Saitō Garden

Overview

Saito Garden (Saitoshi-teien) is a Japanese garden in Maeyachi, in the city of Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, created in the late Meiji period. It belonged to the Saito family, a prominent local house and major landowner, and on 14 July 2005 it was designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty. Visitors can savor the dignified atmosphere of a stroll garden built by a wealthy regional family.

Highlights

• ●A late-Meiji Japanese garden designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty in 2005
• ●A dignified garden built by the Saito family, major regional landowners
• ●A history of reopening after damage in the Great East Japan Earthquake
• ●A Place of Scenic Beauty in Ishinomaki that can be enjoyed with free admission

History

The garden was laid out in the late Meiji period by the Saito family, major landowners of this area, in what was then the town of Kanan in Monou District. A leading local house poured its wealth and sense of beauty into the grounds. Designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty in 2005, the garden was damaged in the Great East Japan Earthquake of 11 March 2011 and closed, then reopened to visitors on 31 July of the same year.

Map

38.5067, 141.1930 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Arrive at Saito Garden in Maeyachi, Ishinomaki, and take in the whole layout
2. 2Follow the circuit paths and appreciate the late-Meiji garden craft
3. 3Look closely at the seasonal plantings and the placement of the garden stones
4. 4Round off a quiet walk while reflecting on its standing as a Place of Scenic Beauty

Did you know?

💡 Admission is free, so you can readily enjoy a Place of Scenic Beauty left by a leading regional family. The fact that it reopened within the same year despite being damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake shows how dearly the garden is valued locally. As some facilities may not be open, please confirm details with official information.

Nearby spots