JAPAN and the WORLD Magazine APRIL ISSUE 2016 #Issue 15

SENDAI TOURISM IN JAPAN Arahama elementary school. With the unusual rocks and rapid flow of the river and waterfalls, the Rairaikyo gorge invites adventure. Following the path of the gorge, the 55 meters long Akiu Otaki Falls are waiting to be explored. It is one of the three most beautiful waterfalls in Japan and the immense sound of falling water has become a symbol of the hot spring area. Additionally, there are many cultural activities in Akiu. At Akiu Traditional Craft Village, for example, visitors have the opportunity to paint their own kokeshi doll. Professional kokeshi masters have practiced the art of making the dolls for generations. Another highly recommended cultural activity in Sendai is to visit the Osaki Hachimangu Shrine and the Sendai Aoba castle. Both were built in 1600 by the founder of Sendai, Date Masamune, and give insight to the history and culture of Sendai. The Osaki Hachimangu shrine is designated as a national treasure because of its splendid structure. The site of Sendai castle, a relict from the Edo period, is a hotspot for visitors as well. Next to the castle is a statue of the founder riding on a horse, who is always overlooking Sendai and greeting the visitors of Sendai. In addition to the cultural side, local culinary specialties, including zunda mochi (rice cakes with soybean paste), sasa kamaboko (fish cakes), and gyutan (cow tongue) are well- known Sendai dishes. Another on-the-coast-experience of Sendai is a walk towards the ocean in the Arahama area, but this time for contemplating the fragility of life. Sendai is one of the cities most affected by the tsunami and earthquake in 2011. Arahama Elementary School, now the only standing building in the area, is located about 700 meters from the coast, is now a symbol of resistance and perseverance. The tsunami reached the school within 70 minutes after the earthquake. Thanks to a stable construction of the school many lives were saved. Today, the city has a newly built tsunami evacuation tower—three stories worth of steel skeleton frame. The roof and third floor can hold 200 evacuees. Tsunami evacuation tower. The city is moving towards a bright future, welcoming visitors and businessmen to explore awaiting opportunities and potentials. The city is moving towards a bright future, welcoming visitors and businessmen to explore the opportunities and potentials awaiting them. 仙台市は豊かな自然に恵まれることから「杜の都」としても知られている。それだけではない。東北地方の経済、産業、文化の拠点でもある。東京からは地理的に遠いが、新幹線で容易にアクセスできる。このコンパクトにまとまった近代都市は、物事を積極的に考え、異文化を受け入れる土地柄を誇りとしている。仙台市は豊かな自然に恵まれることから「杜の都」としても知られている。 1991年に設立された仙台国際センターは国際・知的交流の場として機能している。イベントやプレゼン、あるいは「グローバルMICE（Meeting＝会議・研修・セミナー、Incentive tour＝報奨・招待旅行、Convention またはConference＝大会・学会・国際会議、 Exhibition＝展示会－の頭文字）強化都市」構想に基づく会議の実施を目指す企業や団体のニーズにこたえるための施設と機器を豊富に備える。2015年3月には新たに展示棟が完成し、1000平方メートルと2000平方メートルの2つのホールがある。大ホールは1000人の収容が可 Rairaikyo Gorge. 57 // APRIL 2016 JAPAN AND THE WORLD MAGAZINE

JAPAN and the WORLD Magazine APRIL ISSUE 2016 #Issue 15 | Page 58