Hitome Senbon Zakura along Shiroishi River

Along the Shiroishi River embankment stretching from Ogawara to Shibata towns, approximately 1,200 cherry trees bloom against the backdrop of the snow-clad Zao Mountains. This stunning view is known as "Hitome Senbon Zakura (a thousand cherry trees at a glance)" and is celebrated as a regional spectacle. During the cherry blossom season, both towns host festivals where you can leisurely stroll under the 8km-long canopy of cherry blossoms and fully appreciate their varying beauty from different viewpoints.

Zao, Shiroishi

The Zao Mountains, spanning the border between Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures, offers an abundance of natural attractions thanks to its volcanic landscape, including the unique crater lake known as Okama, hot springs, and ski resorts at the base of the mountains. Shiroishi, serving as the gateway to Zao on the Miyagi side, has thrived as a crucial transportation hub since ancient times and retains a deep historical ambiance reminiscent of an Edo period castle town. It is also known for local specialties such as "Yajiro Kokeshi" dolls and "Umen" noodles.