Events around Roopt Ishinomaki Izumicho -OGAWA-

This is Shotaro Ishinomori's manga museum, located on a sandbar in the Kitakami River. Original drawings of Kamen Rider and Cyborg 009 are on permanent display.

Special exhibitions change every few months, so the content will be different even on a second visit.It can also be used asa destination on a rainy day.

⚠️ The entire museum is scheduled to be closed from mid-October 2026 to early January 2027 for maintenance work on the 3rd floor (please check the museum's announcement for specific dates).

It's within walking distance from the Ishinomaki accommodation. Character statues line the street outside the museum (Ishinomaki Manga Road), so the journey won't be boring.

This is the one day a year when Ishinomaki's fish market, boasting one of Japan's largest catches, is open to the public. There are tuna filleting shows and fresh fish auctions, allowing you to experience the morning of a port town like Ishinomaki firsthand.

It's best to go early as the morning is the prime time. The market floor can be wet, so wear comfortable shoes.

This is a night illumination event at Entsuin Temple in Matsushima, famous for the reflection of autumn leaves in the Shinji Pond. The entire garden is lit up, and the scenery of the water surface and autumn leaves overlapping is a classic autumn sight in Matsushima.

The beauty transcends language, so it's highly recommended for international visitors. It's a great evening excursion from Matsushima accommodations, or for those staying in Shiogama or Higashimatsushima. Please check the official website for lighting hours before visiting.

This is a special autumn night visit to the National Treasure Zuiganji Temple, associated with Date Masamune, featuring light art by the creative team NAKED. You can walk through the temple grounds, which show a completely different side at night.

The neighboring Entsuin Temple also has autumn leaf illuminations during the same period, so you can visit both in one evening. It's an experience that transcends language, making it easy to recommend to international guests.

This is the autumn festival of Jomon Village, located near the National Historic Site, Satohama Shell Mounds. It features Jomon experiences like fire-starting, and events related to Okumatsushima's oysters.

Recommended for families with children. Please check the city's announcement for the dates.

This is Matsushima's winter tradition, an oyster-themed festival. It features tasting comparisons of steamed, grilled, and fried oysters, free samples, and even a warming foot bath.

You can enjoy the bounty of the Sanriku sea on the spot, making it a prime target if you're staying in Matsushima in winter. The date is usually the first Sunday of February, but please confirm the exact date with the Matsushima Tourism Association's announcement closer to the event.

This festival is associated with the "San Juan Bautista" ship, which Date Masamune used to send the Keicho Embassy to Europe. Held at the San Juan Museum and Park, which houses a replica ship, it features local drum and fife bands, marching bands, traditional performing arts like Watanoha Shishifuryu, food and merchandise stalls, and commemorative photos on board the ship.

On the day of the festival, admission is often free, allowing you to experience history and festivities by the sea in Ishinomaki all at once. The dates will be announced on the official website closer to the event.

This is Ishinomaki's largest festival. It began with gratitude to the pioneers who opened the mouth of the Kitakami River and has continued for over 100 times.

During the day, there are parades and Sonbeifune boat races in the city center, and at night, fireworks light up the Kitakami River. After the earthquake, it also became a festival of "requiem" and "reconstruction," holding great significance for the local people.

The fireworks reflect on the river, so they can be seen well from the opposite bank. Traffic regulations will be in place around the venue, so accommodation within walking distance is a strong advantage.

This is an Obon event where lanterns are floated on Matsushima Bay to send off ancestors. Lights and fireworks illuminate the sea of one of Japan's Three Scenic Views.

The 15th is the eve festival with stalls, Bon Odori, and taiko drums. The 16th is the main event of the Daiseigakie, where lanterns are floated after sutra chanting. Both nights feature memorial fireworks for about 15 minutes.

These are not fireworks for tourism, but rather send-off fires. It is customary to watch them quietly.

This is a fireworks festival for memorial and reconstruction on the Naruse River, continuing since the Taisho era. The highlight is the summer night scene where lanterns float on the river surface, accompanied by approximately 1,000 fireworks.

One of the summer highlights for accommodations in Higashimatsushima. It is a fixed-date event held on August 16th during Obon. Details of the event will be announced on the official Higashimatsushima City website closer to the date.