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
- Around 06:30 Guests depart Tokyo
- 10:10 Guide joins at CREVA Okuma
- ～Explanation of the interim storage facility area visible from National Route 6, and decontamination
- 10:20-12:15 Industrial Exchange Center, Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum
- 12:40-13:30 Roadside Station Namie Lunch and shopping
- 13:45-15:05 Ukedo Elementary School
- 15:15-15:20 Ohiraland Cemetery
- 15:30-16:10 Walk around Futaba Station
- 16:20 CREVA Okuma～Guide leaves the group
- 19:59 Guests arrive at Hotel
What Is a Private Guided Tour of Fukushima's Futaba and the Nuclear Disaster Area Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guest had said that footage of the hydrogen explosion at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant had stayed in their mind.
From the rooftop of the industrial exchange center, the guest looked out toward the Daiichi plant, and viewed the exhibits and videos inside the memorial museum with great interest.
The guest also listened intently to my explanations about the interim storage facility area, and about how the storage period for the collected soil and waste, as well as the location of the final disposal site, remain undetermined.
When I mentioned that Fukushima is a famous producer of peaches, the guest picked up many peach keychains found at the Michi-no-Eki Namie roadside station to give to family and relatives, saying, "I want to contribute to Fukushima's economy," and purchased them. For lunch, the guest wanted to try something local and had Namie yakisoba, and I was delighted when they said it was delicious.
The fire brigade station in front of Futaba Station has finally entered demolition and is now covered with sheeting. I spoke about it while showing a photograph of how it once looked, but there is a real difference in impact between having the actual structure in front of you and not. I understand there are various circumstances, but as a guide, the demolition leaves me with a heavy heart.
We happened to meet a resident living near the station and chatted for a little while. When the guest asked about their housing, they said, "I've had to move twelve times. Next time, come and visit at your leisure."
The guest was a coffee lover and was disappointed that the coffee shop in front of the station was closed, and since the tour passed by in the blink of an eye, they said, "I'd like to come back here again and have a coffee."
[Note: Guide's admission fees] The guest kindly paid for my admission to the memorial museum as well. For Ukedo Elementary School, admission was charged because we are not a registered organization, and I paid for this myself.
Click here for more details: Fukushima Hope Tour from Tokyo 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!