11 Best Tourist Attractions in Ōfunato City! Enjoy Stunning Nature and Fresh Seafood

Ōfunato City, located in Iwate Prefecture, is one of the most scenic destinations along the Rikuchū Coast, along with Kesennuma City in Miyagi Prefecture and Rikuzentakata City in Iwate Prefecture. The Goishi Cape and Goishi Coast on the Masaki Peninsula are home to stunning seasonal flowers, including lavender, cherry blossoms, and camellias, while the coastline is lined with beautiful pine forests, creating a breathtaking natural landscape. In this article, we have carefully selected 11 must-visit attractions in Ōfunato City for an unforgettable experience!

1. Goishi Coast – A Stunning Shoreline Selected as One of Japan’s Top 100 Beaches

Located in Ōfunato, Iwate Prefecture, Goishi Coast is a breathtaking seaside destination covered in smooth, polished pebbles shaped by the relentless power of ocean waves. This stunning beach has been recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Shores, making it a must-visit for nature lovers. From Goishi Beach, take a scenic walk through a pine forest trail, leading you to the dramatic cliffs of Ranboya—a famous coastal attraction known for its rugged beauty. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze and take a relaxing stroll along the picturesque coastline of Ōfunato.

2. Ranboya – A Spectacular Cliffside Experience with the Roar of the Ocean

Ranboya is a dramatic cliffside gorge where towering rock walls stand face to face, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle. Occasionally, visitors hear a thunderous "boom" echoing through the cliffs—this sound is produced by the waves crashing into the Thunder Rock (Raigan) cave below. The powerful waves of the Sanriku Coast crashing against the cliffs showcase the raw force and majesty of nature. Experience the natural sounds and dramatic scenery created by Ōfunato’s wild coastal landscape.

3. Anatoiso: A Natural Rock Formation Said to Bring Happiness When Passed Through

Carved by the forces of nature along the Sanriku coastline, Anatoiso is a famous power spot that attracts many visitors. This natural rock formation features three large holes shaped by seawater erosion. Legend has it that passing through these holes by sightseeing boat brings good fortune. Enhance your Goishi Coast experience by taking a scenic cruise around the islands and witnessing this geological wonder up close!

4. Enjoy Stunning Views from Hoshizaki Lighthouse, a Certified "Lover's Lighthouse"

Perched at the tip of Masaki Peninsula, Hoshizaki Lighthouse is a beloved sightseeing spot recognized as a "Lover’s Lighthouse." Selected by the Japan Romanticist Association as one of 20 special lighthouses in Japan, it has earned Ofunato City the nickname "Lover’s Lighthouse Town." Against a backdrop of lush pine trees, the white lighthouse stands tall, offering panoramic views of the deep blue Pacific Ocean and Ofunato’s expansive sky. The breathtaking scenery from the observation deck is also a hit on social media!

5. Perfect for Beginners! Goishi Coast Campground in Ofunato

Located in Sanriku Fukko National Park, Goishi Coast Campground in Ofunato offers a well-equipped camping site, including auto campsites with power outlets, restrooms, and shower facilities. Established in 2014, the campground provides rental kitchen tools such as bowls, cutting boards, and knives, as well as food supplies for sale, making it ideal for first-time campers.

Visitors can also enjoy day camping at Goishi Coast Campground, making it an excellent spot for people of all ages to experience the outdoors without bringing their own gear. Due to its popularity, reservations fill up quickly during peak seasons, so early booking is highly recommended.

6. Experience Iwate’s Fresh Seafood at Ofunato Fish Market

More than just a wholesale market, Ofunato Fish Market is one of Ofunato’s must-visit attractions, featuring an observation deck, exhibition room, multipurpose hall, and dining facilities. The third and fourth-floor decks offer a panoramic view of Ofunato Bay, making it a great photo spot.

At Restaurant Umi, visitors can indulge in the market’s specialty dish, Asumaru, along with other seafood delicacies such as seafood ramen, kamameshi (rice pot dishes), and desserts. While the market opens at 7 AM, those who wish to observe the auction process must make a reservation in advance.

