Fukushima

Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima

Fukushima is a land of history, nature, and hospitality. Explore the samurai town of Aizu-Wakamatsu with its iconic Tsuruga Castle, enjoy the clear waters of Lake Inawashiro, and hike through the Bandai Highlands. The area is also known for its seasonal beauty, soothing hot springs, and delicious local rice, peaches, and ramen.　

From Tokyo: Shinkansen 1h 35m

From Sendai: Shinkansen 25m

Fukushima

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Miyagi
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Tokyo to Sendai with a Stop in Fukushima

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Explore by City

Discover hidden charms in each city and town through our visual map.

Soma City

Located on the Pacific coast, this city is world-famous for the "Soma Nomaoi," a 1,000-year-old samurai festival. The sight of samurai on horseback charging across the field is like a living history scroll. The city also features markets where you can enjoy fresh seafood and a beautiful coastline lined with pine trees. It is a seaside city of history and pride, where the energy of a powerful recovery from the 2011 earthquake coexists with ancient, cherished traditions.

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Aizuwakamatsu City

Aizuwakamatsu City

The former castle town of the Aizu Domain, this historic city still breathes with the "Samurai Spirit." Centered around the castle, the area is filled with old merchant houses, sake breweries converted into cafes, and traditional craft workshops, making it a wonderful place for a stroll. Local cuisine and world-renowned sake are also abundant. It is a profound city where Japanese tradition, martial arts, and gastronomy harmonize perfectly—an essential stop to understand the heart of Fukushima.

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Shimogo Town

Home to Ouchi-juku, this town is a place where history and nature are deeply fused. From post towns retaining Edo-period charms to dynamic gorges with towering rock formations and quiet plateaus, a variety of attractions are condensed here. With abundant nature-based activities and local folk cuisine, this is an area where travelers wanting to leave the city behind and savor "Good Old Japan" can find new discoveries every time they visit.

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Bandai Town

Located at the foot of Mt. Bandai, this town is graced with pure water and deep history. While it flourished as a temple town for Enichi-ji, it is now an active tourism hub with ski resorts and highland retreats. The delicious rice and sake produced from the mountain’s pure water are exceptional. It is the perfect place for travelers who want to enjoy a balance of deep Japanese history and outdoor activities in magnificent nature.

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Hinoemata Village

Hinoemata Village

One of the most remote "hidden villages" in Japan, located deep in the mountains with the lowest population density in the country. "Hinoemata Kabuki," which has continued since the Edo period, is a traditional performing art performed by the villagers themselves. Here, you can taste unique food culture like "Tachi-soba" and experience the warm hospitality of people living alongside the mountains. It is a place for a special, luxurious travel experience where you can completely forget urban convenience and feel the origins of Japan.

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Tadami Town

Registered as a UNESCO Eco Park, this town is the "Capital of Nature," home to world-renowned virgin beech forests. Known as one of the heaviest snowfall areas in Japan, its charm lies in the abundant water and vibrant life nurtured by harsh winters. Visitors can experience the authentic richness of Japan through the lifestyle of people living in harmony with nature and the delicious rice grown in pure air. It is perfect for those seeking true nature experiences and quiet rest.

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Kaneyama Town

Embraced by the rugged mountains of Oku-Aizu and the Tadami River, this town is rich in natural beauty. It is notably home to a rare spot where "naturally carbonated water" springs from the ground, allowing visitors to experience the earth's blessings directly. Nostalgic original Japanese landscapes remain strong here, attracting many photographers seeking seasonal beauty. It is an ideal place for a healing journey where you can feel the quiet yet powerful rhythm of nature nurtured by abundant water and deep forests.

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Date City

A historic city known as the birthplace of the Date Clan, from which the legendary samurai Date Masamune emerged. It is a major producer of high-quality fruits, particularly peaches and "Anpo-gaki" (dried persimmons), and offers beautiful rural landscapes that change with the seasons. For history enthusiasts, it is a fascinating destination where you can explore numerous historic sites while simultaneously experiencing the rich culinary bounty of Fukushima. It is an ideal area for those wishing to touch upon traditional Japanese life and beautiful Satoyama scenery.

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Fukushima City

The capital of Fukushima Prefecture, this city offers a wealth of food, hot springs, and spectacular views. Fruit picking along the "Fruit Line" is a popular and luxurious experience where you can taste seasonal peaches, pears, and apples fresh from the tree. Near the city center are three unique hot spring resorts: Takayu, Tsuchiyu, and Iizaka. From the blossoms of Hanamiyama in spring to the autumn colors of the Bandai-Azuma Skyline, this is a charming destination where urban life and nature are closely linked.

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Miharu Town

Home to the world-famous "Miharu Takizakura," this is a sacred place for cherry blossoms. The weeping cherry tree, over 1,000 years old, is one of the three major cherry trees in Japan, and its overwhelming presence and grace are a once-in-a-lifetime sight. In spring, over 10,000 cherry trees bloom throughout the town, wrapping the entire area in a pink veil. With remnants of old temples and the castle town, it is a peaceful and beautiful town where you can slowly walk through the history of Japan colored by cherry blossoms.

