Kesennuma's hot spot! Introducing shops in the inner bay area again

Previously here " New stores that locals and tourists will want to visit on footAs we mentioned in our article, new stores are popping up one after another in Kesennuma's inner bay. In particular, the three commercial complexes Mukaeru, Hirakeru, and Yuwaeru, which were built near the ferry terminal in the inner bay, house a variety of shops, including restaurants, cafes, retail stores, and general goods shops, so you can have a lot of fun just by walking around here. This time, we will introduce three stores in this inner bay area!

1. Freshly fried kamaboko made from fish caught in Kesennuma!
2. Ladies' fashion and accessories "Maruko"
3. Cafe & Bar "FCUP" with basketball half court

Freshly fried kamaboko made from fish caught in Kesennuma!

The first place I would like to introduce is "Agetotto," where you can eat freshly fried kamaboko.

When you think of kamaboko, many people may imagine the "ita kamaboko" that is included in osechi cuisine, but in Miyagi Prefecture, other major foods include "sasa kamaboko" and "age kamaboko," which are local specialties.

In Kesennuma, kamaboko is a popular gift or celebration item, but there is no place like this shop where you can eat freshly fried kamaboko on the spot.

When we asked the shop staff, they told us that as kamaboko makers, "freshly fried is the most delicious!"

The shop's recommended "Fuwafuwa Agetoto" is a Japanese-style frankfurter with a crispy batter that is sure to please children. Locally caught fish are used as ingredients, so you can enjoy different fish each season.

▲ Fried kamaboko fish cake "Agetotto." It's also delicious with the ketchup provided.

You can eat it inside the shop, which has tables, but it is also available in a cup or on a skewer, so it's fun to stroll around the area and eat your way around.

Store name

Fried tofu

Opening hours

10:00～18:00

Closed days

Wednesday

Address

3-1-23 Minamimachi, Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture

Phone

0226-24-1050

A store selling ladies' fashion and miscellaneous goods! Original games too!

▲A wide range of products are lined up. They are all reasonably priced.

Marukou, a women's fashion and miscellaneous goods store, is located inside Yuwael. Marukou was previously located in front of the fish market, but was damaged in the earthquake and continued to operate from a temporary store after that. The store was fully restored and restarted at this location in October last year. The store is filled with a wide range of items, mainly women's clothing, as well as bags and interior goods, and is a favorite haunt for fashionable women in Kesennuma.

▲An original game planned, produced and developed by the store owner!

What makes the shop stand out is the game software CD containing the Hoya Boya mini-game, which the owner himself planned and produced! After much trial and error, he created it all by himself, including the package design. Be sure to check out this original Kesennuma souvenir that you can only find here.


Store name

Marko

Opening hours

9:30～18:30

Closed days

Wednesday

Address

Kesennuma City Minamimachi 3-1-20 Yui A

Phone

0226-22-7916

Japan's first cafe and bar with a basketball half court

▲Next to the court are inflatable play equipment and athletic facilities where children can play.

In the building right next to "Yuwaeru," where Marukou is located, there is "FCUP," Japan's first cafe and bar with a basketball half court. As you can see from the photo, there is an indoor basketball half court next to the cafe! This is an unprecedented "playground" for children during the day and sports-loving adults at night.

▲Click here for the court price list.

▲There are counter seats with a view of the courts from the window, sofa seats, and kotatsu seats on the second floor.

The lunch menu includes a children's set and udon noodles, so you can relax and have a meal when you get tired from playing. At the counter seats overlooking the half court, parents can take a break and have a cup of tea while watching their children play, and there are tatami-mat seats with kotatsu on the second floor where even small children can relax (reservations can be made). There is also a large screen, darts, and it seems that private parties can be held, so it is a fun restaurant with a variety of ways to have fun.


Store name

FCUP

Opening hours

Daytime 10:00～18:00 Nighttime 19:00～00:00

Closed days

Thursday

Address

3-1-20 Minamimachi, Kesennuma City

Phone

0226-25-7545

There are more and more places that tourists and locals alike want to stop by. It looks like the inner bay is becoming lively again. I'll be sure to introduce more new shops as they open.