It has been announced the name of Japanese new period by the government just 3 days ago.
The name is "Reiwa", it means order and harmony.
The current 125th Emperor Akihito will resign from his position and hands over to his eldest son "Naruhito" on the coming 1st May.
Emperor Akihito
Coming Emperor Naruhito
When the Akihito has been appointed as the Emperor almost 30 years ago, the period named "Heisei".
"Heisei" derives from Chinese historical book, meaning "when the inside is calm, the outside will be completed", but this time "Reiwa" derives from "Man yo shu" anthology of Japanese poetry.
The first emperor of Japan "Jimmu".
The system of Japanese era name was started in the year 645 with the name of "Taika". Since then, the time of Japan is connected always to the Emperor.
Miyagi and Tohoku are famous with its hot springs.
Majority of hot springs are located in the Ou mountain range, however in Minami Sanriku where is sea side they have escavated 2,000m depth from the ground with recent technology to strike spring water vein.
You can watch friendly seagulls flying over hot spring forgetting busy time and relaxing with them.
Endless Onsen terrace toward the ocean. Incredible rich experience.
Try to be early bird for the rising sun from the horizon which is superb view.
Open air onsen and 4 large baths and sauna are available.
Enjoy blue ocean, green islands, panorama to the ocean of soft sun light.
Rocky cave for ladies.
Japanese taste green for mens. Feel ocean breeze, listen to the sounds of waves.
This is Minami Sanriku Onsen. 2 hours from Sendai by free shuttle bus.
Last Sunday it has been taken place of Girls’ Festival or Hinamatsuri in all over Japan.
Dolls displayed at Minami Sanriku Hotel KANYO.
It is a Japanese tradition to pray healthy growth of girls, by decorationg dolls with flowers of peach and donating tiny rice balls and rhombus-shaped colourful rice cakes.
Rice Balls
It is 3rd March every year. Origin of Himamatsuri may derive from Kyoto of about 1,000 years ago, but it is spread to all of Japan in Edo period 400 years ago.
In Tohoku it is a little bit different from other area of Japan. We hang dolls from the ceiling. This is “Kazaribina” or hanging dolls of Senmaya district of Ichinoseki City in Iwate.
They donate and decolate also Sake which is important for Senmaya area.
Only 1 hour drive to Semmaya from Shizugawa to experience authentic Japanese festival.
Sergio
“Matsushima” is composed by 260 islets in and around Matsushima Bay from Shiogama to Okumatsushima, including surrounding hills. It is one of the three most famous tourist spots of Japan with “Miyajima” in Hiroshima and “Amanohashidate” in Kyoto.
Matsushima was always a stage of history in Tohoku.
Jomon people has started to settle down in this area as the “center of Japan” some 10,000 years ago.
Clan Date Masamune constructed “Moon Observation Palace” 400 years ago.
Famous poet Matsuo Basho also has arrived to Matsushima during his tour “Narrow Road to the Deep North” 330 years ago.
There are operating several courses of cruisers, you may enjoy the boat trip.
Cruising with seagull
Matsushima drawn by Utagawa Hiroshige, 160 years ago
Senganjima
Sagakei
Misagojima
Meganejima
Kanejima
Kaerujima
Godaido
Matsushima is on the way from Hotel Kanyo to Sendai, 50 minutes drive from Hotel Kanyo.
The Sanriku Expressway is the most important road to access to Sanriku region by car.
It starts from Sendai Ko Kita (Sendai Port North) and ends at Miyako in Iwate Prefecture, many portions are completed, and remaining portions will be completed in 2020 at the Olympic year.
The highway toll is payable between Sendai and Naruse, but it is free from Naruse to northward.
Service Area of Kasuga for brake.
It was open the first portion between Matsushima-Osato and Matsushima-Kita (North) in 1982, 35 years ago. Then, connected to Monou-Tsuyama in 2007.
Monou Tsuyama is the most convenient exit to come to Hotel Kanyo.
There is the Road Station “Moku Moku Land” where are available local foods and wooden works.
Dog run available at Mitakido Exit
It is connected to Utatsu from Sendai so far, but it will be open from Utatsu to Koizumi Kaigan and from Motoyoshi to Oya Kaigan on 16 February, it means it will become more convenient to go to Kesennuma from Minami Sanriku. Thanks to these new portions, you may go to Kesennuma in less than 1 hour by car.
Kesennuma Chuo Exit
Hope to be more convenient to travel in Sanriku region in the future.
Sergio