At a Glance

As beautiful as it is rugged, the Oshika Penninsula is also quite secluded. Driving along the coast provides some absolutely amazing views of the Pacific, especially later in the afternoon as the setting sun casts the cliffsides in various oranges and golds. Most of the small villages here were wiped from existence in 2011, but the citizens who lived there have slowly rebuilt the area once more.

Tashirojima (Cat Island) 田代島
The infamous cat island, this island is mostly inhabited by feral cats. As they are feral  you cannot feed or pet the cats. 

Kinkasan Island: An old Shinto shrine is on the island; there are also many deer and monkeys wandering the island. Do not buy cookies and feed the deer, or you may be trampled in an infamous cookie stampede, which will ensue. Ferries leave from the tourist pier in Ayukawa; 1800 yen round trip.

Ajishima Island: A sparsely populated island that is just off the coast of the Ayukawa pier. Ferries to this island are cheap (450 yen one way). The beach that faces the Pacific is one of the cleanest in the prefecture and draws a big crowd in summer.

• Places to Eat
• Places to Visit
  
• Things to Do
  

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Ramen

Kan-chan Ramen / Manpuku Maru Ramen
Both located on the Oshika Peninsula. Dinner service only. From Kan-chan the recommend dishes are the miso ramen or the Kan-chan Ramen. From Manpuku Maru, the recommend dish is the Kara- Miso Ramen or (if you think you can handle it) the Cho-Kara-Miso-Ramen. These are the spicy and super spicy ramen respectively. Manpuku also has very good ramen.
Both located in Ohara off Route 2.

Hamasaisai - はまさいさい
While a teishoku restaurant, it's not your average teishoku restaurant. They serve fresh, locally harvested foods daily all at a reasonable price.

Zuiko - 瑞幸
Another teishoku restaurant which hits the spot of either a long drive, or a long time at the beach.

Nagito - 海鮮レストランなぎと
Part of the Michi-no-Eki in Ayukawa, it's a seafood restaurant featuring fish caught by the fishers in the port. Also has different whale dishes available for the adventurous.

Port Valena - ポートバレーナ
A semi-seaside cafe located in downtown Ayukawa. Has nice coffee.

Hamaguri-dou - 浜の暮らしの はまぐり堂
An exquisite little cafe, located in a traditional home with delectable foods and desserts. Lunch requires a reservation, but past 15:00 no reservation is required.

The islands themselves are totally worth visiting themselves if you get the chance!

Whale Land - おしまホエールランド
Want to learn more about whales? Want to see some whale bones and skeletons? Here's the place for you! Learn all about the town's history with whaling and also some about whaling techniques.

Kaigohoji - 地蔵山開悟峯寺
A temple in Oshima with some very...unusual artwork, some of which came from the debris associated with the 2011 Tsunami and others from trash.

Parks

Gobansho Park
This park is the pride and joy of the Oshika Peninsula. There is a bunch of little picnic areas, a little restaurant at the top of the hill where you can get some food, a rather large roller slide, sleds, swings, rideable pandas and a number of other fun things. You can hike down to the shore if you choose though it gets rather treacherous at times. Magnificent view of Kinkasan Island. You can get there on Route 2 which snakes its way along the coast from Ishinomaki or you can take the Cobalt Line that originates in Onagawa. There is a large wooden sign that reads 「御番所公園」.

Camping Grounds

Oto Camping Ground
This place has a wonderful view of Kinkasan Island, but needs a reservation.

Events

Oshika Deer Antler Cutting Festival
Held twice in October on Kinkasan Island. Entrance to the festival is free but you have to pay for the ferry.

New Year’s Dragon Dance
Held in January 1st on Kinkasan Island every year.