On the Road
Hamadori Hope Tour: Disaster and Recovery
Through interaction with the local people, tour participants will learn about the March 2011 earthquake, tsunami and the nuclear power plant accident, and the remarkable moves that are being made toward recovery.
DAY1
Transfer to The Great East Japan Earthquake
and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum by shuttle bus
from JR Futaba Station (5 min.) or bicycle from Futaba Station
The Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum
Learn about the tragic earthquake and tsunami disaster of March, 2011 and the subsequent nuclear power plant accident. This museum features audio-visual and other hands-on exhibits as well as the personal stories of residents who experienced the event.
Transfer to Ukedo elementary school by car (approx. 5 min.)
Remains of the earthquake—
Namie town Ukedo elementary school
Visit a school building that was largely destroyed by the tsunami of March 11, 2011. The students and staff survived, and the ruins have been left to symbolize the destructive power of nature and man’s ability to survive.
Transfer to FUTABA Art District by car (approx. 10 min.)
FUTABA Art District
View this series of wall murals painted on buildings in the town of Futaba. Launched in 2020, the FUTABA Art District is an ambitious program to prove the power of mural art, depicting hopes for a bright future.
Transfer to Futabaya Ryokan via JR Joban Line
from Futaba Station to Odaka Station (approx. 15 min.)
Futabaya Ryokan
Accommodation is at the Futabaya Ryokan. This traditional Japanese inn was one of the first to reopen for business in this area after all the residents were forced to evacuate following the multiple disasters of March 2011. The inn continues to play a major role as a hub of the community’s recovery.
Overnight at Futabaya Ryokan
DAY2
Transfer to Minamisoma City Museum from Odaka Station
to Haranomachi Station via JR Line (10 min.) and by car (10 min.)
Minamisoma City Museum
Through numerous displays, including a life-size diorama, learn about the history of this area, including the thrilling Soma Nomaoi, a three-day festival featuring men dressed as samurai warriors taking part in “battle” reenactments on horseback.
Transfer to Hama-no-eki Matsukawa-ura Road Stop by car (approx. 40 min.)
Hama-no-eki Matsukawa-ura Road Stop
Shop or browse for local marine and agricultural products—ideal as souvenirs. Dine on seafood delicacies at the attached restaurant.
Transfer to Matsukawa-ura by car (approx. 10 min.)
Fun on the shore
with Matsukawa-ura Team Guide
Relax, fish, enjoy a traditional seaside barbecue or take part in other activities at the Matsukawa-ura Lagoon, which has been a coastal resort since the seventeenth century.
