Discover TAKATA!

#rikuzentakata #travel #japan #vacation

Nestled in the southeast corner of Iwate prefecture, Rikuzentakata City is the perfect gateway from the hustle and bustle of city life. As a part of the historic Kesen region of Northern Japan, the city combines natural beauty, mesmerizing outdoor spaces, and captivating arts and culture, with modern urban developments based in disaster recovery and education. Enjoy scenic views of Hirota Bay, where local delicacies such as oysters, scallops, and wakame, are harvested. Find relaxing hot springs, abundant wildlife, delicious food, and more in Rikuzentakata.

The city suffered great damage during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, but from that tragedy the people have continued to rebuild and revitalize their beloved home. Since 2011, infrastructure and economic developments have brought new life and opportunity to the city, not only for Japanese people, but for anyone that seeks to live here.

Ocean Views

Rikuzentakata is located along the Sanriku Coast, which is world famous for its abundant biodiversity and unique characteristics. Here in Rikuzentakata, we pride ourselves on the natural beauty of our environment. For centuries, the local people of our area have enjoyed the bountiful treasures of the sea, developing a rich culture and deep respect for the water.

Hirota Peninsula

The Hirota Peninsula, which is where Hirota Town is located, is Rikuzentakata’s premiere nature stop. Rich in fishing and farming culture, Hirota offers stunning views of the sea from its many harbors and campgrounds. There is the Michinoku Coastal Trail Midpoint, where hikers and tourists alike can commemorate their visit at the official Midpoint Marker, as well as hidden gourmet food spots that make it the ideal place to reconnect with nature. Pictured here, you can use the Snow Peak camping facilities to enjoy nature and the views of Hirota Bay with amenities such as electricity and restrooms.

Kurosaki Senkyo

The scenery of the distinctive Rias coastline unfolds in front of you as you gaze out towards the vast ocean from the Kursosaki Senkyo Observatory. A part of the rocks here have caved in, resulting in a narrow water channel between the steep cliffs. Over the years, the violent waves from the Pacific Ocean beat and eroded the rocks, eventually changing the topography altogether. Enjoy the scenery of these natural rock formations, along with the majestic view of the Pacific Ocean, a short walk from the onsen (hot spring facility) nearby.

Kurosaki Senkyo Onsen

Kurosaki Senkyo Onsen is a place where you can relax and soak leisurely in warm hot spring water while enjoying the majestic scenery of the Pacific Ocean. Located along the Michinoku Coastal Trail, it is also the perfect place for hikers to rest their tired feet after a full day of walking. After having your fill of the onsen seated in the heart of the Sanriku Fukko National Park, you can enjoy a stroll by the promenade and take in the panoramic view of the sea to your heart’s content, or enjoy delicious food made in-house while you plan the next step of your adventure.

Takata Matsubara

When it comes to Rikuzentakata, people would first think of the Takata Matsubara, a beautiful stretch of sandy beach dotted with pine trees. It was chosen as one of the top 100 scenic spots in all of Japan. The beautiful pine forest of the Takata Matsubara that was completely washed away during the 2011 tsunami disaster, but today there are ongoing regrowth activities in the area to revive the area. It is said that it will take 50 years to bring the forest back to its former glory. In 2024, the Takata Matsubara Beach received the “Blue Flag” designation, certifying the cleanliness and sustainability of the beach’s operations.Please visit the website below for more information about the Blue Flag. Blue Flag

Outdoor Adventures

Outdoor

Adventures

If you are looking to escape the dense metropolises and reconnect with nature, look no further than Rikuzentakata. Our city offers many ways to enjoy the natural beauty found here. From leisure bike paths to nature trails and mountain hiking, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Michinoku Coastal Trail

An overwhelmingly beautiful landscape where the Pacific Ocean expands outwards before you, this rocky shore has a calm yet rough scenery mixed in one, and it creates a lot of strangely shaped rocks and bizarre stones. You can truly feel the huge power of nature by touring around the Hirota Peninsula of the City of Rikuzentakata. Within this Hirota route, the Ono Beach, Kurosaki Senkyo and Cape Hirota are recommended spots where you can enjoy the nature of the Rias coastline to the fullest.Please visit the website below for more information about the Michinoku Coastal Trail. Michinoku Coastal Trail Please visit the page below for information about the Michinoku Coastal Trail Midpoint. Michinoku Coastal Trail Midpoint

Mt. Hikami

This 874m-tall mountain has been revered by the local residents as a subject of their faith since ancient times. The panoramic view you get from the peak overlooks the Sanriku Rias Coast, as well as Mt.kinka located further down south, in Miyagi Prefecture. Apart from hiking up the mountain to see the first sunrise of the year on New Year’s Day, from time to time local residents also take simple hiking routes when going up Mt. Hikami. The lilies of the valley in spring, the azaleas in the summer, the maple leaves in the autumn… every season has its own beauty, so you will never be bored of the scenery any time you hike up this mountain.

