#Japan #Namie #OFF TOKYO #Namie Town #八坂神社

OFF TOKYO FIELD TRIP: Embrace the Spirit of Namie Town

As we approach the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, we find ourselves at a transformative moment in Namie Town, Fukushima. The town is initiating the OFF TOKYO FIELD TRIP, scheduled for July 24-25, aimed at individuals interested in relocating to this vibrant community. This unique event not only provides a chance to explore Namie's everyday life but also includes participation in the Hiwatari Ushiwatari Yasaka Shrine Festival, an opportunity to experience cultural connections that are typically not available through standard tourism.

A Background of Resilience

Fifteen years after the disaster, Namie Town has made significant strides in rebuilding its community. Restrictions have been lifted, allowing new residents and businesses to emerge and redefine the town's landscape. While paying tribute to the memories of the past, the townspeople are nurturing new lifestyles and embarking on fresh challenges. The OFF TOKYO FIELD TRIP aims to highlight these transformations by offering a curated experience that includes local exploration and participation in a time-honored festival.

The Yasaka Shrine Festival represents a fundamental aspect of the local culture where community members actively engage in maintaining and celebrating their heritage across generations. Participants will immerse themselves in the festival atmosphere, allowing them to connect with local traditions and foster relationships with the residents of Namie.

Tour Itinerary

This inaugural trip is a part of Namie Town's broader initiative to promote relocation to the area, which includes four planned tours focusing on the local food, nature, culture, and industry throughout the year. The details of the first tour are as follows:

• - Tour Name: OFF TOKYO FIELD TRIP - “Meeting Namie's Present on Festival Day”
• - Dates: July 24-25, 2025
• - Capacity: 15 participants (minimum of 10 for the tour to proceed)
• - Cost: Free (participants are responsible for transportation to and from Namie Station)
• - Application Deadline: July 3, 2025 (Available on a first-come, first-served basis)

Day 1: July 24, 2025

• - 11:30 AM: Gather at Namie Station for a trip overview
• - 12:00 PM: Lunch at the Namie Rest Area
• - 1:00 PM: Tour of Namie Town visiting key locations including new residential areas and educational institutions
• - 3:00 PM: Visit to the Hiwatari Ushiwatari Yasaka Shrine for a cultural introduction
• - 5:00 PM: Check-in at Ikoino Mura Namie
• - 6:00 PM: Dinner
• - 8:00 PM: End of Day 1

Day 2: July 25, 2025

• - 9:00 AM: Depart Ikoino Mura Namie
• - 9:30 AM: Company Visit
• - 11:00 AM: Arrive at Yasaka Shrine to join the festival celebrations
• - 1:00 PM: Depart from festival
• - 1:30 PM: Lunch at Hatsubashi Shrine
• - 2:00 PM: Discussion on relocation opportunities and interaction with locals
• - 4:20 PM: Depart Hatsubashi Shrine back to Namie Station
• - Note: The schedule is subject to change depending on circumstances.

Contact Information

For more details or inquiries, please reach out to the Namie Town Relocation and Settlement Consultation Center:

• - Address: 25-1 Gongen-dō, Namie Town, Futaba District, Fukushima Prefecture
• - Phone: 0240-23-6357
• - Email: [email protected]
• - Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:45 PM (Closed on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays)

Explore this remarkable opportunity to discover the resurgent community of Namie Town and its charming, unique culture through the festive spirit of its people!