Seasonal Recommended Videos
These videos were filmed by Kyte Ishikawa.
About Tome City, Miyagi Prefecture
- Tome City is located in the northeastern part of Miyagi Prefecture. To the north, it borders Iwate Prefecture, to the west it adjoins Kurihara City, and to the east it neighbors Minamisanriku Town.
- The city covers an area of 536.09 square kilometers, which accounts for 7.36% of the total area of Miyagi Prefecture.
- The western part of the city is a hilly area, while the northeastern part consists of mountainous terrain. In between, it features the vast, flat, and fertile Tome plains.
- Tome is one of the leading grain-producing areas in the prefecture and is particularly famous as the main production area for Miyagi rice varieties such as "Sasanishiki" and "Hitomebore." Livestock farming is also thriving in the region.
- Toyoma Town, often referred to as "Miyagi's Meiji Village," is home to several historical buildings from the Meiji period, including the Education Museum, as well as the Mizusawa Prefectural Office Memorial and The Police Museum, which still retain their historical appearance.
- Additionally, the northwestern part of the city is home to Ramsar Convention wetlands such as Izunuma Lake, Uchinuma Lake, and Naganuma Lake, where swans and geese can be seen migrating. To the south lies the Byodonuma, further contributing to the city's reputation as a "water town."
About Izunuma Lake and Uchinuma Lake
Izunuma Lake and Uchinuma Lake are vast wetlands that spans across Tome City and Kurihara City in Miyagi Prefecture, covering an area of 491 hectares (369 hectares for Izunuma and 122 hectares for Uchinuma). The water surface rarely freezes even in winter, and the area is abundant in plants, fish, and insects, making it one of the largest stopover sites for migratory birds in Japan. This has attracted many birdwatching enthusiasts.
In the summer, the water surface of Izunuma-Uchinuma becomes covered with lotus leaves, and the flowers bloom profusely, creating a scene reminiscent of a paradise. Since being designated as a Ramsar Wetland (*) in 1985, active efforts have been made to protect this rich natural environment.
*Ramsar Convention: This convention was signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. The official name in Japan is "Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat."
A sanctuary for birdwatching enthusiasts from around the world
Birdwatching at Izunuma Lake and Uchinuma Lake mainly focuses on the "take-off observation" in the early morning and the "roosting observation" in the evening. The most notable feature of this area is the overwhelming number of migratory birds. It is considered the southernmost limit of the migration route for the White-fronted Goose (Magan), with about 90% of the geese that migrate to Japan spending the winter around Izunuma Lake and Uchinuma Lake. Birdwatching enthusiasts from all over the world come to this area to observe these birds.
The relatively narrow wetland areas from the fields to the water’s edge allow for a close encounter between birds and people, which is a unique feature of Izunuma Lake. The experience of being surrounded by large flocks of birds as they approach the lake’s surface will be an unforgettable moment for a lifetime.
This is a video of the "Take-off" shot by local photographer Hiromi Kano. Experience birdwatching surrounded by the sounds of migratory birds filling the sky! Be sure to check it out.
Map for birdwatching
This map was created by local designer Atelier "Mi."
It highlights recommended birdwatching spots and nearby facilities.
You can download the data, so feel free to make use of it.
When downloading the map data above, no permission is required for personal or home use. However, for business use, including reproduction or secondary use, prior permission from the copyright holder is required. Please contact us for inquiries.
Facilities where you can learn about the ecosystem of Izunuma and Uchinuma
Around Izunuma and Uchinuma, there are three visitor centers called "Sanctuary Centers." These centers feature exhibition areas about the natural environment and viewing spaces where you can look over the wetlands. We highly encourage you to visit. Additionally, each center holds seasonal events that allow you to experience the charm of Izunuma and Uchinuma. Be sure to check their website for more information.
Miyagi Prefecture Izunuma-Uchinuma Sanctuary Center (Bird House)
This facility is characterized by a building designed to resemble a swan. The first floor features various exhibits, while the second floor has a viewing space where you can observe Izunuma and migratory birds.
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Miyagi Prefecture Izunuma-Uchinuma Sanctuary Center, operated by the Miyagi Prefecture Izunuma-Uchinuma Environmental Conservation Foundation, has launched an international collaborative project called the "Swan Project" in partnership with China’s Druid Technology and others. For more details, visit the Swan Project website.
Tome City Izunuma-Uchinuma Sanctuary Center (Freshwater Fish House)
This facility is themed around the "water" of the Izunuma ecosystem. The first floor features an aquarium space where you can observe freshwater fish, while the second floor displays fishing tools, photos, and other exhibits.
Kurihara City Izunuma-Uchinuma Sanctuary Center Tsukidate (Insect House)
This facility is themed around the "insects" of the Izunuma ecosystem. The first floor features insect specimens and video displays, while the second floor has a viewing space where you can observe Uchinuma.This facility is themed around the "insects" of the Izunuma ecosystem. The first floor features insect specimens and video displays, while the second floor has a viewing space where you can observe Uchinuma.
What Makes Our Company Unique
- We can offer story-driven programs themed around 'agriculture' and 'food,' which are often difficult to organize in typical tourist destinations.
- In addition to seeing and listening, we incorporate experiential elements, with guides sharing the charm of farming villages in an enjoyable and easy-to-understand way.
- Our company is registered as a 'Travel Service Agent' in Miyagi Prefecture (Miyagi Prefecture Governor Registration No. 27, registered on April 8, 2021). When organizing tours through travel agencies, our company acts as the regional concierge, handling all coordination from pre-tour arrangements to the completion of the tour through a single point of contact.
