Arahama is an area along the coast of Miyagi Prefecture located close to Yuriage. Although Arahama is much smaller and had a much smaller population, the tsunami's destruction was indiscriminate. The only major building left standing in the area is the elementary school. Although it will likely never again function as a school, it is kept as a reminder of that day, but also has the practical purpose of being an area for others to escape to just in case another tsunami were to ever come.
There is a small roadside area with a collection of pictures of the town before and during the tsunami. Across the street a towering image of Kannon creates a focal point for those to pray and remember. You can also take a walk to the ocean and wonder just how something so cruel can come from such a peaceful blue.
Learn more about the affected areas outside Sendai here.
