KE
SEN
NUMA First time in Kesennuma

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  Kesennuma Oshima, one of the largest islands in the Tohoku region, is known for its beautiful scenery, which poets praised as a "green pearl." From Kameyama, located on the north side of the island, you can see the beautiful ria coast, the town of Kesennuma, and the expansive Pacific Ocean.

  Kameyama

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  It is one of Japan's largest azalea viewing spots, with about 50 azaleas painting the entire mountain red. They reach full bloom from mid- to late May, and bloom in spectacular glory over an area of ​​5 hectares (about the size of 50 Tokyo Domes).

  Mt. Tokusenjo

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  A seasonal feature that heralds the arrival of winter in Kesennuma. A storm is a natural phenomenon in which cold air from the land flows over the ocean surface, turning the water vapor into mist. The sight of large and small boats passing through the mist that rolls in from the sea on a cold early morning, in the bay that is bathed in orange light by the morning sun, is truly fantastical.

  Kesennuma Wind Storm

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  If you want to enjoy the beautiful nature of Sanriku Fukko National Park and the Karakuwa Peninsula, we recommend trekking courses such as the Michinoku Sea Breeze Trail and the Miyagi Olle Kesennuma-Karakuwa Course. The eastern side of the peninsula faces the Pacific Ocean, and the dynamic scenery of the majestic, rugged ocean and the sheer cliffs of the ria coast is breathtaking. You can enjoy a different ocean view from the western side, which is an inland bay.

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  It was named with the hope of praying for safe voyages and a good catch. The mountain trail to the summit is equipped with attractions such as the Dragon Stairs and Star Terrace, and is popular as a lush, relaxing park. From the summit, you can get a panoramic view of Kesennuma Bay, and the view of the rising sun and the beautiful night view are truly fantastic.

  Mount Aba

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  Kesennuma is the number one place in Japan for fresh bonito landings. You can enjoy the refreshing "summer bonito" from mid-May, and the fatty "returning bonito" in autumn. The bonito served at restaurants immediately after it is landed is fresh and odorless, with a juicy aroma and chewy texture that is irresistible. It can be enjoyed as sashimi, sushi, or seafood bowls, or even cooked.

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  A fish that represents autumn. Events are held all over the country where experienced chefs serve Kesennuma pacific saury grilled over charcoal. Once boasting the largest catch in the country, pacific saury is loved by locals and is often processed into souvenirs such as tsukudani. We also recommend eating fresh pacific saury as sashimi. Enjoy it at restaurants in the city.

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  Oysters grown in the nutrient-rich Kesennuma Bay are very large and plump. They have a rich flavor and are in season in winter, but early spring is also recommended when they are at their sweetest and tastiest! Swordfish is the number one fish caught in Japan. It is delicious whether boiled or grilled. Oysters caught between October and March are called "winter swordfish" and have a rich flavor due to the abundance of fat stored in their flesh.

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  Kesennuma, the number one shark landing area in Japan, is also one of the world's leading shark fin producing areas. In winter, the northwest seasonal winds are cold and very dry, making it ideal for producing dried fish, so Kesennuma's shark fins have excellent color and texture. Other parts of the shark's body are also used as ingredients and are served as shark dishes. Be sure to try some of Kesennuma's unique gourmet food.

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  This is a pairing dinner where you can learn about the thoughts and dedication of the sake brewers, taste carefully selected dishes made with seasonal ingredients from Kesennuma, and sake carefully selected by the brewers to go well with the food. You can experience the history and culture of this area through food, while feeling the spirit of the brewers and chefs.

Features 02

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  Kesennuma Port is one of Japan's leading fishing ports. The bustle of Kesennuma begins here at the fish market. Brokers are examining the goods, bidding, and preparing for shipment. It's a place where you can feel the breath of a port town using all five senses. There is also an experience plan where you can enjoy the fish market while looking at the fish that were landed that day.

  Kesennuma Fishing Port and Kesennuma Fish Market

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  Sending off the boats is a traditional event where boats leaving for fishing are sent off with colorful ribbons and Fukurai flags (big catch flags) to pray for a safe voyage and a good catch. Fishermen heading out to harsh environments often recall the scene of everyone waving Fukurai flags as they leave on their boats as they sail across the vast ocean, and it gives them energy. Sending off the boats is unique to Kesennuma. Let's pray together for a safe voyage and a good catch.

  Ship departure information

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  Kesennuma Port is one of the largest ports in Japan for the number of ocean-going tuna fishing boats registered there, and you can see many large fishing boats moored. The sight of so many fishing boats moored that it seems to cover the entire harbor is truly impressive.

  Stroll around the port town

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  Kesennuma is known as one of Japan's leading oyster farms. Take a boat ride with a fisherman and see the rafts on which the oysters that the fishermen have lovingly cultivated are hanging. You will tour the ocean where the oysters grow, which are packed with the nutritious bounty of the sea. You can spend time by the sea, peering into the crystal clear ocean, gazing at the complex topography of the ria coastline and the black-tailed gulls flying through the sky from the sea.

Features 03

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  Located at the foot of Mount Awa, you can see the progress of the restoration of the Shishiori and Uchiwan districts, which were devastated by the tsunami and other disasters. The park, which opened as a facility to pray for the restoration, features a "prayer sail" to pray for the restoration, plaques with the names of those who lost their lives, and traditional sculptures, and anyone can visit to express their condolences.

  Kesennuma City Reconstruction Memorial Park

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  In order to pass on the memory of the disaster to future generations, the old school building of Kesennuma Koyo High School, which was damaged in the Great East Japan Earthquake, has been preserved as a disaster relic just as it was at the time of the disaster. In addition to being able to tour the school building, you can also see videos and exhibits about the tsunami at the adjacent museum. You can also listen to local storyteller guides talk about their own experiences and lessons learned from the disaster.

  Kesennuma City Great East Japan Earthquake Memorial Museum

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  The museum houses many photographs and damaged items taken by curators for record-keeping and research purposes immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake, giving a broad view of the city immediately after the disaster. In a separate exhibition room, you can learn about past tsunami damage and the history and culture of the Sanriku coastal region, as well as the lives of the people who live with the sea.

  Rias
  Ark Museum of Art

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