20 Mountains in Miyagi worth your time

A cluster of seven volcanic peaks in Miyagi offering a challenging hiking trail steeped in local legends and samurai history.

What it is

• A collective group of seven Neogene volcanoes formed approximately 2.5 million years ago.
• The highest peak is Sasakurayama which stands at 507 meters above sea level.
• Legend says the mountains were created by the mythical figure Asahina Saburo.
• The area served as a deer hunting ground for the daimyo Date Masamune.

What to see

• The Nanatsumori Nature Trail provides a maintained route through the mountain range.
• Seven individual mountain shrines dedicated to Yakushi are located across the peaks.
• Geological laccolith formations composed of old andesite rock are visible throughout the area.
• Climbers who complete all seven peaks can receive an official climbing record certificate.

When to go

• The Omori Yakushi Nyorai Festival takes place annually on May 8.
• Visitors can attempt the Seven Yakushi Gake shrine pilgrimage in a single day.

Read more about Nanatsumori

A mountain burial site for the legendary warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune featuring a pagoda, monuments, and a historic cherry tree.

What it is

• A mountain in Kurihara City believed to be the burial site of Minamoto no Yoshitsune's torso.
• The site is associated with local legends of the warrior escaping to the north.
• Local lore states that Numakura Kojiro Takatsugu buried the body at this location.

What to see

• A five-story pagoda marking the specific burial site of the warrior's torso.
• A stone monument at the summit dedicated to Yoshitsune.
• The Yoshitsune Whip Cherry tree growing at the foot of the mountain.
• Benkeimori, a rocky area located directly above the mountain site.
• A monument for writing brushes at the former Kurikoma Elementary School.

Getting there

• The site is a forty-minute drive from Kurikoma-Kogen Station.
• A farm road behind the JA Kurikko Kurikoma branch leads to the mountain.
• The mountain is a one-hour drive from Hiraizumi Town.

Read more about Hanganmori

A 429-meter peak in the Abukuma Highlands offering Pacific Ocean views and a summit shrine on the Fukushima-Miyagi border.

What it is

• A 429.3-meter mountain spanning the border of Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures.
• Part of the Abukuma Highlands and one of the 100 Mountains of Fukushima.
• Home to the Karo Shrine located at the summit.
• Selected as one of the 100 Green Landscapes of Fukushima.

What to see

• Panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from the mountain heights.
• The Karo Shrine situated at the peak of the mountain.
• The Ukon Shimizu spring, a designated famous water source nearby.
• Six main trailheads available for climbing to the summit.

When to go

• New Year's Day for the annual mountain opening ceremony.
• Avoid the Mayumi Shimizu course which is currently closed due to typhoon damage.

Getting there

• A 15-minute drive from Shinchi Station to reach the area.

Read more about Mount Karō

A 1,175-meter conical volcano in Sendai offering five climbing routes, seasonal flowers, and active ski resorts for outdoor enthusiasts.

What it is

• A 1,175-meter-high conical volcano located within the Funagata mountain range in Sendai.
• A vital water source for the Sendai Plain formed during the Quaternary period.
• The summit area has been managed as Sendai city property since 2006.
• Historically served as a site for rainmaking rituals until the year 1933.

What to see

• Five main climbing routes that lead visitors to the mountain summit.
• Native wildlife including Japanese serows, Japanese dormice, and black bears.
• Two active ski resorts located on the mountain slopes.
• A hot spring and camping facility that opened in July 2022.

When to go

• Mid to late April to see the blooming Mizubasho flowers.

Getting there

• Buses run from Izumi-Chuo Station to the Izumitake Nature Center.

Read more about Izumigatake

A 106-meter peak on Miyato Island offering panoramic views of Matsushima Bay and the surrounding mountain ranges.

