SPRING
See the historic sights and attractions of Tagajo
SUMMER
Nostalgic, archetypal images of summer that touch the heart
AUTUMN
The changing seasons are filled with the beauty of Tagajo
WINTER
A calm, clear winter's day brings out Tagajo's warmth
When they are in full bloom in April, the cherry trees that surround the site of Taga Castle attract many residents, making it a popular site for cherry-blossom viewing.
In particular, the central area, which once was surrounded by roofed mud walls and was home to the State Chamber, offers the heartwarming sight of two ancient blooming cherry trees in the stone-paved square in front of the chamber.
Named for the castle, Tagajozakura is a special junmai sake brewed at Dewazakura Sake Brewery in Takajo's sister city of Tendo, Yamagata Prefecture, from Hitomebore rice harvested in Tagajo.
The ruins of Taga Castle are a special historical site where 3 million specimens from 800 varieties of Siberian iris, rabbit-ear iris, and Japanese iris grow in the roughly 21,000-square-meter Ayame-en iris garden on one corner of the former castle grounds. Here the Tagajo Castle Site Iris Festival is held every year from mid- through late June.
The richly flavored honey made by Japanese honeybees from these flowers is distinguished by a mellow, rich aroma. Most of the nectar from which the honey is made was collected from flowers, since there are very few broad-leaved forests in Tagajo.
Local residents flock to Kasenuma to view the brilliantly colored leaves in autumn. It also is a popular spot for families with small children. An easy walk from Taga Castle, it's also a nice place to take a break during a tour of the historic sites. It's recommended as a pleasant detour.
Autumn also is the rice-harvesting season. This roll cake made using the local Shironomurasaki brand of rice that uses ancient grains is a sweet treat that's surprisingly moist. It also is sure to be a welcome souvenir for family and friends back home.
In the Donto Festival on January 14, people offer New Year’s decorations such as decorative lanyards and pine boughs as well as ofuda and omamori talismans to the volcano god. It’s a great opportunity to warm up while warding off evil spirits in front of the bonfire after a historical tour that might feel a bit chilly in the wintertime.
Tagajo yakamochinabe is a delicious stewed dish that's popular in the winter, served at events including the Manyo Festival, the Tagajo Autumn Festival, and the Tagajo Food Culture Festival. A healthy dish rich in vegetables and accented by small, purple mochi rice cakes, this dish has an elegant, rich broth.
Annual calendar
Mid-March
- Tagajo Mando torch lighting event: Remembrance of the dead
- Reflecting the history of the Mantoe torch lighting events held in Tagajo during the Heian Period (794–1185), this event is held every year on March 11 to pray for the souls of those killed by the Great East Japan Earthquake and for recovery from the disaster, while also passing along the lessons of the earthquake to future generations.
- Venue: JR Tagajo Station Park
Contact: Gate City Tagajyo
Tel.: 090-6227-7646 (Takakura)
Mid- to late June
- Taga Castle Iris Festival
- This popular event held in the iris garden on the site of Taga Castle, a national special historical landmark, welcomes numerous travelers who come to see the largest variety of iris in the Tohoku region in colorful full bloom. Its 3 million flowers of 800 varieties include Siberian iris, rabbit-ear iris, and Japanese iris.
- Venue: Taga Castle grounds iris garden
Contact: Taga Castle Iris Festival Organizing Committee (Commerce/Tourism Department, City of Tagajo)
Tel.: 022-368-1141
Mid-July
- Tagajo Beer Summit
- This summer event in Tagajo provides the opportunity to share a relaxing time enjoying delicious beer in a long tent more than 40 meters long set up in front of JR Tagajo Station. Visitors can taste test various varieties of beer to their heart's content.
- Venue: JR Tagajo Station Park
Contact: TAP Tagajo
Tel.: 090-8786-4116(Goko)
August
- The Matsuri in Tagajo
- This festival featuring a wide range of events including bon odori dancing and a religious festival, on-stage concerts, yosakoi dancing, and fireworks attracts large crowds including many families. Born in a spirit of promoting cocreation in the local community, today it is established firmly as a highlight of summer in Tagajo.
