This approx. 8.5 km route, which commences at JR Senseki Line Tagajo Station, will take you past sites of poetic significance, leading you through the magnificent Tagajo South Gate- the main entrance to Tagajo Castle, Tohoku's ancient stronghold-before concluding at the Tagajo Castle Ruins Information Center.
On your journey, you will sense the rich tapestry of culture, history, and nature that has been woven over the 1,300 years that have passed since Tagajo was established as the ancient regional center of Tohoku.
Points of interest include various classical sites that inspired imperial poets, such as Omowaku Bridge, Noda-no-Tamagawa River, Ukishima, and the Tsubo no Ishibumi (Tagajo Stele). Within the Tagajo Castle Ruins, which have been designated as a Special Historical Site, seasonal plants featured in the classical Japanese poetry anthology Man’yoshu can be found alongside sites such as the Tagajo Temple Ruins and the Tagajo Government Headquarters Ruins.
With its start point located at Tagajo Station (JR Senseki Line) and its finish point located right beside Kokufu-Tagajo Station (JR Tohoku Main Line), this accessible trail allows everyone to enjoy Miyagi Olle while using public transport!
The Tagajo City Tourism Association is located at the South Exit of Tagajo Station, providing tourist information, pamphlets, bicycle rentals, and sales of local specialty products. The area is also well-served by a variety of eateries, including bakeries and restaurants. The station entrance is designed to resemble the South Gate, and the Tagajo City Library located on the north side is a popular location.
In the spring, blooming azaleas guide your way along the trail. This area was established by the Sendai Domain during the Edo Period (1603-1868), in honor of a classical poem about Noda-no-Tamagawa River written in the mid-Heian Period (794-1185) by the poet Noin Hoshi. Also located here is a bridge crossed by the famous samurai Abe no Sadato to see a woman named Omowaku, known as ‘Omowaku’s Bridge’ (Omowaku no Hashi). A poem inspired by this location, written by the poet Saigyo, is inscribed upon the bridge.
Tenmangu Shrine, which originally enshrined the deity of a prominent Tomegaya family, was later established as the guardian shrine of Tomegaya Village. Each spring, the shrine grounds are adorned with large, spectacular cherry blossoms.
This temple, which was built around the same time as Tagajo Castle in the early 8th century, was established as a temple affiliated to the castle. Its layout is identical to that of Kanzeonji Temple, which is located in Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture. In 1966, it was designated as a Special Historic Site, and became the first Historical Park in Eastern Japan.
This museum showcases the diverse history and culture of the Tohoku region, allowing visitors to learn about its past from the Paleolithic era to the present day through materials and models. It also features the "Konno Family Residence" (a relocated Edo-period folk house), an experience space for children, a restaurant, and a museum shop.
Ukishima is a location featured in an ancient poem believed to have been dedicated by Princess Yamaguchi to her lover. In the present-day, it is said to be the location of the Ukishima Shrine.
Here, visitors can enjoy Man'yo plants (flora mentioned in the ancient poetry anthology Man'yoshu) such as Japanese kerria and iris in spring, and red spider lily in autumn.
This is the most significant site of the Tagajo Castle Ruins, and is counted as one of Japan's Three Great Historic Sites alongside Nara's Heijo Palace and Fukuoka's Dazaifu Ruins. During the Nara and Heian periods it served as the provincial capital of Mutsu Province, where important government affairs and rites took place. In spring, it serves as a popular cherry blossom viewing spot.
This monument, which is a designated National Treasure and one of Japan's Three Ancient Steles, comprises 141 characters detailing the years of Tagajo's founding (A.D. 724) and restoration (A.D. 762). This site is one of peotic significance, having been immortalized in poems by Saigyo and Minamoto no Yoritomo and written about by famed poet Matsuo Basho in his travel account “The Narrow Road to the Deep North”.
Restored in 2024 to commemorate the 1,300th anniversary of Tagajo's founding, this magnificent main gate reflects its historical role as the political, cultural, and military hub of ancient Tohoku. It stands as a suitably grand and imposing entrance to the provincial capital of Tagajo.
Visitors can enjoy large-screen videos depicting the ancient city of Tagajo 1,300 years ago, view records of the South Gate's restoration, and interact with 3D models of ancient buildings and excavated artifacts. They can also learn about the history of the Special Historic Site, and purchase a Commemorative Castle Stamp and souvenirs.