What it is

• The highest mountain on Miyato Island at an elevation of 106 meters
• One of the four famous Matsushima Shidakan viewing points
• A scenic destination overlooking the Urato Islands and Matsushima Bay

What to see

• A monument dedicated to Doi Bansui located at the summit
• The Omoriyama climbing monument situated at the main trailhead
• Views of Mount Zao and Mount Kurikoma during clear weather
• Panoramic vistas of the bay from the top of the fifteen-minute trail

When to go

• Sightseeing boats operate to the area between April and October

Getting there

• Ten minutes by car from Nobiru Station to the site
• Fifteen minutes to walk the main trail to the summit
• East climbing route provides access for visitors traveling by bicycle

Read more about Ōtaka-mori

A 223-meter peak in Miyagi featuring a nature park, hot springs, and extensive cherry blossom groves for outdoor relaxation.

What it is

• A 223.2-meter mountain peak located within the Nonodake Hills of Osaki City.
• A recreational site featuring a nature park and a park golf course.
• The location of a digital television relay station and Osaki FM transmitter.
• Home to the Kagobo Onsen Sakura-no-yu hot spring facility.

What to see

• One thousand cherry trees that bloom across the mountain slopes.
• A nature park with views from the 223-meter elevation.
• A park golf course available for a seven hundred yen adult fee.
• The Wakuya digital relay station and broadcasting equipment.

When to go

• Mid to late April to see the one thousand cherry trees in bloom.
• Between 10 AM and 10 PM to visit the hot spring facility.
• Avoid Mondays during the winter season when the nature park is closed.

Read more about Mount Kagobō

A 512-meter peak in Sanriku Fukko National Park featuring historic temple ruins and panoramic views of the Sanriku Coast.

What it is

• A 512-meter mountain located within the Sanriku Fukko National Park.
• Site of the former Jakkoji Temple established by Fujiwara no Hidehira.
• Historical location where the monk Mankai Shonin entered to become a mummy.
• A religious site where excavations have uncovered multiple ancient sutra mounds.

What to see

• Panoramic views of the Sanriku Coast from the mountain peak.
• Fifty thousand azaleas that bloom across the landscape.
• Arasawa Fudoson which enshrines a statue attributed to Jikaku Daishi.
• The Hinokuchi area where monks historically lit torches for entry.
• Remains of seventy temple buildings and monk quarters built by the Fujiwara clan.

When to go

• Visit during May to see the fifty thousand azaleas in bloom.

Read more about Mount Tatsugane

A 711-meter mountain in Kesennuma famous for 500,000 wild azaleas blooming across fifty hectares of scenic slopes.

What it is

• A mountain standing 711 meters tall in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture.
• One of Japan's premier spots for wild azaleas covering fifty hectares.
• A natural site featuring two primary species called Yamatsutsuji and Renge-tsutsuji.

What to see

• Approximately 500,000 azalea bushes blooming in vibrant colors across the mountain.
• The first observatory located a 15-minute walk from the northern trailhead.
• A dedicated path called Tsutsuji Kaido that leads hikers to the mountain summit.
• Panoramic views from the peak after a 40-minute hike from either side.
• The ridge course and work road course available on the southern Motoyoshi side.

When to go

• Visit from mid-May to early June to see the azaleas in full bloom.

Read more about Mount Tokusenjō

A sacred island and national park featuring a historic shrine, wild deer, and monkeys off the coast of Ishinomaki.

What it is

• A holy island in the Pacific Ocean with a circumference of twenty-six kilometers
• One of the three holy sites of Oshu and part of Sanriku Fukko National Park
• Home to Koganeyama Shrine and a small population of five Shinto priests
• A protected habitat for wild deer and monkeys living across the island

What to see

• The Koganeyama Shrine complex located on the island slopes
• A historic lighthouse first lit in 1876
• The highest peak on the island reaching 444.9 meters
• The shrine reception hall which serves as the only local lodging

When to go

• October for the annual deer antler cutting ceremony

Getting there

• Ferries connect the island to Onagawa Port and Ayukawa Port

Read more about Kinkasan

A historic hilltop park and shrine offering panoramic coastal views, famous for cherry blossoms and its role as a tsunami refuge.

What it is

• A fifty-six meter high mountain located west of the Kitakami River mouth.
• The former site of Ishinomaki Castle built by Kasai Kiyoshige.
• A public park and home to the Kashima Miko Shrine at the summit.
• A historic lookout where sailors once observed the weather before setting sail.

