plant and animal life in the area. Lake Izunuma, the largest lake in Miyagi, is home to 223 species of waterfowl, or 42% of Japan's 535 total species of water birds. Migrating birds including swans, geese, and ducks, winter here. From late July to late August is when the lotus flowers bloom and the Izunuma-Uchinuma Lotus Festival is held. Former Arikabe-juku Honjin, National Historic Site Sannō-Gakoi Site, National Historic Site Nuruyu Bansho Site, National Historic Site Irinosawa Site, National Historic Site Culture Kurihara is known for its rice production. There are also a number of waterfalls, parks filled with cherry blossoms in spring, and flower gardens. These include: Abazu Gorge, Shiraito Falls, Gorindoyama Park, Hasama River Park, and Sanno Historic Park Iris Garden. It is also a renowned place for viewing the autumn leaves, especially around Mt. Kurikoma. Kurihara also has an abundance of hot spring resorts. These include: Yu-no-Kura Hot Spring, Yubama Hot Spring, Hanayama Hot Spring, and Nuruyu Hot Spring. Festivals Late March Tohoku Draft Horse Pull Kurikoma Tournament (Kurikoma) 1st Sun of April Obasama Festival and Longevity Rites (Kannari) Mid-April Izumiya Oyashiki Festival (Semine) April 29 Masaoka Festival (Ichihasama) Mid-April Cherry Blossom Festivals (all areas) May 5 Hanayama Rifle Festival (Hanayama) Mid-June Iris Festival (Ichihasama) Mid-June Ichihasama Lily Garden Opening (Ichihasama) 1st Sun of July Iris Festival and Kagura Sacred Dance (Ichihasama) 3rd Sun of July Michinoku Kagura Sacred Dance Festival (Tsukidate) Late July Kurikoma Float Parade Festival (Kurikoma) August Izunuma-Uchinuma Lotus Festival (Wakayanagi, Tsukidate) August 5–6 Tsukidate Tanabata Festival (Tsukidate) August 14 Waterwheel (Suisha) Festival (Shiwahime) August 15–16 Wakayanagi Summer Festival (Wakayanagi) Early October Autumn Lake Festival (Hanayama) Oct-Nov Tagaiichi Markets and Festivals November 3 Tsukidate Yakushi Festival Early Nov Industries Festival Dec-Feb Festivals to Beckon and Welcome Spring (all areas) Mid-Jan Donto Festivals (all areas) Noted people from Kurihara Yoshiaki Hoshi, musician Kōbōyama Daizō, sumo wrestler Jun Izumida, professional wrestler Yohei "Yoh" Komatsu, Japanese professional wrestler References Notes External links Official Website Cities in Miyagi Prefecture