Where the Sea Meets Story and Soul
Otani Kaigan, nestled along the rugged coast of Kesennuma in Miyagi Prefecture, is more than a roadside station—it’s a living tribute to the spirit of a fishing town reborn. Perched just steps from the expansive Pacific, its glass-walled design offers uninterrupted views of shimmering waters, while the air hums with the rhythm of waves and wind. At its heart lies a powerful legacy: the iconic mobula ray, once a resident of the station’s famed aquarium, now brought to life through captivating projection mapping, greeting visitors with a digital echo of the past.
Beyond its breathtaking vistas, Otani Kaigan celebrates local culture with authenticity. Explore fresh seafood sourced directly from local fishermen, savor regional specialties like Kesennuma bonito dashi tea-egg, and discover unique products inspired by the sea. From the seaside café with ocean views to the nostalgic charm of its whale-shaped signage, every detail invites travelers to connect with the soul of this resilient coastal community.
Why Visit
Visit Otani Kaigan to experience the only roadside station in Japan where the iconic mobula ray—once a resident of its historic aquarium—comes to life through immersive projection mapping, swimming across walls in a mesmerizing display of oceanic memory. Here, you’ll find the exclusive "Ohya Tater" beer, brewed in collaboration with Black Tide Brewing, and taste the region’s only seasonal katsuo dashi tea-egg—a unique breakfast delicacy made from local skipjack tuna broth.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor the taste of the sea at Otani Kaigan, where fresh local seafood and regional specialties are crafted into unforgettable meals.
Umi Koko
うみここ
Specialty
Local seafood and regional cuisine
A dining space offering fresh local seafood and regional dishes, featuring a variety of bowls, set meals, and noodles made with high-quality ingredients from Kesennuma.
Hamacafe
はまカフェ
Specialty
Light meals and soft serve ice cream with ocean views
A casual café offering quick bites, burgers, and signature soft serve ice cream, perfect for enjoying with a view of the Pacific Ocean from the second-floor terrace.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional treasures and seasonal goods at Otani Kaigan’s roadside station, where every purchase supports local craftsmanship.
Farmers Market
産直コーナー
A fresh produce and seafood market featuring seasonal vegetables, fish, and locally sourced seafood directly from fishermen.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh fish from local fishermen
Souvenir Shop
物産販売コーナー
A retail space offering exclusive souvenirs and locally made products from Kesennuma, including items featuring the iconic manta ray.
Products
Must-Try Item
Manta ray-themed souvenir
Craft Store
工芸品販売
A specialty store selling handmade crafts and artisanal goods made in Kesennuma, highlighting local craftsmanship and natural materials.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handcrafted wooden items
Featured Products
Experience signature flavors like katsuobushi tea-dipped snacks and limited-edition manbou-themed items, crafted from the heart of Kesennuma.
Manta Ray Smoothie
港町玄米スムージー
A refreshing smoothie made with brown rice and local ingredients, promoting healthy living.
Kesennuma Bonito Dashi Tea Dip
気仙沼鰹だし茶づけ
A unique tea dip made with bonito dashi, offering a savory and refreshing taste.
Ohya Tater Beer
OHYA TATER
A limited-edition craft beer created in collaboration with Black Tide Brewing, featuring a unique flavor profile inspired by local ingredients.
Manta Ray Design Merchandise
マンボウデザイン商品
A collection of exclusive souvenirs featuring the manta ray, the official mascot of the roadside station.
Kesennuma Local Sake
気仙沼地酒
A premium local sake crafted in Kesennuma, known for its smooth and delicate flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and enjoy panoramic ocean views from spacious decks, or explore interactive exhibits like the manbou projection mapping.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking area with space for 90 vehicles. The parking fee is 500 yen for ordinary cars, 1,000 yen for large vehicles, and 200 yen for two-wheelers.
Front of the roadside station
Restroom
Restrooms are available for visitors. The facility includes showers (available for 100 yen for 3 minutes), changing rooms, and toilets.
Near the beach and within the roadside station
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
The information center is staffed by personnel who provide guidance on recommended tourist spots, local cuisine, and new town news in Kesennuma. It also features a large LCD panel displaying images of Kesennuma's natural beauty and town life.
Inside the roadside station
Play Area
The nearby Ooyaka Beach offers a wide sandy beach suitable for families and groups to enjoy the sea. Swimming is permitted during the designated season.
In front of the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available at the roadside station.
Near the parking lot
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to use.
Inside the roadside station
Pet Area
The roadside station allows pets, and there is a designated area for pet owners to enjoy with their animals.
Near the beach and parking area
Insider Tips
Visit during off-peak hours to enjoy quiet moments by the sea, and don’t miss the hidden manbou sightings throughout the station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the first batch of fresh-baked milk bread from the bakery, which sells out quickly and is not restocked during the day
- Hidden Gems: At the deli counter near the entrance, look for the limited-edition "Ohya Tater" potato chips, available only during the August 11–September 30 seasonal promotion
- Weekend Special: On weekends, head to the seaside terrace of the hamacafe between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to enjoy the exclusive "Black Tide Brewing x Ooyakaigan" collaborative beer, available only in limited quantities
- Unique Experience: Walk through the fishbone-shaped corridor connecting the produce market and restaurant to see the projected manbo fish display, which activates with movement and features ambient ocean sounds when approached
- Seasonal Menu: Order the "Kesennuma Bonito Dashi Tea Dip" from the breakfast menu starting August 1st—this seasonal item is served only until September 30 and is not available at other times
- Local Food Hack: Purchase the "Makura no Miso" (Miso with dried fish) at the souvenir counter before 12:00 PM to ensure availability, as it sells out daily by early afternoon
- Photo Spot: Find the hidden manbou statue behind the information desk on the second floor—this is the only spot in the station where you can take a photo with the original manbo sculpture from the pre-quake era
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh sea urchin becomes available in April, and the first seasonal seafood arrives at the roadside station.
Summer (June–August): The sea bath season runs from mid-July to late August, with the OHYA TATER katsuobushi fishing season opening on August 11.
Autumn (September–November): The limited-time "Kesennuma Bonito Dashi Tea Pickle" menu launches on August 1, and the Black Tide Brewing collab beer is available from September 14.
Winter (December–February): The annual abalone festival is held in December, and the year-round "Hama Cafe" offers seasonal comfort foods.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features a large beachfront with safe, open sand for children. Play areas and family-friendly food options like soft serve and burgers are available. The facility is stroller-accessible with clear signage, and the projection mapping of the manta ray offers an engaging, educational experience for kids.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station offers a wide variety of local seafood and regional specialties, including the famous manta ray-themed products and seasonal items like katsuobushi tea miso. Fresh fish from local fishermen and high-quality produce are available, with multiple dining options showcasing authentic Iwate cuisine.
Car Camping Review
The station has ample parking with 90 spaces and basic facilities including restrooms and vending machines. While the area is quiet and offers scenic ocean views, there is no explicit overnight parking policy. Comfort for overnight stays is limited due to lack of designated camping zones or extended amenities.
Scenic Beauty Review
The roadside station offers unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean from large glass walls and an outdoor deck. The surrounding coastal landscape is visually striking, especially during sunrise and sunset. The projection mapping of the manta ray enhances the atmosphere, and seasonal changes add to the scenic appeal.