Zao is a mountainous region located in south-west Miyagi – perhaps best known for the beautiful Okama crater located close to the summit of Mount Zao, which also borders Yamagata prefecture further to the west.

Ishinomaki is a large city located along the eastern coast of Miyagi prefecture. Whilst considered to be one of the most heavily damaged areas following the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Ishinomaki is doing remarkably well.