Exploring Fukushima Exclusion Zone on a 2-Day Tour: Safety Assessment for a 2024 Visit
Exploring the Fukushima Area: A 2-Day Tour of Reconstruction and Resilience
Reddit, we're taking you on a journey to the Fukushima area, 13 years after the devastating earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster. Our guided 2-day tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into the truth about what happened in 2011, learn about the progress made, and witness the resilience of Fukushima.
What's on the calendar for our Fukushima Exclusion Zone Tour in 2024? Here are the confirmed dates:
- May 8-9
- May 22-23
- June 3-4
- June 17-18
- July 3-4
- August 1-2
Book now
▲Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant 2-Day Tour: An Educational Journey Through Reconstruction
Join us on this enlightening journey that sheds light on the nuclear disaster, the strides Fukushima has made, and the heart of this innovative region.
The Great East Japan Earthquake, Tsunami, and Nuclear Accident (2011)
On March 11, 2011, a colossal earthquake struck Japan, measuring 9.0-9.1 on the Richter scale, with a maximum intensity of 7 (highest 6 in Fukushima) [1]. The quake triggered a massive tsunami that reached the eastern coast of Japan's shoreline, reaching heights of up to 40 meters. The aftermath led to the catastrophic nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Power Plant. To this day, when people hear the word "Fukushima," the first thought is often 2011 and the nuclear disaster. However, the spirit of Fukushima and our tour aim to change that negative perception.
Is It Safe to Visit Fukushima?
Many people harbor apprehensions about visiting Fukushima due to concerns about radiation exposure and safety. But fret not, as the area is indeed safe for tourists. Radiation levels fluctuate depending on the location, but in general, they are within normal ranges. There are ongoing decontamination efforts happening in the affected zones, which have played a pivotal role in lowering radiation levels and making it safe for inhabitants to return [2].
Radiation Exposure on the Tour
For those unfamiliar with radiation levels and their implications, let's put things into context. Throughout the 2-day tour, participants will be exposed to a total of 0.024mSv (millisieverts). A typical transatlantic flight from New York to Japan exposes travelers to around 0.1-0.2 mSv, more than four times the amount encountered on the tour [2]. A single CT scan emits roughly 6.9 mSv, approximately 300 times the exposure experienced on the tour.
The Fukushima Exclusion Zone
The Fukushima Exclusion Zone today is a relatively small coastal region of Fukushima Prefecture. Approximately 200-250 km away from Tokyo and with a travel time of around 3.5 hours by car, the evacuation-designated areas comprise only 2.7% of the prefecture [1]. Despite the minimal portion of affected land, Fukushima Prefecture has received an undeserved negative global reputation due to the nuclear accident.
Highlights of the Tour
Our 2-day tour offers an exciting lineup of not-to-be-missed experiences:
- Visit the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Upon receiving special permission from the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), join us for a rare opportunity to tour the power plant and witness the ongoing decommissioning efforts firsthand. Keep in mind that this part of the tour will expose you to the most radiation during the tour, but it is worth experiencing the facilities and the tireless workers dedicated to this project.
- The Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum Established in 2020, this museum shares the stories, lessons, and the determined spirit of Fukushima, providing informative and engaging insights into the disaster and the path towards recovery.
- Meet Local Residents from Namie Town Engage in enlightening conversations with residents who lived in the area during the disaster. Their stories, learning experiences, and optimism are inspirational and a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
- Tour Futaba Town Take a walk through Futaba Town and observe the subtle yet significant changes that have taken place since your last visit. The town's station, parks, and residential areas offer a glimpse into the steady progress the town is making in its journey towards revitalization.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
This tour offers an educational and moving adventure that is unlike any other. Book your spot on this tour today [1] and come away with a deeper understanding of the Fukushima area, its history, and the resilience of its people.
Booking the Fukushima 2-Day Nuclear Power Plant Tour
Book your tour now
Sources:
[1] Japan Wonder Travel, n.d. Retrieved May 5, 2023, from www.japanwondertravel.com
[2] Nuclear Energy Institute, n.d. Retrieved May 5, 2023, from nei.org
[3] United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, 2022. Retrieved May 5, 2023, from unscer.org
- After the Fukushima tour, you might want to explore various restaurants offering traditional Japanese food as part of your travel experiences.
- The Fukushima area boasts many interesting places to visit, such as the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum, making it a popular destination for travel.
- As you plan your trip to Fukushima, considering the tour dates, souvenir shopping, and local lifestyle recommendations can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the region.
- Events in Fukushima, like festivals and exhibitions, provide unique opportunities to experience the culture and resilience of the people, making them worth adding to your itinerary.
- In addition to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, there are numerous other places to visit in the Fukushima Exclusion Zone that offer valuable insights into the history and events of the region.
