Kamaishi Travel Guide

Plan your Kamaishi trip with our comprehensive travel guide, packed with information about things to do, places to visit, accommodations, and culture.


Introduction to Kamaishi

Nestled in the Tohoku region of Japan, Kamaishi is a quaint coastal city that has been gaining popularity among tourists for its natural beauty, rich culture, history, and sports. Known for the ironworks industry, which was a vital force during the Meiji Restoration, Kamaishi is famous for its local cuisine, festivals, and the Kamaishi Daikannon statue, which stands tall at 48 meters.

List of Places to Visit in Kamaishi

If you’re planning a trip to Kamaishi, there are plenty of sites to explore. Here’s a list of some of the top places to visit in Kamaishi:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kamaishi Folklore Museum: Learn about Kamaishi’s history and culture through a collection of artifacts, pictures, and dioramas. This museum also exhibits the traditional customs of the region.
  • Kamaishi City Hashino Iron Mining and Smelting Site: Get a glimpse of the city’s past with a visit to this World Heritage Site. The Hashino iron mining and smelting complex have been in operation since the Edo period.
  • Takamura Kotaro Museum: Takamura Kotaro was a prominent local sculptor who created many public sculptures, including the Kamaishi Daikannon statue. The museum displays his artistic works along with his writings and personal belongings.
  • Omoshiroyama Kannonji Temple: This sacred Buddhist temple, built on a hill provides a panoramic view of Kamaishi city. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful and tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Natural Attractions of Kamaishi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sanriku Fukko National Park: Stretching from Iwate to Miyagi, this park is a symbol of hope and recovery from the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami. It’s a habitat for a range of animals, including the spotted seal and Steller’s sea eagle. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails or take a boat tour to explore the stunning coastal scenery.
  • Kamaishi Bay: The bay is home to several fishing ports and is known for its delicious seafood. Visitors can enjoy watching the sunrise or sunset and witness the local fishers catch seafood.
  • Senshu Park: Situated in the heart of Kamaishi city, it’s a perfect place to relax, have a picnic or go for a stroll. The park is known for its seasonal flowers and trees, including cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kamaishi

Kamaishi is a haven for outdoor adventure enthusiasts as it offers many hiking and biking trails.

Joudodaira Hiking Trail

A popular trail that takes about two and a half hours to complete. Visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery of Kamaishi Bay and a chance to see cows grazing on the fields. The trail ends at the Joudodaira station.

Kamaishi Cycling Path

The 12 kilometers long cycling path starts from Kamaishi station and follows the former Kamaishi railway to Otsuchi in Iwate prefecture. Riders can enjoy scenic rural landscapes and stop at the historic stations along the way.

Best Things to Do in Kamaishi: Activities and Tours

Kamaishi has plenty of activities that cater to all ages and interests. Here are a few top things to do in Kamaishi:

Flounder Fishing

Head to Kamaishi Bay and experience flounder fishing yourself. In this activity, you will use a small boat and a fishing net to catch flounder. Visitors can also enjoy eating the fresh catches of the day.

Stone Stacking

Stone stacking is a popular activity in Kamaishi, which involves stacking stones in creative ways. This is a perfect activity for those who seek a peaceful and meditative experience. Use the opportunities of the coastal scenery to stack interesting stone designs and snap some photographs against the backdrop of the sea.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kamaishi

Here’s an example of a week-long itinerary for Kamaishi that includes the best sites and activities, excluding travel days:

  • Day 1: Visit Kamaishi Daikannon and explore Kamaishi Folklore museum. Take a sunset walk along Kamaishi Bay.
  • Day 2: Hike the Joudodaira trail or cycle the Kamaishi cycling path.
  • Day 3: Spend the day exploring the Takamura Kotaro Museum and the Omoshiroyama Kannonji Temple.
  • Day 4: Visit the Hashino Iron mining and smelting site or Senshu Park.
  • Day 5: Take a day trip to Sanriku Fukko National Park and see the wildlife and coastal scenery.
  • Day 6: Experience flounder fishing or Stone-stacking at Kamaishi Bay.
  • Day 7: Relax and enjoy the Kamaishi lifestyle, indulge in local cuisine, and purchase traditional souvenirs.

