箱崎白浜 衰退した
「漁村コミュニティ」を復活へ
2011年の東日本大震災を経て、過疎高齢化が進む小さな漁村、住み慣れた場所の消滅、地域コミュニティの解体を余儀なくされた箱崎白浜地区。
そこを再建しようと注目されたのが、今はなき「箱崎白浜へき地保育所」です。
1986年に建築され、2010年に解体した保育所。地元の人々に見守られ、子供たちが成長していきました。
震災後、人々の思い出の詰まった場所を、新たな出会いが生まれる場所に再生すべく、総勢167名と地域の人々が支援に乗り出しました。当初クラウドファンディングで募っていた目標金額300万円達成し、思いと夢が詰まった「御箱崎の宿」が生まれました。
大津波で民宿が流された女将と地元漁師の協力により、「釜石名物うにしゃぶ」を含めた、獲れたて新鮮な海の幸を味わえます。
そんな魅力が詰まった宿からみちのく潮風トレイルを歩くと、三陸復興国立公園の絶景スポットであり、三陸ジオパークのジオサイトにも登録されている「千畳敷」にたどり着きます。
地元漁師との漁業体験や、釜石のローカルな人との温かなふれあいを通じて、ここでしか味わえない特別な時間を体験しませんか。
2023年には「サステナブルな旅アワード」準大賞受賞した今、最も注目すべき宿です。
地域の想い
前箱崎白浜町内会長
佐々木孝郎さん
「被災した直後は将来への希望がもてない状況で、親しみのある幼稚園を宿泊施設に、この事業が進んでいることを聞いて、私たち町民は将来への一筋の希望を見出しています。」
元民宿女将
佐々木イク子さん
「大津波で建物が流出し、民宿を再建しようか悩んでいた中、御箱崎の宿の計画について聞き、地域のためになるなら出来ることはやってみたいと思うようになりました。地域の励みとなるような施設となるよう、どうぞ皆様のご協力をいただきたいと思います。よろしくお願いいたします。」
The Journey of Our Inn
Hakozaki-Shirahama -Reviving a Fading “Fishing Village”
After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, the small fishing village of Hakozaki-Shirahama faced serious challenges—an aging and shrinking population, the loss of familiar homes, and the breakdown of its close-knit community.
In the heart of this recovery effort stood a symbol of the past: the former “Hakozaki-Shirahama Nursery School”. Built in 1986 and closed in 2010, this cherished building was where generations of children grew up, watched over by the local community.
After the disaster, local people came together with a dream—to bring this place back to life as somewhere people could gather once more and create new memories. With the support of 167 backers and the community, a crowdfunding campaign raised over 3 million yen, and “Ohakozaki no Yado” was born—an inn filled with heart and hope.
The inn’s manager, whose family-run inn was swept away by the tsunami, joined forces with local fishermen to offer fresh, local seafood, including the unique specialty “Uni Shabu” (sea urchin hotpot), a true taste of Kamaishi you won’t find anywhere else.
Take a short walk east along the Michinoku Coastal Trail and you’ll arrive at “Senjojiki”, a stunning viewpoint within Sanriku Fukko (Reconstruction) National Park and a registered site of the Sanriku Geopark. Enjoy sweeping views of rocky shores and the open sea.
Here, you can experience more than just a stay—you can fish with local fishermen, connect with warm-hearted residents, and enjoy unforgettable moments unique to this village.
In 2023, Ohakozaki no Yado was honored with the Runner-Up Prize in the Sustainable Travel Awards.
It’s a one-of-a-kind destination that’s now catching the attention of travelers from all over.
Local Hopes and Dreams
Former President of Hakozaki Shirahama Neighborhood
Association
Koro Sasaki
“Immediately after the disaster, we were in a situation where we couldn’t have any hope for the future. However, upon hearing that the familiar kindergarten was being converted into accommodation facilities and that this project was progressing, we, the residents of the town, have found a ray of hope for the future.”
Former Ryokan( Inn ) Owner
Ikuko Sasaki
“During the great tsunami, my Inn was washed away, and I was struggling with whether to rebuild the inn. However, upon hearing about the plan for the Ohakozaki no Yado, I started to think that if it could contribute to the community, I would like to do whatever I can to develop. I hope this facility will become a source of encouragement for the community, and I kindly ask for your cooperation.”