#Japan #Tomioka #Fukushima #Tomioka Town #Family Tour

Discovering Tomioka: A Three-Day Family Adventure

From August 16th to 18th, 2025, the charming town of Tomioka in Fukushima Prefecture invites families from the Tokyo metropolitan area to partake in a unique tour designed to commemorate its ongoing recovery from the 2011 disaster. This initiative, in collaboration with the Sankei Shimbun Company, aims to shed light on the town’s present after the catastrophic earthquake and nuclear accident and to dispel myths surrounding its safety.

Overview of the Tour

The tour will include six families, comprising twelve adventurous participants eager to explore the rich marine life of Tomioka, particularly through the exciting experience of flatfish fishing. Throughout the three days, families will engage in various activities that celebrate local culture and culinary delights. From learning about fish preparation to indulging in a lavish flatfish dinner, attendees will gain a firsthand appreciation of what Tomioka has to offer.

Engaging Activities

The schedule kicks off with a gathering at Tokyo Station and a journey by train to Tomioka, where participants will immerse themselves in a cultural exchange including a traditional drum activity on the first day. The second day’s highlight features a fishing trip on the Choei Maru from Tomioka Fishing Port, famous for its bountiful flatfish catches. In addition, the tour incorporates educational components, like visiting a food inspection lab to observe how radioactivity checks are conducted, followed by a workshop on safe food practices.

On the final day, guests will experience volunteering at the Tomioka Wine Domaine, where they can learn about grape cultivation and wine production, along with a visit to a local onion farm. Each family will share their experiences on social media, helping to promote Tomioka’s recovery narrative, making this tour not just an adventure but also a contribution towards revitalizing the region’s image.

Understanding Tomioka’s Resilience

Located along the coastal region, Tomioka suffered immense hardships during the Great East Japan Earthquake. The town was entirely evacuated due to the subsequent nuclear disaster. After years of recovery efforts, citizens started returning in April 2017 following the lifting of evacuation orders in certain areas. By April 2023, roughly 93% of the town was accessible again for residents.

With determination, Tomioka has begun cultivating new local products like wine grapes, onions, passion fruit, and roses. The recently revived fishing port and Choei Maru have become symbols of the area’s resurgence. The captain, Hirokazu Ishii, emphasizes the importance of protecting Fukushima’s rich waters while showcasing its abundant resources. Moreover, the town’s newest gastronomic attraction, Ra-Fand, opened in 2023, has won over food enthusiasts with its emphasis on local, fresh ingredients, including their renowned flatfish.

Conclusion

As this tour shines a light on Tomioka’s transformation and resilience in the wake of disaster, it serves as a reminder of the power of community and local culture. This initiative not only offers a unique family interaction with nature and food but also plays a part in narrating the town’s recovery journey. Join us in celebrating and sharing the modern-day story of Tomioka, a town determined to thrive through adversity.