From the Edo period to the early Showa period, the safflower trade flourished in Murata. Although time has passed, the vestiges of the old days have been quietly handed down to the present, and the scenery of grand storehouses and stately gates attracts the eyes and hearts of visitors. The storehouses-lined streets, which echo with the bustle of the past, are well-preserved and revered, and in September 2014 they were selected as an "Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings" for the first time in Miyagi Prefecture.
The Murata Course starts and ends at Michi-no-Eki Murata Roadside Station. In the first part of the course, you’ll learn about the history of the Date family and the legends passed down in Murata. As you walk along the course, taking in the green of the trees and the murmuring of the streams, you’llenjoy a panoramic view of the majestic Zao Mountain Range from a small hill. In the Ubagakai area in the middle of the tour, there are many soba noodle restaurants, where you can compare and contrast their exceptional soba noodles with those of other visitors in a lush, natural setting. Returning to the center of the town, you will be welcomed by a row of warehouses called "Little Kyoto of Miyagi in Michinoku". The residence of one of the town's wealthiest merchants, "Yasho", was chosen as a National Important Cultural Property, and its warehouses and mansion are open for tours as the "Murata Merchant Yasho Memorial Museum". The Murata-cho Yamani Residence, a tourist information center in the warehouse, not only provides tourist information, but also sells souvenirs and other items. After returning to the starting point, Roadside Station Murata, you can shop for local products such as ice cream made from the local specialty fava beans, processed fava bean products such as udon noodles, and fresh vegetables picked in the morning, or refresh your tired body at a restaurant.
The start/finish point of the Murata course. This roadside station offers a wide variety of local products. Fresh vegetables picked in the morning are popular. Among them, "corn mirai," a summer delicacy, is sold out as soon as the store opens. Shiroyama Park is the site of Murata Castle, where DATE Masamune seventh son, Munetaka, resided. Visitors can enjoy seasonal scenery such as cherry and plum blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall.
Tatsushima-in Temple is known as the family temple of the Date family. It houses the mausoleum of Munetaka, the seventh son of DATE Masamune. The pond garden, selected as one of the 100 best sightseeing spots in Miyagi Prefecture, was created by making the most of the natural topography with a waterfall at its center, and is rich in seasonal beauty, giving vigor and peace of mind to visitors.
This shrine has a long history, originating in 123 AD. There is a huge wisteria tree that wraps around two old cedars in the shrine grounds. It is called the "snake wisteria of Oshu" because its coiled shape resembles a giant snake. The giant trees, said to be about 1,000 years old, stand tall and majestic.
The park opened in May 1900 to celebrate the marriage of Emperor Taisho. In spring, 300 cherry trees bloom here, making it one of Murata's most famous cherry blossoms viewing spots. In the past, it was also a spot from which a panoramic view of Murata Town could be seen.
This is a place where local residents prayed and did ceremonial cleansing rituals. Around 1937, a shrine office was built and banner flags were dedicated. The shrine very crowded with many worshippers during rituals.
The view from the small hill is an excellent place to admire the majestic Zao mountain range.
The stream that runs through the temple grounds creates a small waterfall, and the green foliage and sunlight filtering through the trees create a mystical atmosphere.
Soba noodle restaurants and historical sites are scattered among four plazas. At the "Folktale Traditions Hall, Furusato Otogi-en," visitors can tour a private house that has been designated as a cultural asset by the town of Murata.
The majestic gate of Ganshoji Temple is a historical site designated as a cultural property by the town, and is a relocation of the main gate of Murata Castle. In the precincts of the temple, there is a monument called "Monument of Koizuka," which is dedicated to two people who commited suicide after falling in love despite their social status.
This tourist information center is housed in a warehouse built in 1896. In addition to information on sightseeing spots, events, and restaurants in the town, tourists brochures and more are available. The Murata Merchant and Masho Memorial Museum are also available for guided tours (resevations required for groups).
