A delicious winter itinerary for 2023

We recommend a food trip to Kesennuma this winter. We will introduce a model itinerary that will let you experience history and culture, enjoy the townscape, and sample delicious winter cuisine.

The person who will guide you through the model course is...

The couple who walked the model course this time were Kesennuma-based illustrators Shigeya and Tomoko Yamamoto. While providing illustrations for magazines and advertisements, they also update their "everyday life drawings" of Kesennuma on social media.
We will introduce them along with the landscapes painted by Yamamoto.

Learn about Kesennuma's "food culture" at Rias Ark Museum of Art

The Rias Ark Museum of Art is located about a 15-minute drive from the center of Kesennuma. It mainly exhibits artworks by artists from Tohoku and Hokkaido, and has a permanent exhibition that conveys the Great East Japan Earthquake and displays the history and culture of the region with a focus on food. The distinctive building, which was modeled after an ark, is an attractive piece of architecture, and you can also enjoy a stroll around the surrounding area.

This is the permanent exhibition, "Ark Diary - Living in Rias on the Sea and Mountains." It gives a glimpse into life in Kesennuma, where the ria coastline and fishing culture are deeply rooted.

A perfect walking course both day and night: Shinmeizaki (Ukimido)

The "Shinmeizaki" area, which is also popular as a location for TV dramas, is perfect for a walk. The "Third Ebisu Statue" holding the bonito, the symbol of this place, prays for safe voyages and a good catch.

From the red promenade built over the sea, you can see the view of Kesennuma's inner bay, lined with anchored fishing boats.

On the hill above the promenade is the historic Isuzu Shrine, which is lit up at night, making it a great place to take a stroll at night.

Isuzu Sabo, which is open only on weekends until the New Year in 2024, is a cafe renovated from the shrine office. We recommend taking a break after praying with Ebisu Dorayaki, which is branded with the symbol of Isuzu Shrine, Ebisu. You can enjoy a panoramic view from the window.

A quick seafood bowl for lunch

For lunch, we recommend the seafood bowl, which uses seasonal fish and lets you feel the season. It's also nice that you can enjoy raw swordfish, which is recommended in winter.

Check out our seafood bowl special feature to see which restaurants interest you.

Relax while watching the ships anchored in the sea at the shopping center "Naiwan"

Take a break and enjoy the refreshing breeze from the ocean on the wooden decks that connect each facility of Naiwan.

Enjoy the seasonal winter flavors and local sake

The recommended winter delicacies for this season are oysters and swordfish. Enjoying them paired with local sake is a privilege for adults!

The clear morning air is one of the winter sights! Near the fish market

When certain conditions coincide, the extreme temperature difference between land and sea creates a winter phenomenon known as "ke-arashi," which is a seasonal phenomenon in Kesennuma and is sometimes seen as a sign of good luck.

What is Kesennuma Keran, the fantastical scenery that heralds the arrival of winter? Click here for more information.

The fish market, which can be said to be the face of Kesennuma, holds guided tours on an irregular basis.

Please see here for our autumn/winter experience programs.

Shop at the complex "Umi no Ichi" and "Michi no Eki".

Local products, local sake, sweets, fresh fish, etc. Local delivery is also available.