Sanriku Coast

Karakuwa Oyster Farm Tour

宮城県漁業協同組合唐桑支所 | Miyagi Prefecture Fishing Co-op, Karakuwa Branch

Enormous oysters born from the sparkling waves

Photo by Aimi Bell

Photo by Aimi Bell

Photo by Rebecca Gade

Photo by Rebecca Gade

  • Rebecca Gade

    Writer

    Last Update
    February 4, 2019

    PRINT / PDF

  • Nestled in the far northeast of Miyagi, Karakuwa is famous for its ocean views and enormous oysters. Both can be enjoyed from the shore, but nothing beats experiencing both with the sea breeze streaming through your hair from the deck of a fishing boat.

    The waters surrounding the peninsula change from dazzling blue to steely gray to match the sky. Seeing it on a calm day, with chains of buoys bobbing lazily, it's hard to imagine the same ocean nearly wiping out the oyster farms in the 2011 disaster. However, with aid from fishermen around the world, the industry has been revived. Due to the smaller scale of the farms and the loving care of local oyster farmers, the area produces some of the largest oysters in Japan for sale across the country.

    On the oyster farm tour, the fisherman will hoist up buoys to reveal how oysters grow clustered together, young fanning out from the old. He may share the secrets to raising enormous oysters, and may even shuck one fresh from the ocean for you to sample. Adventurous souls can test their balance walking across a floating oyster raft. For all passengers, the views of the rocky coast and the Oshima Bridge amidst the cries of gulls trailing the boat are unforgettable.

    Those who crave more can check out the nearby Karakuwa Banya Oyster Shack, offering shell-grilled oysters. However you choose to enjoy them, oysters are the pride of Karakuwa.

    Don't forget a bag of shrimp chips! Seagulls will flock when you cruise near the Oshima Bridge, and there is nothing more exciting than when a gull catches a chip in midair!

  • Sanriku Coast

    Tags

    Art & Culture Do & See Sanriku Coast

Details

ADDRESS

7-13 Uoichibamae, Kesennuma-shi, Miyagi-ken 988-0037

ACCESS BY PUBLIC TRANSIT

The Kesennuma Tourism Bureau provides complimentary shuttle service from Kesennuma Umi no Ichi to the Karakuwa Penninsula.

ADMISSION

¥4,000 per person (minimum 8 people, max 15)

CREDIT CARDS

Not accepted

LANGUAGES

Limited English

HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE

Yes, but the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users

HOURS

Available year-round from 8:00–16:00, subject to farmers' availability

RESERVATION

Required. To make a reservation, email the Kesennuma Tourism Bureau at [email protected] (English OK) at least one week before your preferred tour date. The Bureau is open year-round 8:00–17:00.

PHONE

0226-22-4560

Home Karakuwa Oyster Farm Tour