Guide
Shimakoshi Fureai Park is a reconstruction park located in Tanohata Village, Iwate Prefecture, situated near the Shimakoshi Station area of the Sanriku Railway. This site was profoundly impacted by the tsunami during the Great East Japan Earthquake, and it now serves the vital role of preserving these memories for future generations. Within the park, visitors can find structures that symbolize the overwhelming power of the tsunami, as well as a poetic monument dedicated to the renowned writer Kenji Miyazawa. The park offers a serene environment where the lessons of the disaster coexist with the breathtaking natural beauty of the Iwate coast.
The park is situated on the former site of the old Shimakoshi Station, which once served as a key stop on the Sanriku Railway. During the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, the station building was completely swept away by the massive tsunami. Today, the area has been revitalized as a reconstruction park to ensure that the history of the disaster is never forgotten. A particularly significant feature is the stone monument inscribed with the poetry of Kenji Miyazawa; remarkably, this monument survived the force of the tsunami, serving as a powerful intersection of literary heritage and the historical reality of the disaster.
The most striking feature of the park is the Kenji Miyazawa poetry monument. Having withstood the fury of the tsunami, the monument stands as a silent witness to the events of 2011 and serves as an important historical record. The spacious grounds of the former station site also function as an educational space for learning about disaster prevention and resilience. Because the park is located right along the Sanriku Railway tracks, visitors can experience a unique harmony between the local history and the rhythmic passing of trains through the beautiful coastal landscape.
The park is open to the public at all times, making it accessible regardless of the season. From early summer to summer, the lush greenery of the area creates a striking contrast against the deep blue of the Sanriku Sea. We recommend visiting during the daytime to clearly see the details of the poetry monument and the surrounding scenery. If you time your visit with the Sanriku Railway schedule, you can enjoy the sight of the train passing through the area, which adds a sense of life and continuity to the landscape.
Visiting the park is primarily an experience of quiet reflection and historical connection. Standing before the Kenji Miyazawa monument allows for a deeply introsional moment, connecting literature, nature, and the history of the disaster. The park is well-maintained and suitable for a gentle stroll or a brief rest. If you travel via the Sanriku Railway, the journey itself becomes a scenic part of the experience, offering a unique perspective of the coastal region from the train window.
Shimakoshi Station is located very close to the park. The surrounding area of Tanohata Village showcases the ongoing progress of reconstruction and the resilience of the local community. There are several other spots throughout Tanohata Village that offer lessons on disaster prevention and showcase the region's rich natural environment. Local information centers can provide further details regarding regional history and transportation.
As the park consists of outdoor walking paths, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Please dress appropriately for the weather, as conditions can change. While there are no fees for entering the park itself, please note that you will need cash or a transportation IC card (such as Suica/Pasmo) if you are using the Sanriku Railway. English-language signage is limited, so we recommend using a translation app if you wish to read specific details. As this is a place of remembrance, please maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor while visiting the monuments and historical sites.