My name is Kayleigh, I am from the United States and I love coming to Minamisanriku to volunteer.
I first came to Minamisanriku in 2014, and since then I have come back every year to participate in community events and volunteer activities.
I always love going to local events as the people in Minamisanriku are very friendly, the food is amazing, and the views are just as spectacular.
No matter your interests, I am sure there is something for you in Minamisanriku! You can get amazing seafood in Togura at 波伝谷漁港, enjoy picnics and strolls through ひころの里 in Iriya, or attend larger events in Shizugawa at the 福興市 with lots of vendors where you can really interact with the locals. If you are lucky to be in Utatsu in December you can get some wonderful アワビ during the アワビ祭りtoo！
#1 戸倉漁師の会・波伝谷漁港・戸倉
Togura is one of the smaller areas of Minamisanriku, but don’t let that fool you. There are plenty of local activities to enjoy like camping, fishing, and sightseeing. Whenever I have the chance I make sure to stop by 波伝谷漁港. Why you ask? Well the seafood is amazing!
My favorite food to eat in Minamisanriku is カキフライ, so if you are looking for some great oysters you need to visit Togura.
Every month the 戸倉漁師の会 holds an open event featuring the fish currently in season. If you have the chance to visit in October you can get your hands on some of my favorite oysters! I promise you won’t be disappointed ♪
#2 ひころの里・入谷
ひころの里was originally created in the 1990s in Iriya to help preserve the history and culture. The open grassy area is a great place to relax with family!
Throughout the year there are many events held here, with activities for children, live music, and many different artisan and food vendors from in town and around the country.
I especially like walking around the grounds in the Fall when all the leaves have changed color.
#3 福興市・志津川
One of the best times to interact with locals and enjoy some local specialties is at the 復興市 in Shizugawa. In the summertime the 夏祭り features fireworks, taiko, dance（トコッヤサイ）, and a variety of stalls and vendors from around town. The fireworks are always beautiful to see, as they are set off from Shizugawa bay, lighting up the sky and sea.
I really love how the town comes alive at these larger events. You can really get a sense for people’s zest for life and local pride.
#4 アワビ祭り・ハマレ歌津
ハマーレ歌津 is a seaside shopping street that opened in 2017. It features cute café’s, restaurants, and shops selling local Utatsu goods and specialties. ハマーレ歌津is a common meeting place for local events and activities. I especially enjoy the アワビ祭りheld here in December.
However, even if you don’t have the chance to come to the アワビ祭り, the fishing and boat tours offered by the local fishermen are great too!
I had never fished in the ocean before, and I really enjoyed my experience with 高橋さん and the other fishermen who I went out on a tour with. (You have to watch out for the ウミネコ though, they try to steal your fish!)
I hope you all have a chance to visit Minamisanriku some day! Maybe we’ll even bump into each other.
