Kesennuma, Ishinomaki

Recommendations for Kesennuma and Ishinomaki, Japan

Here are some recommendations for sightseeing, dining, lodging, hot springs, activities, and souvenirs in Kesennuma and Ishinomaki, Japan:

Sightseeing:

• Tashirojima Island (Cat Island): Take a short ferry ride from Ishinomaki to Tashirojima Island, famously known as Cat Island. Explore the island and meet its friendly feline residents. Don't forget to visit the Manga Island Museum, showcasing cat-themed art and exhibits.
• Karakuwa Peninsula: Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Karakuwa Peninsula in Kesennuma, known for its rugged coastline, picturesque beaches, and panoramic views. Take a walk along the coastline or hike up Mount Osawa for breathtaking vistas.
• Mangokuura: Mangokuura is a historic fishing port in Ishinomaki. Stroll through the quaint streets lined with traditional wooden buildings and visit the Mangokuura Hikiyama Museum, which displays traditional festival floats.

Dining:

• Seafood: Kesennuma and Ishinomaki are renowned for their fresh and delicious seafood. Visit local seafood markets and restaurants to savor specialties like grilled fish, sushi, sashimi, and seafood hot pots.
• Local Cuisine: Try local dishes like Kesennuma ramen, a soy-based ramen topped with fresh seafood, or Ishinomaki yakisoba, stir-fried noodles with vegetables and savory sauce. Many restaurants in the area serve these regional specialties.

Lodging:

• Ryokans: Stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan, such as those in Kesennuma Onsen or Ishinomaki Onsen. These inns offer comfortable accommodations, traditional tatami rooms, and rejuvenating hot spring baths.
• Hotels: There are various hotels available in both Kesennuma and Ishinomaki, ranging from budget-friendly options to more upscale establishments. Consider oceanfront hotels for stunning views of the coastline.

Hot Springs:

• Kesennuma Onsen: Soak in the healing waters of Kesennuma Onsen, a hot spring area known for its therapeutic properties. Some ryokans and hotels in Kesennuma offer private hot spring baths or public bathing facilities.

Activities:

• Boat Tours: Take a boat tour to explore the scenic Matsushima Bay in Ishinomaki. Admire the numerous small islands covered in pine trees and experience the serene beauty of this unique natural landscape.
• Oshima Island: Visit Oshima Island in Kesennuma and hike up Mount Otakamori for panoramic views of the coastline. You can also explore the island's fishing villages and learn about the local fishing industry.

Souvenirs:

• Local Seafood Products: Bring back seafood products like dried scallops, smoked fish, or jars of locally made fish-based condiments as a tasty and unique souvenir.
• Cat-themed Souvenirs: Since Tashirojima Island is known as Cat Island, you'll find various cat-themed souvenirs, such as keychains, postcards, and plush toys featuring adorable feline designs.
• Local Crafts: Explore local craft shops for traditional handmade crafts like pottery, lacquerware, or kokeshi dolls, which make for memorable and culturally significant souvenirs.

Remember to check with local establishments and tourist information centers for the most up-to-date recommendations and any specific guidelines or restrictions related to COVID-19 or other factors. Enjoy your sightseeing and travels in Kesennuma and Ishinomaki!

Specialties and Local Foods:

• Kesennuma Tuna: Kesennuma is renowned for its fresh and high-quality tuna. Try dishes like maguro sashimi (raw tuna), maguro donburi (tuna rice bowl), or maguro nigiri sushi to experience the exceptional flavor of the local catch.
• Ishinomaki Oysters: Ishinomaki is famous for its succulent oysters. Enjoy them freshly shucked or try them grilled, battered, or in hot pot dishes. Look for local seafood restaurants or izakayas that specialize in oyster dishes.
• Ankou (Monkfish): Kesennuma is known for its delicious ankou, a type of anglerfish. Taste ankou nabe (hot pot), ankou karaage (deep-fried), or ankou sashimi for a unique and flavorful seafood experience.
• Shiogama Yaki: Shiogama, near Ishinomaki, is famous for its shiogama yaki, a style of grilled fish prepared with a special sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, and mirin. Indulge in this local delicacy at Shiogama Yaki restaurants.

Highly Rated and Popular Restaurants:

• Kesennuma
  • Maruboshi Honkan: This restaurant is renowned for its fresh seafood, including tuna. They offer a wide range of dishes, such as sushi, sashimi, and seafood hot pots.
  • Kuroshio Ichiba: Located in Kesennuma Fish Market, this popular seafood restaurant serves a variety of fresh catches, including oysters, scallops, and grilled fish.
• Ishinomaki
  • Tajiri: Tajiri is a well-known restaurant in Ishinomaki, offering delicious seafood dishes such as grilled fish, oysters, and sushi. They source their seafood directly from local fishermen.
  • Yamanaka Shokudo: A cozy restaurant serving local favorites, including Ishinomaki yakisoba (fried noodles), grilled fish, and seafood rice bowls. Enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere.

Souvenirs:

• Kesennuma and Ishinomaki Tuna Products: Bring back cans of high-quality tuna, tuna jerky, or tuna flakes, which make for tasty souvenirs and can be easily packed for travel.
• Oyster Products: Purchase oyster-flavored snacks, such as oyster crackers or oyster-infused seasonings, as souvenirs. You can also find bottled oyster sauces or oyster-flavored ramen.
• Local Sake: Miyagi Prefecture is known for its sake production. Consider buying bottles of locally brewed sake, such as Kesennuma and Ishinomaki sake brands, as a special and authentic gift.
• Traditional Crafts: Look for handmade crafts like pottery, lacquerware, or wooden products adorned with intricate designs. These items represent the local craftsmanship and make unique souvenirs.

