Fukushima Travel – Ukedo Elementary School in Namie

As part of Hope Tourism in Fukushima, few places are as emotionally powerful and educational as the preserved remains of Ukedo Elementary School (請戸小学校) in Namie Town, located near the Pacific coast of Fukushima Prefecture.

This school is one of the most important earthquake and tsunami memorial sites in the region. On March 11, 2011, the day of the Great East Japan Earthquake, students and teachers at Ukedo Elementary acted swiftly and decisively. Recognizing the tsunami risk, they evacuated on foot to higher ground—climbing a nearby hill just minutes before the massive waves struck. Thanks to their actions, everyone at the school survived. The school building itself, however, was later engulfed by the tsunami and severely damaged.

Today, Ukedo Elementary School remains standing as an official disaster memorial site, preserved almost exactly as it was after the tsunami. Visitors can walk through classrooms with broken windows, see clocks stopped at the moment of impact, and view exhibits that tell the story of the evacuation, the destruction, and the lessons learned.

This site is not only a place of memory—it is a place of education and reflection. As part of Hope Tourism, Ukedo Elementary invites visitors to consider how lives were saved through awareness, preparation, and the courage of educators and children alike. It emphasizes the importance of disaster readiness—not just in Japan, but around the world.

Why Visit Ukedo Elementary School as Part of Hope Tourism?

• ・See a real-life tsunami survivor site, preserved in its post-disaster state

• ・Learn about disaster education, early warning systems, and community action

• ・Understand the human impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake from local stories

• ・Reflect on themes of resilience, courage, and preparedness

• Gain a deeper perspective on Fukushima’s recovery and future

Ukedo Elementary is a solemn yet vital stop for anyone seeking to understand not just what happened on 3.11—but how lives were saved, and what lessons we carry forward.

For travelers interested in responsible and meaningful Fukushima tours, we recommend joining a guided program through Deep Japan Tours. Their Hope Tourism itineraries provide expert interpretation, safe access, and respectful engagement with the communities and stories that define modern Fukushima.

In Ukedo, tragedy and survival stand side by side. Visiting this site is not just about looking back—it’s about learning for the future.

https://namie-ukedo.com/