Thetraveljunkie.org – After walking around Matsushima Retro Gallery, we went all the way up to Godaido Temple. This is a must-see symbol of Matsushima. It was founded in 807 and reconstructed by Date Masamune in 1604. It is named for five Buddhas of wisdom housed within. Leading to the temple are unusual red bridges with spaces between the planks – if you trip you are not yet ready to reach the temple! Free to enter, closed evenings.
Thetraveljunkie.org – I had the absolute pleasure of eating at Mori No Gohanya Cherish, Sendai Izumi Premium Outlets. Anyway despite all the fanfare, I arrived and there was absolutely no sense of a pretentious, pompous, self congratulating “We are SO highly sought after, therefore YOU should be SO lucky to dine here” vibe. The atmosphere was humble, simple, minimal and modern.
Thetraveljunkie.org – A few weeks ago we spent a couple of days in Sendai. We love visiting different spots in Tohoku and especially those that we haven’t been to before. Sendai Castle is the must-go to area to visit in Japan if you like heritage and history, and if not, well you should still go because you’ll definitely enjoy it.
Thetraveljunkie.org – We love traveling and there’s so many different ways of doing it. You can go on a trip to explore new places or to onsen in the Miyagi Zao Royal Hotel. You can travel to have fun with your friends or to enjoy the peace and quiet. Whichever way you do it, traveling is good and it’s a great way of getting to know yourself and the rest of the world.
Thetraveljunkie.org – In the modern Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum, there are many intersting areas, including an exhibition hall exhibiting Kokeshi dolls from across the country, a booth where demonstrations are given by Kokeshi artisans, an experience area where travel junkies can actually experience painting Kokeshi.
Thetraveljunkie.org – We mentioned in our previous video that Tokyo was a city from the future, but our visit to Miyagi Zao helped us learn a little bit more about Japan’s traditional side. We came across one of the most beautiful places that we’ve ever seen, Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum. Kokeshi are unique wood toys that have been created and developed exclusively in the Tohoku region. Here are the photos from our Kokeshi painting class!
Thetraveljunkie.org – We travelled to Okama Crater, a circle lake surrounded by the three mountains of the Zao Mountain Range and we saw some of the most beautiful spots that the Zao Echo Line of approximately 26 km in total length is linking Zao-Machi, Miyagi to Kaminoyama-Shi, Yamagata. It was a fantastic break and we chilled after working so hard during the last couple of weeks. It was a real pleasure to unwind with gorgeous food, and beautiful views such as the one we bring you today. There is nothing like traveling and getting to know different places with our friends.
Thetraveljunkie.org – Hot springs, or onsen, are a big deal in Miyagi Zao Royal Hotel, Japan. onsen are comprised of volcanic spring water that’s full of natural minerals, giving health benefits like clearer skin, detoxification and even weight loss (it’s said that bathing in the hottest onsen water can burn the same amount of kilojoules as jogging). If you’re a first-timer, be sure to check this out.
Thetraveljunkie.org – We love visiting different spots in Japan and especially those that we haven’t been to before, it always makes us think that travel changes you and how you see the world. It helps you thing big. Hirosaki Park in Aomori is home to around 2600 cherry trees comprised of 52 different species, including the massive Yoshino cherry trees, more than 100 years old and remarkably beautiful when covered in their countless blossoms. In addition to the blossoming Nishibori cherry trees whose branches hang down lazily brushing the surface of the moat and the tunel of cherry blossoms, flowers can be seen blooming in full force all thoughout the park.
Thetraveljunkie.org – One of the things that we like most about traveling is eating new food and Miyagi-Zao is home to the perfect spot, which became our favourite place to have lunch: Yamaboushi restaurant, 30 minutes from Shiroishi-Zao station.
Thetraveljunkie.org – Can you imagine what it must be like to travel from one side of the Japan to the other by Shinkansen and celebrate getting off at the best stop? We woke up early to go to Aomori Station and from there, with our Tohoku Shinkansen, we headed to Sendai Station and move to Shiroishi-Zao. Like I said, the Tohoku Shinkansen is the best option if you want to move around, we really recommend it.
Thetraveljunkie.org – I have visited Aomori in Japan recently for a discover Tohoku and my choice of hotel was the one and only Hotel Aomori. I had never stayed at Hotel Aomori before – and must confess, I was quite curious and was very surprised. Here is our stay went.