Food and Drink Scene of Kamaishi

Kamaishi is known for its seafood, with Kamaishi Bay supplying fresh seafood daily. Here are a few must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Morioka Reimen: A cold noodle dish popular in summer. It’s made with homemade noodles, chicken broth, sliced meat, and vegetables.
  • Unagi pie: A dessert that’s uniquely Kamaishi. It’s a crispy and flaky pastry filled with sweet eel filling.
  • Sekinoichi Shochu: A traditional Japanese liquor made with rice. It tastes smooth and has a subtle fragrance.

Local Beverages

  • Kamaishi Beer: A local brewery, Kamaishi beer, offers unique flavors with an infusion of local ingredients such as apple and chestnut.
  • Sakura no shizuku: A rose-colored wine that’s made by steeping the petals of cherry blossoms.

Where to Stay in Kamaishi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kamaishi offers a range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs and budget.

Kamaishi Grand Hotel

A western-style hotel that boasts of stunning views of Kamaishi Bay. The hotel has a variety of rooms, including ocean view and traditional Japanese styles. It’s conveniently located near the Kamaishi station.

Kamaishi Sanseikan

A traditional Ryokan that offers authentic Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats and futon bedding. Guests can unwind in the hot spring bath and enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine.

What to Buy in Kamaishi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Kamaishi offers unique souvenirs and local products that make for great gifts for friends and family.

  • Kamaishi Ironware: Known for its durability and sleek design. You can purchase iron teapots, kettles, and cups.
  • Kamaishi Tuna Carpaccio: A popular snack that’s made with sliced tuna and a special sauce. It’s a perfect souvenir to share with friends and family.
  • Kamaishi Stone Items: Hand-crafted stone items such as stone Buddhas, towers, and ornaments made by local artisans. The prefecture is famous for the mottled patterned stones.

Local Culture and Customs of Kamaishi

Kamaishi boasts a rich cultural heritage, and visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and etiquette.

The locals in Kamaishi are known for their friendliness and hospitality. When you meet someone, a simple bow or nod will do to show respect.

Best Time to Visit Kamaishi

The best time to visit Kamaishi is between April to November. The weather is mild, and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and festivals during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kamaishi

Do:

  • Respect local customs and etiquette.
  • Try local food and beverages.
  • Explore the nearby nature spots.

Don’t:

  • Speak loudly in public places.
  • Litter around, throw cigarette butts, or leave trash on the streets or public transport.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kamaishi

Kamaishi is a safe city with a low crime rate. However, visitors are encouraged to take basic precautions such as keeping their belongings safe and locking their accommodations’ doors.

Health in Kamaishi

Kamaishi has several hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. However, it’s essential that visitors have their travel insurance, just in case of any medical emergency.

Getting to Kamaishi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Located in the northern Tohoku region, Kamaishi is easily accessible by rail, car, or air.

Airports Near Kamaishi

The nearest airport to Kamaishi is Iwate Hanamaki airport, which is approximately a 90-minute drive away. From the airport, visitors can take a local bus or taxi.

Bus Stations Near Kamaishi

Buses are the most economical option for travel to Kamaishi. Visitors can take a bus from Morioka or Ichinoseki station to Kamaishi bus terminal.

Other Options

Driving is another option for visitors. Kamaishi is accessible from the Sanriku Expressway and the Tohoku expressway. There are also car rental services available at the airport.

How to Get Around Kamaishi

Kamaishi has a clean and efficient public transportation system that consists of buses and taxis. Taxis can be hailed from the street or reserved by phone.

Where to Go Next from Kamaishi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are a few nearby destinations that visitors can check out on their next journey:

Morioka

A historic city with stunning cherry blossoms and autumn foliage viewing spots. Morioka is famous for its Wanko soba, a popular dish that features noodles served in small portions.

Hiraizumi

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its history and picturesque temples, such as the Chusonji temple and Motsu-ji temple. It’s approximately an hour’s drive from Kamaishi.

Conclusion

With its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and plethora of activities, Kamaishi is a hidden gem that’s worth exploring. From hiking and cycling to experiencing local cuisine, Kamaishi has something for every traveler that will leave a lasting impression. Plan your visit today and discover the secrets of Kamaishi.

Fishing boat in Kamaishi Fishing boat in Kamaishi Toramae(Tiger Dance) Toramae(Tiger Dance) Kamaishi Kamaishi