Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant visit 2 day tour from Tokyo

Posted By : FrequentFlier798046
This tour was something I really had to consider for a while, for a few reasons. First, the idea of "disaster tourism" feels kind of gross, and second I wanted to be sure that the safety measures undertaken by both the tour operators and TEPCO during the visit were sufficient for me to feel safe, given the content of this tour. I can say after doing a bit of research and now having participated in the tour that both of my concerns were unwarranted.

Firstly, the content of the tour covers not just the visit to the power plant, but a lot of time spent in the vicinity exploring areas outside of major towns so you can see both the impact the disaster had, but also the massive recovery efforts that have been undertaken. Places like Narawa, the town that the people moved from its original location and took the opportunity to rebuild better. Namie, who voted against a plant in their prefecture but bore the brunt of windborne fallout. Futaba, where we spent the night at a brand new hotel built on lands scoured by the tsunami, now behind a massive breakwater. Tomioka, Okuma, etc... you see a different part of Japan than you would otherwise. You're not on this tour just to gawk at desolation.

Second, while there is a legitimate reason to be concerned when visiting the power plant, I felt relieved that the procedures you follow seem sensible given the risk, but also allow you to get very, very close to the reactor wreckage (80m! for a short period). It's amazing to see the reality close up of how this disaster caused and is still causing massive problems for the area.

Lastly, between our guide (thanks Fumi!) and the locals we were fortunate enough to meet and talk with it really helped give context that the images we saw on television 12+ years ago happened to real people, who had to overcome terrible adversity to stay in the lands they called home (or abandon them wholly, in some cases). It's both tragic and inspiring to engage with.

Japan Wonder Travel I think has done a great job striking a balance between showing the terrible power of natural and man-made disasters while being sensitive to the people impacted by them. I highly recommend this tour if you're in Japan and are looking for something different to get out of Tokyo for a couple of days. Well worth the investment.
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Posted On : 2023-11-22 02:19:33

Posted By : Alicesimyo
The two day tour of Fukushima with Yoko was really great, I'd really recommend. Everything was impeccably organized to the minute. I loved the diversity of the tour, from speaking to activists, entering the power plant itself, meeting locals who are moving back into previously nuclear waste affected areas, to visiting very well curated museums. Yoko was incredibly knowledgeable, great communicator and very kind. Would definitely recommend!
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Posted On : 2023-11-14 01:34:33

Posted By : ischda
I recently had the opportunity to take the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant 2-Day Tour, and I was highly impressed. The tour was extremely informative and well-organized, and our guide, Fumi, was excellent.

Fumi was incredibly knowledgeable about the Fukushima disaster and its aftermath. She was also very sensitive to the topic and respectful of the local community. She answered all of our questions thoroughly and patiently, and she provided us with a unique perspective on the disaster and its impact on the region.

One of the things that I appreciated most about the tour was that it was very honest about the situation in Fukushima. Fumi did not sugarcoat the facts, but she also made it clear that Fukushima is now a safe place to visit. She explained the extensive decontamination efforts that have been undertaken, and she provided us with data on radiation levels in the area.

We visited a number of different sites on the tour, including the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant itself, a decontamination center, and a local farm. We also had the opportunity to meet with people who were affected by the disaster, including a cow farmer and a former resident of the exclusion zone.

I was particularly impressed by the resilience of the people of Fukushima. Despite the challenges they have faced, they are determined to rebuild their community and move forward. I was also inspired by the efforts of the government and the private sector to help Fukushima recover.

Overall, I highly recommend the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant 2-Day Tour. It is a unique and educational experience that will give you a deeper understanding of the disaster and its aftermath.
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Posted On : 2023-11-13 00:21:48

Posted By : livioa343
It was a memorable and worthwhile experience.
We were blessed by excellent weather.
Our guide (Fumie san) was outstanding for her knowledge, humour and passion.
The visit of the Daiichi nuclear power plant site was the highlight of the tour, with an up and close view of the reactors that underwent the meltdowns - all under very rigorous monitoring, control and informative guidance from TEPCO personnel.
It was also inspiring to see the communities being revitalised with fresh influx of young families coming to settle in the area.
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Posted On : 2023-11-06 02:30:02

Posted By : callumb687
I highly rate this tour! The experience at Fukushima Daiichi was phenomenal and meeting and engaging with locals that experienced the events in 2011 was unforgettable. Learning about how the area was impacted and is recovering from the tsunami was also extremely enlightening. To top it off, our tour guide - Fumi - was exceptional and exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend to anyone travelling in Japan.
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Posted On : 2023-11-06 02:25:51

Posted By : Departure45833914362
I had a very valuable experience learning about the current state of Fukushima.
I would like to share this experience with many people.
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Posted On : 2023-10-14 01:58:38

Posted By : 614guidod
Amazing experience! Our guide Yoko so well prepared and kind, all the places we visited deserved the travel, and of course the power plant was incredibile and super safe.
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Posted On : 2023-10-11 03:24:59

Posted By : juno71asy
I was so inspired by what I learned from this tour. We visited local people and listened to their stories, and we could see what Fukushima is now. Also, we learned the system of the power plants, how did the disaster happen, and what preparation does the Japanese government do for the future. And I’m really grateful to our guide Yoko who was very considerate and well organized, she showed her knowledge and her great translation skill helped us easier to understand, どうもありがとうございます!!
I highly recommend this Fukushima tour, you won’t be regret to join it.
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Posted On : 2023-10-04 12:26:27

Posted By : M8852KKemilyd
Once in a lifetime tour! I was a little nervous as I was travelling solo, but this tour was honestly so amazing, fun but also very insightful. I had Fumi as my tour guide throughout the trip. She is so bubbly, kind and very knowledgeable of the Fukushima area. She took us to many great sights to speak to locals, a lunch spot and areas impacted by the disaster. I felt so well informed about what has occurred and learnt a lot. The tour was very relaxed , organised and ran smoothly.
Thank you so much for a great time Fumi!
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Posted On : 2023-08-30 21:21:44

Posted By : _A1672ZG
It was a very valuable tour. We saw a lot of sites related to the earthquake/tunami and nuclear accident. The visit to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant & Ukedo Elementary School are the highlights for me.
At the nuclear power plant, we saw the reactors which tell the devastating explosion. The elementary school helps to really understand the tragedy as well as the story of the school teacher and students which are so touching.
By visiting all the sites, I really understand what happened on the day and how they are recovering from the tragedy. The guide explains the facts and situation properly which helps to understand the situation further.
Thank you for the great tour. I would like many people to visit Fukushima to see the reality and understand the current situation.
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Posted On : 2023-06-20 08:24:23