The Atlas Obscura Guide To Ishinomaki

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Ishinomaki, Japan

Updated December 7, 2025

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Unusual Attractions in Ishinomaki

Fierce little cat.

Ishinomaki, Japan

Cat Island

On Japan's Tashirojima Island, cats are king.

The front of the school, showing both the ruined building and interpretive centre additions. The structure on the right provides a lookout over empty fields that were once bustling residential streets.

Ishinomaki, Japan

Kadonowaki Elementary School Ruins

A school destroyed by fire and tsunami simultaneously is preserved as a memorial.

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Oshima Island and the red Togetsukyō Bridge

Matsushima, Japan

Matsushima Bay

These tiny pine-covered islands have inspired art and poetry for centuries.

13 miles from Ishinomaki

Cheerful octopus decor

Shiogama, Japan

Shiogama Seafood Wholesale Market

One of the last great old-school fish markets in Japan's Tohoku Region.

15 miles from Ishinomaki

The summit, 2007.

Sendai, Japan

Mount Hiyori

Officially the lowest mountain in Japan.

20 miles from Ishinomaki

Ōsaki, Japan

Kejonuma Leisure Land

A quaint amusement park now sits, rusting and forgotten among the foliage.

22 miles from Ishinomaki

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