5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Tome, Miyagi! Enjoy a Time-Travel Journey!

Tome City is located in the northern part of Miyagi Prefecture, right on the border with Iwate Prefecture. Its catchphrase is “Meiji Village of Miyagi.” Just as this phrase suggests, the city is dotted with various tourist spots rich in history and charm. There are also plenty of attractions where both children and adults can fully enjoy themselves.
Experiences unique to Tome and sights found only here are sure to become unforgettable memories of your trip. It’s a popular destination that draws visitors from all over, thanks to the feeling of being transported back in time to a different era. This time, we’ll introduce some of the best recommended tourist spots in Tome.

1. Chacha World Ishikoshi

The popular tourist spot Chacha World Ishikoshi is an amusement park filled with attractions that even small children can enjoy, making it a place where both kids and adults can have fun. It was created as part of a regional revitalization effort in what was once a satoyama (village mountain area), and has since developed into an amusement park visited by many tourists thanks to its wide variety of attractions.

The "Playland" area features attractions for all age groups. One of the most popular is the Mach Coaster, a thrilling ride through a 250-meter-long forest course with a height difference of 40 meters, complete with a dark tunnel. Since you can control the speed yourself, it’s safe and fun. The "Thriller House" is also a favorite.
There are plenty of attractions for small children too, such as the "Merry-Go-Round" and "Fairy Tale Box", ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. There’s also a 420-meter-long racing circuit. You can ride the “Choo-Choo Train” around the park or enjoy the “Fancy Cycle” area with various types of bicycles. For those who enjoy a slower pace, there are hydrangea and azalea gardens perfect for strolling.

2. Bukeyashiki Shunrantei

One of Tome City’s many preserved samurai residences, Shunrantei is a 400-year-old building formerly known as the Suzuki residence, now open for public viewing. A café has also been set up inside, making it a great place to take a break while sightseeing.

At the Shunrantei café, you can relax around a traditional hearth. The menu features drinks like amazake, coffee, and matcha, all of which suit the atmosphere of the residence. These drinks are often served with traditional Japanese sweets. A specialty here is Shunran Tea, made from the shunran orchid—something you can only try at this location. In spring, tea ceremonies are held in the garden. Don’t miss the beautiful weeping cherry blossoms at the gate of the adjacent Seino Residence.

3. Naganuma Futopia Park

A must-visit spot in Tome is Naganuma Futopia Park, recognizable by its symbolic Dutch windmill. The park’s colorful architecture is rare in Japan and adds to its unique charm. Its long slide is a major attraction, popular among children. With a campsite and boating activities, it’s a favorite spot for visitors of all ages.

The park has play equipment and athletic facilities for full-on physical fun. A highlight is the 111-meter roller slide—an exciting ride. There’s a campground as well, where you can enjoy BBQs with a view of the grand Naganuma landscape. You can also rent bicycles or go canoeing, making it a great place for group fun.
There are hot springs nearby, perfect for a relaxing end to your sightseeing day. Be sure to include Naganuma Futopia Park in your Tome itinerary.

4. Shotaro Ishinomori Memorial Museum

The Shotaro Ishinomori Memorial Museum honors the achievements of manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori, who was born and raised in Nakada-machi, Tome. Known for classics like Cyborg 009 and Kamen Rider, the museum showcases not only his works but also his childhood, early doodles, and the books he read as a child.

At the entrance, there’s a fireplace and a courtyard visible through the glass. To the right is the permanent exhibition, and to the left is the special exhibit room. A charming figure titled “Posting Me” stands at the entrance to the permanent exhibit. The museum features an underground exhibition corner and displays about Ishinomori’s life.
There's a recreated room from the legendary apartment "Tokiwa-so" where he once lived, along with a library of his works. The special exhibit room hosts rotating exhibitions from famous manga artists throughout the year, featuring rare original drawings and signed artwork. Outside, in the “babbling brook,” you can see medaka fish and dragonfly larvae in summer.
Right next to the museum is Ishinomori’s childhood home, which is also open to visitors. The museum is run by members of the “Shotaro Ishinomori Memorial Museum Friends Association,” a group of fans of his work. Be sure to stop by and experience the legacy of this beloved creator.

5. Education Materials Museum

In Tome, you can experience what school lunches were like in the 1950s. The Education Materials Museum is housed in a former elementary school built in 1888 and used until 1973. Though the school was eventually closed, it was preserved and later restored in 1989 for public display. It is now designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan for its valuable Western-style Meiji-era architecture.

The wooden U-shaped building surrounds a courtyard and features Western-style balconies with a nostalgic atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find old-fashioned desks for two, sewing machines, and organs—plus a recreated classroom. The warm, retro interior provides a relaxing and comforting experience.
You can try a 1950s-style school lunch, including whale meat tatsuta-age, curry stew, koppe-pan (bread roll), and bottled milk with Milk-make—all served at authentic two-person desks. You can even attend a mock lesson on Tome’s history given by the "principal." Reservations are required at least one week in advance, so plan accordingly before your visit.

◎ Summary

Each of the tourist spots introduced here is a must-see when visiting Tome. From historical buildings worth preserving for future generations to traditional attractions, the city offers a wealth of experiences. In addition to the sites mentioned above, there are many other historical landmarks and family-friendly attractions to explore. Enjoy the feeling of time-travel in the “Meiji Village of Miyagi”—make sure to visit Tome!