
Panduan
Museum of Great East Japan Earthquake Reconstruction (Higashimatsushima City)
9 mnt bacaOverview & Charm
The Museum of Great East Japan Earthquake Reconstruction in Higashimatsushima City was established to pass down the records of the Great East Japan Earthquake to future generations, serving as a place for mourning the victims and documenting the path to reconstruction. The facility opened in October 2016, having been renovated from the former Nobiru Station building (a two-story reinforced concrete structure) on the JR Senseki Line, which was heavily impacted by the tsunami. Its primary purpose is to ensure that the memories of the disaster are not forgotten and to foster disaster prevention awareness.
Inside, visitors can find photographic panels documenting the disaster and the recovery process, as well as video displays using large screens. Following a renewal in October 2020, the museum added exhibits highlighting the city's initiatives as an SDGs Future City and expressing gratitude to the personnel dispatched from across the country who supported the reconstruction process.
History & Cultural Background
The history of this site is deeply intertwined with the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 and the devastating tsunami that followed. The former Nobiru Station, which once served the JR Senseki Line, suffered immense damage. The preservation and renovation of this station building into a museum is a defining characteristic of the facility.
A significant cultural element is the "National Support Personnel Nameplate," which lists the names of 346 individuals from across Japan who contributed to the reconstruction of Higashimatsushima between 2011 and 2020. This serves as a profound record of how vital community connections were during such a difficult time. The site is a place of both mourning for the lost and a testament to the will to rebuild.

Main Highlights
The museum offers diverse exhibits to convey the reality of the disaster:
- *Disaster Records**: Photo panels and videos showing the actual situation and the state of the affected areas during the earthquake and tsunami.
- *The Path to Recovery**: Displays detailing the reconstruction efforts and how the community rose again.
- *Records of National Support**: The nameplate of 346 dispatched personnel symbolizes the history of support from all over Japan.
- *SDGs and the Future**: New exhibits showcasing the city's vision as an SDGs Future City and a Sports & Health City.
- *Former Nobiru Station Heritage**: The building itself serves as a physical relic of the disaster, allowing visitors to feel the history through its structure.
Recommended Timing
The facility is open year-round. While the indoor areas are well-maintained, the surrounding Higashimatsushima Earthquake Reconstruction Memorial Park includes outdoor areas. It is recommended to visit the outdoor monuments and memorials during daylight hours. As this is a place for quiet reflection, visiting during calm periods is ideal.

Experiences & Activities
The museum focuses on visual storytelling through large-screen videos and detailed photographic panels. In the surrounding memorial park, visitors can experience the physical remnants of the disaster, such as the former Nobiru Station platform and memorial plates.
Surrounding Area
The museum is located within the Higashimatsushima Earthquake Reconstruction Memorial Park, a vast area dedicated to passing on lessons from the disaster. Nearby spots include:
- *Former Nobiru Station Platform**: A railway relic that tells the story of the damage.
- *Memorial Monuments**: Facilities dedicated to the mourning and repose of the victims.
- *Reconstruction Landscape**: The park offers a view of the beautifully reconstructed landscape of the city.
Practical Information
- *Clothing**: Since the site includes outdoor park areas, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
- *Payment**: Admission is free. Parking is also free of charge.
- *Language**: For English support, please check the signage or ask staff on-site.
- *Manners**: As this is a facility for mourning and reflection, please maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere. If you are feeling unwell, it is recommended to refrain from visiting as a health precaution.