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Fukushima City Tourist Information

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• Fukushima City
• Tourist Information Centers
• Fukushima Barrier-Free Tour Center
• Transport Information
• Greater Fukushima City
• Emergency Information

Hanamiyama Park (Fukushima Barrier-Free Tour Center)

Hanamiyama Park (April 7, 2020)

Azuma Goyomatsu Bonsai - Part 1

Master Swordsmith: Masahira Fujiyasu

Mizuhiki Workshop

20 Best Things to Do in Fukushima Prefecture (Sightseeing Attractions, Local Foods & Activities)

Fukushima has many great places to visit! Fukushima Prefecture can be found in the Tohoku region of northern Japan. You will find many historical, natural, and culinary attractions here, including a spectacular castle with a red-tiled roof, breathtaking lakes , and a variety of fresh fruits and fun festivals. Here are 20 fun things to do when visiting Fukushima . *Main image: PIXTA

What is Fukushima Prefecture like?

Getting to fukushima, 20 things to do in fukushima.

As Japan's third-largest prefecture, Fukushima Prefecture has a population of around 1.85 million people and is divided into three major areas: Aizu, Nakadori, and Hamadori. The Aizu region has a variety of historical sites like Tsuruga Castle and Aizu Sazaedo in addition to several hot springs towns. Nakadori is a central region of Fukushima , featuring mountainous natural landscapes , orchards, and hot springs . Both Aizu and Nakadori have basin areas that are relatively warm in winter and mountainous areas with cold summers and snowy winters. Hamadori is located on the Pacific side. It has many tourist attractions, including the pools of Spa Resort Hawaiians and the Aquamarine Fukushima Aquarium . Summers here are cool due to the gentle sea breeze. You can sample unique souvenirs from Fukushima by visiting the onsen towns of Fukushima City or Aizuwakamatsu . There are plenty of places to enjoy local sake and many great places to eat that offer local cuisines like ika-ninjin and gyoza .

It is about 200 kilometers from Tokyo Station to Koriyama Station, a convenient travel hub reachable by Shinkansen, JR lines, and highway buses. Flying to Fukushima Airport is an option depending on where you are coming from, but please note that there is no service to Tokyo. Getting to Fukushima via Shinkansen Depending on the train used, it takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to get from Tokyo Station to Koriyama Station via Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen or Yamagata Shinkansen lines. The Yamabiko Shinkansen offers short travel time and 2 to 3 trains per hour, making it the most efficient way to get to Koriyama . At Koriyama Station, there are buses and connecting trains that will take you to Aizu, Kitakata, Fukushima , and Iwaki . Getting to Fukushima via other train lines As there is no direct JR train service between Tokyo and Koriyama , the journey would take around 4 hours and several transfers would be involved along the way. Although this route does run through some very pretty scenery, it's not recommended for most travelers.

Getting to Fukushima via Highway Bus The highway bus takes about 5 hours from Tokyo with morning, noon, and night departures. The bus is convenient because the cost is low and there is no need for transfers. However, there may be delays depending on weather or traffic conditions. It’s recommended more for those with a lot of luggage or who want to save on accommodation by taking an overnight bus. Fukushima Prefecture Tour Points If you’re planning to travel throughout Fukushima prefecture or go to mountainous areas like Urabandai and Azumayama, it is better to take a train to the nearest station and then rent a car or take a taxi. There are buses that go to major sightseeing destinations around Aizuwakamatsu , Fukushima City, and Koriyama Station. A one-way ride costs around 100-210 yen. Or you can opt for a one-day pass, which is sold on some buses, and is a great choice when wanting to visit many attractions at a great deal.

Fukushima Prefecture is rich in natural scenery, has a long history, and has many attractive tourist spots. Here are some highlights you can’t miss.

1. Tsuruga Castle: Enjoy the majesty of Japan's red-roofed castle

For about 500 years in the Middle Ages, Tsuruga Castle housed many prominent families, such as the Date and Gamo Clan, the Uesugi Clan, and the Matsudaira Clan. Such a famous castle was known for its strong defense, enduring for an entire month under the enemy's attack during the 1868 war. The castle was demolished with the changing time period in 1874. Tsuruga Castle was restored to its present appearance in 1965, and it is said to be the only castle in Japan that still has the same red-tiled roof from the time before it was demolished. Inside the castle tower is a reproduction of the inside of Tsuruga Castle as it was around 1868, as well as exhibits showing the history of Aizu and the succeeding castle lords. If you climb to the top floor, you can see a view of Mt. Bandai and Iimori Hill, as well as the townscape of Aizu.

