Miyagi Sightseeing Guide SHIROISHI

　Shiroishi Castle

■Sightseeing Guide

The Shiroishi Castle was completed in 1995 and is a restored resident castle of Lord Katakura, who was one of the vassals of the Date Clan. The castle was accurately reconstructed, based on the architectural style of the original. Very few timber reconstructions of castles are conducted in Japan and it is highly regarded academically. It is said that it will be durable for over a few hundreds years in the future.

○For further information, contact the following:
Telephone No.: 81-224-24-3030(Shiroishi Castle Management Office)
○Web site: http://www.area.city.shiroishi.miyagi.jp/shiroishijo/

Photo data

File name(JPG)： shiroishi_castle.jpg　　 Picture size/350dpi： 3112mm×2130mm
Data size(JPG)：　 5.03MB　　 Inclusion folder(JPG)：　　photo_shiroishi

　Obara Hot Springs

■Sightseeing Guide

The Obara Hot Springs is a calm hot springs, located in a deep valley upstream of Shiroishi River. There are 4 hot spring resorts within 1.5km. The scenery in the seasons for fresh green leaves and tinted leaves is magnificent, with the leaves and the cliff blending in the background. There is a walking trail for approximately 2km starting from a location just across the suspension bridge, going downstream to Hekigyokukei Valley. The hot springs have beneficial effects on eye diseases, gastric ulcers, feminine ailments and bruises.

○For further information, contact the following:
Telephone No.: 81-224-22-1321(Commerce, Industry and Tourism Section,Shiroishi Municipal Office)

Photo data

File name(JPG)： obara_hotspring.jpg　　 Picture size/350dpi： 1619mm×1305mm
Data size(JPG)：　 3.33MB　　 Inclusion folder(JPG)：　　photo_shiroishi

　Kamasaki Hot Springs

■Sightseeing Guide

It is said that the Kamasaki Hot Springs, located in a village on the southern foothills of Mt. Zao, were discovered with the tip of sickle (Kamasaki), by a local inhabitant over 600 years ago. These hot springs are well known since the old times as a representative medicated hot springs area of the Tohoku region to heal injuries. This is the perfect resort for recreation and for medical treatment, getting away from all earthly affairs. There are some self-catering accommodations around and also corner stores selling groceries. These hot springs have beneficial effects on injuries as well as burns, and help to take care of health after surgery, whiplash injuries and bruises.

○For further information, contact the following:
Telephone No.: 81-224-22-1321(Commerce, Industry and Tourism Section, Shiroishi Municipal Office)

Photo data

File name(JPG)： kamasaki_hotspring.jpg　　 Picture size/350dpi： 1611mm×1309mm
Data size(JPG)：　 2.41MB　　 Inclusion folder(JPG)：　　photo_shiroishi

　Mizu-Basho (Iris) Forest

■Sightseeing Guide

The Mizu-Basho (Iris) Forest is located close to the National Minami Zao Youth Camping Ground and is a place where citizens can relax. Roughly 50,000 Mizu-Basho flowers blossom in unison from early spring to early summer.

○For further information, contact the following:
Telephone No.: 81-224-22-1321(Commerce, Industry and Tourism Section, Shiroishi Municipal Office)
○Web site: http://www.city.shiroishi.miyagi.jp/siro_kankoumap/fram_kankou.htm

Photo data

File name(JPG)： mizu_basho.jpg　　 Picture size/350dpi： 3131mm×2102mm
Data size(JPG)：　 6.42MB　　 Inclusion folder(JPG)：　　photo_shiroishi

　Spashland Shiroishi

■Sightseeing Guide

Spashland Shiroishi is a resort facility containing a new totally new sensation utilizing the beautiful nature and affluent resource of hot springs. A variety of hot springs and swimming pools with excellent designs, welcome everyone of all age or gender to relax and to be refreshed to the heart's content.

○For further information, contact the following:
Telephone No.: 81-224-29-2326(Spashland Shiroishi)

Photo data

File name(JPG)： spashland_shiroishi.jpg　　 Picture size/350dpi： 1670mm×1315mm
Data size(JPG)：　 1.70MB　　 Inclusion folder(JPG)：　　photo_shiroishi

　Spashland Park

Photo data

File name(JPG)： spashland_park.jpg　　 Picture size/350dpi： 3104mm×2105mm
Data size(JPG)：　 6.97MB　　 Inclusion folder(JPG)：　　photo_shiroishi

　Zaimokuiwa

■Sightseeing Guide

The "Zaimokuiwa" is designated as a national natural treasure and the view of the magnificent rampart of rock - as if rows and rows of lumber (Zaimoku) are propped against the wall - can be fully enjoyed. On the opposite side of the Shiroishi River, there is a restored residence of a feudal bureaucrat of the　Kimura Clan.

