Shiroishi – A Castle Town Blessed by the Zao Mountain Range and Rich in Nature
The northeastern part of Honshu, Japan’s largest island, is called the Tohoku region, which consists of six prefectures, including Miyagi. Shiroishi City is located in the southern part of Miyagi Prefecture, almost midway between Sendai—the largest city in Tohoku—and Fukushima City. Nestled in the center of the Shiroishi Basin, surrounded by the majestic Zao Mountain Range and the Abukuma Highlands, it is truly a land blessed by nature.
The clear waters of the Shiroishi River flowing through the city, together with the ridgelines of the surrounding mountains, create breathtaking scenery that moves visitors in every season. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom earlier here than in many other parts of Tohoku. In summer, visitors can enjoy the refreshing greenery of the mountains, while in autumn the Zao mountainsides turn brilliant shades of red and gold. In winter, the snowy landscapes and ski resorts at the foot of Zao offer excellent opportunities for winter sports. Especially on Mt. Fubo (1,705 m), alpine plants and fresh greenery delight hikers from spring to summer, embodying the serene charm of the mountains.
The Long-Awaited Reconstruction of Shiroishi Castle and the Legacy of Samurai Culture
Since ancient times, Shiroishi has flourished as a vital hub of transportation and military strategy in the Tohoku region. During the Sengoku period of the 16th century, Shiroishi Castle was constructed and became the stage for many battles. Later, Katakura Kojuro Kagetsuna, a loyal retainer of the famed Date Masamune, became the castle’s lord. For over 260 years thereafter, the Katakura family governed the castle, and the town grew as an important stronghold guarding the southern boundary of Oshu (northern Honshu).
While the “One Castle per Province” decree of the Edo period (17th century) forced the demolition of most castles, Shiroishi Castle was one of the rare few allowed to remain. In the late Edo period, it again became a stage of history when the Ouetsu Reppan Alliance (an alliance of the domains of Mutsu, Dewa, and Echigo) of northeastern domains was formed here. Although the castle was dismantled after the 19th century (during the Meiji Restoration), the strong will and efforts of the citizens led to its faithful reconstruction in 1995 as a wooden three-story keep.
Today, it stands with dignity as a symbol of pride for Shiroishi City.
Samurai traditions still live on here, with events such as matchlock troop demonstrations by the Katakura Matchlock Gun Corps, tea ceremony experiences, and preserved samurai residences that evoke the spirit of the era.
Renowned Hot Springs that Soothed Samurai, and the Living Tradition of Kokeshi Dolls
Shiroishi is also home to the famed Kamasaki Onsen, known as the “Medicinal Hot Spring of Ou (Tohoku region).” Its history dates back to the 15th century, when villagers digging in the mountains discovered a spring. Since it was unearthed with the tip of a sickle (in Japanese, kama means sickle and saki means tip), it became known as “Kamasaki Onsen.
” Despite wars and natural disasters, the spring endured. A noble from Kyoto’s Ichijo family, who had fled to Tohoku, was deeply moved by the hot spring. With the support of local residents, he became the yu-nushi (hot spring master), personally funding its development and laying the foundation for the present-day ryokan “Yunushi Ichijo.” It is said that even Date Masamune and Katakura Kagetsuna visited for healing. To this day, the hot waters continue to comfort countless visitors.
This richness of hot spring culture and natural beauty is also reflected in the kokeshi doll tradition. Shiroishi is one of the birthplaces of traditional kokeshi dolls, with the Yajiro style being a representative type of Tohoku. Even today, certified Master of Traditional Craft work here, including artisans who have demonstrated their craft at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Hands-on doll-making and painting experiences are especially appreciated by those with a deep interest in arts and culture.
A Culinary Tradition that Moved Samurai – 400 Years of Shiroishi Umen
The pride of Shiroishi cuisine is Shiroishi Umen, a fine wheat noodle with a 400-year history. Made simply with wheat flour and saltwater, without the use of oil, the noodles are short, thin, and gentle on the stomach. They have long been cherished as a healthy, comforting dish passed down through generations.
Its origin is tied to a story of filial piety: a son, wishing to prepare a meal easy for his ailing father to eat, created these noodles. By order of Lord Katakura Kagetsuna, they were named “umen” (literally, “warm noodles”). Served either chilled or hot, their smooth texture and delicate flavor make them a dish of simple yet profound depth—a true “luxury in everyday life.”
