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Learn about the recovery of the Futaba and Soma areas from the Great East Japan Earthquake through stories of locals
Tohoku District Transport Bureau
The Soma and Futaba areas of Fukushima Prefecture suffered greatly from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear power plant accident.
To never forget all that was lost during the disaster, visit memorials and other symbols of recovery, while interacting with local people. Your first stop will be The Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum, where Kataribe guides (disaster storytellers/eyewitnesses) will share their experiences of the disaster.
Visit the poignant Namie Ukedo Elementary School, where the remains are a reminder of the destructive force of the tsunami, and sample the yakisoba noodles and fresh seafood at Michi no Eki Namie, which has become an important social hub for residents.
Besides learning about the resilience of the people of Soma and Futaba first-hand, you can also experience some local specialties such as hamayaki (charcoal-grilled flatfish, squid, and corn), or go strawberry picking.
Through this tour, you will be able to experience the process of recovery from the earthquake and the stories told by the local people who are working every day to rebuild their communities.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Joban Line Express Hitachi to Futaba Station (about 3 hours and 10 minutes).
The Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum is about 25 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by bus from Futaba Station.
The Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum) 39 Takada, Nakano, Futaba-machi, Fukushima-ken
