[Kamaishi] Open Field Museum - A journey to learn from nature and people at a sustainable tourist destination [Tohoku/Iwate]

• Table of Contents
• 1. Where is Kamaishi?
• 2. “Indomitable” is the spirit of the residents
• 3. Activity program to learn about coexistence with nature
• 4. Kamaishi, the iron town Hashino Iron Mine laid the foundation for Japan's modernization

1. Where is Kamaishi?

Kamaishi City is a port town located on the southern coast of Iwate Prefecture, one of the six Tohoku prefectures in northern Honshu. Located in the center of Sanriku Fukko National Park , it is home to the Sanriku fishing grounds blessed with the bountiful waters of the Oyashio and Kuroshio currents, as well as the ria coastline with its beautiful scenery.

To visit Kamaishi, transfer from Shin-Hanamaki Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen to the JR Kamaishi Line in about two hours, and there are also express buses that connect directly to Tokyo and Sendai. Oshu Hiraizumi, known for Chusonji Temple, and Tono, the birthplace of Japanese folklore, are located nearby, so you can plan your excursion!

2. “Indomitable” is the spirit of the residents

Kamaishi was an area affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. The massive tsunami that hit Kamaishi reached a maximum run-up height of 19 meters, engulfing houses and urban areas along the coast. Each citizen is walking the path of recovery, embodying the "indomitable" spirit of the local residents that has been cultivated throughout history - to face any hardship without giving up and never give up.

You can get a glimpse of that spirit at Unosumai Tomos, a tourist exchange hub in the Nehama and Unosumai districts, which were particularly hard hit by the tsunami. The Miraikan, which connects lives, is a facility that is especially worth visiting, as it conveys the magnitude of the damage caused by the earthquake and the lessons for future generations. Not only can you freely tour the panel exhibition on the Great East Japan Earthquake, but you can also ask the in-house guide to show you around for free. (Reservation required at least one week in advance)

Free guided tour inside the facility

3. Activity program to learn about coexistence with nature

Kamaishi, surrounded by the sea and mountains, offers a rich variety of activity programs! The shallow sea stretches out on the Nehama coast of Otsuchi Bay, where you can enjoy the beauty of the calmly lapping waves and the horizon. The white sandy beach, which was once lost in the earthquake, has been restored as the town continues to recover. Sanriku's most beautiful beach is the pride of local residents.

Nehama coast

At the rest house in front of the coast, you can apply for activities such as fishing experience programs guided by local fishermen, SUP with local instructors, and sea kayaking. During the fishing experience, you can learn about fishing by touring a farm and harvesting seasonal fish and shellfish, and then enjoy a delicious seafood lunch. Local people will guide you while communicating with you, allowing you to feel coexistence with nature through activities. You can rent tents and sleeping bags at the adjacent Nehama Seaside Campsite , so we recommend staying overnight.

Fishery experience program

Tohoku nature trail hiking

4. Kamaishi, the iron town Hashino Iron Mine laid the foundation for Japan's modernization

The history of Kamaishi is closely related to the path of modernization in Japan. The Hashino Iron Mine , located in the mountains about 45 minutes by car from Kamaishi city, is home to three of Japan's oldest Western-style blast furnaces, built under the guidance of Takato Oshima, the father of modern steelmaking, as well as the ruins of a waterway and a shrine. There are remains of the early modern steel industry, such as a daily payment office. This area retains a pre-modern industrial landscape surrounded by a rich natural forest, and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 as a component of the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution." Please note that the information center is closed during the winter.

Hashino Iron Mine Blast furnace and waterway ruins

At the plaza in front of Kamaishi Station, you can see the bronze statue of Takato Oshima , known as the father of modern steelmaking. You will notice that behind the statue stands the steelworks of Nippon Steel, which can be said to be the industrial core of Kamaishi.

If you visit the Iron History Museum , which is about a 10-minute drive from the station, you'll see a full-size model of Japan's first Western-style blast furnace, as well as a C20 train that operated on Japan's third Kamaishi Railway. You can take a tour of the mini SL. The Iron History Museum is located on a hill, so you can enjoy beautiful views of Kamaishi Bay and Kamaishi Daikannon.

View from the "Iron History Museum"

Kamaishi has built up a history based on the blessings and threats of nature. There are so many charms that I can't explain yet.

Rugby is also a popular sport in Kamaishi. The 2019 Rugby World Cup was also held at the Unosumai Fukko Stadium, which is home to regional club Kamaishi Seawaves RFC. If you take a look at the souvenir shop, you'll find unique sweets with motifs of rugby balls and iron ore!

Please come and experience Kamaishi.