Learning About the Six Cities and Towns

Shichigahama

For more than 100 years, Shichigahama has been a hub of international exchange.
Although, at about 1.5 square miles, it is the smallest town in the Tohoku region.
Shichigahama boasts everything from cosmopolitan sandy beaches to an abundance of seafood.

About Shichigahama

Shichigahama, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the south and Matsushima Bay to the north and east, juts out into the bay like a peninsula. The seven beaches located along its coast give rise to the town’s name ‘Shichigahama’ (seven beaches). Residents of the town have been living together with the sea since the Jomon period, and more than fifty shell mounds and ruins from this time have been found, including the largest shell mound in Tohoku, ‘Daigigakoi’.

Shichigahama has been well known as a summer resort for foreigners since the Meiji period. Shobuta Beach, which was opened as the first public beach in Tohoku in 1888, is typically crowded with young people who come to enjoy marine sports throughout the year.

Nature

Surrounded by the sea on three sides, the peninsula has a varied topography of ups and downs. Everywhere there are plateaus, capes, and cliffs, and the long sandy beaches and complicated coves attract visitors with their beautiful scenery in both morning and evening. The islands of Matsushima Bay seen from the Tamonzan look-out, one of the four great views of the area, are a sight worthy of the title “Great View.”

The coastline from Yogasakihama Beach to Minato Beach, where Shobuta Beach is located, is also a beautiful area that has been designated as a special place of scenic beauty.

Tamonzan look-out: “Ikan” (Great View) one of the 'Four Great Views of Matsushima'

Local Products and Culture

Nori seaweed cultivation is thriving in Shichigahama and has become a key industry in the region. Nori seaweed from Shichigahama is characterized by its subtle sweetness and exceptional flavor. Fishermen from all over Shichigahama compete with each other to harvest the best nori.

As part of the “Brand Shichigahama” program, which promotes local produce, a number of special products using nori have been developed and are sold both within and outside of the prefecture.

Yaki-nori seaweed, a specialty of Shichigahama

Agriculture and Fishery Products

The many reefs along the coast of the town are the habitat of high-grade fish, abalone, and sea urchins, and it has developed into one of the best fishing towns in the prefecture. Today, the cultivation of nori seaweed is popular, but many kinds of seafood can be caught, including flounder, anago, shrimp, flathead flounder, and sculpin, a white fish with a light flavor. Sculpin soup, which uses all parts of the fish without waste, has been featured as a famous local dish.

Useful Notes

Shichigahama Town has an area of 13.19㎢ It is the smallest town in Tohoku. With the ocean to the north, east and south, it juts out into the mouth of Matsushima Bay.

There is a walking course that takes you all the way around Shichigahama Town. The entire course is about 12.5 km long, and it takes about four hours for experienced walkers. You can take your time visiting the many beaches and fishing ports of Shichigahama, as well as the Daigigakoi Shell Mound, which is a National Historic Site.

Daigigakoi Shell Mound, a National Historic Site

Major Tourist Attractions in Shichigahama

Tamonzan look-out “Ikan,” (Grand View) one of the Four Great Views of Matsushima

At an elevation of 56 meters, here you can enjoy a unique side-view of the entrance to Matsushima Bay. It is called Tamonzan because the statue of Tamon-ten (Bishamonten) is enshrined at Bishamonten Hall at the centre of the mountain. This statue of Tamon-ten can only be seen once every 33 years, and the next viewing will be in 2029.
Paragliding at Shobuta Beach

Take a ride on an engine-powered paraglider and soar to an altitude of 200 meters! Take in the views beyond the coast of Shichigahama, as the spectacular Matsushima Bay appears - you may see as far as Okumatsushima.

This is a tandem (two-seater) flight with a pilot, so even the inexperienced and children from elementary-school age can participate.

PREV
More areas
NEXT