Discover the Current State of Tomioka Town: A Unique Fishing Tour for Families

Fukushima's Tomioka Town, a community that has made remarkable strides toward recovery since the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Tokyo Electric Power Company’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, is inviting families from the Tokyo and Kansai regions to participate in a special two-part tour. This initiative, organized by Tomioka Town in collaboration with The Sankei Shimbun, aims to showcase the town's resilience and ongoing efforts in rebuilding and restoring its reputation. The first leg of the tour will take place from July 18 to July 20, 2026, for families in the Tokyo area, followed by the Kansai area families from August 1 to August 3, 2026.

The tour offers an exciting itinerary filled with activities that allow participants to engage with the unique features of Tomioka and its surrounding sea. One of the tour highlights is an authentic flounder fishing experience where participants can catch fresh flounder straight from the waters. Following the fishing trip, families will be invited to an enjoyable cooking class and dinner event, where they will savor the flavors of the flounder they caught. This culinary experience promises to provide an educational opportunity to learn about local seafood and the culinary traditions associated with it.

Moreover, the tour includes a visit to a food inspection facility, where participants can observe safety measures such as the testing for radioactive contaminants. This segment of the tour aims to educate visitors on the safety protocols surrounding food and the radiation levels, thereby dispelling lingering myths and misconceptions about the region.

The community involvement aspect allows participants to share their experiences on social media, thereby fostering a network of support for Tomioka’s recovery through personal stories and firsthand accounts. Each family's perspective can provide valuable insights into the town's current state, further promoting transparency and encouraging visitors.

The fee for participation is set at 10,000 yen for one family unit. This cost aids in covering the various activities within the tour and contributes to the ongoing promotion of Tomioka Town as both a tourist destination and a potential place of relocation.

Key Points of the Tour:
1. Fishing Experience: Learn to catch the local flounder, renowned for its flavor.
2. Safety Education: Understand the safety measures in place concerning food inspections.
3. Culinary Learning: Discover the techniques for preparing and cooking flounder via local chefs specialized in Tomioka's seafood.
4. Dining Experience: Enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared by a local chef featuring dishes made from the flounder you caught.
5. Community Engagement: Participate in volunteer experiences at local attractions such as the Tomioka Winery, which is dedicated to furthering community recovery and development.

This tour is not just a historical journey through recovery; it’s a celebration of community resilience, culinary tradition, and the natural beauty of Fukushima. Interested parties must apply between May 18 and June 17, 2026, through the designated organizational channels for a chance to experience Tomioka's remarkable journey. For more information, you can contact the secretariat office of the Tomioka Town tour organized by Fukupro Co., Ltd, or email at [email protected].

As you embrace the spirit of Tomioka, you will leave with more than memories—you’ll be part of a narrative that insists on growth, sustainability, and nurturing community. Join in supporting the revival of this charming town, and let your experience echo far and wide through your social media platforms, encouraging others to discover its charm and potential.