Rambling Along Iwate’s Southern Ria Coast on the Sanriku Railway

A bridge crossing on the Rias Line, between Miyako and Sokei stations. (Courtesy Sanriku Railway)

A ceremony to celebrate the launch of the full length of the Rias Line. (Courtesy Sanriku Railway)

Cherry blossoms in full bloom at Kirikiri Station. (Courtesy Sanriku Railway)

The railway meanders along the region’s ria coastline and Yamada Bay, with peaceful sea views. (Courtesy Sanriku Railway)

The wall of the station waiting room is covered with scallop shell ema. Local scallop shells are available free of charge, while the supply lasts. (Courtesy Sanriku Railway)

The Kamaishi Dai-kannon statue watches over Kamaishi Bay. (Courtesy Iwate Tourism Association)

Remains of No. 3 Furnace, the longest operating at the Hashino Iron Mining and Smelting Site (Courtesy Iwate Tourism Association)

Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium, where the battle will unfold to determine rugby’s world number one. (Courtesy Kamaishi City Rugby World Cup 2019 Promotion Headquarters)