Nakanohama Disaster Memorial Park (Disaster Relic)

Overview

Nakanohama Disaster Memorial Park preserves the remains of a campground ravaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake tsunami. This area was once a lush campground adjacent to the coast. However, during the Great East Japan Earthquake, a tsunami exceeding 15 meters (nearly 50 feet) surged inland, causing immense damage. Today, the campground's restrooms and kitchen facilities are preserved as disaster relics, showcasing the impact of the disaster in their as-found condition. The park features markers indicating the tsunami's height, allowing visitors to grasp the extent of the inundation (reaching a maximum elevation of approximately 21 meters/69 feet). This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of immediate evacuation to higher ground. In addition to the tsunami's destructive power, the park offers exhibits that explore the scientific aspects of tsunamis and the global support received in the aftermath. Nakanohama Disaster Memorial Park is more than just a disaster site; it's a valuable place for raising awareness of disaster preparedness and learning lessons for the future. It conveys a powerful message to visitors: to keep the memory of that day alive and to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again.