Miyagi, Japan

Cherry Blossoms

I took this picture in Katahira Campus, Tohoku University before going to our laboratory. Katahira Campus is located in downtown Sendai and many cherry trees are there. They are breathtaking every year in late April.

Our laboratory is located in Aoba-yama campus, which some people call "On-the-Hill" or "Isolated" Campus. "Yama" means a hill or mountain in Japanese. Actually, there are only university buildings and trees near the campus. Moreover, we have more snow and the temperature becomes lower in winter.

Aoba-Yama

There are the remains of Aoba Castle halfway up the mountain. Now we can find only its stone walls. The Tohoku University Botanical Garden is also there.

I do not have any particular recommendations for must-see landmarks in Sendai. However, Sendai is a good city to live. You would enjoy fresh seafood and fine sake.

Pine Trees and Islands

"Matsu-shima" means pine trees and islands in Japanese. There are literally many beautiful small islands covered with red pine trees. You would enjoy cruising in the Matsushima Bay if getting a ticket for a pleasure boat to watch the islands.

Although you can swim in Matsushima in summer, the water is not very clear. It would be better to go to Oku-Matsushima next to Matsushima.

Godai-Do

Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, a shogun in the early Heian Period, built the first shrine in 807. This was rebuilt by Date Masamune (Da-te Ma-sa-mu-ne) in 1605. He is a well-known general for the Japanese. He lost his right eye when he was five years old due to a smallpox and was called one-eyed dragon.

Fuku-ura Island

This island is good for walking.