Tourist Spot “Ogama/Hanzo” in Kesennuma City, Created by the Rough Waves of the Sanriku Coast!

In Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, there is one of the Miyagi-designated scenic spots called Ogama/Hanzo. Ogama/Hanzo (Ōgama – Hanzō) is known as a tourist spot where you can enjoy the sculptural beauty created by the rough waves of the Sanriku Coast. In this article, not only will we introduce Ogama/Hanzo, but we’ll also showcase the Marble Coast, Kukuku Nakihama, and the Kesennuma Fish Market where you can savor delicious seafood, while exploring the charm of Kesennuma City.

The Fierce Waves Crashing Against the Rocks – "Ogama"

Ogama is one of the bizarre rock formations created by the waves eroding the intricate terrain characteristic of a rias coast. Its rugged appearance is said to be very masculine. It is also known as one of the representative views of the Sanriku Fukko National Park.

The stone pillar, made of marble, which rises from the sea towards the sky, measures 16 meters in height and 3 meters in width. Because its tip was broken during the great tsunami of Meiji 29, it is also known by the alternate name "Oreshi" (Folded Stone). Before it broke in the tsunami, it was called "Tenchurainawado" (Heavenly Pillar Rock).

The Expressive Scenery of the Rocky Coastline – "Hanzō"

Hanzō is located in an area with abundant marine resources. This area once flourished due to the harvesting of shellfish like abalone. Some say that prosperity gradually led to the name Hanzō, while another theory is that the formation looks as if a large cauldron had been split in half, hence the name.

A key feature of Hanzō is a tunnel-like rock with a hole at its base, resembling a natural tunnel. Every time the waves crash, seawater cascades down like a waterfall—a truly spectacular sight.

A walking path has been developed between Hanzō and Ogama, allowing visitors to admire the bizarre rock formations formed by wave erosion. You can not only get a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean but also enjoy the distinctive scenery unique to a rias coast as you stroll.

Marvel at the Marble Rocks – "Marble Coast"

The Marble Coast is a coastal area located in an inlet facing Hirota Bay near the border with Iwate Prefecture. Along this coast, marble rock reefs extend continuously, creating a stunning contrast of white marble and the blue sea. It is said that in the past, marble from this coast was quarried for use in stores like Mitsukoshi, but that is no longer practiced.

Walk Along the Singing Sand – "Kukuku Nakihama"

Kukuku Nakihama is a very small sandy beach located at the base of the Karakusa Peninsula, measuring 230 meters in length and 15 meters in width. When you walk on the dry sand, a “kukuku” sound is heard, which is why it was named Kukuku Nakihama. This sound comes from the fine quartz particles within the sand rubbing against each other.

The singing sand at Kukuku Nakihama is so rare that it was designated a national natural monument in Heisei 23. Although you cannot hear the sand when it rains, you can experience the “kukuku” sound at the experience corner of the Karakusa Peninsula Visitor Center.

Kesennuma Fish Market – Savor Fresh Seafood in Kesennuma

At Kesennuma Fish Market, you can enjoy the gourmet tastes and shopping experiences unique to Kesennuma. Not only are fresh fish caught nearby available, but there are also various processed products such as concentrated shark fin soup, along with a wide range of souvenirs. Among the items sold, the “Aburi Sanma”—which received the Emperor’s Cup at the 42nd Agricultural, Forestry and Fisheries Festival—is especially popular as a souvenir.

■Items Available for Purchase at Kesennuma Fish Market (Information as of December 2019)

・Swordfish Bone Soup: 270 yen (tax included)
・Salted Squid White-style: 378 yen (tax included)
・Traditional Rich Aged Fermented Seafood: 756 yen (tax included)
・Appetizer Mackerel Chips (available in curry, hot chili, and black pepper flavors): 216 yen (tax included)
・Iburisanma: 432 yen (tax included)
・Kanesen Sasakama-boko: 1,132 yen (tax included)
・Beef Shigure-ni: 1,188 yen (tax included)
・Kesennuma Chowder: 299 yen (tax included)… and more.

Minato Machi Restaurant Sen

Minato Machi Restaurant Sen is open from 10:00 to 21:00 (last order at 20:30). They offer seafood bowls, shark fin ramen, sashimi set meals, Kesennuma champon, fried oysters with sashimi set meals, and more.

Kesennuma Ichiba Sushi

Kesennuma Ichiba Sushi is open from 11:00 to 21:30 (last order at 21:00). This conveyor belt sushi restaurant offers fresh seafood made from the day’s catch. They also serve a casual, down-to-earth “Kuzushi Kaiseki” course that pairs well with drinks.

Rias Kitchen

Rias Kitchen is open from 11:00 to 21:30 (last order at 21:00), just like Kesennuma Ichiba Sushi. They serve seafood bowls, seafood soup curry, and other dishes.

Access to the Karakusa Peninsula

You can reach the Karakusa Peninsula by driving along National Route 45. As you proceed while enjoying views of proxy limestone, Ogama, and Hanzō on your left, you will eventually arrive at the Karakusa Peninsula Visitor Center. With a continuous display of scenic views perfect for a drive, it is highly recommended for family trips or couple getaways by rental car.

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