the western part of Higashi-Matsushima City. There are many places and facilities where you can learn, play, and relax.
Higashi-Matsushima City was one of the areas severely damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake. The 'Higashi-Matsushima City Disaster Reconstruction Memorial Museum' was created to preserve and pass on the records of the disaster to future generations, and it operates using the former Nobiru Station building, which was damaged by the earthquake.
The platform and tracks of the former Nobiru Station, which were in use at the time, remain as they were, and one of the platform lights is preserved in its tilted state.
Inside the museum, detailed exhibits showcase records of the disaster in Higashi-Matsushima and various other parts of Miyagi Prefecture, as well as subsequent reconstruction efforts. You can learn about the trajectory from the disaster to the current Higashi-Matsushima and Miyagi Prefecture, so it's a place I recommend first-time visitors to Higashi-Matsushima see.
Location: 56-36 Nobirukita-yokei, Higashi-Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0411
This is where the Tona Station building stood until the earthquake. It is now located far from the current Tona Station, and standing at the site of the 'Former Tona Station' gives you a strange feeling, wondering if trains really ran here.
What's unique is that the former railway line has been paved and utilized as a path for walking and cycling. It would be pleasant to cycle through on a sunny day.
Location: 39 Otsuka Kitabayashi-shita, Higashi-Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0414
'Ipponmatsu Park' is located in a corner of a residential area, about a 5-minute walk from the share house. It's a spacious park with a basketball hoop, swings, and benches where you can relax.
It's a perfect place for recreation, whether you're playing ball with friends, playing tag with family, or enjoying a leisurely lunch.
Location: 3-16 Shintona, Higashi-Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0413
'KIBOTCHA' is a multi-purpose facility created from a former school. With disaster prevention as its theme, you can stay and dine here. Cycling around the town with a rented bicycle also sounds pleasant.
Also, there is a movement to liven up the town with sand art, led by a sand sculptor who is part of Higashi-Matsushima City's regional revitalization cooperation team. Various sizes of sand art are created outside KIBOTCHA, so please be sure to see them when you visit. You will surely be surprised by their size.
Location: 80 Kameoka, Nobiru, Higashi-Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0411
'Oku-Matsushima Clubhouse' is located very close to the Higashi-Matsushima City Disaster Reconstruction Memorial Museum. True to its concept of 'a special luxurious space to savor Oku-Matsushima,' it's a place where you can feel luxurious just by being there.
At the clubhouse, which serves as the entrance, local specialties from Higashi-Matsushima and its surroundings are sold. There are also distinctive tables and chairs made by carving wood.
A short walk from there is the bonsai garden 'EN'. All the bonsai are beautifully arranged, making you feel as if you've stepped into another world.
Furthermore, within the grounds, there are various dining establishments such as 'Nobiru no Chaya,' a coffee stand that also sells pot-roasted sweet potatoes, 'Soba-dokoro Oku-an,' and 'Sumibiyaki Umi.' This 'Oku-Matsushima Clubhouse' is truly a place where you can fully enjoy a luxurious time.
Location: 15-1 Nobirukita-yokei, Higashi-Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0411
'Kameoka Base' is an activity hub for fully enjoying Oku-Matsushima. If you want to enjoy activities in Higashi-Matsushima, this is the first place you should visit.
The large black building is the cafe & bar 'California Shokudo,' where you can enjoy coffee and alcoholic beverages. You can also dine in the outdoor tents, and each tent has a stove, so you're well-prepared for the cold.
There's also a dog run space in the back. With such a spacious area, your dog is sure to be delighted.
At the shop, you can purchase and rent marine items such as SUP boards. They also offer activity courses like beach hopping tours and waterboard touring, so if you love activities, please visit Kameoka Base.
Location: 34-3 Nobiru Kameoka, Higashi-Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0411
About a 10-minute walk north from Tona Station, you'll see the 'Reconstruction Forest Treehouse.' This treehouse, named 'Tree Dragon,' was created by Mr. Takashi Kobayashi, a world-renowned treehouse creator.
In Higashi-Matsushima City, a project was launched to rebuild local elementary schools that suffered catastrophic damage from the tsunami, utilizing the rich forest and other natural features of the area to create a place of learning within it. This treehouse was built as a symbol of that project.
a place that excites people of all generations.
Location: Nobiru Omokura, Higashi-Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0411
'Irodori no Oka' is located a short walk from Tona Station and the Reconstruction Forest Treehouse.
Opened in May 2021, you can relax with coffee in the spacious area immediately upon entering.
The menu also includes unique ice creams like 'Fire-Spitting Ice Cream'.
Due to COVID-19 countermeasures, as of December 2021, only lunch and cafe services are available.
If you make a reservation in advance, you can also enjoy dinner on Fridays and Saturdays.
In addition to the stylish cafe and restaurant, there are also hot springs and a bedrock bath here.
Anyone can use it, and both locals and tourists can enjoy it.
Furthermore, accommodation is also available, so you can literally spend an entire day at Irodori no Oka.
If you are interested in Higashi-Matsushima and visiting for the first time, this is a facility you should definitely use.
By spending time at Irodori no Oka, you will truly experience its concept: 'a hub for new lifestyles where people gather, enjoy, and become healthy.'
Location: 2-25-2 Nobiru-ga-oka, Higashi-Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0416
Finally, 'Satoura' is a scenic spot on Miyatojima Island, which is connected to the mainland from the Roopt Higashi-Matsushima Shintona share house. You can't help but be captivated by the islands of Oku-Matsushima, which can be seen from the pier.
You can't help but be captivated by the islands of Oku-Matsushima, which can be seen from the pier.
Miyatojima Island also has a mountain called 'Matsushima Shidaikan Sokkan Otakamori,' and from the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of Oku-Matsushima, as well as the Pacific Ocean, Nobiru Coast, and the Ishinomaki area stretching as far as the eye can see.
It's a place you should definitely climb when the sun is out.
Location: Miyato Higashi-ofuriba, Higashi-Matsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0412
What do you think?
The facilities and spots introduced this time are compactly arranged, so you can visit them by car or even bicycle.
Also, there are many new shops and facilities, so just driving or cycling around and looking at them is enjoyable.
If you like physical activity or visiting shops, please consider moving to or relocating to Higashi-Matsushima.
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