Fukushima Prefecture offers a harmonious blend of breathtaking natural scenery, rich history, and vibrant local culture. A visit provides a slower pace of life and heartwarming experiences that are rare to find in the city.
Natural Scenery
Mount Bandai (Aizu) – Inawashiro
Known as a destination for climbing, hiking, and skiing, this iconic spot offers various activities throughout the year.
Access: Approx. 70 min by car from Fukushima Airport
Lake Inawashiro (Aizu/Nakadori) – Koriyama, Inawashiro, Aizuwakamatsu
Japan’s fourth-largest lake offers activities such as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, and swimming. Visitors can relax by the lakeside while enjoying the breathtaking views of Mount Bandai.
Access: Approx. 60 min by car from Fukushima Airport
Goshikinuma Ponds: Bishamon-numa (Aizu) – Kitashiobara
Located at the base of Mount Bandai, these scenic ponds captivate visitors with their vibrant colors, which shift with the seasons and weather, ranging from emerald green to cobalt blue. Experience their breathtaking beauty year-round.
Access: Approx. 70 min by car from Fukushima Airport
Onsen (Hot Springs)
Higashiyama Onsen (Aizu) – Aizuwakamatsu
Renowned for its 1,300-year history, this hot spring town boasts numerous traditional Japanese inns, making it an ideal stop when visiting Aizuwakamatsu City.
Access: Approx. 90 min by car from Fukushima Airport
Iizaka Onsen (Nakadori) – Fukushima
One of the most popular hot spring destinations in Fukushima Prefecture, known for its radium-containing waters that are gentle on the skin and perfect for relaxation.
Access: Approx. 70 min by car from Fukushima Airport
History and Culture
Tsurugajo Castle (Aizu) – Aizuwakamatsu
Built around 630 years ago by feudal lord Ashina Naomori, this iconic castle, originally known as “Higashi Kurokawa Yakata”, gained fame during the Boshin War for enduring a month-long siege. Although demolished in 1874, the castle was reconstructed in 1965. In 2000, the “Hoshii-yagura” turret and the southern corridor “Minami Hashiri-nagaya,” were faithfully restored using Edo-period techniques.
Access: Approx. 70 min by car from Fukushima Airport
Ouchi-juku (Aizu) – Shimogo
Step back in time to the Edo period at Ouchi-juku, a historic town featuring beautifully preserved rows of traditional thatched-roof houses. This town once served as an important route connecting Aizuwakamatsu and Nikko Imaichi, known as the Aizu-Nishi Kaido or Minamiyama Dori.
Access: Approx. 80 min by car from Fukushima Airport
Delicious Cuisine
Kitakata Ramen (Aizu) – Kitakata
Ranked among Japan’s top three ramen styles, Kitakata Ramen originated in Kitakata City. It is famous for its flat, wavy noodles and clear soy sauce-based broth.
Access: Approx. 90 min by car from Fukushima Airport
Monkfish Hot Pot (Hamadori) – Iwaki
A local specialty along Fukushima’s coast, this hot pot highlights the rich, savory flavor of monkfish liver.
Access: Approx. 70 min by car from Fukushima Airport
Fruit Picking (Nakadori) – Fukushima
Fukushima Prefecture is renowned for its fruit production, especially peaches and apples. Enjoy the experience of picking freshly harvested fruit from summer to autumn.
Access: Approx. 70 min by car from Fukushima Airport
Seasonal Highlights
Spring
Hanamiyama Park (Nakadori) – Fukushima
Hanamiyama Park, often called a hidden paradise, offers breathtaking views of cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and forsythia blooming together in perfect harmony.
Access: Approx. 80 min by car from Fukushima Airport
Summer
Waraji Festival (Nakadori) – Fukushima
The Fukushima Waraji Festival, which originates from the “Akatsuki Mairi” tradition, celebrates the heritage of Japan’s largest straw sandal. Held annually in early August, the festival fosters local pride, offers a chance to enjoy Tohoku’s brief summer, and provides a space for community relaxation.
Access: Approx. 70 min by car from Fukushima Airport
Autumn
Autumn Foliage (Nakadori) – Fukushima (Bandai-Azuma Skyline)
Known for its breathtaking autumn foliage, the Bandai-Azuma Skyline and Urabandai offer scenic drives and hikes through vibrant autumn colors.
Access: Approx. 90 min by car from Fukushima Airport
Winter
The Tadami River Bridge No. 1 Viewpoint (Aizu) – Mishima, Onuma District
The Tadami River Bridge No. 1, an iconic arch bridge along the JR Tadami Line, is the most popular bridge in the area. From the observation deck near Roadside Station Ozekaido Mishima-juku, visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery of Oku-Aizu, which dramatically changes with the seasons and time of day, offering a captivating experience year-round.
Access: Approx. 90 min by car from Fukushima Airport
Revitalization and New Discoveries
Iwaki 3.11 Memorial and Revitalization Museum (Hamadori) – Iwaki
Fukushima Prefecture is home to facilities and preserved sites that convey the memories of the earthquakes. A visit offers an opportunity to learn about the recovery efforts and witness the resilience of the local people.
Access: Approx. 80 min by car from Fukushima Airport