At a GlanceWelcome to the edge of the world, or at least Miyagi. Technically part of Kesennuma since the latest merger, the furthest point from Sendai is also one of the most beautiful; with lots of natural scenery and tourist attractions.
Two major shrines, one at the tip of the peninsula and the other in downtown Karakuwa are available to visit. Isaribi Park offers a fantastic view, and an even better one is available to those who take the 15 minute hike to the top. Up in the northern part of the town, the Koharagi area offers the Dairiseki (white marble) Coast and Mt Sasanagane, the highest point in Karakuwa. |
Restaurants
|
Karakuwa Banya Oyster Shack - かき小屋 唐桑番屋
Shuck and eat your own oysters, caught fresh from the Karakuwa sea and grilled right in front of your eyes! They only serve oysters and scallops, so come with your appetite prepared. Kitchen Higashiyama - キチンひがしやま Chinese restaurant with massive portions and prices low enough to astound! |
Ramen
|
Isaribi Park Isaribi Godai - 漁火パーク 漁火ごだい
A ramen restaurant on the top of Mt. Hayama with stunning panorama views of Karakuwa. Perfect place to catch the sunset! |
Cafes
|
Cafe Gigi - 喫茶GIGI（ジジ）
Local favorite famous for their hamburg and parfaits, as well as their charming chef! Printemps - プランタン Tiny cafe with the atmosphere of a chic-yet-traditional Japanese house. They serve all kinds of local seafood from hoya to oysters, with rotating seasonal menus. |
|
Marusan - 食楽まるさん
Small sushi restaurant serving different courses at reasonable enough prices. |
|
Okashino Hanako - お菓子の花子
Small bakery with all the classics. Just the place to go to if you're celebrating something at the shore! |
Monuments
|
Oreishi
The most famous on the 20km peninsular is Oreishi, a 16 m tall marble column on the coast framed by gorgeous ocean views. Originally even taller, a chunk of the pillar was lost in the Meiji Sanriku Tsunami Disaster of 1896, but to the relief of locals it survived the 2011 tsunami disaster unscathed. Kannokura Tsunami Stones One of the sights along the Olle Hiking Trail, these stones were dragged up from the bottom of the ocean by the 2011 tsunami, and are a shocking symbol of nature's strength. Dairiseki Kaigan - 大理石海岸 An expanse of marble rock formations, where you can climb around on the rocks, investigate the tide pools, or camp out your new favorite fishing spot! |
Cape
|
Cape Osaki
A nice trekking and camping area. The cape has a shrine famous for matchmaking and study luck. Along the trails are a very small light house, memorials to whales who acted as messengers of the gods, and a nature preserve that is known for it's daylillies (specifically ニッコウキスゲ). |
Shrines
|
Hayama Jinja Shrine - 早馬神社
Home to an omikoshi-carrying festival in November. A mikoshi is a sacred religious palanquin. |
Beaches
|
Kukunaki Beach - 九九鳴き浜
One of Japan's 24 squeaking beaches! The sand when stepped on makes a クックッ (ku ku) sound, hence the name. Why does it squeak? The locals might tell you it's because the beach is so clean or it might be because the sand particles are so fine there's nothing to stop them. It's quite isolated, so beware of bears on the hike there! |
Hiking Spots
|
Karakuwa Olle Hiking Trail
A Korean-style hike that takes hikers both along the coastline and through the neighborhoods of Karakuwa. Approximately 10-km long (depending on the route you choose), one end starts at the Karakuwa Visitors' Center by Osaki, and ends at Ogama Hanzo. You can follow the ribbons and Kanse horse statues along the route. Ogama Hanzo - 巨釜半造 Ogama Hanzo is actually two different spots that together make a geo park. The northern area is Ogama, where Oreishi, a large marble stone pillar, is located. Daring hikers can practice their bouldering skills on the rocks below, or trek south to Hanzo to enjoy a calming walk with ocean views. |
Museums
|
Tsunami Museum and Tsunami Experiential Theater
In addition to a small exhibit on local nature and the effects of the earthquake tsunami disaster at the Visitor's Center, there is also a small theater with a 4D experience of the 2011 disaster (with English subtitles!). |
