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
- 8:00 Taxi Departure from Hotel
- （Travel 3.5h）
- 11:30 The Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum
- 13:00 TEPCO Decommissioning Archive Center
- 14:45 Lunch at "Michi-no-Eki Namie"
- 15:35 Earthquake Disaster Remains, Namie Town Ukedo Elementary School
- 16:30 Ohirayama Cemetery
- 17:00 Stroll around JR Futaba Station
- 17:30 Guide departs at the same station
- Around 21:00 Taxi Arrival at Hotel
Title: What Is a Private Fukushima Disaster-Area Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Visiting the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum
Tour overview: The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They joined this tour in connection with work in engineering. Thirteen years after the earthquake and nuclear accident, they seemed to experience firsthand the situation of a region that is moving toward recovery while still facing many challenges.
Guest reactions: The guests focused on the current state of the towns after the nuclear disaster, especially the ambient radiation levels. They also showed great interest in the future of nuclear power plants in Japan.
Other impressions: The TEPCO Decommissioning Archive Center became reservation-only from April this year, and I learned only one week before the tour that it was fully booked on the tour day. The staff at the archive center kindly consulted with me and managed to create a new time slot. After breaking into a cold sweat, I was greatly relieved. Also, while traveling by car, when guiding through areas such as the difficult-to-return zones, the driver naturally and skillfully slowed down, which was very reassuring.
Special notes: Both the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum and the TEPCO Decommissioning Archive Center have staff who can provide English guidance. Attendance by staff with specialized knowledge is essential. It is a good idea to consult with the facilities in advance and request their support on the day. Also, because of the timing of the facility visits, it is not possible to have lunch around noon, so I emailed the guests in advance to recommend that they eat a light meal in the car.
Requests to Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.): I would appreciate it if we could think together about whether reservations for the TEPCO Decommissioning Archive Center should be made by Japan Guide Agency or by the guide, as well as alternative plans for when reservations at the facility cannot be secured.
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!