When the 2011 tsunami devastated downtown Minamisanriku, the area’s stores relocated and began operating out of a cluster of prefab temporary shelters. The shopping center was dubbed the Sun Sun Shopping Village, in honor of the power of the sun to bring light to even the darkest of moments. In March 2017, it reopened in its current, permanent location. The attractive solar-powered, all-wood buildings have become a draw in their own right, bringing in customers from across Miyagi Prefecture and beyond. Anyone can support the recovery by stopping by and purchasing some local products.

The Minamisanriku Sun Sun Shopping Village has twenty-eight stores, including eateries, fish markets, dessert shops, and general stores supplying daily necessities to locals. Special morning farmer’s and fisherman’s markets are held from 6:00 to 8:30 on the first and third Sunday of every month.

One must-try highlight is the Minamisanriku kirakiradon, a seafood rice bowl with toppings that vary by season and restaurant. A dessert shop here sells its own ingenious take on the dish—adorable “rice bowl” cakes that look surprisingly like the real deal, with fruit jellies shaped to resemble the seafood they are based on.

Unexpectedly, there is also a real moai here, representing the long-standing relationship between Easter Island and Minamisanriku. Naturally, that means there are many moai-themed souvenirs and novelties available for purchase. The Village also offers rental bicycles, which prove very helpful in navigating this spread-out town.