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Hello everyone! I'm Ana Hazeti, a YouTuber based in Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture!
We promote the charm of Kesennuma through outdoor activities such as fishing and insect collecting.
This time, we will be introducing some beach activities that are perfect for the summer, set at Iwaizaki, one of Kesennuma's tourist attractions!
1. What is Iwaizaki?
2. The charm of tide pools
3. Creatures that can be observed
4. Let's try fishing!
5. You might even find fossils!
6. Pay attention here!
7. Perfect for summer vacation independent study!
What is Iwaizaki?
This cape is located at the entrance to Kesennuma Bay and is designated as part of the Sanriku Reconstruction National Park.
There are many things to see here, including the "Spray Rock," which shoots up water every time a wave crashes on the shore; the "Dragon Pine," named after the pine tree left by the tsunami that resembles a dragon; and the bronze statue of Hidenoyama Raigoro, a grand champion from Kesennuma who was active during the Edo period.
If you look to the right and see the "Hidenoyama Raigoro Statue"...
The rocky area continues like this! This is where we will be playing on the rocks.
The allure of tide pools
The first thing you need when enjoying activities on the rocks is tide pools!
Tidal pools, also known as tide pools, are depressions filled with seawater caused by the ebb and flow of the tides.
There are often many small creatures left behind inside, so you can observe a variety of living creatures.
Unlike the vast ocean, tide pools have no way for living creatures to escape.
You can carefully observe the creatures basking in the sun.
Most of the water is shallow and only knee-deep.
If you choose the right spot, even small children can play safely, and they can even get into the water and try scooping up the fish with a net!
Observable creatures
This is a goby fish. It doesn't grow very large even as an adult, so it can often be seen in shallow waters such as tide pools.
This is a member of the sea slug family.
They are large and squishy, and when stimulated they exude a purple liquid.
The liquid spreads out like a rain cloud, which is why it is called "rain-bringer" (Ampurishi).
This is a fish that appears to be a relative of damselfish.
In fact, this fish is rare in Kesennuma, and the damselfish family is generally said to be distributed in coastal areas south of the Tohoku region. They cannot survive the cold winters of Tohoku.
However, during the warm summer months, they move north and can also be seen in the Tohoku region.
Fish that come in the summer and die because they cannot survive the winter are called "deceased migratory fish."
This fish can only be seen in Kesennuma during the warm season.
Let's try fishing!
Here's a slightly different and fun game to play!
It's called "tide pool fishing"!
A "nobe pole" (a pole with a line tied directly to the tip) sold at home improvement centers,
Tie on a small hook and attach a small piece of worm (artificial bait) to it.
If you move the worm in front of the fish...
Yay!! I caught a goby!
It doesn't require any complicated movements, and even adults can get hooked because they can watch the fish eat right in front of their eyes.
We have videos on our channel explaining this type of fishing, so if you're interested, be sure to come and take a look!
▼Anahazeti video〈link to youtube〉
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUqIW6QX1Pc&t=431s
You might even find fossils!
The tide pools alone are fascinating, but you can also observe fossils at Iwaizaki!
Iwaizaki is lined with a type of rock called limestone, and it is said that creatures from the Permian period of the Paleozoic era, about 2 million years ago, are sleeping in these rocks.
The photo shows a fossil that appears to be a type of sea lily.
When you hear the word "fossils," you might imagine that they are difficult to find, but if you look carefully at the rocks of Iwaizaki, you can find them all over the place. You might even find a rare fossil!
By the way, this fossil is designated as a natural monument of Miyagi Prefecture, so it is possible to observe and photograph it,Collection is prohibitedSo be careful!
Note here
Although it's a very appealing activity on the rocks, as you can see in the photo, seaweed can build up and make the area slippery, and there can be sudden high waves, so please be careful to ensure your safety!
Check the tides in Kesennuma andHeading to the rocks at low tideYou can play safely in tide pools.
Also, be careful not to collect seafood such as sea urchins, which violate fishing rights.
Although there are few poisonous creatures inhabiting the Tohoku region, we recommend that you do a quick check of the dangerous creatures to keep them in mind before going to the tide pools!
Perfect for your summer vacation independent study!
What did you think? Enjoying the beach is full of romance, with lots of creatures and fossils.
For families with small children, I think it would be very educational for them to research the creatures they have caught and compile their findings for an independent study.
I'm sure you'll discover something new! See you next time!
For the latest information, please contact the appropriate department.