the cute Minamisanriku Mascot, Octopus-kun!
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At a Glance
Minamisanriku is the name of a town formed in 2006 by the amalgamation of the towns Utatsu and Shizugawa. Both still maintain their separate identities despite being combined together. The area is known for beauitful beaches and a relaxing atmosphere.
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Shizugawa 志津川町
Shizugawa is a fishing town, spread out through 3 distinct areas. The famous local delicacy here is octopus. Shizugawa has a man-made beach, a campsite, a scuba-diving school, a huge hotel with fantastic outdoor onsen overlooking the bay, and many bars and restaurants. On the edge of town, the Bayside Arena offers courts for tennis, volleyball, badminton, and table tennis. The Sun Sun Shopping Village is a local market-style shopping center where you can buy fresh produce, octopus, and other regional goods. For some great views, follow the 398 towards Ishinomaki, where you will come across the local tourist spot Kamiwarizaki, a corridor between the rocks. The Bayside Marathon takes place in Shizugawa every November. |
Utatsu 歌津町
Utatsu offers excellent recreational facilities, such as Mt. Tatsugane. Mt. Tatsugane offers hiking, camping and mountain bike trails, plus a beautiful view of the ocean. If you love natural views and unique terrain, you won't regret visiting Utatsu. |
Restaurants
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Isshin - 味の郷 一心
A family owned restaurant that is known for their very affordable and delicous teishoku set meals. It's a popular lunch spot near SunSun Shopping Village. Hashimoto - 創菜旬魚はしもと A seafood donburi restaurant located in Sun Sun Shopping Village near the pedestrian bridge. This restaurant is highly rated due to the freshness of the fish and vibrancy of the plates. Tsuki To Subaru - coffee&curry 月と昴 This cafe is located in the Sun Sun Shopping Village. It's signature items include coffee and curry, so you can find a wide range of dishes utilizing curry here. The shop is also well known for it's iconic soft serve, including Miyagi's unique Zunda flavored ice cream! Kyogoku - そば処京極 A very relaxing soba restaurant inside a nice residential area. 和sian-cafe aimaki Near the border of Minami Sanriku and Motoyoshi there is a nice secluded Thai restaurant. It's run directly out of the owner's house, so it has a cozy feel. It's on top of a hill and has a refreshing atmosphere. The patio overlooks a small forested hill. The owner likes to speak English and his recommendations are always the best. If you find yourself craving Thai food, this place is a must. Lunch and Cafe Ritchie - ランチ＆カフェ・リッチー A nice diner that serves teishoku sets, ice cream, and seasonal drinks. Their most popular menu item is their octopus curry for it's novelty and delicious flavor. They also serve fried octopus! |
Sushi Restaurants
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Kukai - くう海
A sushi restaurant that always serves food fresh. The owners have the sashimi supplied fresh by local retailers daily. If you love Sashimi, then you might want to try their specialty item - "Kira Kira don"! Shinoya - 季節料理 志のや A traditional Japanese restaurant serving popular staples, like donburi and teishoku set meals. |
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Coffee Jinja - 珈琲神社
A quaint cafe overlooking the Minamisanriku bay area. It's most popular menu item is the cold brew coffee that comes with a biscuit in the shape of a Moai statue. Chokotto - ちょこっと Small cafe on the outskirts of Minamisanriku. It's known locally for it's delicious tempura and irresistable desserts! Commons - コミュニティーカフェ・こもんず A local cafe serving an assortment of dishes from a variety of cultures, namely Okinawan and Korean food. The portion size here is very generous, and the meals are hearty and nutritious. |
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Miyagi Lapras Pokelid - Octillery
Did you know that Miyagi's Ambassador Pokemon is Lapras? There are 35 decorative Lapras Manhole Covers all over Miyagi! You can see this manhole at Hanmare, the shopping village right by the coast! Minami Sanriku is known for their delicious octopus and known for their tako karage, fried octopus! |
Monuments
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Moai Statue - モアイ像
Outside of Sun Sun Shopping Village, there is a Moai statue that was gifted from Chile after the Great Chilean earthquake in 1960. the 9.6 magnitude earthquake struck the coast of Chile which caused devastating tsunamis that hit most of the Pacific Asian Islands, and even reached Minamisanriku. Minamisanriku Disaster Recovery Anniversary Park - 南三陸町震災復興祈念公園 A park built after the 3.11 Disaster. There is a monument where people put flowers to commemorate those who have passed due to the disaster. |
Shrines
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Areshima Shrine - 荒嶋神社
Located on Ara Island off of Arashima Beach, you can find Areshima Shrine. There is an iconic bridge you can walk on to get to the shrine. Kami no Yama Hachimangu - 上山八幡宮 A bigger shrine across from SunSun Shopping Village. |
Capes
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Cape Kamiwarizaki - 神割崎
For some great views, follow the 398 towards Ishinomaki. You will come across the local tourist spot called "Kamiwarizaki", a corridor between the rocks. It's said to be the place where the gods cleaved a hill in two in order to settle a dispute between two villages. |
Island
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Tsubakishima - 椿島
The largest island in the bay, Tsubakishima is considered a National Natural Monument. As its name implies, it is known for it's camellia trees. Even though the island is uninhabited, there is an ancient shrine in the center. |
Shopping Centers
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Hamare Utatsu - 南三陸ハマーレ歌津
A shopping village that ranges from cafes to clothing stores in Utatsu. Humare also hosts several events and festivals throughout the year. There is a shrine at the end of Humare that has many monk statues. They represent the monks from all over Japan who helped Minamisanriku rebuild over the years. Sun Sun Shopping Village - 南三陸さんさん商店街 Visit the Sun Sun Shopping Village for a variety of food stalls and restaurants. Started as a small shopping area after the 3.11 Disaster, Sun Sun has evolved into an official shopping district that locals and tourists can enjoy. Minamisanriku Winery - 南三陸ワイナリー A winery in Minamisanriku. The wines are mostly made from Miyagi grapes, and are aged in the sea surrounding the town. |
Hiking Spots
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Mt. Tatsugane - 田束山
It lies on the border of Minami Sanriku and Motoyoshi. Mt. Tatsugane offers hiking, camping and mountain bike trails, plus a beautiful view of the ocean. It also has Keisenasaoshima Shrine and Tatsuganesansekizo Park which are known for their azaleas in the late spring. |
Beaches
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San Ore Sodehama - サンオーレ袖浜
A nice, large beach area located near Areshima Park. It is super popular in the summers during beach season, it's a nice place to walk on the sand and watch the sunrise. |
Gyms
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Bayside Arena - ベイサイドアリーナ
A popular gym in Shizugawa. It also hosts the many of the city's sports events and competitions. There is also a Bayside Marathon that is usually in November. Heisei no Mori - 平成の森 A popular gym and sports center in Utatsu. The Heisei no Mori Sports complex has a soccer field, baseball field, tennis courts and a gym. |
Hot Springs
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Hotel Kanyo - 南三陸ホテル観洋
Set on Shizugawa Bay, this laid-back hot spring hotel is famous for it's gorgeous outdoor bath overlooking the bay. Parking is free. There's also an outdoor pool and a sauna, as well as indoor and open-air, gender-segregated bathhouses with hot spring water. |
