My family and I visited Okushiri Tsunami Memorial Museum during our trip to the island, and it was one of the most powerful and emotional stops we experienced. The museum tells the story of the 1993 Hokkaido Nansei-Oki Earthquake and tsunami, which had a devastating impact on Okushiri. As we walked through the exhibits, it became clear that this was not just a place for information, but a space for remembrance and education. The displays are detailed yet respectful, presenting real accounts, photos, and records that help you understand the scale of what happened. Inside, the atmosphere felt quiet and heavy in a meaningful way. It naturally encourages you to slow down, read, and reflect. For me, seeing how the island rebuilt and continues to move forward added another layer to the experience. It is not only about tragedy, but also about resilience and recovery. What made the visit especially important was how it deepened our understanding of Okushiri. After seeing the island’s peaceful landscapes, learning about its past gave us a more complete picture of the place and the strength of its community.

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This museum is an educational and artistic tribute to the 1993 earthquake and tsunami that devastated the island and a visit to Okushiri wouldn't be complete without a stop here. The building itself is an interesting reflection of the heavy, sobering mood of the tragic events and the exhibits within are informative and provide an important context for understanding Okushiri today. While much of the signage is in Japanese, an English guide book is available at the front desk upon request. Don't forget to visit the lower level, where a short film details the natural disaster and it's aftermath, and archaeological artifacts signifying the island's long inhabitation are on display.

Very impressive

Visited on 2026·R8.5.24. Actually, I came here once around the time it opened, but since I rarely get the chance to come and wanted to make the most of being here, I visited again. The sadness came flooding back. I really want anyone visiting as a tourist to see this place. Among the disaster photos displayed on the walls are poems written by the children of that time after experiencing the disaster. Please don't skip over them. I took photos of the poetry display, but I won't post them here because I want you to see them in person.

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This is a place I really hope anyone learning about earthquake disasters and tsunamis as something personally relevant, as well as anyone visiting 奥尻島 as a tourist, will visit at least once. There are no flashy presentations; in the quiet atmosphere, the words and records gradually pierce your heart. Here are the details. For a long time, I had thought, “Someday I want to visit and learn here.” Last summer, that wish finally came true. When I was a student, an earthquake struck at around 10 at night, and immediately afterward I watched an NHK news bulletin about the “nighttime tsunami” that filled me with horror. I very much wanted to learn about it, along with the subsequent recovery. Reading the children's book 「またあした」 was another major reason for my visit. I visited using a scheduled sightseeing tour offered by a sightseeing taxi on the island. There are considerable distances to travel on the island, so having someone guide me was very helpful. Inside, a staff member carefully explained the earthquake disaster, tsunami, and exhibits. (For about the first 20 minutes, then I explored freely during the latter part.) The exhibits contain plenty of information, so viewing them while hearing about the circumstances and background at the time deepens your understanding even further. The central exhibits are photographs of the earthquake disaster and subsequent recovery, and essays by elementary and junior high school students about their experiences. In particular, each time I read an essay, it conveyed not only the scale of the damage but also the terror of everyday life collapsing in an instant. There are also many diorama works depicting life before the disaster, the disaster itself, and the progress of recovery. I was impressed by how they help you imagine “being there” from a different perspective than photographs. The diorama works are arranged neatly and together form a single work. I spent about 1 hour exploring the museum, feeling their solemnity and beauty while also appreciating their significance as a tribute to the souls of the deceased. Outside is a memorial monument called 「時空翔」, which I hope you will visit as well. Beyond the records of the tsunami, you also get a glimpse of the island's long history of connections with the outside world. The 「丁字頭勾玉」 unearthed at the 青苗 archaeological site is made of jade from 糸魚川 in 新潟県. It was reportedly crafted in the 近畿 region during the Kofun period (3〜6 centuries) and brought to 奥尻島 from the late Kofun period (6 century) onward. This was very helpful in learning about the island's history over a long span of time. If I have another chance, I would like to return to learn more. My heartfelt thanks.

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