Sanriku Fukko(reconstruction) National Park

Sanriku Fukko(reconstruction) National Park was established in May 2013 to contribute to the recovery of the Sanriku area damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake. The northern part of the park, extending about 250 km from north to south, has magnificent cliffs known as the "Alps of the Sea," while the southern part has a beautiful rias coastline with intricate topography. The coast is a breeding ground for seabirds such as the petrel and the long-billed murrelet. The cold sea mist and the unique coastal environment have also allowed the growth of a variety of coastal plants, which have adapted to the unique coastal environment, making it possible to observe wildlife up close. Eelgrass beds and seaweed beds have formed in the shallow waters, supporting marine biodiversity. The area has fishing ports that boast some of the largest catches in Japan, including Hachinohe, Miyako, Kamaishi, Ofunato, Kesennuma, and Ishinomaki, making it an attractive place to taste fresh seafood. As a national park unprecedented in Japan, one of its objectives is to recover from disasters, and people from all over Japan visit the park for the purpose of learning about disaster prevention education. (Source: Ministry of the Environment website https://www.env.go.jp/nature/nationalparks/list/)