Sanriku Coast

The Sanriku Coast (三陸海岸) is a scenic coastal region located in the Tohoku region of Japan, stretching along the Pacific Ocean from Aomori Prefecture in the north to Miyagi Prefecture in the south. The region is known for its rugged coastline, beautiful beaches, and fresh seafood.

The Sanriku Coast is a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience the natural beauty of Japan. The coastline is dotted with picturesque fishing villages, rocky cliffs, and sandy beaches. The region is particularly famous for its scenic driving routes, such as the Sanriku Fukko National Highway, which offers stunning views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean.

The Sanriku Coast is also known for its fresh seafood, particularly its oysters, scallops, and sea urchins. Visitors can enjoy a variety of seafood dishes at local restaurants and markets, such as grilled oysters, sashimi, and sushi.

In addition to its natural attractions, the Sanriku Coast is also home to several cultural and historic landmarks. For example, the Hashino Iron Mining and Smelting Site in Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the remains of a historic iron mining and smelting operation that operated from the 17th to 19th centuries.

Attractions in Sanriku Coast

Kitayamazaki Coast Kitayamazaki Coast (北山崎), located in Tanohata Village, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, is a rugged and scenic coastline stretching approximately 8 kilometers alo...

Ryusendo Cave Ryusendo Cave (龍泉洞), located in Iwaizumi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, is a limestone cave renowned as one of Japan's three largest and most beautiful limesto...

Rikuzentakata Rikuzentakata is a town located in Iwate Prefecture, in the Tohoku region of Japan. It is situated on the eastern coast of Honshu, Japan’s largest island. Th...

Kesennuma Kesennuma (気仙沼), a city located in Miyagi Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan, is situated on the Pacific Ocean and is known for its picturesque coas...

Jodogahama Jodogahama (浄土ヶ浜), a picturesque beach located in the Miyako region of Iwate Prefecture on Japan's Honshu Island, is renowned for its crystal-clear blue ...

Miyako Miyako (宮古) is a city located in Iwate Prefecture, which is located in the Tohoku region of Japan. The city is known for its beautiful natural scenery, inc...

Ishinomaki Ishinomaki (石巻), a city located in Miyagi Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan, is situated on the coast and is known for its beautiful beaches, histor...

Kamaishi Kamaishi (釜石), a city located in Iwate Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan, is known for its beautiful coastline, featuring rugged cliffs, rocky shore...

Shiogama Shiogama (塩釜), a port city located in Miyagi Prefecture on the northern part of Japan's Honshu Island, is renowned for its historic fishing industry, pictu...

Shiogama Shrine Shiogama Shrine (鹽竈神社), located in Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, is one of the most important shrines in the Tohoku region. It is dedicated to...

Shiogama Fish Market Shiogama Fish Market (塩釜水産物仲卸市場), a bustling wholesale market open to the public, stands as one of Shiogama City's most iconic landmarks. With appro...

Goishi Coast Goishi Coast (碁石浜), located in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, is a stunning coastline known for its scattered rocks resembling Goishi (Go pieces), hence ...

Kamaishi Daikannon Kamaishi Daikannon (石応禅寺釜石大観音) is a large statue of the goddess Kannon located in Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. Standing 48.5 meters tall,...

Kesennuma City Memorial Museum The Kesennuma City Memorial Museum (気仙沼市東日本大震災遺構・伝承館) is a museum located in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. The museum is dedicate...

Kesennuma Fish Market Kesennuma Fish Market (気仙沼市魚市場) is a bustling seafood market located in Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the largest and busiest fish...

Getting there

From Tokyo

1. Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to either Sendai, Ichinoseki, or Morioka Station (about 2-3 hours)
2. Transfer to local trains or buses depending on your destination

Main Access Points

• Miyagi area: From Ichinoseki Station, take JR Ofunato Line to Kesennuma (about 85 minutes)
• Southern Iwate: From Ichinoseki Station, take JR Ofunato Line and BRT bus to Ofunato (about 2.5 hours)
• Central Iwate: From Morioka Station, take JR Yamada Line to Miyako (about 2 hours)
• Northern Iwate: From Hachinohe Station, take JR Hachinohe Line to Kuji (about 1 hour)

Travel Along the Sanriku Coast

• JR Hachinohe Line (north of Kuji)
• Sanriku Railway (between Kuji and Ofunato)
• JR Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) (south of Ofunato)