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
- 07:00 Guest boards taxi at hotel
- Around 10:15 Meet at the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum, F-BICC observation deck
- 10:45-11:50 Tour the Memorial Museum, shopping at F-BICC
- 12:00-13:20 Photo of Pokémon manhole cover at Michi-no-Eki Namie, lunch, shopping
- 13:30-14:15 Ukedo Elementary School
- 14:20-14:30 Mt. Ohira
- Stop by the Memorial Museum once, guide gets off, leads the taxi in a private car
- 14:50-15:20 Walk in front of Futaba Station
- To the secret spot. Guide leads the taxi in a private car
- 15:40-15:59 Tomioka Town, Yonomori cherry blossom tunnel
- 16:10-16:20 View the Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Plant from Hotokehama in Tomioka Town, guide finishes
- 20:00 Guest arrives at hotel
Title: What Is a Private Fukushima Tour Like for First-Time Visitors to Japan? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America joining this tour, and part of the group had previously visited Chernobyl, which led to their interest in coming to Fukushima. It was their first time in Japan. Some of the group were visiting a theme park in Tokyo, and during the tour the guests kept in touch with them by smartphone.
We changed the meeting location from the original plan and decided to meet at the first destination to save time. As a result, the roads were smooth and we were able to start the tour earlier than scheduled.
Photography seemed to be the main event of the trip, and the guests took many photos. On the other hand, when I explained the exhibits, they mostly said "I know," having already gathered a great deal of information from online videos beforehand. They also showed little interest in the stories of the disaster. At the dining spot, some of the dishes they wanted to eat were sold out, and I worried it might be turning into a failed tour — but that was only my concern, as the guests were easygoing and did not fuss over small details. They also kindly agreed to photography and publication for PR purposes.
Without revealing the destination, I took them to the cherry blossom tunnel in the forest at night. When I said, "I'm sorry if you're already tired of seeing cherry blossoms," the guests took out their cameras and said, "The rest of the group will be happy — there was nothing like this in Tokyo," and took many photos. It happened to be the day of full bloom, which was fortunate.
The guests showed me a photo of an exhaust tower standing next to a nuclear power plant and asked, "Do you know where this is?" I recognized the place and was able to guide them there. Combined with it being a pleasant beach, they were very pleased, and when it was time to leave, they gave me many thank-yous and a firm handshake.
The taxi driver responded very flexibly, which was a great help. I am grateful for that.
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!