Kesennuma, Port settlement in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
Kesennuma is a port settlement on the eastern coast of Honshu in Miyagi Prefecture, stretching between mountains and jagged coastal inlets. The city connects residential neighborhoods on gentle slopes with waterfront industrial facilities and piers lined with cranes and warehouses.
The settlement grew from an old harbor in the former province of Mutsu and became a town in 1889. Following several mergers, it gained city status in 1953 and expanded through fishing and shipbuilding over the following decades.
The settlement takes its name from the narrow inlet that shapes the coastline and offers shelter to fishing boats. Nets hang along the quays to dry, and locals gather early in the market halls to buy fresh seafood.
The fish market opens in the early morning hours when auctions are most active and visitors can watch the trading. Observation points around the bay are reachable on foot or by local buses and offer open access throughout the year.
The local specialty is shark, dried and smoked using traditional methods before being used in soups and dishes. Some shops display shark fins and cuts hanging on the walls for sale.
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