TOHOKU Pacific Coast

Example route of the educational trip.②〔IWATE・MIYAGI〕

Learn about hope - learning about earthquake disasters and stay at a local's home.3 nights, 4 days

A trip where we can learn from the people restoring their towns and lives after the tsunami disaster. This course will take you through the town while it's being restored so you can learn more about disaster prevention, and you can spend time with local people at their homes. (Use of chartered bus assumed)

IWATE
MIYAGI

14:00

Visit the World Heritage site, Hiraizumi Chusonji Temple

Eastern Japan's greatest Collection of Heian Buddhist Art Treasures

A main Tendaishu temple in Tohoku founded in 850 by Jikaku Daishi. In the 12th century, the first lord of the Oshu Fujiwara family, Kiyohira, ordered the construction of a massive temple complex of halls and pagodas. “Konjikido”, the small golden Amida hall which is representative of the golden culture at that time is a must see for anyone. With over 3000 National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, it became a World Cultural Heritage site in June, 2011.

Phone: 0191-46-2211
Hours open to visitors: Open 8:30 to 5:00 PM (4:30 PM between November 4th and the end of February.)
Closed: No holidays
Fee: 800 yen for adults (Includes Konjikido, Sankozo Museum, Sutra Repository, and Former Konjikido Shelter Hall).
URL: http://www.chusonji.or.jp/

18:00

Stay at Hanamaki Hot Spring

8:00

Depart from Hanamaki Hot Spring

10:00

Kamaishi - Listen to the proprietress of seaside restaurant and inn Houraikan's story.

Hear stories of the tsunami from a proprietress

Located near Kamaishi Nebama Coast and famous as a Japanese-style inn where guests can enjoy the harvest from the sea of Sanriku. It was damaged up to the second floor by the Great East Japan Earthquake, however it reopened for business 10 months later. The proprietress who miraculously survived despite being struck by the tsunami talks to patrons everyday about her experiences, lessons, and hopes for Kamaishi.

Phone: 0193-28-2526
FAX: 0193-28-1288
Fee: 1 night, 2 meals: 15,000 yen (excludes tax)
URL: https://houraikan.jp/

A song you'll never forget.

A song written about the disaster in the style of a Sumo Jink (traditional sumo folk song).It will bring you to tears, and you'll never forget this experience.

12:35

Kamaishi Iron History　Museum

Experience the history of iron

A museum focused the iron located in Kamaishi, the origin of Japan's present day iron manufacturing. Along with its full-scale model of the Hasino iron mining and smelting site, and a theater showing a film which lets you experience the steel creation process, the museum educates you on the history of iron manufacturing through documents and panels. There is also a corner where visitors can create their own original key holders while experiencing the casting process (500 yen to experience). You can also see a sweeping view of Kamaishi Bay from the observation terrace.

Phone: 0193-24-2211
FAX: 0193-24-3629
Hours open to visitors: 9AM-5PM
Closed: Tuesday
Fee: Adults: 500 yen
URL: http://www.city.kamaishi.iwate.jp/tanoshimu/spot/detail/1191193_2452.html

13:25

Learning via the Sanriku Railway's Disaster Learning Train.Kamaishi station to Sakari station

Learn about the Great East Japan Earthquake on a train ride

In April of 2014, Sanriku Railways, which was struck by the Great East Japan Earthquake, reopened all its lines as a symbol of restoration of the disaster-stricken areas. The “Disaster Education Train” provides a form of “study tourism” to learn about disaster prevention where passengers can see, hear, and experience the state of the area along the railway. While on the train passengers will hear about the conditions of the earthquake from Sanriku Railway employees or people who live along the railway line while the train is moving or temporarily stopping in areas where one can see the current situation of the disaster. (Reservations required.)

Phone: 0194-52-3411 (Between Tanohata and Kuji: Kita-Rias Line Operations Department)
0192-27-9669 (Between Sakari and Kamaishi: Minami-Rias Line Operations Department)
FAX: 0194-52-3431 (Between Tanohata and Kuji: Kita-Rias Line Operations Department)
0192-27-9677 (Between Sakari and Kamaishi: Minami-Rias Line Operations Department)
Hours open to visitors: Must call in advance. Operation days and times decided by reservation
Fee: Group from outside of Iwate Prefecture: 43,000 yen for 1 carriage of normal train, 51,400 yen for 1 carriage of event train
URL: http://www.sanrikutetsudou.com/

Learn from the disaster.

