Commutan Fukushima

Commutan Fukushima

Located in Miharu town, in the central area of Fukushima prefecture, the Centre for Environmental Creation Communication Building Commutan Fukushima (コミュタン福島) provides an in-depth look at Fukushima’s environmental initiatives following the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster of 2011.

Commutan Fukushima hosts exhibitions about Fukushima’s current environmental situation and displays general information about the environment and radiation, as well as explanations about changes in radiation levels in the prefecture.

Children are welcome to visit the center to deepen their knowledge of environmental science. There are hands-on exhibits, an interactive globe, and a 360° theater, among other attractions.

Commutan Fukushima has six main areas:

  • Fukushima Since March 11, 2011
  • Future Creation Area
  • Environmental Recovery Area
  • Environmental Creation Area
  • Environmental Creation Theater
  • Tangible Earth

Non-Japanese-speaking visitors can scan the QR code located next to each exhibition to access English, Chinese, and Korean translations. Tablets can be borrowed at the front desk. Facility tours are also available in English.

Commutan Fukushima sometimes hosts special events and activities. For updates, visit their website.

Venue Details

Venue Details
Websitehttps://www.com-fukushima.jp/en/index.html
Contact

Contact form: https://www.com-fukushima.jp/en/infomation/contact.html

Best SeasonAll Year
Opening Hours

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Closed: Mondays (except when a National holiday falls on a Monday, in which case, the facility is open on that day and closed during the following weekday) and year-end holidays (December 29-January 3).

Access Details
Access10-2 Fukasaku, Miharu Town, Tamura-gun, Fukshima Prefecture
View directions
Getting there

By Car: 3 hours 16 min. from Tokyo on the Joban Expressway, or 30 min. from Koriyama Sta.

By Public Transportation: 2 hours and 10 min from Tokyo Station by Shinkansen, JR train, and Miharu-cho town bus. From Tokyo Sta., take the Tohoku Shinkansen or the Yamagata Shinkansen and get off at Koriyama Sta. [郡山駅] (approx. 1 h 20 min.). At Koriyama, transfer to a JR Ban-Etsu East Line train bound for Iwaki and get off at Miharu Sta. (13 min., 2 stops). Take the Miharu-cho town bus from Miharu Station (the bus runs every day except for end-of-year holidays).

Miharu-cho town bus timetable (as of June 2023):

  • Departure from Miharu Sta.: 10:10; 12:02; 13:30; 14:25
  • Departure from Commutan Fukushima: 10:28; 12:20; 14:06; 15:01

The bus fare is free for visitors to Commutan Fukushima (communication hall) of the Centre for Environmental Creation for the round trip.

*You can receive a free bus ticket at the reception desk of Commutan Fukushima for the return trip. However, please note that the free bus ticket is valid only once. Once you get off the bus, you cannot use the same ticket again.

Only times that are within Commutan’s business hours are indicated above. See the timetable in Japanese.

Nearby

The World Glassware Hall
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Handmade Japanese Washi Paper Craft Experience

Kami-Kawasaki Washi paper has a history of over 1,000 years. It was given the name "Kami-Kawasaki Washi" because of its origin in Nihonmatsu City's Kami-Kawasaki district. Since the name of districts changes with the years, during Japan's Heian Period, it was known as "Michinoku-gami "("paper made in Michinoku").Kami-Kawasaki Washi paper has been used regularly as shoji paper (paper for sliding doors). Many people are charmed by the warmth and simple beauty of Kami-Kawasaki Washi. Paper mulberry, a type of tree used for making the paper, is grown locally. The traditional production method, from producing the raw ingredients to making the paper, is continued in Nihonmatsu City even today.Sticking to traditional production methods ensures that the finished paper has a luxuriant warmth and refinement, and is strong and durable. At present, a variety of products, such as dyed paper, folkcraft paper, and paper crafts, are produced, all of which maintain the paper's original texture. Although the demand for shoji paper is declining, there is still demand for products such as wallpaper and lamp shades. In this way, Kami-Kawasaki Washi remains important to us everyday.  At the Washi Traditional Crafts Gallery - located at Michi-no-Eki Adachi (Roadside Station) - visitors can make washi postcards, paper fans, and other items.

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