In ancient times, it is said that the gods taught people how to harvest salt by boiling seawater in large kettles. In gratitude, around the year 800 they named the area “Shiogama” (lit. “Salt Cauldron”) and dedicated Shiogama-Jinja Shrine to these deities. The shrine stands on a steep hill overlooking Matsushima Bay. Climb the 202 stone steps to reach the grand main entrance. Its impressive red buildings date from the early 1700s, and fourteen of them are designated National Important Cultural Properties. Designed by internationally-renowned architect Toyo Ito, Sendai Mediatheque is a stunning piece of contemporary architecture that has become a hub for cultural activities in Sendai, from grassroots activism to contemporary art exhibitions.