Higashi-Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture
Learn through Experience
KIBOTCHA, a hands-on disaster preparedness and accommodation facility, opened in 2018 in a former elementary school damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake. The school, once slated for closure, has been thoughtfully renovated and reborn with a focus on learning through experiencing.
The facility is filled with artworks made from natural materials such as bamboo and sand, and features exhibitions that preserve and share first-hand records of the earthquake and tsunami. Designed as an “edutainment” space where children can learn through play, KIBOTCHA continues to support the ongoing recovery of Higashi Matsushima.
Guided by the concept of “learning through play,” KIBOTCHA offers immersive, stay-based programs that combine lodging, hands-on activities, and training experiences.
Overnight stay
Double occupancy rooms, four-person occupancy rooms, and eight-person occupancy rooms are available. Eight-person occupancy rooms offer bunk beds, which are popular with school field trips and sports teams. The Glamping Dome allows pets.
[Amenities included] Bath towel, face towel, shampoo and conditioner, body soap
*Bathrobes and/or sleepwear are not provided, so please bring your own.
*Toothbrush and toothpaste sets are available at a cost.
Breakfast
Enjoy a healthy Japanese breakfast featuring local specialties such as miso soup made from Higashi Matsushima Choju Miso, and delicious local rice.
Public bath (1st floor)
Experience the exceptional warming effects in our Hydrogen Bath, which enhances the skin’s beauty! Relax in our fragrant Inumaki wood bathtub, for a truly soothing experience. Tattoos are allowed!
Activities
At KIBOTCHA, activities are optimized for school trips, business trainings, and sight-seeing tours. You can learn about disaster preparedness through hands-on experiences. We can accommodate groups of varying sizes and goals, so please contact us if you are interested.
Experience Programs
- Disaster Preparedness Experiences (Rope Work, Simple Stretcher, Water Purification, etc.)
- Bamboo Lantern Making
- Bamboo Chopstick Making
- Fieldwork in Disaster-Affected Areas
Training Programs (For Companies, Organizations, and Government Agencies)
Disaster Survival Training: Learn essential decision-making, action-taking, and teamwork skills for disasters through hands-on experience
- Resilience Training: Training based on earthquake experience and local practice, focusing on organizational strength and human resource development to overcome adversity.
Experience Snapshot
What's Included
Overnight stay, Meal, Usage fee, Handling fee
Cost
Inquire below.
Experience Availability
Year Round, excepting every Tuesday (that is not a holiday), August and during the Year-End and New Year Holidays.
Guests
From 1-8 guests.
Important notes
Reservation availability may vary. Reserve to confirm availability.
Please notify us at least 3 days before if you must cancel or modify your reservation.
Requests for reservations for this experience must be made at least two weeks in advance.
Inquire today about booking
You can send a booking inquiry below. After we receive your inquiry, we will confirm the booking with our partners and send you a booking confirmation email at least two weeks before your desired date.
Please note this form does not confirm the availability of the experience.
Cancelation policy
Our cancelation policy for this experience is below. Percentages represent the non-refundable portion of your experience fee.
7-14 days prior
20% of total price
3-6 days before date of experience
50% of total price
Less than 72 hours notice
No refund
