Guide
The Kesennuma City Great East Japan Earthquake Memorial and Learning Center, located in Kamise-mukai, Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, is a facility dedicated to preserving the memories of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The center utilizes the former building of the Kesennuma Koyo High School, which was heavily damaged during the disaster, as a permanent memorial. By preserving the structural damage caused by the earthquake and tsunami in its original state, the facility provides a powerful visual testament to the power of natural disasters. Its primary mission is to pass down the memories and lessons of the disaster to future generations.
This facility was established to serve as a 'visible witness' to the disaster. The preserved damage to the former high school building serves as a vital educational hub for learning how to face and prepare for natural disasters. It is more than just an exhibition space; it plays a crucial role in ensuring that the lessons learned from the earthquake and tsunami are integrated into future disaster prevention planning and individual preparedness.
The center features several areas designed to connect visitors with the records and lessons of the disaster. In Exhibition Rooms A and B, visitors can explore panels and photographs detailing the impact of the earthquake and tsunami, the rescue and search operations, the conditions in evacuation centers, and the subsequent journey of reconstruction. The video theater offers a moving experience, showing footage that conveys the emotions of the survivors and the reality of the disaster. Furthermore, the old school building itself is open to the public, allowing visitors to observe the structural scars left by the waves at close range.
The facility is open year-round, but closing times vary by season. From April to September, it is open until 17:00 (last admission at 16:00). From October to March, it is open until 16:00 (last admission at 15:00). We recommend allowing approximately 60 to 90 minutes for a full visit, including the exhibitions, video theater, and the observation of the memorial building, to ensure you have enough time to fully absorb the experience.
Beyond simple observation, the center offers programs for deeper learning. These include guided tours by professional 'Storyteller Guides,' disaster prevention seminars to deepen technical knowledge, and various workshops. Please note that these specialized programs require advanced reservations and are excellent opportunities for practical disaster preparedness education.
The facility is situated in the coastal area of Kesennuma City. The surrounding landscape showcases the ongoing progress of regional reconstruction, allowing visitors to witness both the lessons of the past and the resilience of the present. To reach the center, you can take a taxi from JR Rikuzen-Kageura Station (approx. 3 minutes) or take an express bus and walk from the Kageura Kominkan-mae stop.
Visitors can access multilingual information (English, Chinese, Korean, and Indonesian) via their smartphones. Photography of the memorial building (the old school building) is permitted. Please note that the facility is non-smoking, and there are no smoking areas on the premises. While dining is permitted in the entrance and rental spaces, please maintain proper etiquette and silence within the exhibition areas. For accessibility, free wheelchair rentals are available on-site.