○For further information, contact the following:
Telephone No.: 81-224-22-1321(Commerce, Industry and Tourism Section, Shiroishi Municipal Office)
○Web site: http://www.city.shiroishi.miyagi.jp/siro_kankoumap/fram_kankou.htm

Photo data

File name(JPG)： zaimokuiwa.jpg　　 Picture size/350dpi： 1670mm×1374mm
Data size(JPG)：　 2.70MB　　 Inclusion folder(JPG)：　　photo_shiroishi

　Yaziro Kokeshi Village

■Sightseeing Guide

The site of the Yaziro Kokeshi Village is located in a community of wood turners about a kilometer away from the Kamasaki Hot Springs, which is situated on the southern foothills of the range of Mt. Zao. There is a grass lawn, a studio and a workshop including a circular museum. For a charge, an experience of painting Kokeshi dolls is available.

○For further information, contact the following:
Telephone No.: 81-224-22-1321(Commerce, Industry and Tourism Section, Shiroishi Municipal Office)
○Web site: http://www.city.shiroishi.miyagi.jp/siro_kokesi/top_frame.htm

Photo dataf

File name(JPG)： yaziro_villege.jpg　　 Picture size/350dpi： 3092mm×2075mm
Data size(JPG)：　 5.01MB　　 Inclusion folder(JPG)：　　photo_shiroishi

　Kokeshi Dolls

■Sightseeing Guide

The Kokeshi dolls manufactured by wood turners near hot spring resorts have become popular as a children's toy. The shapes, patterns and colors of inherited "traditional Kokeshi dolls" vary according to the producing districts and are broadly classed into 10 styles.
"The modern Kokeshi" doll of which manufacturing has recently started, is a popular craft work rich with modern creativity.

○For further information, contact the following:
Telephone No.: 81-224-22-1321(Commerce, Industry and Tourism Section, Shiroishi Municipal Office)
○Web site: http://www.city.shiroishi.miyagi.jp/siro_bussan/fram_bussan.htm

Photo data

File name(JPG)： kokeshi.jpg　　 Picture size/350dpi： 3162mm×2241mm
Data size(JPG)：　 5.22MB　　 Inclusion folder(JPG)：　　photo_shiroishi

　Shiroishi Washi Paper

■Sightseeing Guide

Shiroishi Washi Paper is a handmade paper manufactured using an old fashion block, embossed with a pattern and dyed with natural stain, and is strong and fleshy. Demonstration showing the manufacturing of the paper can be observed.

○For further information, contact the following:
Telephone No.: 81-224-26-3333(Shiroishi Washi Paper Workshop)
○Web site: http://www.city.shiroishi.miyagi.jp/siro_bussan/fram_bussan.htm

Photo data

File name(JPG)： japanese_paper.jpg　　 Picture size/350dpi： 3118mm×2150mm
Data size(JPG)：　 4.62MB　　 Inclusion folder(JPG)：　　photo_shiroishi

　Shiroishi Umen Noodle

■Sightseeing Guide

The representing local taste of Shiroishi, the Umen Noodle, is made from flour and saltwater without using any oils. The noodle has a history of 300 years or more, and is a popular health food that is gentle on the stomach and contains high nutritive values.

○For further information, contact the following:
Telephone No.: 81-224-22-1321(Commerce, Industry and Tourism Section, Shiroishi Municipal Office)
○ＵＲＬ：　http://www.city.shiroishi.miyagi.jp/siro_bussan/fram_bussan.htm

Photo data

File name(JPG)： umen_noodle.jpg　　 Picture size/350dpi： 3159mm×2578mm
Data size(JPG)：　 4.23MB　　 Inclusion folder(JPG)：　　photo_shiroishi

　Samurai Residence

■Sightseeing Guide

A Samurai Residence used to be located in the residential area facing the stream of the outer moat of the castle, the Sawabata River. The neighborhood of the residence is the place where the residences of middle-class Samurai were located. Strolling down these charming streets, rich in elegance, is highly recommended.

