KIZUKI Tours for Parents and Children～Enjoy Kesennuma and Minamisanriku area in a day trip～
Heading northeast from downtown Sendai, the Rias seascape with its varied coastline is a sight to behold. At the Minamisanriku-cho Earthquake Reconstruction Prayer Park, you can walk around the vast grounds and feel the extent and height of the tsunami's impact from the Prayer Hill. Right next door, at the San San Shopping Street, you can enjoy the strength of the revitalized Minamisanriku and its exquisite seafood bowls, a rare treat in the world, made with the bounty of the sea!
Further north in Kesennuma, after learning about the reality of that time from the remains of the earthquake, you can feel the rich nature of Kesennuma Oshima, the largest island in Tohoku, and finish the tour with shopping at the "Naiwan" shopping complex!
This route is for parents and children to experience the power and blessings of nature from various angles, and to learn and gain energy for the future from the vitality of the people who coexist in the area!
Minamisanriku Earthquake Disaster Memorial Park
The Earthquake Reconstruction Memorial Park was established in the former city center as a place to mourn and repose the victims of the earthquake and to pass on the memories and lessons of the disaster to the next generation. Walking through the 6.3-hectare park will speak to your children's senses. A slightly different start to your holiday will be a precious memory.
The "Prayer Hill" is located at the top of a hill overlooking the harbor and park. The "height path" located one step lower represents the average height of a tsunami, 16.5 m. Visitors can feel the height of the tsunami and learn the horror of disasters, which will help raise awareness of disaster prevention in the home.
Minamisanriku SANSAN Shopping Village
The concept of this market is "Minamisanriku's shopping street filled with smiles and power, just like the shining sun. Children will never be bored with the many stores selling not only food, but also sweets, processed foods, souvenirs, and other goods!
The shopping street, Nakabashi Bridge, 311 Memorial, and Roadside Station are a trilogy designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma.
Ruins of the Great East Japan Earthquake Kesennuma City Memorial Museum
Located almost in the center of Kesennuma City, the Disaster Remnants and Lore Museum is a place where visitors can get a sense of the power of the tsunami, such as the car body washed up on the third floor of a school building that was hit by a tsunami over 13 meters high. In addition to the abundant photographs and video exhibits at the Lore Hall, visitors can learn about the situation of the time through storyteller guides.
A cinema-like video theater allows visitors to view valuable footage of the disaster and its immediate aftermath. The video input at the beginning of the facility helps visitors better understand the exhibits that follow.
Kesennuma Oshima
A "green pearl" floating in Kesennuma Bay. The largest inhabited island in Tohoku, also known as the setting of "Okaeri Monet," offers not only magnificent natural scenery, but also cafes and stores offering menus featuring yuzu, oysters, and other local products!
The view of the beautiful sandy beach and emerald green ocean and the sunset when you visit at dusk is truly spectacular! It is sure to be a memorable view for your children!
Naiwan (Inner Bay)
A commercial tourist facility where you can walk around town and shop.
Naiwan offers a wide variety of restaurants, general merchandise stores, fresh fish stores, craft beer breweries, smoothie bars, and more. Why not end your day and purchase souvenirs to your satisfaction?
Minamisanriku Kira Kira Don," a brand-name gourmet dish that Minamisanriku is proud of, is available at San San Shopping Street. It is a sumptuous bowl of rice topped with fresh sea urchin, salmon roe, and other seafood! There are several participating restaurants that offer this dish, and we recommend that you go there to enjoy the different types and flavors of seafood bowls that change depending on the season!