History & Culture

Rikuzentakata has hundreds of years of history and culture for you to experience during your visit. By visiting these locations you can obtain a comprehensive understanding of Rikuzentakata.

Rikuzentakata City Museum

The newly reconstructed Rikuzentakata City Museum, located in the city center, was built by integrating the former City Museum and the Sea and Shell Museum, both of which were damaged in the Great East Japan Earthquake. About 90% of the exhibited collection are valuable items that were exhibited before the earthquake. In particular, the items in the collection that were damaged by the earthquake and tsunami, including "Tsuchii," one of the largest stuffed whales in Japan and a symbol of the Sea and Shell Museum, have been rescued and restored with the support of many people and organizations across Japan, and returned to the Rikuzentakata City Museum.

Kesen Carpentry
and Folklore Museum

The Kesen Carpentry and Folklore Museum was constructed in order to convey the beauty of expert craftsmanship and the architectural techniques of the Kesen carpenters and plasterers to younger generations and beyond. Using only local materials such as cedar from the Kesen region, the Kesen Carpentry and Folklore Museum was constructed based on the architectural style of the houses that were built in the Kesen region during the early years of the Meiji Period.

Tsunami Memorial Museum

This is a museum located just next to the Michi no Eki Takata Matsubara (“Takata Matsubara Roadside Station”) within the Takata Matsubara Tsunami Reconstruction Memorial Park. Structures that were actually damaged during the disaster are on display, and the truth about what happened within Iwate Prefecture during the disaster will be conveyed through videos and pictures taken at that period of time. Afterword, you can walk through the park to see the view from the seawall and see the Miracle Pine Tree memorial.

Photo by Rikuzentakata City Board of Education

Yoshida-ke Residence
Restoration Project

The Yoshida-ke Residence was originally built in 1802 by a local carpenter and was used for a variety of different purposes, such as where Inspectors sent from the Shogunate government would stay while performing their duties, or for when the Sendai Domain Daimyo (or “feudal lord”) would visit the area. It originally consisted of 4 buildings, and the layout of the house changed often to suit the needs of the different guests. The Yoshida-ke Residence Restoration Project started shortly after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. The structure was destroyed in the tsunami, but the community came together to recover what they could from the wreckage, and from there the project of restoring the estate using original materials began. *This project is expected to finish in 2025, visits and tours are currently conducted via prior reservation.

Must Eat Cuisine

Among the many different kinds of cuisine found in Rikuzentakata, the staples include large oysters, fresh apples grown in Yonesaki Town, our local variety of rice called Takata no Yume, and more. There is something to satisfy any palette.

Seafood｜
Oysters, Wakame, and more

The waters around Rikuzentakata have unique characteristics that allow for seafood of the highest quality. Specifically, the clean and pure sea water helps our oysters grow to incredible sizes; some of the largest in Japan. In addition, we also pride ourselves on our wakame, a variety of seaweed, that is nutrient dense and delicious. Other staples include scallops and many species of fish.

Drinks｜
Local Sake, Cider, Beer, and Juice

Rikuzentakata also has a rich alcohol culture. The pure water that makes its way from the mountains out to the sea is considerably clean, contributing to the profound taste of locally made sake, beer, and ciders. Whether it be local favorite Suisen brand Japanese sake, or craft beer from our local microbrewery, or even wine aged in the waters of Hirota Bay made with grapes grown in the city, your new favorite drink awaits you here.

Sweets｜
Delicious Delectables Made Here!

From traditional sweets that have been enjoyed by the people of Rikuzentakata for centuries, to newly established industries revitalizing our city, we have delights for everyone to try. Must-try locations include Kimuraya, Salon de Royal Takata, and the Michi-no-eki Roadside station, and many more! Be sure to try them all.