Remember to check the operating hours and availability of restaurants and shops, as they may have specific schedules or COVID-19 related restrictions. Enjoy your culinary adventures and treasure hunting for souvenirs in Kesennuma and Ishinomaki!

Kesennuma and Ishinomaki Festivals and Events

Spring:

• Kesennuma Shishiori Donko Festival: Held in early May, this festival celebrates the local specialty, "donko," which refers to the young salmon caught in the Kesennuma Bay. The festival features lively parades, traditional dances, and various donko-themed events.
• Ishinomaki Minato Festival: Taking place in late April, the Ishinomaki Minato Festival celebrates the city's fishing heritage. The festival includes fishery-related performances, seafood markets, and fireworks displays, providing visitors with a glimpse into the local maritime culture.

Summer:

• Kesennuma Wangan Nagashi: Held in mid-August, this event features a magnificent procession of illuminated boats, which are set afloat in Kesennuma Bay. The boats carry prayers and wishes of the local community and create a mesmerizing scene on the water.
• Ishinomaki Kawabiraki Festival: This festival, held in July, marks the opening of the fishing season in Ishinomaki. It features lively parades, traditional music performances, fireworks, and a variety of seafood stalls where you can savor local delicacies.

Fall:

• Ishinomaki Fish Market Festival: This festival is held in late September and celebrates the rich seafood culture of Ishinomaki. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, watch live cooking demonstrations, and participate in various fish-related activities.
• Kesennuma Oshima Koma Festival: Taking place in October, the Kesennuma Oshima Koma Festival showcases the traditional horseback archery competition known as "yabusame." Skilled archers on horseback demonstrate their precision and skill, creating an exciting spectacle for spectators.

Winter:

• Kesennuma Toshogu Shrine Setsubun Festival: Held in February, this event celebrates Setsubun, which marks the end of winter and the coming of spring. Visitors can witness traditional rituals, including the throwing of soybeans and the wearing of demon masks to ward off evil spirits.
• Ishinomaki Winter Fireworks Festival: In February, this festival features a stunning display of fireworks against the backdrop of the winter night sky. The festival brings warmth and excitement to the cold winter season.

Special Features:

Both Kesennuma and Ishinomaki are coastal cities known for their vibrant fishing industries and breathtaking ocean views. Kesennuma is particularly famous for its fresh seafood, including delicious tuna and other local specialties. Ishinomaki, on the other hand, is home to the picturesque Matsushima Bay, renowned for its scenic islands and breathtaking landscapes.

The region also offers opportunities for sightseeing and outdoor activities, such as visiting scenic viewpoints, exploring historic sites, and enjoying boat tours to witness the natural beauty of the coastal areas.

When visiting Kesennuma and Ishinomaki, you can immerse yourself in the local culture, experience traditional festivals, savor fresh seafood, and appreciate the natural beauty of the coastal landscapes.

Climate and Seasons in Kesennuma and Ishinomaki

Spring (March to May):

• In March, temperatures range from 3°C to 11°C (37°F to 52°F).
• In April, temperatures range from 9°C to 18°C (48°F to 64°F).
• In May, temperatures range from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F).

Spring brings cherry blossoms, and you can enjoy hanami (flower viewing) in parks and along the coastline.

Rainy Season (June and July):

• The rainy season typically occurs from late June to early July.
• June temperatures range from 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F).
• In July, temperatures range from 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 81°F).

It's advisable to bring rain gear or an umbrella when visiting during this time.

Summer (August to September):

• August temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F).
• In September, temperatures range from 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 79°F).

Enjoy coastal activities, such as beach visits, seafood feasts, and exploring the local fishing industry.

Fall (October to November):

• In October, temperatures range from 14°C to 20°C (57°F to 68°F).
• In November, temperatures range from 7°C to 13°C (45°F to 55°F).

The region offers stunning autumn colors along the coast and in the surrounding mountains, making it an ideal time for nature walks and hikes.

Winter (December to February):

• December temperatures range from 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
• In January and February, temperatures range from -1°C to 5°C (30°F to 41°F).

The region experiences snowfall, creating a picturesque winter landscape. Enjoy winter seafood delicacies and visiting hot springs for relaxation.

Special Features in Kesennuma and Ishinomaki

1. Seafood: Both Kesennuma and Ishinomaki are famous for their fresh seafood, particularly oysters, scallops, and tuna. Enjoy delicious seafood dishes at local restaurants and seafood markets.
2. Oshima Island: Visit Oshima Island, located off the coast of Kesennuma. It offers beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
3. Tashirojima Island: Explore Tashirojima Island, also known as "Cat Island," in Ishinomaki. It's home to a large population of friendly cats and offers a unique cat-themed experience.
4. Rias Coastline: The coastal areas of Kesennuma and Ishinomaki are characterized by scenic rias coastlines, with picturesque bays and peninsulas. Take in the breathtaking views and enjoy outdoor activities like fishing and boating.
5. Hiyoriyama Park: In Ishinomaki, visit Hiyoriyama Park, which provides panoramic views of the city and coastline. The park also has a memorial to commemorate the victims of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.

Please note that it's always advisable to check weather forecasts and local travel advisories before your trip to Kesennuma and Ishinomaki.