7. Ōfunato Yatai Village: Savor Iwate’s Delicacies and Fresh Seafood

Ōfunato Yatai Village is a lively food stall district operating as temporary shops, offering an array of local specialties. Thanks to the complex ria coastline of Sanriku, Ōfunato is home to diverse and fresh seafood. With numerous fishing grounds nearby, visitors can indulge in the freshest seafood caught from the waters of Sanriku.

This food village boasts around 20 stalls, featuring diverse cuisines such as yakitori, Okinawan dishes, and okonomiyaki. Each shop is compact, with only counter seating, creating a cozy atmosphere where visitors can enjoy interactions with locals. It’s a popular destination for tourists looking for an authentic culinary experience. Adjacent to the yatai village is "Prefab Alley," another collection of temporary shops worth exploring.

8. Koishihama Station: A Scenic Train Stop and a Love-Wish Destination

Koishihama Station, located in Ōfunato City, Iwate Prefecture, is a famous stop along the Sanriku Railway South Rias Line. Renowned as a filming location and a romantic power spot, this station attracts visitors seeking love and good fortune.

Inside the waiting area, visitors will find the unique "Scallop Ema (Wishing Shells)," where people write their heartfelt messages—whether for romance, personal wishes, or recovery efforts—and hang them up as a symbolic gesture of hope.

A must-try experience is riding the charming white-and-pink "Kamaishi-bound" train, a popular tourist train in Ōfunato that has gained traction on social media. Visitors can also enjoy the "Koishihama Scallop Teriyaki Bento," a specialty lunchbox made with premium Koishihama scallops cultivated in the local waters.

9. One of Japan’s Largest Camellia Exhibitions: "Sekai no Tsubakikan Goishi"

The Sekai no Tsubakikan Goishi is Japan’s largest camellia exhibition, featuring around 550 species of camellias from 13 countries worldwide. Located in Ōfunato City, Iwate Prefecture—also known as the "Town of Camellias"—this place is a must-visit for flower lovers. Throughout the city, you’ll find Yabutsubaki camellias blooming with beautiful red flowers.

The best time to visit is from mid-January to March, when the annual Tsubaki Matsuri (Camellia Festival) takes place, drawing numerous visitors. Other seasonal events include the Goishi Tourism Festival in May and the Satsuki Exhibition in June, which also attract tourists.

10. A Luxurious Hot Spring Experience: "Ōfunato Onsen"

Renowned for its skin-smoothing waters, Ōfunato Onsen is a popular hot spring retreat in Iwate Prefecture. Perfect for onsen lovers and those looking for a beauty treatment, this hot spring not only rejuvenates the skin but also offers breathtaking views of Ōfunato Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

After a refreshing bath, indulge in Iwate’s finest seafood, sourced fresh from the Ōfunato Bay, which is considered one of the world’s top three fishing grounds. If you’re visiting, check the seasonal seafood calendar to discover the freshest catches available during your stay. While day trips are an option, an overnight stay at this traditional onsen ryokan is highly recommended.

11. Must-Try in Ōfunato! The Local Specialty “Ōfunato Sanma Ramen”

Ōfunato’s “Sanma Ramen” is a must-try dish when visiting this coastal city, known for its abundant Pacific saury (sanma) catch. This unique ramen showcases the freshness of locally sourced sanma from Ōfunato Bay, with each restaurant adding its own creative touch to the dish.

Currently, there are seven restaurants in Ōfunato serving Sanma Ramen, which comes in two distinct styles:

1. Whole-Sanma Topping Ramen – A bowl of ramen topped with a whole grilled sanma for a bold and flavorful experience.
2. Sanma Broth Ramen – A rare specialty that uses sanma-bushi (dried and smoked sanma flakes) to create a rich and aromatic broth.

Make sure to include Ōfunato Sanma Ramen in your travel itinerary and enjoy this famous local delicacy during your visit!

◎ Summary

Ōfunato is also home to the northernmost wild-growing Yabutsubaki camellia, offering stunning natural scenery. At Ōfunato Fish Market, you can indulge in freshly caught seafood, while Ōfunato Onsen provides the perfect relaxation spot after a day of exploration. Whether you’re a food lover or a nature enthusiast, Ōfunato has something for everyone. Plan a weekend trip and experience its unique charms!

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