7 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Shiroishi City, Miyagi — A Place of History and Rich Nature

Shiroishi City in Miyagi Prefecture is a town blessed with abundant nature, lying at the foot of the Zao Mountain Range. It is home to many scenic spots rich in nature and hot spring towns where visitors can relax and unwind.
The city also preserves its castle-town streets, traditional crafts like Yajiro Kokeshi dolls, and historic sites tied to old legends, allowing visitors to feel the weight of history. With so many highlights, it’s no wonder that Shiroishi attracts many repeat visitors who wish to come back again and again.
Here, we introduce some of the best sightseeing spots in Shiroishi City. Enjoy a leisurely time exploring the sights of this charming city.

1. Miyagi Zao Fox Village

About a 20-minute drive from Shiroishi Station, Miyagi Zao Fox Village is one of Shiroishi’s most popular attractions. Set in a natural environment, over 100 foxes roam freely here, making it a rare place where visitors can interact closely with them.
This is Japan’s only fox-dedicated zoo, home to a variety of fox species. In addition to the familiar red fox, you can also see rarer kinds like the silver fox, blue fox, platinum fox, shadow fox, and cross fox—six types in total. The village also keeps other animals such as rabbits and ponies, which visitors can touch and feed, making it an irresistible destination for animal lovers.
Located in the forest, the foxes live in a near-wild state, offering a unique opportunity to observe their natural behavior—something you can’t experience in most other zoos. The village also has a dedicated feeding area where you can give food to foxes gathered below, a sight that is both adorable and lively.
The souvenir shop sells many original fox-themed goods like cookies and keychains—perfect mementos of your visit. However, as the foxes can sometimes be mischievous, children must be supervised at all times. For safety reasons, one guardian is required for each child, and admission is not permitted if a single adult is bringing two or more children.

2. Shiroishi Castle

Located in the heart of Shiroishi City, Shiroishi Castle is a hilltop-style castle that offers different scenic views throughout the seasons.
In spring, about 400 cherry trees bloom in Masuoka Park, which surrounds the castle, creating a stunning contrast between the blossoms and the castle. The peak bloom is around mid-April, when the sight of the castle rising amidst the flowers becomes almost magical. In summer, you can view the fireworks of the Shiroishi Summer Festival from the castle tower. Autumn brings a brilliant display of autumn foliage, and in winter, the black walls of the castle stand in beautiful harmony with the pure white snow. Shiroishi Castle is truly captivating all year round.
Within the same grounds, the History Exploration Museum offers local specialties and souvenirs, as well as dining options. On the first floor, the shop sells original castle goods and Shiroishi’s specialty umen noodles. The restaurant’s signature Kojuro Umen changes with the seasons, and the soft-serve ice cream menu ranges from classic fresh strawberry to seasonal flavors. On the second floor, a historical reference room provides insights into the castle’s long history.

3. Spash Land Shiroishi & Spash Land Park

Spash Land Shiroishi and Spash Land Park are recreational facilities with pools, a training gym, nature-filled parks, and playgrounds, making them great for family outings.
The two areas are connected by a 73-meter-long suspension bridge, perfect for a relaxing stroll. Below runs the Shiroishi River, whose gentle murmurs create a calming atmosphere. The park offers beautiful scenery year-round, with spring’s pink moss phlox being especially breathtaking—like a carpet of flowers.
At Spash Land Shiroishi, visitors can enjoy rock baths, swimming pools, and a restaurant for meals or breaks between activities. The facility also features a “Bade Zone,” a swimsuit-required, mixed-gender bathing area suitable for the whole family. With so many amenities, you can easily spend an entire day here without getting bored.

4. Manzo Inari Shrine

Nestled quietly along a mountain path, Manzo Inari Shrine is known as a matchmaking spiritual spot. Many visitors come here seeking the shrine’s special matchmaking rakes (kumade).
The approach to the shrine is lined with over 100 red torii gates stretching for hundreds of meters, creating a breathtaking sight. Along the way, you’ll also pass a small watermill, adding to the shrine’s mystical atmosphere.
Manzo Inari Shrine is one of Shiroishi’s lesser-known but sacred places—well worth a visit during your trip.

5. Mizu to Ishi to Katarai no Kōen (Zaimoku Rock Park)

The popular Shiroishi City sightseeing spot Mizu to Ishi to Katarai no Kōen (“Water, Stone, and Conversation Park”) was created with the theme of water and gorge rock formations. It is also known as Zaimoku Rock Park and offers a magnificent view of the Zaimoku Rock.
The impressive Zaimoku Rock is designated as a National Natural Monument, making it well worth seeing. It measures about 65 meters in height and about 100 meters in width, forming a striking columnar joint cliff. The park’s scenery changes beautifully with the seasons, offering something unique year-round.
In summer, the large fountain becomes a lively spot where children can play in the water. The water is shallow, so it’s safe for kids, and visitors can relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
Inside the park, there is a farmhouse-style restaurant called Soba-dokoro Nagomi Chaya where you can enjoy soba noodles and soba jelly. After playing in the park, it’s nice to relax here for a meal. There’s also the Ohara Iki-iki Direct Sales Market where you can buy fresh vegetables as souvenirs.
On Children’s Day, the park is decorated with countless carp streamers, creating a stunning and festive scene. When visiting Shiroishi City, be sure to stop by Mizu to Ishi to Katarai no Kōen for a fun and refreshing experience.

6. Shiroishi City Yajiro Kokeshi Village

One of Shiroishi City’s recommended tourist attractions, Yajiro Kokeshi Village is a place where visitors can view exhibitions of Yajiro-style kokeshi dolls and even try their hand at painting them. Admission is free, making it an easy and welcoming place to visit.
Yajiro kokeshi are characterized by detachable heads and large heads compared to their bodies, decorated with double or triple lathe-painted rings. Their vibrant and colorful designs add to their charm. The exhibition also explains the history of kokeshi dolls and the process of how they are made from wood.
The grounds include a workshop and a Kokeshi Shrine. At the painting experience corner, visitors can use a lathe to paint their own designs. There is also a café and a shop, providing a place to relax and enjoy a drink. Come and experience the appeal of Yajiro kokeshi at Shiroishi City Yajiro Kokeshi Village.

7. Obara Onsen Katsura no Yu

With a history of 800 years, Obara Onsen is a venerable hot spring resort. One of its long-loved public baths is Katsura no Yu, which is said to be beneficial for eye health. This semi-cave bath has a unique and rustic charm. Since Katsura no Yu offers day-use bathing, it’s a great place to stop by and relax during your sightseeing in Shiroishi City.
The spring water is a mildly alkaline simple hot spring. It is clear, smooth, and gentle on the skin, with a slightly high temperature.
The Obara Gorge, formed by the Shiroishi River, is also beautiful. You can enjoy the mystical scenery while bathing. Be sure to visit Katsura no Yu to soothe your travel fatigue.

◎ Summary

We have introduced seven recommended sightseeing spots in Shiroishi City. The city also has many other attractions where visitors can learn about its culture, traditions, and history. If you research the city’s history and legends before visiting, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip even more.
Aside from sightseeing, don’t miss out on Shiroishi’s local specialty umen noodles, which are made without any oil and are gentle on the stomach. Another great souvenir is Ashigaru Manju, a famous confection of Shiroishi.
With its sightseeing spots, gourmet food, and local products, Shiroishi City is full of charm. Plan your trip and come experience it for yourself.

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7 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Shiroishi City, Miyagi — A Place of History and Rich Nature