The second destination on my short trip was the fish market in Kesennuma. I bid farewell to the Pikachu train, and made my way into Kesennuma, a city that has a special place in my heart.

The train station is small, but the square in front of the station welcomes visitors from every land. The locals told me you absolutely have to visit the fish market when you come to Kesennuma, so I jumped in a cute Line taxi, which took me to the “Umi no Ichi” market. I arrived after a 10-minute taxi ride.

Kesennuma is one of the leading fishing ports in Japan, and therefore has an abundance of delicious seafood. A lady I met on the way who was on holiday from Taiwan said that the main reason she had come to Kesennuma was to see the state of reconstruction after the earthquake, and, after that, the delicious seafood! As you can see the seafood here really is a big draw!

The most popular seafoods are things like shark fin, mackerel, bonito, salmon and pacific saury, all of which you can have prepared on the spot, allowing you to savor the freshest seafood delicacies.

As soon as I set foot in the fish market, I felt that the neatly ordered rows of goods and clearly labeled prices were a world away from the crowded, smelly fish markets back home. On the contrary, you can shop at your leisure here.

Looking at the whole fish laid out really makes you hungry, and you start thinking about which one of them you will take home for dinner. Even if you don't know how to choose the best fish, the local fishermen will guide you. They are eager to explain and examine the fresh fish with you.

The last destination on my short trip was an aquarium that is pretty unusual, even for Japan. At this aquarium, over 450 species of marine life are on display as though alive, yet they are encased in blocks of ice.

Since the aquarium is composed of ice, the interior is -20°C. You cannot enter the aquarium without arctic clothes. I felt like Baymax from Big Hero 6 wearing the big coat.

The fish, crabs and octopi encased in ice seemed sprightly and alive. The ice is illuminated from behind with blue lights, giving you a vivid sense of the pure, mysterious world at the bottom of the ocean.

It is a perfect family day out, where children can learn the secrets of marine life.