18 May 2025

Afternoon Adventures Exploring Ishinomaki

With a morning at sea as Heritage Adventurer made her way to Ishinomaki we enjoyed a sleep in and late breakfast, lectures and time out on deck. As the tug assisted us to the wharf, a large welcoming committee was out in force. The Taiko drumming was outstanding, especially as we were able to get right up close as we boarded the coaches and tried the free samples of local products, including beer.

Those opting for the park option boarded coaches and drove by the empty spaces left by the devastation of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that claimed nearly 10,000 lives. Our destination, Matsushima Bay, is celebrated as one of the three most famous views in Japan with more than 200 islands, each uniquely shaped and named for its distinct appearance or for the Japanese poetry that it has inspired.

A visit the Zuiganji Temple - one of the region's most famous and prominent Zen temples, and crossing the long red bridge to explore Fukuurajima Island, and shopping, filled the afternoon.

The Ishinomori Manga Museum was first up for the those with an art leaning. Housed in a futuristic building which celebrates Shotaro Ishinomori, the King of Manga, the colourful displays of statues and dioramas his famous characters had us as happy and entertained as the many children and families on their Sunday afternoon outing.

As short drive brought us to Kashimamiko Shrine, on the hilltop overlooking the plains that were devastated by the March 3, 2011 earthquake and tsunami. It was an eerie feeling thinking of the many people who climbed this hill to escape while watching the death and destruction below. The shrine itself was worth a visit even without this history. With several shrine buildings dedicated to different deities placed around a central plaza, it was understandable why this was an appropriate place chosen to honour the nature gods.

Just down the hill was the Old Kadonowaki Elementary School which stands preserved in the shattered and burned-out state in which it was left after the disaster. No lives were lost at the school, but it remains standing and has been turned into a museum and memorial.

Images © C. Perry, Heritage Expeditions