Ishinomaki is a large port city in eastern Miyagi Prefecture, strategically positioned along the Sanriku coast approximately 80 kilometers east of Sendai. Human settlement in the Ishinomaki region dates back to the Paleolithic period, with numerous shell mounds discovered throughout the city's hills indicating continuous habitation for millennia. The city developed as a major fishing and commercial port, leveraging its position at the mouth of the Kitakami River.
The city has a number of interesting attractions, and is known for being the hometown of prominent manga artist Ishinomori Shotaro. Following the March 11, 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, Ishinomaki experienced devastating damage but has since undergone remarkable reconstruction efforts. Whilst considered to be one of the most heavily damaged areas following the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Ishinomaki is doing remarkably well. Most tourist attractions have recovered to the point where they are open for business and welcoming visitors from near and far.
The Ishinomori Manga Museum serves as the city's premier cultural attraction, dedicated to Ishinomori Shotaro, the "King of Manga". The museum showcases the creator's extensive work including Cyborg 009 and Kamen Rider series. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, view original artwork, and experience the evolution of Japanese manga culture. The facility includes character statues throughout the city center, creating a manga-themed walking trail.
The Ishinomaki Community & Info Center, constructed after the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami in 2011, provides a great deal of information about Ishinomaki and its history. The center offers detailed documentation of the disaster's impact through informational panels, with English translations available via QR codes. This facility serves both as an educational resource and memorial to the city's resilience.
The Ishinomaki Cultural Center was rebuilt inland in April 2021 with the aim of promoting culture and the arts in Ishinomaki. The complex features a large hall, small hall, citizens' gallery, and training rooms. Its distinctive architecture resembles a streetscape of houses and is particularly striking when illuminated at night. Archaeological enthusiasts can explore Jomon period artifacts throughout the region, reflecting the area's ancient heritage. The city also offers factory tours showcasing its industrial heritage, particularly related to fishing and marine processing industries. Tashirojima (Cat Island), accessible by ferry from Ishinomaki, provides a unique day trip opportunity to observe the island's famous feline population.
Direct JR trains connect Sendai with Ishinomaki about twice per hour. Local trains along the JR Senseki Line take about 80-90 minutes, while less frequent rapid trains along the JR Senseki-Tohoku Line require about one hour. The one way fare is 860 yen. From Tokyo, you can take a train via Sendai in around 3h 19m. Every Sunday, the Mangattan Liner runs on the JR Senseki Line between Sendai and Ishinomaki, with manga characters from Ishinomori's work wrapping the train body. Car rental is recommended for exploring the Oshika Peninsula and surrounding coastal areas. Most attractions are free or charge minimal admission fees, with the manga museum being the primary paid attraction.
