A full day in Ishinomaki: April 27

 On our morning in Ishinomaki we had to walk up some massive hills to get to our destinations. From our hostel we had to go up a mountain then back down to get to our first place to visit, the site of the Kadonowaki Elementary school. On March 11, 2011 a huge earthquake created a massive tsunami wave reaching heights of 40 meters in some areas which tore through the eastern coast of Japan, taking the lives of over 10,000 people. The site of Kadonowaki Elementary school serves as a haunting reminder of the event, as well as an opportunity to learn from the tsunami. 


    The damage done to the school was a terrible combination of the elements, as the first floor was flooded and destroyed by the debris the wave pushed along, but the second and third floors were burned to a crisp after power lines were taken down and set the dry parts ablaze. Luckily every student survived, as they evacuated to the top of the nearby mountain, but they had to watch in horror as this giant wave overtook their entire town, destroying everything in its path. There was a lot to learn from this site, there was a museum attached that showed items from the event as well as interviews with people who experienced it. The advice given from almost everyone is summed up in one word, run. Don't grab your belongings, don't assume the warnings are a false alarm, don't try to drive away. Just run to high land as soon as you hear the alarms. After the destruction of the tsunami, a lot of work had to be done to rebuild. A sign that says "ganbarou Ishinomaki!" (let's do our best Ishinomaki!) was made to inspire everyone as they rebuild.

    After that depressing, but informative experience it was time for us to get to the ferry that was taking us to Tashirojima (aka Cat island). The ferry ride was very cold and shaky but the scenery was beautiful.

    Cat island was really fun, everywhere you turn there is likely a cat somewhere in view. We made our way to the middle of the island where there was a cat shrine, luckily there was a single cat lounging by the shrine. On the way there were countless cats hanging out or chasing bugs, some friendly, some ignoring us completely.





    After our island expedition was done we headed back to Ishinomaki and checked out another museum about the tsunami, but we all get the jist at this point. We then wen't out in search of Miyagi's (the prefecture that Ishinomaki is within) local delicacy, gyuutan (cow tongue).

    It might sound strange at face value, but it was incredibly delicious. We then headed back to home base to rest for the long day ahead.

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