Sanriku Kaigan translates to "the three riku coasts". Riku refers to the former providences of Rikuo (陸奥), Rikuchu (陸中), and Rikuzen (陸前) which are now known as Aomori Prefecture, Iwate Prefecture, and Miyagi Prefecture, respectively. Although these provinces were formally dissolved in 1871, the namesake of "Sanriku" is still used all over the coastline stretching from Aomori to Miyagi. 

The Sanriku Coast  is known for it's diverse fishing industry. Most of Northern Miyagi's seafood is shipped directly from the Sanriku Coast. Minamisanriku is known for its octopus, Kessenuma is known for its sea squirt, and Onogawa for its skipjack tuna. In Ishinomaki, there is the largest fish market in Japan. 

Being on the eastern coast, this area was heavily devastated by the 2011 Great Tohoku Earthquake.  We ask you to be aware of this when speaking to people who live here about it as some still have memories of March 11th. There is still reconstruction happening and if you look closely, you can see tsunami markers of how high the 2011 Tsunami reached on local buildings. Many memorial sites dot the coast as a reminder of what happened on that day. 

"Remember 3.11" is often seen on local merchandise sold on the Sanriku Coast. Please read more about the Sanriku Coast!