Learning about disasters is the best way to prevent them in the future. This will be a very important lesson.

14:55

Witness the restoration of central Ofunato from the train.

Kyassen Ofunato

The various charms of Ofunato!

A brand new restoration shopping district established in April, 2017. Enjoy shopping and eating at over 50 shops within Food Village, Mall and Patio, and Dream Plaza zones. We recommend participating in the various events held throughout the year, or enjoying the verdant Sennen Square.

Phone: 0192-22-7910
Hours open to visitors: Depends on the store
Closed: Depends on the store
URL: http://kyassen.co.jp/

16:30

Stay in Ofunato City

7:30

Depart from Ofunato City

8:00

Ofunato Fish Market

A fish market with public viewing and observation decks

Ofunato Fish Market is proud to have one of the largest fish catches in the Sanriku area. From the observation deck on the second floor you can see boats landing their catch, or try an abalone catching game in the third floor display room. You can see the tools of the fishing trade and the kind of jobs that are done here in the fish market. The observation deck on the 4th floor is also recommended. You'll have a great view of the ships coming in and out of Ofunato Bay.

Phone: 0192-26-4112
Hours open to visitors: Touring deck, observation deck, Display room　9AM-5PM
Closed: Wednesday
Fee: Free Tour
URL: http://www.ofunato.fm/

9:30

Seagull's Eggs Factory Tour

A long-selling cake for over 60 years!

A local delicacy of Iwate Prefecture, which is the shape of an egg. Made using “otebo,” a type of white kidney bean, sugar, flour and chicken eggs with perfectly moist red bean paste mixed with egg yolks, wrapped in a sponge cake and white chocolate. There are also “Red and White Seagull Eggs” for wedding ceremonies and celebrations, and “Gold Seagull Eggs” decorated with gold leaf, as well as seasonal melon and strawberry flavors. We offer factory tours.

Phone: 0192-26-2222 (Saito Seika Main Office)
FAX: 0192-26-3150 (Saito Seika Main Office)
Hours open to visitors: 9:00AM-7:00PM
Closed: Only January 1
URL: https://www.saitoseika.co.jp/

10:50

Learning about Earthquake disasters in Rikuzentakata City

Learn the past, present, and future of Rikuzentakata

A tour where one can learn about Rikuzentakata's past, present, and future. Being guided by a expert guide on the main tour, participants will visit the front line of restoration such as the “Kiseki-no-Ipponmatsu” or “Miracle Pine Tree,” remains of the old roadside station “Tapic 45,” and construction of the breakwater structure. Approximately 90 minutes required for tour and reservations are required. At least 10 participants required.

Phone: 0192-22-7410 (Marugoto Rikuzentakata)
FAX: 0192-22-7420 (Marugoto Rikuzentakata)
Fee: 1,500 per person (excludes tax)
URL: http://marugoto-rikuzentakata.com/

Go to the information center on the restoration of Rikuzentakata City

↓

Go to the old Roadside Station Takada Matsubara station (Tapic 45)

↓

Go to the old Kesen Junior High School

Kiseki-no-Ipponmatsu

Symbol of Rikuzentakata's reconstruction.

The Takata-matsubara Pine Grove which is said to have contained approximately 70,000 pine trees was washed away by the giant tsunami which occurred during the Great East Japan Earthquake disaster, however one tree miraculously remained, and is now called the “Kiseki-no-Ipponmatu” or the“ Miracle Pine.” It died from the effects of the ocean water later and, it is now preserved as a monument to teach later generations of the disastrous earthquake. It is lit up from sunset to 9PM every day.