Onoya Hotel
Single: ¥5,830~, Twin: ¥11,000~,
Japanese-style Room: ¥4,840~,
Breakfast: ¥770,
Dinner: ¥1,100~
Shintomi Ryokan
Room Only: ¥3,850~¥4,620,
Half-Board (2 meals): ¥5,720~¥6,490
Smile Hotel Sendai Tagajo
Single: ¥6,300~,
Double: ¥8,800~,
Twin: ¥9,800~,
Buffet Breakfast: ¥900
Hotel Castle Plaza Tagajo
Single: ¥6,200~,
Twin/Double (1 guest): ¥9,300~,
(2 guests): ¥12,200~
Hotel Route-Inn Sendai-Kita Inter
Single: ¥7,900~,
Semi-Double: ¥13,000~,
Twin: ¥15,800~
Hotel Route-Inn Tagajo-Eki Higashi
Rates: Inquiry Required
Antique Cafe OLDTIME
Hours: Wed, Thu, Fri 11:00 AM–4:00 PM; Sat, Sun 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
Closed: Mon, Tue
Galettes, sweets, and more
＆SUN
Hours: Tue–Sun 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Closed: Same as Tohoku History Museum
Green curry, Pho, ancient rice soft serve, light meals, etc.
Nagamachi Ramen Tagajo Store
Hours: 11:30 AM–3:00 PM, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
Closed: Mon
Kodaimai-ya Restaurant Green Gable
Hours: Lunch 11:00 AM–4:30 PM
Closed: Mon, Tue (Irregular)
"Tagajo Oja" (Black vinegar broth cooked rice), healthy black rice and black vinegar dishes
Rice Flour Bread Tutto
Hours: 9:00 AM–approx. 6:00 PM
Closed: Tue, Wed
Tagajo specialty rice flour fried bread and rice flour bread
Maboroshi Kaisen Mutsu Tagajo Station Branch
Hours: Lunch 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, Dinner 5:00 PM–11:00 PM
Closed: Sunday (or the final day of consecutive holiday)
*Approx. 10 minutes' walk from JR Kokufu-Tagajo Station to the finish point
Named after Omowaku, the heroine of an ancient love story from historic Tagajo, this fruity sake has a white-wine like quality. It is a rare wine, being made from an ancient strain of rice.
A Gojoin featuring the restored Tagajo South Gate. Available for purchase at:
Historic City Tagajo Tourist Information Center (inside JR Senseki Line Tagajo Station) and the Tagajo Castle Ruins Information Center.
A specialty product of Tagajo City. This purple-tinged ancient strain of rice has a chewier texture than standard rice and is rich in nutrients like minerals, vitamins, and anthocyanins (a type of polyphenol). It's a delicious ingredient beneficial for both beauty and health.
A karinto snack made with Tagajo-grown ancient rice and tofu lees. It has a subtle sweetness and a pleasant, gentle texture.
The specialty confectionery "Tagajo Stele," named after the historic city, is a rich sable made with honey and egg yolk, filled with apricot jam. Other confections available include "Tagajo Taiko" and "Tagajo Kawara" (Baigetudo Confectionery Main Store).
Located in the eastern part of central Miyagi Prefecture, Tagajo City is home to numerous historic sites and famous sites of poetic significance that have captivated writers and scholars throughout the ages. Many leisure spots in the area can be enjoyed within walking distance. including seasonal flowers, shops selling ancient rice products, the library, and the skate park.
Every year around mid-June, the Tagajo Castle Ruins Iris Festival heralds the arrival of early summer. In an approx. 21,000 m² corner of the Tagajo Special Historical Site, 3 million irises in 800 varieties, including kakitsubata (Japanese water iris), and hanashobu (Japanese iris) burst into bloom, making it the largest collection of iris varieties in Tohoku.
Located north of Tagajo Station, this library is an iconic symbol of Tagajo City. Designed with the concept of "home" in mind, its comfortable atmosphere draws in visitors. It is also popular with young people, and is considered one of the city's key tourist spots.
The center of this facility features an integrated indoor/outdoor skate park, and the outdoor skate park is one of the largest in the country. It's a place where both adults and children can enjoy spending time, with features like a 3x3 court, playground equipment, a cafe, and retail shops (scheduled to open March 2026).
Tagajo City Planning and Management Department, Citizens' Culture Creation Division
TEL. 022-368-2085