Disaster-stricken Structure: Former Rikuchūtakata Municipal Kesennuma Junior High School

Kyosen Chugakkou

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The former Kesennuma Junior High School, completely destroyed by the tsunami of the Great East Japan Earthquake, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness, as all students survived.

Historic Sites

Tourist destination images of Disaster-stricken Structure: Former Rikuchūtakata Municipal Kesennuma Junior High School(1)

Tourist destination images of Disaster-stricken Structure: Former Rikuchūtakata Municipal Kesennuma Junior High School(2)

HighlightsFormer Kesennuma Junior High School, completely destroyed by the tsunami of the Great East Japan Earthquake
A valuable site demonstrating the importance of disaster preparedness drills, as all students survived
Preserved in its original state, conveying the threat of tsunamis and the importance of disaster prevention
Guided tours are available with a Takata Matsubara Tsunami Reconstruction Memorial Park guide
Other disaster-stricken structures, such as the Miracle Pine Tree and the former Takata Matsubara Topic 45 roadside station, can also be visited within the park

Basic Information

Address: Obachi, Kisen-cho, Rikuchūtakata City, Iwate Prefecture Search for tourist attractions in Iwate

Access: Take the Sanriku Railway Rias Line to Kesennuma Station, then a bus for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, get off at the 'Kiseki no Ipponmatsu' (Miracle Pine Tree) Station and walk for about 10 minutes. Show route

Op.Hours: Visits are by reservation only, accompanied by a Takata Matsubara Tsunami Reconstruction Memorial Park guide.

Cld.Days: Irregular holidays

Fee: Admission is free.

INFO: Please contact a Takata Matsubara Tsunami Reconstruction Memorial Park guide when planning your visit.

HP: https://www.pref.iwate.jp/_res/projects/default_project/_page_/001/002/438/60sinsaiikou.pdf

Overview

The former Rikuchūtakata Municipal Kesennuma Junior High School was completely destroyed by the tsunami during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Miraculously, however, all students survived. This is attributed to the regular disaster preparedness drills that enabled the students to evacuate to safety before the tsunami hit. Preserved as a disaster-stricken structure, the former Kesennuma Junior High School now stands as a crucial site for conveying the threat of tsunamis and the importance of disaster prevention to future generations. The school building remains in its original state, vividly conveying the destructive power of the tsunami and the students' evacuation efforts. Located within the Takata Matsubara Tsunami Reconstruction Memorial Park, it is possible to visit other disaster-stricken structures within the park, including the Miracle Pine Tree and the former roadside station, Takata Matsubara Topic 45. The Miracle Pine Tree miraculously survived the tsunami, becoming a symbol of hope and resilience for many. The former Takata Matsubara Topic 45 roadside station, also destroyed by the tsunami, remains as a testament to the devastation. The former Kesennuma Junior High School serves as a powerful reminder of the lessons learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake and the critical importance of disaster preparedness. Visit this site to experience the events firsthand and heighten your awareness of disaster prevention.