About Namie
Where History and Resilience Converge
Introduction
Nestled amidst the captivating landscapes of Fukushima, Namie Town beckons travellers to embrace a unique blend of cherished traditions and rejuvenating experiences. From the timeless allure of its cultural heritage to the vibrant pulse of contemporary renewal, Namie Town promises a journey of discovery and inspiration.
Brief History
With a legacy dating back centuries, Namie Town has witnessed the ebb and flow of time, preserving its cultural identity while embracing modernity. A testament to the resilience of its residents, the town has overcome adversities with an unwavering determination to carve a promising path forward.
Things to do
Unearth the secrets of the Pokemon Chancey, relish the serenity of the Ukedo Harbor, or engage in soulful gourmet food with Namie Stir-fried noodles (Namie Yakisoba). Also, do no miss out on Ohori Soma Yaki – traditional form of pottery which is now a dear part of Namie’s cultural heritage.
Model Course
Catch ‘Em All at Namie!
This model course gives you the time required, a basic itinerary, a quick outline of the places you’ll visit and finally lists specific details regarding each place on the itinerary.
Itinerary at a Glance
Time Required : Approximately 4 hours
5 minutes
by Namie Smart Mobility Service
1 minute
by foot
1 minute
by foot
15 minutes
by Namie Smart Mobility Service
15 minutes
by Namie Smart Mobility Service
PS
If you plan to reach around 11 am, we recommend an early lunch and follow it up with ice cream to avoid the rush hour at Michinoeki Namie!
Outline
After you arrive at Namie Station, head to Michinoeki Namie. You can use the ‘Namie Smart Mobility’ service, which should get you there in about five minutes or you can walk, which will probably take you about twenty-five minutes.
At Michinoeki, we first recommend you try the Amazake ice cream at SakeKura Yui, a distinct Japanese flavor made at a sake store that has been around for many years now. There’s also classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate, and occasional seasonal offerings.
After you’ve fueled yourself with ice cream, hang out at Chancey’s Lucky Park. We especially recommend the swings! Let the inner child in yourself free! You can also take a walk by the river adjacent to the park.
Head inside to Michinoeki, which has a MUJI store and several restaurants. It’s the perfect place for a meal, one of its highlights being the all-you-can-eat shirasu (whitebait fish) over rice! PS: If you’re feeling adventurous, we also recommend the shirasu ice cream (yes, you read it right).
Head to The Ruins of Ukedo Elementary School. This is about 6 km from Michinoeki so we definitely recommend using the ‘Namie Smart Mobility’ service. You can book a guide here.
Head back to Namie Station.
Let’s get to know the places on the route better!
- Place
- Michinoeki Namie (Roadside Station)
- Time/Reservation
- Open 10am-6 pm everyday except the final Wednesday of the month.
- Remarks
- Michinoeki Namie offers an array of restaurants and shops for travelers to stop by, a characteristic of all Michinoeki around Japan. What makes it unique, however, is that it stands as a testament to the locals’ commitment to preserve culture and tradition that was displaced in the aftermath of the disaster in 2011. Here, you will find the new home of Suzuki Brewery (now called SakeKura Yui), a local sake house that was destroyed in 2011. You will also have the chance to discover Namie’s unique style of pottery. Goes without saying, this is the perfect place for a meal, one of its highlights being the all-you-can-eat shirasu (whitebait fish) over rice! PS: If you’re feeling adventurous, we also recommend the shirasu icecream (yes, you read it right).
- Place
- Chancey’s Lucky Park
- Remarks
- A recent addition to Namie’s charm, this park opened in December 2021 as part of Fukushima Prefecture’s and The Pokémon Company’s collaborative effort for regional revitalization. In 2019, Chancey was appointed as Fukushima’s cheerleader Pokémon. Chancey’s Japanese name is “Lucky’, which also constitutes the first kanji of Fukushima.
- Place
- The Ruins of Ukedo Elementary School
- Time/Reservation
- Open everyday except Tuesday from 9.30AM-4.30PM.
- Remarks
- When the earthquake struck at 2:46 pm on March 11, 2011, the students here were in the middle of their lessons. After the tsunami warning and ensuing evacuation orders, the students were moved to Mount Ohirayama, just over 2 kilometers from the school. This building remains largely untouched and was opened to the public in 2021, in hope of conveying the story of 2011 and the necessity for disaster preparedness. The explanation panels are equipped wth English translations that can be easily accessed through a QR code.
- Place
- Unagi Taibou
- Time/Reservation
- Open everyday from 11AM-2PM.
- Remarks
- Eel is a Japanese seafood delicacy, especially popular in the summer but delicious anytime of the year. This is a shop of long standing, serving only the best quality eel, and their food always gets sold out so its better to make a reservation in advance!
- Place
- Daishoji Temple
- Remarks
- This is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect, and the main deity enshrined here is Fudo Myo-o, which means ‘the immovable one’. He is considered to be the lord of light, who also guards the Law of Buddhism. The temple was founded in the middle ages by the Shineha clan.