What to see

• Kashima Miko Shrine stands at the highest point of the mountain.
• Statues of the famous poet Matsuo Basho and his companion Sora.
• A six meter tall torii gate that was rebuilt in 2021.
• Views overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Oshika Peninsula.
• Extensive groves of cherry blossom trees throughout the park grounds.

When to go

• Spring is the most popular time to visit for the cherry blossom season.

Read more about Mount Hiyori

The highest peak in Miyagi Prefecture, offering alpine wetlands and a challenging traverse across the scenic Zao Mountain Range.

What it is

• The highest mountain peak in Miyagi Prefecture standing at 1825 meters.
• The second highest peak within the Zao Mountain Range.
• A mountain featuring a steep eastern slope and gentle western terrain.
• A destination located between Zao Town and Shichikashuku Town.

What to see

• Shibakusadaira, a high-altitude wetland located on the western side.
• Blooming cotton grass and Aleutian avens in the wetland area.
• Views of the snow-covered peak visible from Sendai City.
• The South Zao Traverse Course trail starting from Katta Pass.
• A climbing route that passes through Mount Fubo and Mount Mizuhiki.

Getting there

• Access the South Zao Traverse Course starting from Katta Pass.

Read more about Byōbu Dake

A historic hill featuring Sendai Castle ruins, a protected virgin forest, and panoramic views over the Hirose River.

What it is

• A 202-meter hill containing the ruins of Sendai Castle and university campuses.
• The site served as a military training ground until the end of World War II.
• The name originates from a temple moved to this location in 1602.
• Aoba-yama Park now encompasses the area, including the Sendai City Museum.

What to see

• The ruins of Sendai Castle situated on the hilltop.
• A national natural monument consisting of a protected virgin forest.
• The Hirose River flowing along the northern and eastern sides of the hill.
• The Tatsunokuchi Gorge which separates the mountain from nearby Yagiyama.

Getting there

• Access the area via Aoba-yama Station on the Sendai Subway Tozai Line.

Read more about Mount Aoba (Sendai)

A 553-meter peak known as Kami Fuji, offering a manageable hike, cherry blossoms, and nearby hot springs in Miyagi Prefecture.

What it is

• A 553-meter mountain located within the Funagata Renpo Prefectural Natural Park.
• Known locally as Kami Fuji due to its distinctive shape.
• Recognized as one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Tohoku.
• A recreation area featuring a ski resort and a golf club at its base.

What to see

• A 1.5 kilometer hiking trail leading to the mountain summit.
• A staircase consisting of 706 steps during the ascent.
• Approximately 300 Somei Yoshino cherry trees planted in the area.
• Panoramic views from the peak after a 40 to 45 minute climb.
• The nearby Yakurai Yakushi-no-Yu hot spring facility.

Getting there

• Located a 25-minute drive from Nishifurukawa Station.

Read more about Mount Yakurai

A 45-meter hill featuring an observation deck that offers panoramic views over central Matsushima and the surrounding bay area.

What it is

• A mountain standing 45 meters high in the town of Matsushima.
• The name originates from the Toyama viewpoint of the local area.
• A site overlooking the central district of the town.

What to see

• An observation deck installed at the top of the mountain.
• A monument dedicated to the poet Edmund Blunden along the ridge.
• Panoramic views of the central Matsushima area from the summit.
• A steep and narrow paved road leading to the peak.

Getting there

• Situated between Matsushima-Kaigan Station and Matsushima Station.
• Located within walking distance of the Godaido Temple.
• Accessible by a steep road with no parking for private cars.

Read more about Mount Shintomi

A three-peaked mountain in Sendai featuring a historic Zen temple and a summit hall with sacred statues.

What it is

• A mountain consisting of three separate peaks located in western Sendai City.
• A designated Miyagi Prefecture Greenery Conservation Area and part of the Sendai Greenery Top 100.
• The site of Daibaiji Temple, founded by Zen master Un'go Kiyo during the Edo period.
• A natural boundary marker between the Aoba and Taihaku wards.

