In 2013 on my first visit to Miyagi prefecture my friends Mayumi and Yusuke took me by car to a hilltop park in Ishinomaki to find some sakura trees that were in bloom. Hiroriyama park offered views both inland through the estuary and out to sea across the flat coastline area. Both areas had been devastated by the 2011 tsunami and just two years later there was a lot of empty space where buildings had once stood and some signs of the damage were clearly evident. Another six years later on the first day of the new Reiwa era it was nice to be able to return to the park , this time walking and in the rain. The sakura were once again blooming and in spite of the mist, rain and low cloud the views were still impressive.
On the walk up looking back towards the town there were impressive views of the estuary
Just as we reached the park the sakura were still in bloom
The next three photos are of a viewing spot in the park looking at the estuary.
There is a large photograph mounted on the fence showing the scene before the tsunami which you can compare with my photo taken on day one of Reiwa more than 8 years after the tsunami crashed up the valley from the sea.
The main park area with Sakura in bloom
The view seawards
The torii gate that marks the place where the pathway to the hilltop shrine crosses the ridge from the seashore below.
Another viewing spot looking out to sea showing a photo from before the tsunami
the coast area is very flat and was quite industrial prior to being severely damaged in the disaster.
Huts selling refreshments and manga character masks.
In addition to manga Ishinomaki is also famous for being visited by the haiku poet Basho
A few more views
Descending back towards the town centre, a large cemetery is visible on the hillside opposite.
