Shibata Town is located in the southern part of Miyagi Prefecture. Historically, it is known as a town associated with the Date Domain, which had its domain office in present-day Sendai City. With deep historical ties to the Date Domain, whose headquarters were in today's Sendai City, and surrounded by abundant nature, Shibata Town offers many attractive sightseeing spots.
From must-see cherry blossom viewing spots that are famous nationwide, to open spaces perfect for walking or picnicking in nature, cafés where you can relax and enjoy the scenery, and shops selling traditional sweets that were said to be favorites of the feudal lords of the Date clan—Shibata Town brings together unique attractions you can’t usually experience elsewhere. It even gained attention as a filming location for the movie My Love Story!!. We’ll introduce tourist spots that are sure to make you want to visit!
1. Hitome Senbonzakura on the Shiroishi River Embankment
A staple sightseeing spot in Shibata Town tourism is “Hitome Senbonzakura on the Shiroishi River Embankment.” Stretching from the neighboring town of Ōgawara to Shibata Town, this cherry blossom-lined path with approximately 1,200 trees is a renowned spot for sakura viewing. Selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites, the 8-kilometer stretch of cherry blossoms is sure to leave a lasting impression! Every spring, many tourists visit to catch a glimpse of Shibata Town’s iconic attraction.
One of the best viewpoints is from the Sakura Pedestrian Bridge over the Shiroishi River, near the north exit of JR Funaoka Station. Walking downstream from the Sakura Pedestrian Bridge, you’ll encounter a giant cherry tree with one of the thickest branches among Somei Yoshino varieties in Japan. During the “Shibata Sakura Festival” held in the sakura season, nighttime illuminations and events take place, so be sure to time your visit accordingly.
Name: Hitome Senbonzakura on the Shiroishi River Embankment
Address: Shinsei-cho, Funaoka, Shibata Town, Shibata District, Miyagi Prefecture (Sakura Pedestrian Bridge)
Official/Related Website URL: https://www.town.ogawara.miyagi.jp/2820.htm
2. Shibata Town Taiyō no Mura (Sun Village)
A perfect spot for families visiting Shibata Town is “Shibata Town Sun Village.” Set in the vast natural surroundings of Shibata, it’s an ideal place to enjoy picnics, play with children, or go birdwatching. This is a nature retreat village where you can spend a relaxed and carefree time.
In the outdoor plaza covered in grass, there’s a fluffy dome trampoline that kids will love. The adjacent “Chōmin Ikoi no Mori” (Residents' Relaxation Forest) features a roughly 3-kilometer walking trail, making it great for hiking. You might even encounter wild animals such as birds, squirrels, and rabbits!
Inside the facility, there is a restaurant and a space selling local specialty products, perfect for souvenir shopping. The restaurant serves dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. One popular dish is ramen made with “zeitaku miso” produced in Shibata Town. After working up a sweat and playing to your heart’s content, why not enjoy a meal while taking in the scenic beauty?
Name: Shibata Town Sun Village
Address: 4-1 Ueno, Honfunaoka aza, Shibata Town, Shibata District, Miyagi Prefecture
Official/Related Website URL: https://www.skbk.or.jp/taiyo/
3. Zatto Mukashi
If you’re exploring Shibata Town and need a little break, step into the antique-style tea house “Zatto Mukashi.” It’s a two-story standalone building with a Japanese aesthetic that also carries a touch of modern flair. As the name suggests, the tea house also sells old-fashioned knick-knacks and curios.
Conveniently located just a short walk from JR Funaoka Station, it's very popular during sakura season due to its proximity to the cherry blossom-lined Shiroishi River. From the window seats, you can enjoy views of the cherry blossoms.
The menu is simple—mainly sweets and drinks. You can try dumplings that fit the cherry blossom atmosphere or regional specialties like yubeshi. After enjoying the cherry blossoms outside, you can continue appreciating them indoors. It’s a spot where such a little luxury becomes reality.
Name: Zatto Mukashi
Address: 1-3-6 Dotenai, Funaoka, Shibata Town, Shibata District, Miyagi Prefecture
4. Senkaen Shibata Branch
Looking for a tourist souvenir in Shibata Town? Why not try “Senkaen”? This Japanese sweets shop has its main store in Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, and was established in the 7th year of the Tenpō era, making it a long-standing shop. They offer not only traditional Japanese sweets but also Western-style treats tailored to younger tastes.
A must-try specialty of Senkaen is the Ashigaru Manju. Said to have been favored by members of the Date clan during the era of alternate attendance (sankin kōtai), this traditional steamed bun features red bean paste wrapped in dough made with a special sauce. Loved by locals in Shibata, the name Ashigaru Manju (Light-Footed Bun) comes from the tale that eating it made tired feet feel lighter. It’s a historical souvenir perfect for anyone interested in Japan’s feudal era.
Name: Senkaen
Address: 10-12 Shinsakae, Funaoka, Shibata Town, Shibata District, Miyagi Prefecture
5. Funaoka Castle Ruins Park
Shibata Town is full of cherry blossom spots, and “Funaoka Castle Ruins Park” is no exception. This beautiful park was developed on the site of a former castle belonging to the Shibata clan, retainers of the Date family, and is home to over 1,000 cherry trees. The park sits on a small 136-meter-high mountain, offering scenic views as you ascend from base to summit.
At the summit, you’ll find the 24-meter-tall Funaoka Heiwa Kannon (Peace Goddess Statue), a popular photo spot whose white form contrasts beautifully with the blue sky. From this vantage point, you can see not only the cherry blossoms in the park but also the Hitome Senbonzakura stretching from Shibata Town to Ōgawara Town. It feels like a special treat to see two famous cherry blossom spots at once!
The park is also known for its cluster amaryllis (manjushage) in the fall, painting the area in vivid red. Inside the park is the “Tourism & Specialty Exchange Center Sakura no Sato,” where you can find vegetables, sweets, and sake produced in Shibata Town—worth a stop while you're there!
Name: Funaoka Castle Ruins Park
Address: 95-1 Tateyama, Funaoka aza, Shibata Town, Shibata District, Miyagi Prefecture
Official/Related Website URL: https://www.town.shibata.miyagi.jp/index.cfm/78 ,26972,151,html
◎ Summary
Surrounded by nature, Shibata Town is full of spacious, refreshing sightseeing spots. Particularly well known for cherry blossoms, those hoping to catch them in full bloom should carefully plan their visit dates. With its scenic beauty, opportunities for picnics and hiking in nature, and relatively low costs for travelers, Shibata is an ideal sightseeing destination.
The town’s wide-open attractions are great for families with young children. After enjoying the outdoors, relax with a meal made from local ingredients, savor some sweets, or go on a leisurely hunt for souvenirs—and enjoy a fulfilling and peaceful sightseeing experience in Shibata Town!