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Koriyama City

As a major transportation hub in central Fukushima, this is an energetic city of commerce. On the other hand, the "Koriyama Nunobiki Wind Plateau" offers a spectacular view of vast sunflower or cosmos fields at the foot of giant wind turbines. Known as the "City of Music" (Gakuto), street pianos and concerts color the city streets. It is an extremely convenient hub for Fukushima sightseeing, combining urban convenience with easy access to Lake Inawashiro and Mt. Adatara.

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Inawashiro Town

Inawashiro Town

Located between Lake Inawashiro (the 4th largest in Japan) and Mt. Bandai (the symbol of Fukushima). It is known as the hometown of the great medical scientist Hideyo Noguchi. In winter, thousands of swans migrate from Siberia, and visitors can witness "Shibuki-gori," where lake water freezes into artistic ice sculptures. With water sports in the summer and skiing in the winter, it is a treasure trove of Fukushima’s nature where dynamic activities can be enjoyed year-round.

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Kitakata City

World-famous as the "Town of Storehouses" and home to one of Japan’s three major ramen styles. More than 4,000 historic storehouses remain in the town, allowing for a nostalgic stroll. The "Asa-ra" (morning ramen) culture is a unique local habit. It is also a renowned brewing district for "Sake" made with high-quality water and rice, offering tasting experiences at historic breweries. Food, architecture, and sake—this is a charming town where Japanese traditions are alive in daily life.

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Nihonmatsu City

Nihonmatsu City

A former castle town at the foot of Mt. Adatara, where the samurai spirit and traditional culture remain strong. The "Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Dolls" held in autumn represent the pinnacle of Japanese horticultural culture, recreating samurai stories with thousands of chrysanthemum flowers. Additionally, the "Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival," where the town is filled with 3,000 lanterns, overwhelms visitors with its incredible energy. It is a passionate town where historical heritage meets beautiful mountain scenery.

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Hinoemata Village

Hinoemata Village

The least populated village in Japan, this is a "hidden frontier among frontiers" cradled by deep mountains. "Hinoemata Kabuki," performed by the villagers for over 300 years, is a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. As a gateway to Oze National Park, it is a paradise of untouched forests and alpine plants. This is a place for a once-in-a-lifetime journey where you can completely block out city noise and immerse yourself in the breath of the forest, starry skies, and ancient traditions.

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Iwaki City

Fukushima's largest city faces the Pacific Ocean. Thanks to its mild climate, visitors can enjoy a tropical atmosphere year-round at "Spa Resort Hawaiians." In addition to fresh seafood, the city offers a wide range of attractions from leisure to history, including "Aquamarine Fukushima," one of the world’s largest experiential aquariums, and the National Treasure "Shiramizu Amidado." It is an open, refreshing resort city where the blue sea, fresh fish, and warm locals welcome every visitor.

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Sukagawa City

The birthplace of Eiji Tsuburaya, the world-famous "God of Special Effects," this city is known as the "Home of Ultraman." The main streets are lined with life-sized statues of heroes and monsters, making it a delight for fans. The city also boasts strong traditional culture, such as the Sukagawa Peony Garden with over 250 years of history and the "Taimatsu Akashi," one of Japan’s three major fire festivals. It is a town where modern pop culture and deep history merge beautifully.

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Tenei Village

This village is known for its abundant nature, high-quality hot springs, and for producing some of the most delicious rice in the world. Surrounded by deep mountains, "Futamata Onsen" fascinates hot spring enthusiasts as a hidden gem with water that wells up naturally along the river. Additionally, the village is home to "British Hills," a facility that perfectly recreates a British townscape, allowing visitors to experience a unique international atmosphere within Japan. Here, the silence of the Japanese countryside coexists with surprising cultural experiences.

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Shirakawa City

Known as the gateway to the Tohoku region, this former castle town is steeped in samurai history. It offers many attractions, including Komine Castle with its beautiful stone walls and Nanko Park, said to be the oldest public park in Japan. The food culture is also rich; "Shirakawa Ramen," characterized by its hand-kneaded curly noodles, is immensely popular as a signature Fukushima gourmet dish. This well-balanced tourist city allows you to enjoy history, gardens, and exquisite food all at once.

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Aizubange Town

Located on the western side of the Aizu Basin, this town is famous for its "Sake" and "Horse Meat" nurtured by the rich land. The sake produced from high-quality rice and water is internationally acclaimed, and the local horse sashimi is exceptionally fresh—loved since the days of samurai culture as a source of stamina. The area is also dotted with ancient sites, such as the Kamegamori Kofun, one of the largest burial mounds in Northeast Japan. This town is highly recommended for savvy travelers seeking deep history and traditional food culture.

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Koori Town

This town in northern Fukushima is famous as the producer of "K獻ojo-momo" (Peaches for the Imperial Court). In mid-April, the entire town turns pink with peach blossoms, creating a landscape so beautiful it is called a "Shangri-La" against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The town also features charming historic architecture, including streets that retain the atmosphere of Edo-period post stations and the former Date District Office, a Western-style building from the Meiji era. It is a place where you can experience the beauty of rural Japan and world-class fruit with all five senses.

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Fukushima Prefecture

Fukushima Prefecture

Fukushima is a land of history, nature, and hospitality. Explore the samurai town of Aizu-Wakamatsu with its iconic Tsuruga Castle, enjoy the clear waters of Lake Inawashiro, and hike through the Bandai Highlands. The area is also known for its seasonal beauty, soothing hot springs, and delicious local rice, peaches, and ramen.

Fukushima
Area Info
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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