Wagashi｜
A Taste of Traditional Japan

For generations, these traditional snacks have been enjoyed by the people of Rikuzentakata. The simple recipes and ingredients produce treats with a mature taste that pair well with tea and a good conversation, and they are significant to the culture of our city. In Rikuzentakata, you can find ganzuki (left), yuubeshi (center), and manju (right). Please try these foods while you visit!

Seasonal Festivals

Rikuzentakata hosts several traditional festivals that have been held for hundreds of years, as well as large fireworks displays held every spring and fall. Every year, thousands of people come from all over Japan and abroad to see these events.

Fireworks Festival
- April and October

Annually, there are 2 fireworks festivals that take place in Rikuzentakata. In the spring, the Sanriku Fireworks Festival features pyrotechnic displays alongside music. Over 10,000 fireworks are set off during the night. In the fall, there is the Sanriku Fireworks Competition, where fireworks companies and pyrotechnicians from across the country come to showcase their skills. At this event, over 15,000 fireworks are set off, making it an unforgettable experience.

Ugoku (Moving) Tanabata
- August 7th

The Ugoku Tanabata Festival is a fantasy-like festival where splendidly decorated dashi (“festival floats”) parade the streets, with people pushing it and marching along to the tune of the festival music. Of course, in addition to the dashi, you can enjoy festival foods, such as yakisoba, yakitori, or local delicacies like oysters or apple products.

Kenka (Fighting) Tanabata
- August 7th

In contrast to Ugoku Tanabata, the Kenka Tanabata Festival sets two magnificently decorated dashi against each other in an exciting festival that lives up to its name (because kenka means “fight” in Japanese). Taiko drum players set the tone for the night from inside the dashi, while people on top battle each other. The most exciting part is when the viewers assist in pulling the dashi so that they collide, kicking off one of the many battles during the event.

Video of Tanabata

Accommodations

In Rikuzentakata, there are different styles of accommodation you can choose from to fit your needs. Below are 3 of the most common types, along with a recommendation. Of course, there are many other options you can choose from, so please check out the accommodations section of this website for more information.

Western Style Hotel:
Capital Hotel 1000

This is a hotel that promises to look toward the future with the City of Rikuzentakata. It also promises that it will be a hotel that can treasure people’s feelings of longing for others. As a hotel on elevated ground, you will be able to get a panoramic view of the whole of Rikuzentakata from here. They also provide exceptional hospitality, with delicious food specially made with local ingredients from the mountains and the seas of the region. This hotel seeks to suits everyone’s needs, be it accommodation, banquets, weddings, and more.

Japanese Style Ryokan Hotel:
Suzuki Ryokan

After stretching out your hands and feet and relaxing in the bath, showing off your talent by cooking yourself a meal, or leave it to the kindhearted staff and savor the taste of home cooking. Listening to the murmur of the clear Yahagi River located nearby while fishing leisurely is another way of enjoying your stay here. A moment filled with plain warmth will relax and ease both your body and soul.

Bed and Breakfast Style:
Minshuku Musashi

This is an inn where you can relax leisurely and enjoy a conversation while gazing out over the Hirota Bay that spreads out before your eyes. They provide hospitality with their close and homely atmosphere. You will be able to enjoy nature that is rich and plentiful, and the delicious seafood of Sanriku. What you may not expect is that the food made by the owners is known across the city as some of the best food you can find.

Discover TAKATA!

History & Culture Rikuzentakata has hundreds of years of history and culture for you to experience during your visit. By visiting these locations you can obtain a comprehensive understanding of Rikuzentakata.

Must Eat Cuisine Among the many different kinds of cuisine found in Rikuzentakata, the staples include large oysters, fresh apples grown in Yonesaki Town, our local variety of rice called Takata no Yume, and more. There is something to satisfy any palette.

Seasonal Festivals Rikuzentakata hosts several traditional festivals that have been held for hundreds of years, as well as large fireworks displays held every spring and fall. Every year, thousands of people come from all over Japan and abroad to see these events.

History & Culture

Rikuzentakata has hundreds of years of history and culture for you to experience during your visit. By visiting these locations you can obtain a comprehensive understanding of Rikuzentakata.

Must Eat Cuisine

Among the many different kinds of cuisine found in Rikuzentakata, the staples include large oysters, fresh apples grown in Yonesaki Town, our local variety of rice called Takata no Yume, and more. There is something to satisfy any palette.

Seasonal Festivals

Rikuzentakata hosts several traditional festivals that have been held for hundreds of years, as well as large fireworks displays held every spring and fall. Every year, thousands of people come from all over Japan and abroad to see these events.