1. Exhibition: Jun Sugimura “Rhythm of the Sea” (Shiogama)
When: 9/18 to 10/28, 10-5PM (closed Mondays) The museum that bears his name is putting on a special exhibition of oil paintings under the theme of “Rhythm of the Sea.” It showcases the sketches of the landscapes and culture of Shiogama and neighboring Matsushima Bay he made starting in the mid-1950s. Combined together with works from our permanent exhibition, we hope that this exhibition can invite you to the creative world of Jun Sugimura.
Admission: 500 yen
Where: Shiogama Sugimura Jun Museum of Art
Access: 10 min. walk from Hon-Shiogama Station on the JR Senseki Line Details (EN): http://sugimurajun.shiomo.jp/archives/4398
2. Michinoku Yosakoi Festival
When: Oct. 6, 7 from 9-8PM
Have you ever seen Yosakoi? It's a modern group dance performance where a traditional song is reimagined with flash costumes, giant flags and lots of energy.
Where: Shimin Hiroba in Kotodai Park; on Jozenji Street, by JR Nagamachi Station West Exit and more
Cost: Free!
Details (JP): http://michinoku-yosakoi.net/
3. Sanma Festival (Kesennuma)
- When: October 6, 7
- Sanma (Pacific Saury) is a small silver fish and the Sanriku region is known for its big hauls.
Come enjoy this taste of fall with free grills, live music and stage performances and a fun festive atmosphere.
Admission: Free!
Access
- Train: take Shinkansen to Ichinoseki Station (一ノ関駅). Transfer to Ofunato Line (大船渡線) and take until Kesennuma Station. Transfer to BRT bus to Rikuzen Hashikami Station (陸前階上駅). From there walk 20 min.
- Bus: Miyagi Kotsu has several buses/day to Kesennuma Station (one bound for Ofunato and another for Minamisanriku and Kesennuma) from Sendai Station #40 or in front of the Prefectural Offices. 2000 yen/each way, buy tickets on the bus.
Details (JP): https://sanmafes.com/
4. Zuihoden Mausoleum Special Opening
When: 10/6 to 10/21
Zuihoden, the ornate mausoleum for the first 3 Date family rulers of Sendai, will be having a special opening period. Peek inside beyond the giant doors as you pay your respects to Date Masamune and his descendants.
Access: Walk from downtown Sendai. Alternatively, nearest subway stations are Itsutsubashi or Omachi Nishi-Koen. There is direct bus access from Sendai Station and the Loople stops here.
Details (JP): https://www.zuihoden.com/autumn/712
5. "Oni" (Devil) Kojuro Katakura Samurai Festival (Shiroishi)
When: 10/6 10-3PM
In 1615 the Katakura and Sanada forces waged a fierce battle outside Osaka Castle. Relive that battle with armed samurai warriors, flying ninjas and more at Shiroishi Castle. Kojuro Katakura was a vassal of Date Masamune who became the ruler of Shiroishi. Shiroishi City in southern Miyagi Prefecture is easy to get to by local or bullet train. Events include an impressive samurai battle with period matchlock guns and swords, a Japanese swordsmanship demonstration, hands-on armor experiences and more.
Where: Shiroishi Castle
Map: Shiroishi Castle https://goo.gl/maps/yx18DQzhGzR2
Access:
Limited parking is available but roads will be crowded so public transit is recommended
From Sendai take the JR Tohoku Line to Shiroishi Station then walk 10 min.
From Zao-Shiroishi Station (shinkansen), 5 minute taxi ride (750 yen)
Details (JP): http://onikojuro.jp/
6. Ocean Melodies: An Afternoon Concert with the Cello and Reed Organ (Shiogama)
When: 10/8 2-3PM (Holiday)
Yasue Matsuo on the reed organ and Miyuki Myochin on the cello offer an ocean-themed afternoon of music.
Admission: Adults: 1,000 yen (tea and cake included)
Reservation required: https://goo.gl/forms/atXfB1TS4teojRlb2
Where: Shiogama Sugimura Jun Museum of Art
Access: 10 min. walk from Hon-Shiogama Station on the JR Senseki Line
Details (EN): http://sugimurajun.shiomo.jp/archives/4556
6. Noh Theater at Zuihoden
When: 10/14 from 2-3:30PM
Noh theater as it was meant to be seen at this temple in the woods. Gather around the stage surrounded by towering trees and see the mysterious and fascinating world of Noh theater. Admission is included in your ticket price (note, cancelled in case of rain).