What to see

• The eastern peak which stands at an elevation of 356 meters.
• The central peak called Naraibanzan reaching a height of 373 meters.
• The western peak known as Jataibanzan at 366 meters tall.
• Daibaiji Temple situated at the foot of the mountain.
• The Kaizando hall at the summit which enshrines three statues.

Read more about Banzan

A 120-meter mountain in Sendai featuring ancestral samurai graves, ancient cave tombs, and a dedicated wild grass garden.

What it is

• A 120-meter mountain in Sendai formerly known as Noguchi-yama or Mogasaki.
• Site of the ancestral graves belonging to the powerful Date clan.
• Home to the Sendai City Wild Grass Garden which opened in 1954.
• Location of a large Obaku Zen temple founded in the year 1697.

What to see

• Several groups of ancient horizontal cave tombs built into the mountain.
• Three television towers on the peak that feature award-winning landscape lighting.
• The Sendai City Wild Grass Garden containing various local plant species.
• Historical site of the medieval Mogasaki Castle.
• Tohoku Institute of Technology Nagamachi Campus located on the southwest slope.

Read more about Mount Dainenji

An active volcanic caldera in Miyagi featuring a highly acidic crater lake, lava domes, and scenic hiking trails.

What it is

• An active volcano located within the Kurikoma Quasi-National Park.
• A seven kilometer wide caldera consisting of several lava domes.
• Site of historical eruptions recorded as early as the year 837.
• Home to the ancient Yunoiishi and Yuno shrines mentioned in historical records.

What to see

• Katanuma, a crater lake measuring four hundred meters in diameter.
• Active fumaroles emitting volcanic gases around Katanuma and Toyagamori.
• Ogadake, the highest peak of the volcano reaching 470.3 meters.
• Maintained hiking trails on the Kurumigatake and Nakanodake peaks.
• Remains of a sulfur refinery located on the north shore of Katanuma.

Read more about Naruko

A 239-meter peak in Kesennuma offering panoramic city views and a chance to spot protected Japanese serows in the wild.

What it is

• A 239-meter mountain located in Kesennuma City within Miyagi Prefecture
• Home to Anba Mountain Park situated near the summit of the peak
• A habitat for the Japanese serow which is a national natural monument
• A site where comedians Sandwichman sought safety during the 2011 earthquake

What to see

• Panoramic views of the city from the mountain summit
• Wild Japanese serows living on the mountain slopes
• A forest road that reaches an elevation of 130 meters
• The site of a former analog television relay station

When to go

• Visit on New Year's Day for the popular first sunrise viewing

Read more about Mount Anba

A twin-peak stratovolcano in the North Zao range featuring gentle slopes and views of a dam and ski resort.

What it is

• A Quaternary stratovolcano located on the border of Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures.
• A twin peak consisting of Mount Gando and the 1486-meter South Mount Gando.
• An ancient volcano in the North Zao range formed approximately 400,000 years ago.
• A mountain situated south of Sasaya Pass featuring gentle volcanic slopes.

What to see

• The gentle volcanic slopes known as Happodaira and Hatchodaira near the peak.
• St. Mary's Ski Resort located on the eastern foot of the mountain.
• Zao Dam situated at the western base of the volcano.
• Views of the surrounding North Zao mountain range from the summit.

Read more about Mount Gando

A 561-meter mountain featuring a historic Edo-period pass once used for Shogun processions and local trade routes.

What it is

• A mountain standing 561 meters high in Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture.
• Site of the Hachimori Pass used for sankin-kotai processions during the Edo period.
• A former transport route for local goods like Shiroishi Umen noodles and paper.
• The historic path now serves as the Shiroishi City Road Hachimori Line.

What to see

• A stone monument dedicated to a mountain god located near the summit.
• Views overlooking the Shiroishi Basin from the 450-meter high pass.
• Unpaved forest roads that lead visitors to the top of the mountain.
• Power lines running along the ridge of the mountain landscape.

Read more about Mount Hachimori