Mount Anba - Miyagi, Japan
I checked out of my hotel around 6 a.m. to explore Kesennuma before leaving. After several days hiking parts of the Michinoku Coastal Trail, I hadn’t had a chance to see much of the city center. My plan was to hike Mount Anba and visit the fish market before catching my bus back to Sendai.
The main trail to Mount Anba in town was closed due to deterioration, so I had to take a longer detour route meant for vehicles. It took about 50 minutes from Kesennuma Station, walking through quiet morning streets before reaching the winding mountain roads.
My first stop before reaching the peak was Osugi Shrine. Covered in fallen leaves and a bit slippery, the trail to the shrine was still a quick walk. From there, the views of Kesennuma city and the bay were stunning. I continued along the trail toward the summit, passing a couple of observatory decks that offered panoramic vistas of the city below. I reached the peak shortly after, snapped a few photos, took a short break, and then made my way back toward town.
With some time to spare before my bus to Sendai, I strolled along the bay toward Kesennuma City Fish Market. With most stalls still closed, I did a bit of window shopping. The market also features a Shark Museum, which unfortunately wasn’t open at that hour. I returned to the pier to board my highway bus to Sendai, arriving 20 minutes early. A line quickly formed behind me, and though the bus was packed, I managed to secure the last window seat.
History & Background
Mount Anba (アンバ山) – A small yet scenic mountain in Kesennuma, Mount Anba has long been a local favourite for short hikes and city views. The summit offers panoramic vistas of Kesennuma Bay and the surrounding coastline, making it popular with both locals and visitors.
Osugi Shrine (大杉神社) – Nestled along the Mount Anba trail, Osugi Shrine has a history dating back several centuries. It is associated with local maritime and agricultural rituals, and its peaceful setting provides both spiritual reflection and photo opportunities.
Kesennuma City & Fish Market – Kesennuma has been a key fishing port in northern Japan for centuries, renowned for its seafood and maritime culture. The city’s fish market remains a vibrant hub for fresh tuna, salmon, and other seafood, and houses the Shark Museum, highlighting the region’s maritime heritage.
Getting There
Kesennuma is easiest to reach via Sendai. From Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen, or from other parts of Japan, a domestic flight may be faster. From Sendai, you can either drive or take a highway bus to Kesennuma.
Route Overview
Distance: 10.27 km (Kesennuma Station → Pier 7)
Total elevation gain: 306 m
Duration: 2 hr 13 min (with breaks 2 hr 21 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Peak: Mt Anba 安波山 239m
Cost Breakdown
Food: ¥367
