Shiogama City International Relations
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ON SHIOGAMA... |
I have been in Shiogama for almost a year now, and wanted to share some
aspects of the city that have resonated strongly with me. This is by no
means a comprehensive list of the tourist sights - for more information,
please refer to Shiogama City's Tourism Information Website!
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SHIOGAMA SHRINE |
Shiogama Shrine is probably the most well known sight in Shiogama, as it
is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Northern Japan and holds a panoramic
view of the rest of the city as well as the famed Matsushima Bay.
Not knowing there was a more accessible entrance in the rear, I first ventured
Shiogama Shrine by climbing the 200 plus steep steps leading up to the
main shrine. During three of Shiogama's annual festivals, one of the portable
shrines (weighing roughly a ton) is carried down the steps by 16 men, a
feat I can hardly imagine. Climbing the steps definitely motivated me to
try to in shape - the sight of 70 year woman easily passing me up was a
humbling experience.
If you're lucky enough to visit the shrine in April, upon entering the
grounds you may be greeted by the cherry trees in blossom. A Japanese treat
in itself, the Shiogama Shrine cherry blossoms are of particular note;
the shrine is the sole location within Japan that the particular variety
of cherry blossoms exists, and is meticulously monitored and valued by
the city as one of the country's national treasures. Shiogama Shrine has
long been reputed to be one of the better areas in Miyagi prefecturefor
'hanami' (cherry blossom viewing), a traditional Japanese event that is
particularly cherished, involving a picnic with family, friends, or coworkers
while eating snacks, and of course, drinking a bit of sake or beer while
intaking the beautiful view of the cherry blossoms. If you are able to
find a spot under one of the shrine's cherry trees, I can hardly think
of a better place for a hanami.
After strolling through the shrine, I suggest you face the ocean and enjoy
the scenic view. On a clear day, one can see a clear view of the town,
the well-known Matsushima Islands (known as one of the most scenic sights
in Japan) as well as the rest of Matsushima Bay. There is also a museum
on the premises, which carries the portable shrine used during festivals
as well as exhibits on whaling.
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URATO ISLANDS |
The Urato Islands is a chain of islands located in Matsushima Bay that
is part of Shiogama City. Within the island chain are four main islands:
Katsurashima, Nonoshima, Sabusawa, and Hohjima Island. To me, they are
particularly noteworthy as they are inhabited by a small island community,
giviing the islands a unique feeling that is altogether different from
the Japan I have experienced thus far. Life at the islands seems to run
at an altogether different pace; rather than the hustle and bustle of larger
cities, there is a very tranquil atmosphere that surrounds the island,
and always fills me with a sense of peace whenever strolling through any
of the islands. Visiting Urato has also given me a glimpse of a different
side of Japanese lifestyle; on the islands where there are no convenience
stores and hardly any vending machines, most of the residents sustain their
own foods. Walking through the Urato Islands you see tons of small gardens,
dried foods, and fishing boats along the shores. For a first hand experience
of the island lifestyle, one can stay at one of the many ryokans or minshukus
on the island (traditional Japanese inns).
I've seen the islands through three seasons; from its brilliant greenery
in the summer, colorful shades in the fall, and through the blanketed snow
of the winter. Each time I've visited, the islands haven't failed to take
my breathe away, although to me personally, the view of the islands in
the summer is something I will carry with me forever.
The islands can be accessed by ferry from the Marine Gate Ferry Terminal
located by the Hon-Shiogama train station. The ferry ride to the islands
is an experience in itself; upon departing from the ferry terminals, gulls
will take flight and fly aside the ferry for the duration of the trip.
Chips can be purchased to feed the gulls through the ride; the most daring
of the gulls will swoop down and even grab the chips straight from your
hand if you hold your arm out for them. So long as there is the prospect
of food, you will find that gulls will escort you throughout your whole
journey to the island.
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SUSHI |
Being Japanese-American and having had lived in Japan before, I thought
I had a decent understanding of sushi, but eating sushi in Shiogama took
my enjoyment to a whole new level. As a coastal town, Shiogama has a plethora
of fresh seafood, of which tuna (maguro) is the most well known. In fact,
the fish market in Shiogama unloads more tuna than Tsukiji, Tokyo's well-known
fish market. As a result, Shiogama, in addition to boasting high quantities
of fresh food, has more sushi restaurants per square kilometer than anywhere
in Japan. The restaurants serve nothing but the freshest of foods, all
of which are absolutely delicious. If you find yourself in the area, it
is well worth the trip to Shiogama. I have surely been spoiled for life;
it will be hard to find anywhere that compares to the quality of sushi
that I have tasted in so many of the sushi restaurants here. I recommend
trying everything, but especially the maguro. You won't regret it!
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