Onagawa Fresh Fish Market and Rebuilt Town: The Miracle of a Small Fishing Port Rising from Disaster

Onagawa's Reconstruction

Onagawa in Miyagi suffered damage to approximately 75% of the town from the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami. However, through a reconstruction project with significant youth participation, the area in front of the station was developed into the beautiful commercial and food facility "Onagawa Sea Pal Pia," reviving as a tourist destination.

Highlights

- Onagawa Sea Pal Pia: Seafood and souvenir complex spreading in front of the station - Onagawa Station: Beautiful station building integrating an onsen facility, designed by Kengo Kuma - Walkability: Compact town walkable from station to port - Observation Platform (Green Hill Onagawa): Panoramic view of the port and town from the hilltop

Seafood

- Salmon: Onagawa-raised coho salmon is superb - Hoya (Sea Squirt): Sanriku specialty delicacy — the "pineapple of the sea" - Sea Urchin, Scallop, Oyster: Rich bounty from the Sanriku sea

Getting There

- Alight at JR Ishinomaki Line Onagawa Station (about 25 minutes from Ishinomaki)

Tips

Onagawa's reconstruction approach is recognized as an advanced model for post-disaster town building. Learning a little about the reconstruction story before visiting transforms how you see the town.