What other travelers are saying about Earthquake Remains Namie Municipal Ukedo Elementary School
I remember the tsunami hitting the villages, but didn't know how big the damage was. 14 years later, driving the coast showed the ongoing effects: radiation is still measured, and patrols are present. The school tells a well documented story on the second floor, while the untouched first floor shows exactly when it happened.
300 yen for the ticket. Parking space available. This was quite an experience. The dilapidated school is still preserved, with information of the event and the daily lives of the school children. Absolutely recommend.
This is definitely a must when visiting Fukushima prefecture. I cannot describe with words how it feels when walking through the halls of the elementary school. The damage this disaster has done on the lives of these people is unimaginable. It's a little bit hard to get here but definitely worth it. The receptionist spoke really good English and called a local taxi for us to bring us back to Namie, really sweet.
Sad to see ruins of a school destroyed by a tsunami. Emotional ruins and memories of lot of children and neighbors are gathered.
1st floor is full of ruins and 2nd floor is full of memories and messages. Video played on disaster and what happened between past few years. At the entrance, there is a room full of explanations on 3.11 disaster.
No rush, good enough car park. Entrance fee is ¥300 for adults.
A fitting memorial to the lives and community lost during March 2011. The lower half was largely destroyed by the tsunami, and has been preserved. The top story was unaffected, and half of it has been turned into a museum. Inexpensive admission. My only complaint was that it predominantly targets domestic tourists, as there was little in the way of English interpretation. Be sure to come armed with a translator app and full battery on your phone. Given the remoteness, it is unlikely to ever be very busy there. Bring your own drinks etc - no amenities on site. Definitely with checking out if you’re in the area. Allow 2 hours.
Namie Municipal Ukedo Elementary School earthquake remains are located in Namie town, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, about 4km from Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Visitors can access the site by car or tour bus from Namie Station. The school ruins serve as a preserved memorial from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami disaster.
At Ukedo Elementary School earthquake ruins, visitors can see the preserved damaged school building, tsunami debris, and memorial displays showing the devastating impact of the March 2011 disaster. The site includes educational exhibits about the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear evacuation, making it an important disaster prevention learning center and dark tourism destination.
Yes, Namie Municipal Ukedo Elementary School earthquake remains are generally safe to visit as radiation levels have been monitored and deemed acceptable for short-term visits. However, visitors should follow official guidelines, stay with designated tour groups, and limit exposure time. The Fukushima exclusion zone restrictions have been partially lifted in this area for tourism purposes.
Namie Municipal Ukedo Elementary School serves as a crucial earthquake and tsunami disaster memorial, preserving the physical evidence of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake's devastating impact. The site offers visitors educational insights into natural disaster preparedness, nuclear evacuation procedures, and community resilience, making it a significant dark tourism destination and disaster learning center in Fukushima Prefecture.
