The Ryotaro Japan feature on Ofunato and Ryori was truly wonderful! For those who watched and felt inspired to visit Ofunato, we’ve prepared a special plan that lets you experience the world of the show — “A Custom-Made Journey with Isabelle.” Join Isabelle on an unforgettable trip through the serene seas and mountains of Ryori, Ofunato — a spiritual journey that will relax and inspire you. Enjoy the rich nature of Ofunato, the warmth of its people, and the bounty of the sea and mountains, all guided by Isabelle, who fell in love with this beautiful place.
Isabelle usually works as a scallop fisher with her husband, so her available guiding days are limited. However, we will adjust the schedule to match your preferred dates.
Tour Highlights
1.Isabelle personally guides you throughout the journey.
2. The itinerary is custom-made based on your interests.
3. You can add destinations or activities you’d like to try.
4. We can arrange travel and accommodation from anywhere in Japan, including Tokyo.
5. All dietary needs and allergies are accommodated.
6. The tour is designed sustainably, working with local travel agencies, restaurants, and inns.
Tour Details
Choose from any of the seven experiences listed below and combine them freely. In the application form, let us know your preferred dates, group size, and activities. The tour will be planned together with Isabelle and the local travel agency. Transportation options include the Sanriku Railway, walking, or electric bicycles. Private vehicles are also available for the entire trip.
List of Experiences
[1] Ryori – Fudo Falls
Visit a shrine and pavilion built by Kesen Miyadaiku master carpenters, and experience the local faith of praying to the sea from deep in the mountains.
■ Duration: About 1 hour or more
■ Location: Ryori, Sanriku Town
■ Access: Approx. 60 minutes on foot from Sanriku Railway Ryori Station
[2] Ryori – Visit to the Sakamoto Workshop
■ Duration: About 1 hour
■ Location: Ryori, Sanriku Town (near Fudo Falls)
■ Access: Approx. 30 minutes on foot from Sanriku Railway
The Ryori area has produced master temple carpenters since the Edo period. You’ll visit the workshop of Fumio Sakamoto, the last active Miyadaiku carpenter in the region. His craftsmanship extends from shrines and temples to pavilions and local performing arts masks — each piece one of a kind. Hear his stories of challenge and pride, and create your own accessory from wood salvaged after the Ryori forest fire.
[3] Ryori – Ryori Pass Trail
■ Duration: 3–4 hours (depending on pace)
■ Route: Ryori – Akasaki
■ Distance: 9.3 km
■ Elevation: 340 m
■ Level: Beginner
■ Access: Sanriku Railway + walking
The Ryori area suffered major damage in large-scale forest fires. This trail follows the historic Ryori Road, once the only route connecting this isolated community to others. As you hike across the pass, enjoy ever-changing seasonal scenery while learning about the fires and the resilience of both nature and the people who live here.
[4] Fishing Experience
■ Duration: 1–3 hours (depending on type of fishing)
■ Location: Koishihama and other Sanriku fishing ports (Yoshihama, Sakihama, Okirai, Tomari, Onizawa, Ryori, etc.)
■ Access: 5 minutes on foot from Sanriku Railway Koishihama Station; others accessible by train, walking, or private car
■ Activities: Harvesting or processing scallops, seaweed, or sea urchins depending on the season.
Ofunato and Sanriku are towns of small harbors where fishermen work year-round. The region is known for specialties such as Kippin Abalone, Koishihama Scallops, and Ryori Wakame. Depending on the season, you may observe or even join local fishers in their work. Since Isabelle herself is a scallop fisher, you might be able to experience scallop harvesting — though activities vary by season and weather.
[5] Koishihama Picnic Cruise
■ Duration: 1 hour
■ Location: Koishihama Port, Ryori, Sanriku
■ Access: Sanriku Railway + walking
Join a cruise aboard the same workboat used by Jun, Isabelle’s beloved husband (amour!), who appeared in the video and runs a scallop farm. Watch scallop harvesting up close and taste freshly caught scallops on the spot. Cruise along the outer bay of the beautiful ria coastline, taking in the grandeur of the Sanriku Geopark. Onboard, enjoy charcoal-grilled scallops paired with wine aged underwater.
[6] Abalone Farm Visit & Accessory-Making Experience Using Fire-Damaged Shells
■ Duration: 1.5 hours
■ Location: Kita Nihon Fisheries, Ryori, Sanriku Town
■ Access: 30 minutes on foot from Sanriku Railway Ryori Station
Kita Nihon Fisheries, visited by Ryotaro and Isabelle, is a renowned company known for its land-based abalone farming. The company suffered devastating losses in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and again in the 2025 forest fire, which wiped out all its abalone. Despite this, the team continues to move forward with determination. Hear their story directly from the staff and tour the facility, then create a charming accessory using abalone shells left from the fire.
[7] Sunrise Experience at Goishi Coast
■ Duration: Around 1 hour (arrive 30 minutes before sunrise)
■ Location: Goishi Coast, Massaki-cho, Ofunato City
■ Access: Private vehicle
Experience the same breathtaking sunrise that Ryotaro enjoyed in the program’s finale — watch the sun rise over the ocean and feel its revitalizing warmth. Enjoy a peaceful coffee time as you take in the magnificent view.
[8] Goishi Coast Sappa-bune Cruise
■ Duration: 1 hour
■ Location: Goishihama Fishing Port, Massaki-cho, Ofunato City
■ Access: Private vehicle
■ Operating hours: Early morning to sunset
Goishi Coast, part of the Sanriku Fukko National Park, is famous for its dramatic cliffs and ria coastline. Ride a small Sappa-bune boat — traditionally used for seaweed harvesting — and experience the dynamic beauty of the coast from the sea. It’s an exciting and memorable cruise.
Other Recommended Experiences
[9] Local Seafood Barbecue
■ Duration: 2 hours
■ Location: Izakaya Shukkonee, Okirai, Sanriku Town
■ Access: 10 minutes on foot from Sanriku Station Enjoy a lively barbecue filled with fresh local seafood.
You can even use seafood obtained from experiences [4] and [5]. If you’re lucky, you might also get to try wild venison hunted by local Sanriku hunters!
[10] Local Folk Performance Experience
■ Duration: 1 hour (including participation)
■ Location: Izakaya Shukkonee, Okirai, Sanriku Town, or your preferred venue
■ Access: 10 minutes on foot from Sanriku Station
The Sanriku coast has preserved many traditional folk performing arts. Ofunato alone has nearly 30 groups that pass down performances expressing gratitude for nature’s blessings, prayers for good harvests, and wishes to ward off evil spirits. Sanriku Town is home to several, including Suneka, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Opportunities to see or participate in these are rare — a truly special experience. You can even take part in Tarajigane, a winter ritual where straw-clad figures visit homes with children, asking if any have misbehaved — a custom praying for plentiful harvests and safety.
[11] Accommodation Options
We can arrange your stay at Ofunato Onsen — where Ryotaro himself stayed — or at any accommodation of your choice.
■ Ofunato Onsen
The only hot spring inn in Ofunato, Ofunato Onsen has been voted Japan’s No.1 in the “Best Scenic View” category of the Hot Spring Hotel & Ryokan Awards for five consecutive years. The owner is a fisherman who cultivates wakame and scallops, so guests can enjoy the freshest seafood. The famous “Fisherman’s Meal” is a feast of ocean flavors. Watching the sunrise or moonrise from the open-air bath will be an unforgettable experience.