Phone: 0192-54-2111 (Rikuzentakata Commerce, Industry, and Tourism Division)
FAX: 0192-54-3888 (Rikuzentakata Commerce, Industry, and Tourism Division)
Hours open to visitors: From 5PM(6PM from June to August) to 8AM the next day, the gates are locked so the Miracle Pine cannot be reached.
Fee: Free to tour
URL: http://www.city.rikuzentakata.iwate.jp/kategorie/fukkou/ipponmatu/ipponmatu.html
http://www.city.rikuzentakata.iwate.jp/english/ipponmatu-eng/ipponmatu.html

12:30

Homestay in Rikuzentakata City

Experience the day to day lives of people in the area.

Marugoto Rikuzentakata, which offers the learning plans utilizing the nature, commerce, and people of Rikuzentakata. You can experience the day to day lives of people in the farming and agricultural industries, as well as get a feeling for the connections people have to each other, the community, and nature, and how they live. Please contact us for information on number of nights and prices.

Phone: 0192-22-7410 (Marugoto Rikuzentakata)
URL: http://marugoto-rikuzentakata.com/

Stay in a private house with a local family

Host families are various types including fameres and fishermen. Up to 360 people can be accommodated.
Spend time with them while hearing of their experiences from the earthquake disaster.

Go to the homes in Rikuzentakata City

9:00

Homestay departure ceremony

10:00

Karakuwa Peninsula Visitor Center

Let's stop by the exhibit before sightseeing!

A facility that shows off the natural beauty of Sanriku Fukko National Park and Karakuwa Peninsula and teaches about the livelihoods of those living here as well as their culture through photographs, films, and models. In the "Tsunami Experience Museum", Japan's first tsunami experience facility, visitors can experience a tsunami simulation through the combined use of footage, audio, vibration and wind effects.

Phone: 0226-32-3029
FAX: 0226-32-3029
Hours open to visitors: 8:30AM-4:30PM
Closed: Tuesday (and if Tuesday is a national holiday it will close on Wednesday)
Fee: Visitors center: Free entry, Tsunami Museum: 380 yen for Adults
URL: http://www.karakuwa.com/visiter/

11:30

Have lunch at the Kesennuma Plaza Hotel

13:00

Buy some souvenirs at the Kesennuma fish market

Kesennuma's proud line up of seafood

All the seafood, freshly caught in Kesennuma harbor on display. 'Lightly Toasted Saury', 'Concentrated Shark fin Soup', and 'Frozen Hoya Sashimi', among other things, are offered as wonderful souvenirs. The restaurant "Sen" attached to the market offers fresh seafood bowls and shark fin ramen, some flavors you can especially enjoy in Kesennuma.

Phone: 0226-29-6233
Hours open to visitors: 8AM-6PM (Closes at 8AM-5:30PM from November to March)
Closed: No holidays
URL: http://osakana-ichiba.net/

14:30

Geibikei Gorge Boat ride

Enjoy one of Japan's famous 100 views on this boat ride.

Geibikei Gorge is a 2 km ravine along the Satetsu River a branch of the Kitakami River. Enjoy the verdant views around you from the boat, as well as the incredible 50 meter tall cliffs above you. On this 90 minute ride, you can see the Kyomeigan and Ryoungan rocks and Bishamon cave. The climax will be the ferrymen performing their song 'Geibi Oiwake'

Phone: 0191-47-2341
Hours open to visitors: April 1st to August 31st/8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Times may differ depending on the season.)
Closed: No holidays (Boats don't run during inclement weather.)
Fee: Adults ¥1600
URL: http://www.geibikei.co.jp/funakudari/

16:45

Return to Sendai, Tokyo, etc. from Ichinoseki station

Learn from the mystic of Sanrik Geopark.

AOMORI
IWATE

A beautiful seaside trail where you can witness the charming amber and limestone Ryusendo Cave. A perfect route to enjoy learning via the science museum and the Disaster Learning Train.(Use of chartered bus assumed)

See the restoration of seaside town, and learn the history of the Date Clan.

MIYAGI

View the wonders of seaside towns and see the situation of restoration. Also, visit the places associated with Date Masamune and learn about the history. This course also includes a walking tour in Sendai.(Use of chartered bus assumed)

Experience rich nature and learn about disasters

MIYAGI
FUKUSHIMA

On top of experiencing fruit and vegetable harvesting, as well as some light hiking, you'll be able to learn about disasters and how to prevent them with our restoration tourism plan. (Use of chartered bus assumed)