• Address 1-1, Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu Shi, Fukushima 965-0873
• Phone Number 0242-27-4005

・Hours: Open daily 8:30 - 17:00 ・Admission: 410 yen

2. Ouchi-juku: Stroll around a quaint town filled with thatched-roof homes

Ouchi-juku was a post town that prospered as a base for travel and transportation during the Edo Period (1600-1867), focusing on lodging and luggage intermediation and wholesale. Today, the 30 thatch-roofed restaurants and souvenir shops make it one of Tohoku's most popular tourist destinations. If you want to take some nice photos of the city, visit Koyasu Kannon Temple , which is a little uphill at the end of the road. There you can get a panoramic view of Ouchi-juku. Their specialty dish is “negi soba ,” which is served with a whole green onion instead of a chopstick to slurp the noodles. We also recommend “shingorou,” a dish made by rolling rice with egoma miso and baking it, as well as the Ouchi-juku omotenashi dish “tochimochi,” made from locally grown persimmons.

• Address Yamamoto, Ouchi, Minamiaizu-gun Shimogo-machi, Fukushima 969-5207

・Phone: 0241-68-3611 (Ouchi-juku Tourism Association) ・Hours: Vary by location

3. Urabandai: Surround yourself with natural scenery

Urabandai appeared on the north side of Mt. Bandai after a steam explosion in 1888. You can see the crater walls, the rocks that resulted from the blast, as well as the rough surface of the mountain . Another notable sightseeing spot is the hundreds of lakes formed from the rocks blocking the river ’s flow. Among them is the “Goshikinuma Konumagun,” a collective term for a group of about 20-30 large and small lakes , including Lake Aonuma and Goshikinuma. These lakes ’ waters change from emerald green to cobalt blue depending on the time of day and the sunlight. You can also walk along the scenic path, “Goshikinuma Shizen Tanshoro,” and explore the beautiful lakes and marshes one by one, with Mt. Azuma and Mt. Bandai in the background. It takes about one hour, and though it is a relatively easy walk with few altitude differences, it is recommended to wear sneakers or trekking shoes for comfort.

• Address 1093-697 Kengamine, Hibara, Kitashiobara-mura, Yama-gun, Fukushima 969-2701
• Phone Number 0241-32-2850

• Address Hibara, Kitashiobara-mura, Yama-gun, Fukushima, 966-0501 View Map
• Nearest Station Inawashiro Station （Ban-etsusai Line） 25 minutes by bus
• Phone Number 0241-32-2349

4. Spa Resort Hawaiians: Take in an exciting show

Spa Resort Hawaiians in Iwaki City occupies a site of approximately 130,000 square meters. The Hawaii-themed resort is home to the “Big Aloha” waterslide – Japan’s tallest and longest – and the “Beach Theater” featuring hula performances. At the large open-air bath, you can relax in the hot waters of Iwaki Yumoto Onsen before shopping for souvenirs at the “Hawaiians Market,” which sells unique items and famous brands of Fukushima sake. The resort has three hotels . At Hotel Hawaiians, Monolith Tower, and ViR Port, you can experience the feeling of a Hawaiian-themed resort, relax in a Japanese-style room, and spend time with your family. Each hotel is distinctly different, so you can choose which is best suited to your tastes.

• Address 50 Warabihira, Jobandohara-cho, Iwaki-shi, Fukushima 972-8326
• Phone Number 0570-550-550

・Hours: 10:00 - 22:00 * Varies seasonally ・Admission: Adults 3,570 yen

5. Aquamarine Fukushima: Enjoy a variety of sea creatures

Aquamarine Fukushima is situated on Onahama Port No. 2 Wharf facing the Pacific Ocean. It comprises a four-story naturally-lit main building and an outdoor area where visitors can interact with various animals. One of the highlights of the indoor area is the large tidal tank, which is a triangular tunnel-shaped tank filled with 2,050 tons of seawater and recreates the tide where the Oyashio and Kuroshio currents meet. Visitors can watch sardines, bonito, rays, and more while walking through the tunnel, and it’s fun to find fish hiding behind the rocks. In addition, the Oyashio Ice Box displays colorful and unique creatures in 49 small icy aquariums , including the round-bellied “Tamakonnyakuo,” which can only be seen at Aquamarine Fukushima . Serpent’s Eye Beach in the outdoor area is a 4,500 square meter touch pool. It’s popular with children, who can enter the water barefoot and come in direct contact with starfish and sea cucumbers.

