Understand

Welcome to Kesennuma, a city with a rich fishing heritage. Despite facing immense devastation from the devastating 2011 tsunami, this resilient city has made remarkable progress in rebuilding and revitalizing. Kesennuma was once a thriving fishing port, renowned for its catch of shark, bonito, and swordfish. Although the economic impact is still being addressed, great strides have been made in the recovery process. Witness the resilience and determination of the community as they work towards restoring their beloved city. Experience the unique blend of traditional fishing culture and the indomitable spirit of the people. Explore the scenic coastline and immerse yourself in the inspiring story of Kesennuma's unwavering strength.

Get in

Getting to Kesennuma City is an adventure in itself. While the train lines that used to run along the coast were destroyed by the tsunami, there are still options to reach this vibrant destination. One of the fastest and most efficient ways is to take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Ichinoseki Station, a journey that takes about 2 hours. From there, transfer to the Ofunato Line, which will bring you directly to Kesennuma Station in approximately 85 minutes. The trains on this line depart 1-2 times per hour, with minimal waiting time in the morning and late afternoon. Don't forget that both the JR East Tohoku Area Pass and the full JR Rail Pass cover these routes, making it convenient for travelers with these passes. Another option is to consider the substitute rapid buses operated by JR. These buses depart hourly from Maeyachi, offering a different way to reach Kesennuma. However, if you want to save both time and money, you can also opt for the Iwateken Kotsu buses, which are approximately 10 minutes faster than the train route from Ichinoseki. Keep in mind that the rail passes do not cover the bus fares, so plan accordingly!

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Sushi: Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice served with various toppings, typically fish or seafood. The rice is usually accompanied by a small piece of nori (seaweed) and sometimes features a dab of wasabi, pickled ginger, or soy sauce. There are many variations, including nigiri (hand-pressed sushi), maki (rolled sushi), and sashimi (slices of raw fish).

Ramen: Ramen is a widely popular soup dish in Japan that includes Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth. It is often garnished with ingredients such as pork, dried seaweed, menma (fermented soybean paste), scallions, and miso paste. The dish can be found in various styles, including tonkotsu (pork bone broth), shoyu (soy sauce broth), and miso.

Tempura: Tempura is a deep-fried dish where seafood, vegetables, or mushrooms are battered and then cooked in hot oil. The light, crispy batter turns golden brown and creates a contrast with the soft textures of the ingredients inside. Traditional tempura elements include shrimp, sweet potato, pumpkin, spinach, and green beans. It is typically served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, Mirin, and dashi.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing