Rikuzentakata Youth Hostel (Earthquake Disaster Remains)

Overview

The Rikuzentakata Youth Hostel, located within the Takata Matsubara pine grove, once welcomed numerous travelers and young people. Surrounded by a magnificent pine forest, it offered a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. However, on March 11, 2011, the devastating tsunami of the Great East Japan Earthquake struck, causing significant damage to the youth hostel. Parts of the building collapsed, windows shattered, and the interior was flooded with seawater. Miraculously, there were no casualties. The youth hostel has been preserved as a structure showcasing the earthquake's impact. The building remains in its original state, serving as a crucial reminder of the tsunami's destructive force. While the interior is off-limits, even from the outside, you can sense the power of the tsunami. A new Takata Matsubara pine grove is now growing on the youth hostel site, its lush greenery symbolizing hope for recovery. The Rikuzentakata Youth Hostel plays a vital role in passing down the lessons learned from the disaster and moving towards the future.