#Japan #Tokyo #Ofunato City #Local Products #JRE

Revitalization Support Through 'Ofunato Marche'

On May 29, 2025, the launch of the 'Ofunato Marche' marks an important initiative to promote the beauty of Ofunato City, which suffered significantly from the devastating forest fire in Iwate Prefecture. Organized by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), the event aims to connect the local community with visitors and boost the recovery from the damages sustained. The caravan, starting from Ueno Station, will span over 12 locations across the metropolitan Tokyo area, utilizing the parcel delivery service 'Hakobyun' for efficient transportation of local products.

The 'Ofunato Marche' not only features local specialty sales but also aims to enhance tourism awareness for Iwate Prefecture and Ofunato City. Through the promotion of local attractions and the offering of return gifts from the 'JREMALL Furusato Tax', it seeks to attract support and tourism, ensuring the speedy recovery of the region.

Event Details

The event launches at Ueno Station’s Poleia Square and will be in collaboration with various partners including Japan Post Co. and local hotels. Here’s a brief overview of the caravan schedule:

1. Ueno Station Poleia Square
Dates: May 29 - May 30
Time: 13:00 - 19:00
Features: Promotion videos showcasing the region’s tourism will be shown on large screens.
Operations by: JR East Commercial Co.
Transport: Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa 106 (Departs Morioka at 8:11, Arrives at Tokyo at 10:56).

2. Ikebukuro Station
Dates: June 3 - June 23
Time: 10:00 - 21:00, Close at 18:00 on the final day
Operations by: JR East Cross Station.

3. Additional locations include Akabane, Hotel Metropolitan Edmont, Tokyo Station, and more, with unique events at each venue showcasing local specialties, including potentially tasting sessions of traditional sake.

Throughout the event duration from May 29 until mid-September, JR East will continuously work to make Ofunato’s appeal well-known, all while coordinating transport from Morioka Station to various event locations via their parcel service 'Hakobyun', focusing on convenience and reliability.

Tourism Promotion

During the 'Ofunato Marche', promotional videos highlighting the scenic beauty and attractions of Iwate and the Ofunato area will be screened, especially at Ueno Station and other locations, offering enticing glimpses of what the region has to offer.

JRE MALL Furusato Tax

In a bid to support producers and businesses in the disaster-affected areas, JR East is also featuring a special section on its 'JRE MALL Furusato Tax' that showcases local return gifts from Ofunato City. This initiative underlines the importance of community support and recovery following the catastrophic events faced by the town.

For more information on the 'Furusato Tax support for Ofunato City', please visit JRE MALL.

Through robust initiatives focused on revitalization and support for the local community, 'Ofunato Marche' embodies hope and resilience, prompting new life into the local economy and encouraging visitors to discover the distinct culture and products of the Ofunato region. JR East invites everyone to partake in this special event, ensuring sustainability while bringing attention back to one of Japan's hidden treasures.