Ishinomaki's Journey to Recovery
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Port
Ishinomaki, Japan
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$340
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5.5 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Ishinomaki is a 1,700-year-old city situated at the head of Ishinomaki Bay. It was a rice-shipping port during the Edo period and prospered as a center of commercial fishing until 2011.
In 2011, when the Great East Japan Earthquake struck, the deadly tsunami that followed destroyed much of the city. In the years since, the city and community have rebuilt and are ready to welcome visitors.
Drive to the local memorial hall, where locals will describe the events of the day of the tsunami and the long road to rebuilding. Then, walk with a Japanese-speaking katatibe storyteller guide, a former resident of the area, who will show you where they used to live and share firsthand stories about that fateful day.
Enjoy lunch at local restaurant that has been passed down through generations.
Afterward, walk through the town with a digital device that illustrates what the town looked like prior to the tsunami relative to the landscape in front of you today.
Following this insightful visit, return to the pier.
Please note: Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces and many steps. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Wear comfortable walking shoes. You must remove your shoes at one or more location(s). Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Bring local currency or credit cards, as most vendors do not accept US dollars. Tour may vary depending on the city's recovery process. Many of the local residents do not speak English; an English-speaking guide will be on hand to interpret. Traffic can be unpredictable; your patience is greatly appreciated if a delay extends the tour duration. Unfamiliar accents can be challenging; feel free to ask your guide to repeat or elaborate on information, and to speak more slowly so you can fully comprehend and converse.