○For further information, contact the following:
Telephone No.: 81-224-22-1321(Commerce, Industry and Tourism Section, Shiroishi Municipal Office)
○ＵＲＬ： http://www.city.shiroishi.miyagi.jp/bukeyasiki/buke_index.html

Photo data

File name(JPG)： samurai.jpg　　 Picture size/350dpi： 3115mm×2093mm
Data size(JPG)：　 4.63MB　　 Inclusion folder(JPG)：　　photo_shiroishi

　Family Cemetery of Lord Katakura

■Sightseeing Guide

At the Family Cemetery of Lord Katakura, there are 10 bodies of the seated images of Amitabha, modeling the Lord of the castle from the founder of the family line Kagetsune to the 9th generation, as well as the wife of the Lord of the castle of the 7th generation, Sonren. They are surrounded by a paling made of granite facing toward the Shiroishi Castle as if they are watching over it. The sight is literally magnificent. For further information, contact the following:

○For further information, contact the following:
Telephone No.: 81-224-22-1321(Commerce, Industry and Tourism Section, Shiroishi Municipal Office)
○ＵＲＬ： http://www.city.shiroishi.miyagi.jp/bukeyasiki/buke_index.html

Photo data

File name(JPG)： katakura.jpg　　 Picture size/350dpi： 3086mm×2092mm
Data size(JPG)：　 5.12MB　　 Inclusion folder(JPG)：　　photo_shiroishi

　Doll's House

■Sightseeing Guide

At the Doll's House, roughly 2,500 dolls out of the 20,000 collection of the director Koichiro Sato are on display as a permanent exhibition. The museum utilizes a renovated building of a storehouse from the end of the Edo era. The old ceramic dolls of the Tohoku region manufactured from the Edo era to the Showa era, such as the Tsutsumi dolls of Sendai and the Sagara dolls of Yonezawa, are displayed.

○For further information, contact the following:
Telephone No.: 81-224-22-1321(Commerce, Industry and Tourism Section, Shiroishi Municipal Office)

Photo data

File name(JPG)： doll.jpg　　 Picture size/350dpi： 3137mm×4600mm
Data size(JPG)：　 3.16MB　　 Inclusion folder(JPG)：　　photo_shiroishi

　National Contest for Kokeshi Doll Manufacturing

■Sightseeing Guide

The annual National Contest for Kokeshi Doll Manufacturing is a magnificent event taking place from May 3rd to May 5th at the White Cube. In addition to the contest, local products from around the region, including Kokeshi dolls, are distributed here.

○For further information, contact the following:
Telephone No.: 81-224-22-1321(Commerce, Industry and Tourism Section, Shiroishi Municipal Office)

Photo data

File name(JPG)： kokeshi_contest.jpg　　 Picture size/350dpi： 3132mm×2188mm
Data size(JPG)：　 4.74MB　　 Inclusion folder(JPG)：　　photo_shiroishi

　Miyagi Zao Shiroishi Ski Area

■Sightseeing Guide

The Miyagi Zao Shiroishi Ski Area boasts a compact ski slope structure and an excellent quality of snow. Many repeat guests visit the slope from the old days. The new lift tickets and the kid's park are this year's special features. Spend a pleasant day warming both the body and the heart at the reasonably priced restaurant.

○For further information, contact the following:
Telephone No.: 81-224-24-8111(Miyagi Zao Shiroishi Ski Area)
○Web site: http://www.city.shiroishi.miyagi.jp/siro_kankoumap/fram_kankou.htm

Photo data

File name(JPG)： shiroishi_skiarea.jpg　　 Picture size/350dpi： 3096mm×2090mm
Data size(JPG)：　 6.27MB　　 Inclusion folder(JPG)：　　photo_shiroishi

　Shiroishi Municipal Merchant House

■Sightseeing Guide

The Shiroishi Municipal Merchant House utilizes the renovated old merchant house to display materials and to introduce specialty products from the city of Shiroishi. A local product - the Shiroishi Umen Noodle, can be tasted at the restaurant "Yamabuki-tei".

○For further information, contact the following:
Telephone No.: 81-224-25-2322(Yamabuki-tei)

Photo data

File name(JPG)： merchant_house.jpg　　 Picture size/350dpi： 3097mm×2082mm
Data size(JPG)：　 4.57MB　　 Inclusion folder(JPG)：　　photo_shiroishi