• Address 50, Tatsumicho, Onahama, Iwaki-shi, Fukushima, 971-8101 View Map
• Nearest Station Izumi Station （Joban Line） 15 minutes by bus
• Phone Number 0246-73-2525

6. Miharu Takizakura: Enjoy blossom viewing at Japan's famous 1,000-year-old cherry tree

Takizakura, one of Japan’s three giant cherry trees, is a symbol of Miharu Town, also known for its old warehouses, shrines , and temples . The first cherry tree designated as a natural national monument, Miharu Takizakura is thought to be over 1,000 years old. A weeping cherry tree , Takizakura’s branches measure 25 meters across east-west and 20 meters north-south. Innumerable small pink flowers emerge in mid-April when the tree is in full bloom, and thousands of visitors come to see the waterfall-like cherry blossoms. There’s a promenade around the tree, and it takes about 30 to 60 minutes to circumnavigate. During the full bloom, it is often crowded from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on holidays, so visiting early in the morning or evening is recommended. That way, you’ll be able to fully enjoy Takizakura at a slower pace and take beautiful unobstructed pictures. Beautiful in bright sunlight, it’s also a must-see when lit at night. The pink blossoms of Takizakura stand out in the darkness to create a fantastic atmosphere as time stands still for viewers.

• Address Sakurakubo, Taki, Miharu-machi, Tamura-gun, Fukushima, 963-7714 View Map
• Nearest Station Miharu Station （Ban-etsuto Line） 15 minutes by bus
• Phone Number 0247-62-3690

7. Iimoriyama Hill: Learn about the tragic history of the Byakkotai samurai

Iimoriyama is a small mountain in the Aizu region that can be reached from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station in 5 minutes on the “Akabe” tour bus. Over 150 years ago, a unit of young 16- to 17-year-old samurai known as “Byakkotai” committed seppuku on the site. Other related facilities nearby include the Tomb of the Byakkotai Jukushi, where the Byakkotai are buried, and the Byakkotai Memorial Hall, which displays their history.

On Iimoriyama Hill, there’s another important national cultural property, Aizu Sazae-do, built in 1796. This unique hexagonal, three-tiered pagoda derives its name from its shape, which resembles the shell of a turban snail. Interestingly, the interior stairs are constructed in such a way that the ascending and descending staircases do not intersect.

• Address Bentensita, Ikkimachi Yahata, Aizuwakamatsu-shi, Fukushima 965-0003

・TEL: 0242-23-8000 (Aizuwakamatsu Tourism Bureau) ・Hours: Free entry ・Admission: Free (depending on the facility)

• Address 155, Takizawa, Ikkimachiyahata, Aizuwakamatsu-shi, Fukushima, 965-0003 View Map
• Nearest Station Aizu-wakamatsu Station （Tadami Line / Ban-etsusai Line） 5 minutes by bus
• Phone Number 0242-22-3163

8. Fruit Line: Pick seasonal goodies in Japan's 'Fruit Kingdom'

Fukushima Prefecture produces the second-largest amount of fruit in Japan, and the fourth-largest amount of pears, and is called the “Fruit Kingdom.” If you want to experience the joys of fruit picking, head to Prefectural Route 5, commonly known as the “Fruit Line,” which runs along the foot of the Azuma mountain range on the west side of Fukushima City in the northern part of the prefecture. Along a 14-kilometer stretch of road, there are orchards where tourists can pick fruit. In mid-June, cherries begin to grow, and Fukushima ’s signature peach season starts in late July. Pears and grapes are harvested in fall, apples in winter and other fruits come into season throughout the year, so check before you visit. Somehow, picking fruit yourself makes it even more delicious, and you can also buy fresh fruit at tourist orchard shops.

• Address Locations along Prefectural Route 5, varying by orchard/fruit store

・Phone: 024-529-7663 (Fukushima City Hall Agricultural Promotion Division)

9. Mugenkyo: Hop a ferry and enjoy the mysterious foggy scenery

Until about 50 years ago, ferry boats were used as a means of transportation in the Mifuke Shuraku village along the Tadami River , which runs through the towns of Kaneyama and Mishima. The village was abandoned and the boats disappeared with it, but eventually, they returned in the form of the Mugenkyo Ferry tour boats. The fantastic sight of the boats moving through the river fog has recently attracted increasing attention. River fog is likely to occur when the water temperature is higher than the air temperature and the humidity is high, with the best times being morning and evening from June to August. Even if there is no fog, you can still enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding trees reflected on the mirror-like surface of the river . Please note that you need to make a reservation at least 5 days in advance for “Mugenkyo no Watashi.”

