Route 113 connects Shiroishi city, Shichikashuku town, Miyagi prefecture with Nanyo city, Takahata town, Yamagata prefecture. This “Fairy Tale Road” preserves good old folklore and fairy tales. Take a walk on the Michinoku Fairy Tale Road and you will encounter nostalgic landscapes that remind people of the origin of Japanese people’s souls.
Shiroishi Castle
(Trying on Samurai Armor)
They rebuilt the castle of Katakura Kojuro, a vassal of the Date family. Visitors can try on samurai armor if they make a reservation.
Yajiro Kokeshi Doll Village
(Paint your own Kokeshi Doll)
Yajiro Kokeshi Dolls village exhibits a variety of “Kokeshi Dolls,” one of the most representative folk crafts of Shiroishi. Visitors can paint their own Kokeshi Dolls as well.
Miyagi Zao Fox Village
Visitors can enjoy seeing over a hundred foxes put out to pasture in the surrounding natural area and even feeding them.
Lake Chouro/
Yamabiko Rope Bridge
Yamabiko Rope Bridge
Lake Chouro is a beautifully blue lake surrounded by mountains. Located nearby is one of the longest rope bridges in Tohoku called the “Yamabiko Rope Bridge” from where visitors can see the beautiful landscape of the surrounding area.
Lake Chouro
Yamabiko Rope Bridge
Shichikashuku Soba Street
Shichikashuku is well-known for its production of buckwheat. A number of Soba restaurants serve carefully-cooked soba noodles on Shichikashuku Soba Street.
Nametsu Falls /
Furisode Jizo / Sekino Jizo
The sight of this two-layered waterfall cascading down and filling up the river is breathtaking. Furisode Jizo and Sekino Jizo, popular guardian deities from a local folk tale, can be found nearby.
Nametsu Falls
Furisode Jizo
Sekino Jizo
Akayu onsen (hot springs)
(winery, hot spring district,
and traditional Japanese hotels)
Akayu onsen (hot springs) is a hot spring district with over 920 years of history where fourteen tasteful Japanese style hotels are located and entertain tourists.
Kumano Shrine
A shrine with over 1200 years of history that is often referred to as the “The Ise Shrine of Tohoku”. Find three hidden rabbits and your wish might come true!
YUZURU NO SATO
Visitors can watch videos about local folk tales including “Tsuru-no-Ongaeshi” at YUZURU NO SATO. Listen to local story tellers tell local folk tales, and feel the diverse world of folk tales.
Yoneori Kankou Center
(souvenirs)
Yoneori Kankou Center is a perfect place for tourists to buy specialties and souvenirs of Yamagata prefecture. They serve authentic Yonezawa beef dishes and homemade Soba noodles at the restaurant.
Farmers' Restaurant
Fleurs De Soleil
A farmers’ restaurant located in a mountainous village only the locals know. Please enjoy delicious French dishes cooked with homemade vegetables.
Takahata Fruit Picking
A great difference in the temperature makes great fruits. Tourists can enjoy picking seasonal fruits, such as grapes and apples.
Akutsuhachiman Shrine
and Historical Park
A shrine with over 1100 years of history with a beautiful three-story pagoda surrounded by seasonal landscapes. The whole place is also a historical park.
The Hirosuke Hamada
Memorial Museum
A museum that focuses on the world of Hirosuke Hamada, a fairy tale writer who is often referred to as “Japan’s Andersen” and wrote “Naita Akaoni”.
