This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 10:20 Meet at the taxi stand at Iwaki Station North Exit, departure
- 11:35-12:30 The Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum
- 12:40-13:45 Lunch・Roadside Station Namie
- 13:45-14:40 Mt. Ohira～Ukedo Elementary School
- 15:10-15:45 TEPCO Decommissioning Archive Center
- 16:40 Arrive at Iwaki Station
- 16:50 Dismissal
Title: What Is a Private Fukushima Disaster-Area Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a family visiting from North America. They had already booked return train tickets for the 17:00 hour and wanted to be sure to make that train. They had watched a Netflix documentary about F1, and one of the guests, who enjoys science, had a strong interest in this trip; they also applied for the tour because they wanted to hear firsthand from a guide who had experienced the earthquake disaster.
When I showed them photos and spoke about the tsunami in the taxi, they shared that the situation resembled what they had seen with Hurricane Katrina.
The guests looked at the exhibits at the memorial museum with great interest, and at Ukedo Elementary School they were deeply impacted, saying that "seeing it in person is different from seeing it on video." Our stay at the Decommissioning Archive Center was shortened to about 30 minutes, but they showed great interest in the English video and the staff explanations, saying it was "very good." It seemed they truly wished they could have seen a little more.
When I asked one of the guests if they liked Pokémon, the answer was yes, so I guided them to Lucky Park and the manhole covers at Michi-no-Eki Namie, and they were also delighted with how delicious the food was.
Before saying goodbye, I gave them a small souvenir, we took a photo together, and we parted ways at Iwaki Station.
Special notes: Although it should never happen, I arrived late. However, the guests were a very kind family, and thanks to the support of the [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) staff and driver Mr. Otomo, they even ended up worrying about me, which left me truly humbled. The careful email exchanges we had made to fine-tune the train times and schedule had helped us build a good relationship, which was a great help. I was also greatly aided by the beauty of Fukushima's nature — the lush green mountains and rice fields visible from the car window — and by the deliciousness of the food. I am deeply grateful for the support of [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) and taxi driver Mr. Otomo. Thank you very much.
Click here for more details: Fukushima Hope Tour in 1 Day by Car with Licensed Guide
Hello. I’m Mikiko Shiga, a licensed guide interpreter.
I live in Iwaki, Fukushima, about 200km northeast from Tokyo.
I was born in Sendai, the capital of Tohoku or the North East area of Japan.
I ‘ve belonged to a volunteer guide group, I experienced walking tours in Asakusa, and other places in Tokyo.
Meanwhile, the area I was born and live in is relatively uncrowded.
Tohoku is blessed with beautiful nature, delicious food and fresh air.
It is recommendable for tourists who want to avoid busy places.
It would be wonderful if I could share the attractions in Tohoku or Ibaraki areas with my guests.
Jul 10, 2026
Jenny_A
Viator review: Fukushima Hope Tour in 1 Day by Car with Licensed Guide
Interesting tour to see…
Interesting tour to see…
Jul 10, 2026
Jenny_A
Viator review: Fukushima Hope Tour in 1 Day by Car with Licensed Guide
Interesting tour to see…
Interesting tour to see surroundings affected by the tsunami in 2011. Our guide Miki told us about it and showed private photos as she comes from a region also reached by the tsunami. Saw a school close to the water and the Decommissioning Center and was told about the nuclear plant and the work to close it down.
Jun 14, 2026
Michael_B
Viator review: Fukushima Hope Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle from Iwaki
Fukushima & Iwaki – Excellent Tour With Local Guides…
Jun 14, 2026
Michael_B
Viator review: Fukushima Hope Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle from Iwaki
Fukushima & Iwaki – Excellent Tour With Local Guides
Seeing and learning about these places would have been enough but learning from those who actually grew up there and personally experienced their history was so much more impactful. Our guide, Miki, and our driver, Mr. Otomo (sp?), could not have been more genuinely welcoming, professional, knowledgeable, and interested in sharing their stories with us. By the end of the tour, they felt much more like friends than guides. The museums and exhibits featured on the tour itinerary are very well done and informative; and the scenery along the way was an unexpected bonus. A great experience all the way around; highly recommended.Note: This tour operator also deserves praise for voluntarily accommodating an unexpected anomaly we experienced along the way; most appreciated.
Mar 23, 2025
Phillosophizing
An Unforgettable Journey Through Resilience and Remembrance
Tripadvisor review: Fukushima Hope Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle from Iwaki
Our Fukushima…
Mar 23, 2025
Phillosophizing
An Unforgettable Journey Through Resilience and Remembrance
Tripadvisor review: Fukushima Hope Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle from Iwaki
Our Fukushima Hope Tour with Mikiko “Miki” Shiga was truly exceptional. As a Licensed Guide Interpreter, Miki’s knowledge, compassion, and attention to detail made this powerful experience even more meaningful.
The tour took us through significant sites including the Ruins of Namie Machiritsu Ukedo Elementary School, where Miki thoughtfully translated a children’s story displayed on illustrated plaques throughout the school grounds—each page revealing part of the disaster narrative that we would have completely missed without her.
Miki went above and beyond by recommending a wonderful hotel before our tour, helping with taxi communications, and guiding us to authentic local cuisine at Michinoeki Namie (the katsu and local fish were delicious!). Even on a particularly cold day, she ensured our comfort while still providing a comprehensive experience.
What made this tour truly special was hearing Miki’s personal connection to the events—her own experiences during the earthquake, evacuation stories from locals, and how communities have persevered through devastating circumstances. Her passion for sharing Japan’s history and culture shines through in everything she does.
If you’re considering this tour, I cannot recommend Miki highly enough. Beyond just seeing historical sites, you’ll gain profound insights into human resilience and the ongoing revitalization efforts in Fukushima.
Oct 11, 2024
716zaineb
A wonderful tour worth doing!
Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Miki did a wonderful job…
Oct 11, 2024
716zaineb
A wonderful tour worth doing!
Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Miki did a wonderful job showing us a small part of Miyagi Prefecture, an area not as well-trodden by Western Tourists. She arranged a fun itinerary and provided lots of local knowledge. She made exploring Matsushima easy, and kindly provided us with plenty of tips for how to spend our remaining days in the area. We had a great time and highly recommend this tour if you find yourself in the area!