[Kamaishi] Open Field Museum - A journey to learn from nature and people at a sustainable tourist destination [Tohoku/Iwate]

1. Where is Kamaishi?

2. “Indomitable” is the spirit of the residents

3. Activity program to learn coexistence with nature

4. Kamaishi, the Iron Town Hashino Iron Mine Laid the Foundation for Japan's Modernization

1. Where is Kamaishi?

Kamaishi City is a port town located on the southern coast of Iwate Prefecture, one of the six Tohoku prefectures in northern Honshu. Located in the center of Sanriku Fukko National Park , the Sanriku fishing grounds are blessed with the rich blessings of the Oyashio and Kuroshio currents, and the ria coast boasts beautiful scenery.

To visit Kamaishi, change to the JR Kamaishi Line from Shin-Hanamaki Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen and reach Kamaishi in about two hours. There are also express buses that connect directly with Tokyo and Sendai. Oshu Hiraizumi, known for Chusonji Temple, and Tono, the origin of Japanese folklore, are located nearby, so you can plan a tour!

2. "Indomitable" is the spirit of the residents

Kamaishi was affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. The tsunami that hit Kamaishi reached a maximum run-up height of 19m, swallowing up the residential and urban areas along the coast. Each citizen has walked the path of recovery, embodying the spirit of "indomitable" that has been cultivated by the local residents over the course of history - to face any difficulties without giving up.

You can get a glimpse of this spirit at Unosumai Tomos, a tourist exchange base in the Nebama and Unosumai districts, which were particularly hard hit by the tsunami. The Miraikan that connects lives is a facility that you should especially visit, as it conveys the magnitude of the damage caused by the earthquake and the lessons it teaches to future generations. Not only can you freely observe the panel exhibition of the Great East Japan Earthquake, but you can also ask the museum guide for free.

Free guided tour inside the facility

3. Activity program to learn coexistence with nature

Surrounded by the sea and mountains, Kamaishi offers a wide variety of activity programs! The shallow sea spreads out on the Nebama coast of Otsuchi Bay, where you can enjoy the beauty of the waves and the horizon. The white sandy beach, which was once lost in the earthquake, has been revived as the town's restoration progresses. Sanriku's most beautiful beach is also the pride of the local residents.

Nebama Beach

At the rest house in front of the coast, you can apply for activities such as fishing experience programs guided by local fishermen, SUP with local instructors, and sea kayaking. For the fishing experience, you can enjoy a delicious seafood lunch after learning about fishing through a tour of a seasonal fish and shellfish farm and harvesting. The locals will guide you while communicating with you, so you can feel the coexistence with nature through the activities. You can rent tents and sleeping bags at the neighboring Nebama Seaside Campsite , so we recommend staying one night.

Fishery experience program

Tohoku Nature Trail Hiking

4. Kamaishi, the Iron Town Hashino Iron Mine Laid the Foundation for Japan's Modernization

The history of Kamaishi is closely related to the progress of Japan's modernization. Hashino Iron Mine , located in the mountains about 45 minutes by car from Kamaishi city, is famous as the first place in Japan to succeed in continuous iron tapping. registered. At Hashino Iron Mine , you can see the remains of Japan's oldest existing blast furnace. The information center is closed in winter.

Hashino Iron Mining Blast Furnace Ruins

Takato Oshima , who succeeded in continuous iron tapping in Hashino, is called the father of the modern steel industry, and you can see his statue in the square in front of Kamaishi Station. Behind the statue, you will notice that the steelworks of Nippon Steel, which can be said to be the core of Kamaishi's industry, rises.

If you visit the " Iron History Museum " which is about 10 minutes by car from the station, you will find Japan's first Western-style blast furnace model restored to full size, and the C20 that was operated by the Kamaishi Railway, which was the third to open in Japan. You can observe the type mini SL. The Iron History Museum is located on a hill, so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kamaishi Bay and Kamaishi Daikannon.

View from the Iron History Museum

Kamaishi has a long history built on the blessings and threats of nature. There are still so many charms that I can't tell you.

Rugby is also a popular sport in Kamaishi. The 2019 Rugby World Cup was also held at the Unosumai Recovery Stadium, which is home to the local club Kamaishi Seawaves RFC. If you take a peek inside the souvenir shop, you'll find unique sweets with rugby balls and iron ore motifs!

Please come and experience Kamaishi.