The Pacific and the Zao Range in One View — 360 Degrees from Mt. Shihozan in Kakuda

Autumn air carries a view much further than summer air does. Once the humidity lifts and the ridgelines sharpen, the most generous view in Kakuda is the one waiting on Mt. Shihozan.

The mountain rises 272 metres on the eastern edge of the city, on the boundary with the towns of Watari and Yamamoto. Its name means "mountain of four directions," and the summit lives up to it. Look east and the Pacific opens out, with the Oshika Peninsula and Kinkasan visible on a clear day; turn west and the Zao range lies across the horizon. The view from the 8-metre observation deck at the top is counted among Miyagi Prefecture’s "36 Views of Zao."

Best of all, a switchback road takes you almost to the summit by car. No mountaineering gear required — you can decide to go and be looking at the panorama the same afternoon. Walking trails are also maintained, so if you would rather climb, you can start from the foot of the mountain.

During the war, an anti-aircraft battery stood at the summit; the same clear sightlines that made the hill useful to the military now make it a quiet viewpoint. Knowing that, the view reads a little differently.

Mt. Shihozan is about a 30-minute drive from MARUKI Saifuku. At dusk the Zao ridgeline turns red, and when you look back the other way, night is already coming in from the sea — a half hour worth staying for.

One caution: bears have been sighted in the area. If you walk the trails, carry a bear bell or a radio so that your presence is heard.