- Venue: Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Tagajo
Contact: Tagajo Summer Festival Organizing Committee (Tagajo/Shichigahama Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Tel.: 022-365-7830
Mid-October
- Tagajo Historical City Manyo Festival
- This festival was established independently by residents to honor Otomo no Yakamochi, a compiler of the Manyoshu, a classical anthology of poems who had connections to Tagajo. The Manyo Parade, in which residents dressed as nobles and poets in old-fashioned clothing proceed along a route about one kilometer long, seems like something out of an ancient Japanese picture scroll.
- Venue: JR Tagajo Station Park and elsewhere
Contact: Tagajo Historical City Manyo Festival Organizing Committee (Lifetime Learning Department, City of Tagajo)
Tel.: 022-368-1141
Mid-October
- Tsubonoishibumi National Haiku Contest
- This contest evoking the feelings expressed by Matsuo Basho in the Narrow Road to the Deep North on the Tsubonoishibumi stone monument, welcomes haiku poem entries from across Japan. It even has a section for poems by children, providing an opportunity for young and old alike to experience the world of haiku.
- Venue: Tagajo City Cultural Center
Contact: Tsubonoishibumi National Haiku Contest Organizing Committee
Early November
- Tagajo Historical City Sake Festival
- In this event, you can taste some of Miyagi Prefecture's best Japanese sake, including Omowashikuhime, made with ancient-grain rice, and rare sake from local brewers. Enjoy delicious sake together with friends, family, and others you care about as the feeling of autumn deepens in the historical city of Tagajo.
- Venue: JR Tagajo Station Park
Organizer: Tagajo Historical City Sake Festival Organizing Committee
Early November
- Tagajo Food Culture Festival
- This event provides an opportunity to enjoy to the fullest the tastes of Tagajo and Shichigahama, centered on products made using the local Shironomurasaki brand of ancient-grain rice. It’s packed with fun events from start to finish, including local performing arts and on-stage performances by local talent.
- Venue: JR Tagajo Station Park
Contact: Tagajo Travel Association
Tel.: 022-364-5901
Late November
- Tagajo Autumn Festival
- In this festival, four events highlighting autumn in Tagajo (the Shironomurasaki Festival, Fureai Festival, Yukyunomachi Illumination Event, and Tagajo Citizens' Marketplace) are held on the same day, featuring various activities including sale of local produce, specialties, and hot stewed dishes.
- Venue: JR Tagajo Station north and south exits, JR Tagajo Station Park
Contact: Tagajo Autumn Festival Organizing Liaison Council (Tagajo/Shichigahama Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Tel.: 022-365-7830
Late November – early January
- Yukyunomachi Illumination Event
- This illumination event features a tunnel of light about 60 meters long in front of JR Tagajo Station. Organized chiefly by local residents, it is held with volunteer support. You can enjoy fantastic illuminated sights available for only a limited time right in front of the station.
- Venue: JR Tagajo Station Park
Contact: TAP Tagajo
Tel.: 090-8786-4116(Goko)
Weather in Tagajo: Hints for travelers
Spring climate
Spring in Tagajo begins in April. Cherry blossoms start to bloom roughly from early through mid-April. From then until around early June, precipitation levels are low and daylight hours are long, making this the most pleasant time of year to visit.
Summer climate
Tagajo is located near the ocean, so it enjoys morning and evening breezes that mean it has few of the discomforts of summer such as unpleasant heat and humidity or sweltering nights that make it difficult to sleep. Although the average high temperature is under 30ºC even in August, visitors are encouraged to take measures to prevent heat stroke when walking around outdoors during the summer.
Autumn climate
While autumn in Tagajo is characterized mostly by consecutive clear days, it also is the season in which precipitation is relatively high. In some years, precipitation levels are higher in the autumn than during the rainy season. Like the rest of the Tohoku region, Tagajo is not strongly affected by typhoons. The season of colorful autumn leaves begins around mid-November.
Winter climate
Winter is a dry season on the Pacific coast of southern Tohoku. Snow buildup occurs only a few times a year in Tagajo, and the city is free of snow cover that remains until spring. However, cold mornings and evenings mean that drivers need to watch out for frozen road surfaces from December through March. Winter tires are essential during these months.