Ishinomaki's PR Mascot, Ishipyon!
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At a GlanceIshinomaki is the second largest city in Miyagi Prefecture. It's a port town of approximately 125,000 people. The local downtown area has many historical buildings, unique restaurants, and a manga museum. Sprawling away from the main station is Hebita, the modern neighborhood full of convenient shopping and eating opportunities. The municipality of Ishinomaki covers a large area, including the Oshika penninsula, Higashimatsushima, and Okawa.
As of March of 2021, Ishinomaki has an RPG app! The game has a full story based in Ishinomaki. You can even get bonus items by using the GPS function on your device to verify your location! Specialty items, such as sea cucumbers, oysters, and even Ishinomaki yakisoba appear in the game! Check it out here. It isn't available in English yet but if you want to use it to study while you travel or just play around in fantasy Ishinomaki, please check it out! |
Restaurants
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Gochisoya - ご馳走や
This is a local chain store by the restaurant group Miyagi Jitsugyo. They have many different locations throughout Miyagi. At this restaurant, you can find Japanese, Chinese, and even Korean options on the menu. ＤＯＵＧＨ ダフ Located in Tachimachi, this family bar is popular for it's omurice and pasta. There are daily specials that change throughout the week, so it's worth returning after your first visit. |
Ramen
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HAMA HACHI DO - 二代目 浜八道
This is a popular counter-style ramen shop. Try the toku-dashi ramen, gyoza, and mini chashu-don (minced pork over rice). It’s very reasonably priced for the portions that you get. |
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Captain Kangaroo
A burger chain that originated in Okinawa, with another location only in Osaka. It's a trendy restaurant seeking inspiration from American aesthetics. There is a multitude of burger options here, which has given this restaurant a great reputation among locals. |
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Lapras Poke Lid - Meowth, Skitty, Glameow, Litten
Did you know that Miyagi's Ambassador Pokemon is Lapras? There are 35 decorative Lapras Manhole Covers all over Miyagi! You can see this one outside of Ishinomaki City Hall! When you visit maybe you can check out Cat Island too! |
Monuments
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Okawa Elementary School Memorial
The remains of what was previously Okawa Elementary School. The school faced incredible damage and loss in the face of the 3/11 Earthquake and Tsunami. Site of Kadonowaki Elementary School At the base of Hiyoriyama are the ruins of Kadonowaki ES. Left as they were after the tsunami, you can tour the site to see the damage the building sustained due to the tsunami and widespread fires during the disaster. |
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Kashimamiko Shrine
Located at the top of Hiyoriyama, this shrine overlooks the mouth of the Kyukitakami River as it meets the Pacific Ocean. It's very serene, and in spring it becomes quite busy as people flock to get pictures of the cherry blossoms overlooking the ocean and Ishinomaki City below. Hagurosan Toya Shrine Not too far away from Kashimamiko Shrine is Haguro Toya Shrine, standing in the middle of Haguro Park. What sets this shrine apart is its unique goshuincho - the book for obtaining the seals of different shrines and temples. It features the honden with the Blue Impulse soaring overhead in formation. Hitsujisaki Shrine Located on the summit of Mt. Makiyami, this shrine is famous for its autumn foliage. In the spring and summer, there are numerous flowers blooming on the road up, and there's an uninterrupted view of Ishinomaki City below. |
Road Stations
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Joubon no Sato - 道の駅 上品の郷
On Route 45, just outside of the city, you can find Joubon no Sato - one of the Michi-no-Eki in Miyagi. There is plenty to do here from dining, grocery shopping, café sitting, and even an onsen! It is quite the impressive Roadside station. |
Parks
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Hiyoriyama Park - 日和山公園
This park is on top of a pretty steep hill. It overlooks the sea and in the spring is bursting with cherry blossoms. Within the park there are several statues to the Japanese poet, Basho. It's also home to the Kashimamiko Shrine, where the iconic torii gate stands. |
Museums
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Miyagi Tsunami Memorial Museum
Opened in 2021, the museum is nestled in the middle of the Minamihama Memorial Park. Inside, you can see various pictures of the area before and after the tsunami, along with other areas throughout Miyagi. The museum is completely free to enter, and tour guides are available. Ishinomaki Manga Museum This museum is one of Ishinomaki's most iconic structures. Dedicated to Ishinomori Shotaro, who has been adopted as a hometown hero by Ishinomaki, (though born in Tome), this museum attracts fans from across the country. It mainly features the Kamen Rider and Cyborg 009 series and offers an in depth look at the history, composition details, and culture of Japanese manga. You can also see tons of his manga statues in the neighborhoods surrounding the museum. Occasionally the museum hosts guest exhibitions. Miyagi San Juan Bautista Museum - 宮城県慶長使節船ミュージアム（サン・ファン館） The San Juan Bautista was a real ship commissioned by Date Masemune himself. The ship was one of the first of its kind, being a Japanese-built Spanish galleon. This museum details the rebuilding of the ship in 1993 and is located close to where the original was made. In the museum you can watch a movie showing the step-by-step recreation of the ship. The original display ship has been dismantled due to its deteriorated condition, but a new 1/4th scale ship has been reconstructed in it's place. MakiArt Terrace A trendy and chic building that stands out against the green landscape surrounding it. This hall hosts concerts of many different musicians and artists. There is also an Ishinomaki City Museum here where you can learn about the rich history of this city. |
Golf Courses
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Ishinomaki Kanan Park Golf Course - 石巻市かなんパークゴルフ場
These fantastic facilities are located off road 108. There are 3 different courses to choose from, with 12 holes each. Courses range from beginner to advanced levels. The owner is a man who is really friendly and will come watch you play. He is known to cheer for the visitors who come to the park. It's 600 yen for one game. |
Gyms
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Yuugakukan - こもれびの降る丘 遊楽館
Near the gold park is Yuugakukan, a huge complex with a nice gymnasium, a large organ, and a fabulous lap pool with a massive hot tub. It also has workout gym. The basketball courts cost a few hundred yen. Basketball or badminton equipment rentals are extra, so feel free to bring your own. Bring indoor gym shoes. The pool costs 500 yen, and a swim cap is required. Ai Plaza Located in Ishinomaki City, this fitness center houses a small gym, a dance and aerobics room, and a lap pool. |
Bowling Alleys
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Purena Miyagi Bowling Alley - プレナミヤギ
A local bowling alley and entertainment center. Many locals come here on weekends to spend time with their friends and family. Beyond bowling, there is also a game corner, karaoke rooms, and even an ice skating rink. It's a great option for group gatherings. |
Point of Interest
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ＪＥＵＧＩＡ - カルチャーセンターイオンモール石巻
This multi-purpose facility is located on the first floor of AEON. It offers a wide variety of classes, from yoga, ballroom dancing, karate, and even hip hop dancing. The staff here is very helpful and patient. They have a guide to classes posted outside that comes with pictures. |
Karaoke
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Parade Karaoke - カラオケプラザ・パレード
This is a very comfortable karaoke place with nice rooms, good music selections, and satisfying refreshments. |
