Miracle Pine (Kiseki no Ipponmatsu)

Kiseki no Ipponmatsu

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The single pine tree that remained standing in Rikuzentakata, which suffered devastating damage from the tsunami of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Its image continues to inspire many as a symbol of hope and recovery.

Historic Sites

Tourist destination images of Miracle Pine (Kiseki no Ipponmatsu)(1)

HighlightsA single pine tree that miraculously survived the tsunami of the Great East Japan Earthquake
A symbol of recovery, its story is passed down through generations
A testament to the power of the tsunami and the human spirit
Currently preserved as a monument
A powerful image that continues to inspire many

Basic Information

Address: 176-6 Sunamori, Kisen-cho, Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture, within the Takata Matsubara Tsunami Reconstruction Memorial Park Search for tourist attractions in Iwate

Access: Take the JR Ofunato Line BRT to the “Kiseki no Ipponmatsu Station,” then walk about 10 minutes. From the Rikuzentakata Nagabe IC on the Sanriku Expressway, it's a 5-minute drive, followed by about a 10-minute walk. *To reach the “Miracle Pine,” use the walkway within the Takata Matsubara Tsunami Reconstruction Memorial Park from the BRT “Kiseki no Ipponmatsu Station” (located in the parking lot of the Michinoeki “Takata Matsubara”). The walkway is only accessible during park opening hours. Show route

Op.Hours: Open 24 hours

Cld.Days: Open every day

Fee: Free

INFO: The park itself is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To reach the "Miracle Pine," use the BRT to "Miracle Pine Station" (located in the parking lot of the Michinoku Coast National Park) and then walk along the paths within the Takata Matsubara Tsunami Reconstruction Memorial Park. The paths are only accessible during the park's opening hours.

HP: https://www.city.rikuzentakata.iwate.jp/machizukuri_sangyo/kisekinoippommatsu/index.html

Overview

On March 11, 2011, the tsunami from the Great East Japan Earthquake struck Rikuzentakata, causing catastrophic damage to the vast Takata Matsubara pine grove. Approximately 70,000 pine trees were swept away, drastically altering the coastline. However, one pine tree miraculously survived. This is the Miracle Pine. The Miracle Pine became a powerful symbol, representing both the threat of the tsunami and the resilience of the human spirit. Many people visited, prayed, and offered their hopes for recovery. Later, its roots rotted due to seawater, and the pine tree died. However, due to a strong desire to pass on its story to future generations, it was preserved as a monument. Today, the Miracle Pine is preserved within the Takata Matsubara Tsunami Reconstruction Memorial Park. The park also features remains of the disaster and the Great East Japan Earthquake Tsunami Memorial Museum, where visitors can learn about the disaster and its lessons for the future. A visit to the Miracle Pine offers a powerful encounter with the scars of the disaster and the strength of recovery efforts. It prompts reflection on the power of nature and the tenacity of the human spirit.