The museum was donated to Murata Town by ONUMA Shoshichi VII in 1998 to teach of the history of the Murata merchants who were active in the safflower trade with Edo and Kamigata (Kyoto). Tools of the trade and materials on safflower merchants are on display. In 2008, it was selected as an "Important Cultural Property" by the national government.
Murata-cho Buke Yashiki
Single-unit rental: 25,500 JPY (excluding tax) and up
Machiya Inn Tsuruya
1 night: 6,000 JPY (excluding tax) and up
Ryokan Hazakaya
2 meals per night: 6,500 JPY. Breakfast per night: 6,000 JPY.
Dinner per night: 6,200 JPY. Overnight stay with no meal: 5,000 JPY.
Restaurant Shiroyama
Open: 11:00-17:00
Closed on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month (or the following day if the Monday is a national holiday)
Fried bean udon noodles, prawn tempura rice bowl, ramen noodles
Village of Folktales Furusato Otogi-en
Open: 11:00-14:00
Closed Mondays (and the following day if Monday is a national holiday)
Soba
Senjuan
Open: 11:00-15:00
Closed every Monday and Tuesday + third Sunday
Soba
Kenchanchi
Open 11:00-15:00
Closed holidays and Tuesday-Friday
Soba
Japanese restaurant Issho
Open: 11:00-15:00, 17:00-22:00
Closed every Monday
Soba
※This information is current as of November 2023. Please contact each facility for more information.
About 40 minutes from Sendai City (Sendai-Miyagi IC)
From Yamagata City (Yamagata Kita IC): Approx. 50 min.
About 3 hours and 20 minutes from Tokyo (Kawaguchi JCT)
In August, the harvest season of "Mirai," or "fruit corn," begins.
A specialty product representative of Murata that is at its peak in June. Processed products such as noodles and ice cream are also available.
KENKONICHI is a famous sake representing Miyagi Prefecture. It has an elegant aroma, a delicious taste of rice, richness, and sharpness. Come try its well-balanced taste.
Water from the foot of Mt. Zao, soybeans and rice grown in Miyagi Prefecture. In addition, carefully selected salt is used to make this additive-free miso with a high-quality flavor.
This natto is made from Hokkaido soybeans and brewed with the clear water of the Zao mountain range. Natto is also attracting attention for its new products such as sweets and pasta made from natto.
Enjoy exceptional soba noodles in a rich natural setting. There are many soba restaurants in the town, including those in the center of town and the Ubagakai area. Compare all the different soba restaurants to find your favorite one!
Murata is located in the southern part of Miyagi Prefecture, adjacent to three cities and four towns including Sendai City. It is blessed with the natural environment of the Shiraishi River flowing in the south and the Zao mountain range in the west.
Each of the warehouse streets in the "Kura-no-Machinami," selected as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, has different characteristics and are fun to explore. There are also great spots for the whole family. At Sportsland SUGO, one of the largest motorsports facilities in Tohoku, you can have a race or play with rental go-karts with family and friends.
In addition, Murata's specialties, such as "soramame" (fava beans), one of the nation's largest producers, and "mirai" (also known as fruit corn) is extremely popular; on weekends there are huge lines of people waiting in line starting from the early morning.
At the Hotei Matsuri, which has been held here for more than 800 years, a special long-headed Buddha parades on a float with a soft expression on his face. The unique appearance of Murata has long been loved by the townspeople.
In the warehouses and empty storehouses of Murata merchants, including "Yashou," one of the town's most prominent merchants who conducted various businesses from the late Edo period to the early Showa period, ceramic artists from Miyagi Prefecture as well as the Tohoku and Kanto regions will gather to exhibit and sell their ceramics.
A comprehensive motor sports facility, one of only six internationally certified racing courses in Japan. Visitors can watch races, experience riding motorcycles, and riding go-karts.
Murata Town Development Promotion Division
Telephone: 0224-83-2113