Ofunato, Coastal city in Iwate Prefecture, Japan
Ofunato is a port city along the Pacific coast of Iwate Prefecture built on a natural bay that shelters fishing vessels and commercial shipping. The city spreads across a hilly terrain with multiple harbors and markets that form the core of its daily economy.
Archaeological evidence from the Jomon period shows early settlement in the area, while the early modern period brought administration under the Date clan. This long history shaped how the community developed its connection to the sea.
Local fishing traditions manifest through the daily activities at Uo-ichiba market, where merchants display fresh catches and conduct traditional auctions.
The Sanriku Railway and bus services connect the city to surrounding areas and make getting around straightforward. Visitors can easily reach markets, harbors, and museums on foot or by public transportation.
The 2011 tsunami reached an extraordinary height of 23.6 meters in Ofunato, leading to the establishment of educational facilities about natural disasters.
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