By It is good to see that at least a few people are not afraid to visit Fukushima, Japan:
“It’s a very difficult time right now,” said Sanae Watanabe, manager of the Jodo Daira visitors center next to Mount Azuma-Kofuji. “Fukushima is known for a different meaning now. But we want to get the word out that there are many places with no problems.”
That’s exactly what the Ryans – all seven of them who made the trip – discovered when they arrived. They were among the holiday visitors defying the trend and spending their yen in Fukushima when the prefecture needs it the most.
Any jitters turned to awe at the natural beauty and hospitality of the area, surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, fruit orchards and hot springs.
“It’s beautiful, it’s amazing,” said Kerry Ryan, whose son Johnathan lives in nearby Aizu Wakamatsu and got married over the weekend.
When the earthquake hit March 11, the family feared they would have to miss his wedding in Japan. But news of the nuclear plant faded from headlines in the U.S., and the situation appeared to be calmer, said the groom’s father David Ryan, 55.
Another couple that refused to stay away was Masako and Seiichi Miatake from Tokyo.
They had made reservations for a Golden Week trip back in February, before the earthquake. They have been vacationing in Fukushima for decades and never considered canceling. [Stars & Stripes]
I have never been in this part of Japan but it sounds like a nice place. Has any ROK Heads visited this part of Japan?
3:32 pm on May 8th, 2011 1
It is a very nice place: great mountains, hot springs, unique dialects of Japanese. I’ll be headed to Ofunato to volunteer next week.
6:03 pm on May 8th, 2011 2
“It is a very nice place: great mountains, hot springs, unique dialects of Japanese.”
…another glowing review of Fuushima.
7:41 pm on May 8th, 2011 3
Just think, you can go to Fukushima & get a suntan without having to go into a tanning booth.
11:07 pm on May 8th, 2011 4
I was just there a few weeks ago and it’s fine. The cherry blossoms were blooming then and a town along the main highway translates to “Country View”. The city of Fukushima is actually pretty far away from the reactor (which gets its name from being in Fukushima prefecture, not the city.)
11:45 pm on May 8th, 2011 5
Fukushima has no detractors
as there are many positive factors.
For them, its good news
that all of the views
are less critical than their reactors.
12:45 am on May 9th, 2011 6
Chickenhead, the Master.
4:44 am on May 9th, 2011 7
So, I just got back from Fukushima.
I went there to see the hot springs. It was beautiful. There I was watching the rising sun shine through the steam coming off the hot pools.
Of course, they were in the bottom of the containment vessel.
Bah-dum-bump
I took my dog with me… but he had a lot of ticks.
So I turned down the volume on my Geiger counter.
Bah-dum-bump
Speaking of dogs, I went to Tokyo Disneyland while I was there. It turns out some of the names are different in Japanese. Mickey Mouse is Miki Masoo… and his dog is Plutonium.
Bah-dum-bump
I went to a seafood buffet in Fukushima. They had bagels and MOX. They weren’t joking when they advertised fusion food.
Bah-dum-bump
I actually wanted to meet a nice girl in Fukushima but I guess it wasn’t to be. Everyone told me to avoid “lady-asian exposure” or I would get “lady-asian sickness”. I don’t know why they were so worried. Last time I got that, the doctor just gave me a shot.
Bah-dum-bump
Thank you! You have been a great audience. Don’t forget to tip your waiter or waitress. Good night!
9:47 am on May 9th, 2011 8
Chickenhead, OMG!