Where: Zuihoden Temple
Access: Walk from downtown Sendai. Alternatively, nearest subway stations are Itsutsubashi or Omachi Nishi-Koen. There is direct bus access from Sendai Station and the Loople stops here.
7. Model Drawing with Coffee and Dessert (Shiogama)
When: 10/14, 2-4:30PM
Come to the Sugimura Jun Museum of Art to draw figure models on paper while enjoying delicious coffee and sweets. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, feel free to join in!
What to bring: Pencil or pen, eraser, sketchbook, and sharpener (B-marked pencils recommended). Large sketchbooks with a thick backboard are recommended if you would like to remain standing while you draw. (Drawing boards not provided)
Where: Shiogama Sugimura Jun Museum of Art
Fee: 2000 yen (An afternoon snack of tea and cake is included)
Reservations required link
Access: 10 min. walk from Hon-Shiogama Station on the JR Senseki Line
Details (EN): http://sugimurajun.shiomo.jp/archives/4393
8. Akiu Night Museum (Fall Light Up)
When: 10/20 to 11/14, 5-9PM (last entry 8:30)
Head to Akiu in western Sendai to enjoy the autumn leaves at night in this Japanese garden park. Highlights include trees surrounding small ponds, a 5 story pagoda and a free onsen footbath. It won a 2017 Darc Award for lighting design.
Location: Castle Tower Nature Park (天守閣自然公園) , Akiu
Access: JR Bus from Sendai Station #8 (30 min) or Miyagi Kotsu local bus also from Sendai Station #8 (50 min., pay onboard)
Admission: Adult 450 yen
Details (JP): http://akiu-sizen.co.jp/lightup/contents.html
9. Akiu Rairaikyo Gorge Light Up
When: 10/20 to 11/14, 5-7:30PM
Akiu has a second light-up event centered around the scenic Rairaikyo gorge. As a bonus enjoy hot drinks and a foot bath.
Location: Akiu Sato Center (秋保・里センター) , Sendai
Access: JR Bus from Sendai Station #8 (30 min) or Miyagi Kotsu local bus also from Sendai Station #8 (50 min., pay onboard)
Admission: Free
Details (JP): https://akiusato.jp/event/event_meisai.aspx?id=66
10. Matsushima Fall Light Up (Matsushima)
When: 10/27 (Sat.) to 11/25 (Sun.) 5:30 to 9PM
Matsushima’s beauty changes with the seasons. Starting in late October, the leaves will turn to brilliant yellows, reds and oranges. To celebrate the changing of the seasons, key fall color viewing spots will be specially illuminated at night, including Entsuin Temple, the Zuiganji Temple caves, Kanrantei Tea House and more. The two sightseeing boat companies will also offer evening cruises. A number of local restaurants will also have evening hours and there are food trucks in Central Park next to the pier.
Where: Entsuin Temple, caves by Zuiganji Temple, Kanrantei Tea House, Sightseeing boats and more!
- Admission
- Entsuin Temple: 500 yen
- Kanrantei Tea House: 500 yen (includes tea and a dessert) (open 4-7:30PM on 10/27, 11/2, 11/3, 11/9, 11/10, 11/16, 11/17, 11/22, 11/23, 11/24, 11/25)
- Matsushima Bay Light Up Cruise (Marubun Matsushima): Fri., Sat., Sun., holiday from 5-5:40PM, 1000 yen link
- Matsushima Sunset Cruise (Shimameguri Co.), varies based on sunset, Fri., Sat., Sun., holiday 1500 yen
- Matsushima onsen footbath: free. Open Fri., Sat., Sun., holidays from 5-8:30PM
Access: from Sendai Station take JR Senseki Line (Platform 10) to Matsushimakaigan Sta. 5 min. walk to Entsuin Temple.
11. Autumn Riverboat Cruise (Marumori)
When: 9/1- 11/30, 9-3:30PM (weekends)
Take a scenic boat ride down the Abukuma River. Lunchtime boats (11:30 and 1) feature an imoni stew lunch, which is popular in Tohoku in the fall.
Where: Abukuma Line Boat Pier (阿武隈ライン舟下り 乗船場)
Access: 20 min. walk from Marumori Station on Abukuma Express Line
Details (JP): http://marumori.jp/spot/funakudari/