Kamaishi City, located in the southeastern part of Iwate Prefecture, is home to the Sanriku fishing grounds, part of the Northwest Pacific fishing grounds, one of the world's three largest fishing grounds. The coastal area also forms a typical ria coastline. It is surrounded by the Kitakami Mountains, including Mt. Matsukura and Mt. Butsuwa, to the west, and the Pacific Ocean to the east. It has few plains and is characterized by a small habitable area. In the past, it flourished as the birthplace of the modern steel industry. Its main industries are manufacturing and fishing. The city's crest, featuring a kettles motif, reflects its origins as the birthplace of the steel industry. Major tourist attractions include the Hashino Blast Furnace Ruins, a nationally designated historic site, and the Steel History Museum. The city is also home to the Japanese serow, a designated natural monument.