Things To Do
in Watari

Locally farmed oysters are a winter specialty—available raw, grilled or fried at seaside restaurants and market stalls. Oyster tasting events and farm visits can be arranged in season.

Must-Try!

A bowl of local rice topped with the day’s fresh catch—an easy way to sample multiple kinds of seafood at the fish market or casual restaurants.

A set meal featuring grilled seasonal fish, rice and pickles—found in local set-meal restaurants and family-run eateries.

A Sendai-region specialty of sweet mashed edamame used in mochi, buns and parfaits; common in local cafés and sweet shops.

A morning market where fishermen and vendors sell the day’s catch; great for fresh sashimi, small grilled snacks and seafood bowls. Best visited early.

Small stalls near the town center offering seasonal vegetables, rice and homemade pickles—good for picnic supplies and regional specialties.

A bow is the customary greeting; be polite and use basic respectful language. Avoid loud phone conversations on public transport and in quiet public spaces.

Remove shoes when entering private homes, some ryokan, temples and certain traditional restaurants—look for a genkan (entrance) or shoe rack.

Line up for trains, buses and services and follow local queuing practices. Don’t cut lines or push.

Dress modestly at religious sites, observe local rituals, and ask permission before photographing people in traditional attire or during ceremonies.

Tipping is not customary in Japan; excellent service is the standard. Small gestures of gratitude are welcome but leave tips discreetly in an envelope if desired. At tourist-oriented experiences, some providers may accept tips but do not expect to tip at shops or restaurants.

Cash (Japanese yen) is widely used, especially in smaller shops and markets. IC transit/payment cards (Suica/Pasmo) are convenient and accepted in larger stores and some buses. Credit cards are accepted at bigger restaurants and hotels, but bring cash for rural vendors. 7-Eleven ATMs reliably accept many foreign cards for cash withdrawals.

Late March–May brings cherry blossoms and mild temperatures. Expect comfortable sightseeing weather, occasional rain, and countryside flowers; great for photography and coastal walks.

June–August is warm and humid with July and August being the hottest months. Beaches and outdoor activities are popular; be prepared for sudden summer rain and high humidity. Local festivals and fireworks may take place in the region.

September–November offers cool, pleasant weather and autumn foliage from October onward—excellent for hiking and scenic drives. Seafood remains good and the light is often clear for photography.

December–February brings colder temperatures and occasional snow; oyster season is at its peak, making winter ideal for enjoying fresh shellfish. Coastal areas can be windy—dress warmly and be mindful of icy roads inland.

Vegetarian options are limited but available—look for tofu dishes, vegetable tempura, rice and pickles, and simple noodle dishes. Communicate dietary needs clearly in Japanese (see key phrases) and consider visiting Sendai for more vegetarian-specific restaurants.

Vegan dining requires planning in advance. Many broths contain fish stock (dashi). Seek out vegetable-focused restaurants in larger nearby cities or prepare by buying supplies at markets and convenience stores.

Halal-certified restaurants are uncommon in Watari; Muslims should look for vegetarian seafood-free options or travel to Sendai for halal-certified establishments. Convenience stores offer basic ingredients for self-catering.

Carry translations of allergy information in Japanese and alert restaurant staff. Seafood and soy are common in local cooking, so be explicit about shellfish and soy allergies.