| population | 79,006 peoples |
|---|---|
| area | 98.18 km² |
| population density | 805 peoples/km² |
Natori City is in Miyagi Prefecture. Natori City is located in the southern part of Miyagi Prefecture and borders Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku region. The city is characterized by a diverse landscape consisting of coastal areas facing the Pacific Ocean, inland plains, and gently rolling hills. To the east lies the Yuriage area, which opens onto Sendai Bay, while to the west stretch the Takadate Hills and Medeshima Hills. Between these areas flow the Natori River, Masuda River, and other waterways, forming alluvial plains and productive rice-growing areas.
Within the city is Sendai Airport, the main air gateway to the Tohoku region. Together with the airport access railway and an extensive expressway network, Natori enjoys excellent connectivity to destinations both within and outside the prefecture. Natori was officially established as a city in 1958 and has developed as part of the Greater Sendai metropolitan area, while retaining the distinct characteristics of a port town, an agricultural area, and a residential city.
History
The history of Natori City dates back to ancient times. Numerous burial mounds have been discovered throughout the city, most notably the Raijinyama Kofun, constructed between the late 4th and early 5th centuries. These remains indicate that the area was an important center in southern Tohoku during ancient times. In the Heian period, the Kumano faith was introduced to the northeastern foothills of the Takadate Hills, leading to the establishment of the three shrines collectively known as the “Natori Kumano Sanzan”: Kumano Hongu Shrine, Kumano Shingu Shrine, and Kumano Nachi Shrine.
During the early modern period, Natori was part of the Sendai Domain, and Masuda-shuku developed as a post town along the Oshu Kaido highway, serving as a hub for transportation and logistics. Modernization progressed after the Meiji era with the arrival of railways, and before World War II an airfield was constructed, which later became Sendai Airport. In 1955, six towns and villages merged to form Natori Town, and in 1958 it was elevated to city status. The coastal areas suffered severe damage in the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, but large-scale reconstruction projects have since advanced new community development.
Culture and Traditions
The culture of Natori City is rooted in ancient and medieval religious traditions symbolized by Kumano worship, as well as everyday culture shaped by its history as a port town and agricultural community. At the three Kumano shrines, annual festivals and sacred Kagura dances are still performed, reflecting traditions closely tied to local faith and community life. Throughout the city, folk customs originating from roadside deity worship and agricultural rituals continue to be preserved, highlighting a culture deeply connected to daily living.
In recent years, strong emphasis has also been placed on passing down the experiences of the 2011 disaster. Centered on the Natori City Disaster Recovery Memorial Hall, facilities and programs have been developed for learning, exchange, and raising awareness of disaster prevention and mitigation. The coexistence of traditional culture and contemporary civic activities is a defining feature of Natori’s cultural landscape.
Local Products
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Rice:
Rice farming thrives across the Natori Plain, producing high-quality varieties such as Sasanishiki and Hitomebore. These rice products are shipped both within and outside the region and are also available at local farmers’ markets.
View local farmers’ markets -
Carnations:
Natori is one of the leading carnation-producing areas in the Tohoku region, with high-quality cut flowers shipped nationwide.
View production areas -
Seafood (Yuriage):
Yuriage Port lands flounder, ark shell clams, mantis shrimp, and other seafood, supporting the city’s coastal food culture.
Yuriage Port
Living and Relocation Information
- Daily Convenience:Commercial facilities, medical institutions, and public offices are concentrated around Natori Station and Morisekinoshita Station, providing a high level of convenience for everyday life.
- Child-Rearing Environment:With well-developed schools and childcare facilities, and residential areas located close to natural environments, the city is highly regarded by families.
- Medical Care:Specialized medical institutions such as the Miyagi Cancer Center are located within the city.
- Housing:A wide range of housing options is available, from planned hillside residential areas to condominiums near railway stations.
Climate and Living Environment
- Climate Characteristics: Natori City has a Pacific coastal climate, with relatively mild and stable conditions throughout the year. Snowfall in winter is limited compared with regions on the Sea of Japan side, minimizing disruptions to daily life. However, due to the presence of both inland and coastal areas, winter mornings and evenings can become quite cold, occasionally approaching freezing temperatures.
- Seasonal Comfort: Summers are moderated by sea breezes from the Pacific Ocean and tend not to become excessively hot, making the climate comparatively comfortable within the Tohoku region. Winters are often sunny and dry, with little snow, though clear nights can bring sharp temperature drops due to radiative cooling.
- Proximity of Nature and Urban Areas: Coastal zones, plains, and hills are all found within close proximity, allowing residents to easily enjoy the sea, farmland, and satoyama-style natural landscapes near residential areas.
Area Characteristics (By District)
- Masuda / Natori Station Area: Centered on Natori Station, this area serves as the administrative and transportation hub of the city. It is a major junction where the JR Tohoku Main Line and the Sendai Airport Access Line intersect, offering excellent connectivity for commuting and long-distance travel.
- Yuriage Area: A coastal port town that developed around fishing and seafood processing. Although heavily damaged by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, the area has been rebuilt with Kawamachi Terrace Yuriage as a focal point for commerce, tourism, and community interaction.
- Takadate and Medeshima Hills: A hilly area in the western part of the city where planned residential development has progressed since the 1980s. New towns such as Sogodai, Yurigaoka, and Medeshimadai feature abundant green spaces and parks, creating a calm and family-friendly living environment.
Access
- Rail: The JR Tohoku Main Line runs through the city, with Natori Station and Tatekoshi Station in operation. The Sendai Airport Access Line connects Sendai Station and Sendai Airport in as little as 17 minutes.
- Air: Sendai Airport offers regular domestic flights to major cities such as Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka, as well as international services, functioning as the primary air gateway to the Tohoku region.
- Road: The Sendai Tobu Expressway runs north–south through the city, with interchanges at Natori IC and Sendai Airport IC. National Route 4 and other arterial roads provide smooth access to central Sendai and southern Miyagi.
Tourist Attractions
- Raijinyama Kofun A large keyhole-shaped burial mound built between the late 4th and early 5th centuries and designated as a National Historic Site. Maintained as an archaeological park, it offers insight into the ancient history of the Natori area.
- Kawamachi Terrace Yuriage A commercial and community complex developed as part of the post-disaster reconstruction of the Yuriage area, featuring restaurants and local specialty shops along the riverfront.
- Kumano Hongu Shrine One of the three Kumano shrines of Natori, traditionally said to have been enshrined from Kumano in Kii Province during the Heian period, and a spiritual cornerstone of the city.