• Address 19 Hayato, Onuma-gun, Mishima-machi, Fukushima 969-7406

・Phone: 0241-42-7211 (Kaneyama Town Tourism and Products Association) ・Hours: Open daily late April – mid-November, 7:00 – Sunset (may be suspended due to weather and river conditions) ・Admission: Tour 6,000 yen (45 minutes, up to 3 people. 4 or more people 1,800 yen per person *Reservation at least 5 days in advance required), other plans available (contact for details)

10. Kitakata: Take a walk through the scenic 'Warehouse Town'

Due to its numerous old warehouses built to store food and other goods, Kitakata is called “Warehouse Town.” In a region where sake brewing and soy sauce production have been thriving since ancient times, such warehouses have long proven useful and many are still in active use. Warehouses can be found throughout the city and suburbs, from main streets to back alleys, and the number is said to exceed 4,000. The buildings have been constructed in various sizes and styles, some made with brick and black plaster, white walls, etc. At Kitakata Kura no Sato, which exists to pass on warehouse culture, you can learn more through a tour of the relocated warehouse and by viewing exhibition pieces related to the city’s warehouse history.

• Address 2-109 Oshikiri, Kitakata-shi, Fukushima 966-0094
• Phone Number 0241-22-6592

・Hours: Open daily 9:00 - 17:00 (last entry 16:30) ・Admission: Adults 400 yen, 200 yen for elementary, junior high, and high school students

11. Lake Inawashiro: Spend time at Japan's fourth-largest lake

Lake Inawashiro, located almost exactly in the center of Fukushima Prefecture , is Japan’s fourth-largest lake . Highly transparent, the lake is also called “Tenkyoko” in reference to its being a “mirror-like lake that reflects the heavens.” Hundreds of swans inhabit the area from November through mid-April, making the lake a popular viewing spot. Around Lake Inawashiro, there are plenty of points of interest, such as Western-style buildings built in the Meiji era (1868-1912) and facilities that collect handmade glass products from around the world. Depending on the season , you can also enjoy lake bathing, fishing, and canoeing.

• Address Nagahama, Inawashiro-machi, Fukushima 969-3285

・Phone: 0242-62-2048 (Lake Inawashiro Tourism Association) ・Hours: Open Schedule

12. Waraji Festival: Join in one of Fukushima's famous summer festivals

The Fukushima Waraji Festival is an iconic summer festival held every August. Its origins lie in the traditional Shinto “Akatsuki Mairi” ritual that has continued for more than 400 years, during which prayers are made for health and safety when traveling. The festival’s highlight is a parade in which people in “happi coats” carry a huge traditional waraji straw sandal, accompanied by drums and shouts of “Wasshoi! Wasshoi!” With the 50th edition held in 2019, the festival format was changed to include live flute and drum music and dancers dancing to the new “Waraji Ondo” rhythm. Other festivities include straw sandal-making classes, and you can take your finished sandals home as a souvenir.

• Address 6 Okitamacho, Fukushima-shi, Fukushima 960-8034

・Phone: 024-572-7118 (Fukushima Waraji Festival Executive Committee Secretariat)

13. Soma Nomaoi festival: Go see horse-riding warriors in summer

Soma Nomaoi is a traditional Shinto ritual in which horse-riding warriors wear ancestral armor and ride through the fields. This horse festival is designated as one of Japan’s important intangible folk cultural properties. The festival takes place over three days, starting on the last Saturday of July every year. On the first day, horse-riding warriors depart from three shrines , and on the second day, about 400 riders compete for a Goshinki flag. The third day has multiple highlights, like the Nomakake, in which young people in white costumes catch horses with their bare hands and then dedicate them. The second day’s “god flag battle” is by far the climax of the festival. Fireworks are launched high into the sky, and when they explode, two sacred flags are released and fall as the mounted warriors race to catch them. The cavalry scene is as powerful as a real battle!

• Address 4-13-27 Hashimoto-cho, Haramachiku, Minamisoma-shi, Fukushima 975-0051

・Phone: 0244-22-3064 (Soma Nomaoi Executive Committee Secretariat)

14. Slurp some Kitakata Ramen: Kitakata’s gourmet specialty

The origin of these noodles is said to have come from Chinese noodles that were sold in stalls by young people who had come from China between 1920 and 1930. The noodles are thick and flat with a relatively high moisture level and are characterized by their firm appearance and texture. The soup has a soy sauce base, with flavors varying widely depending on the shop, from miso to salt. It is recommended to use the Ramen Map available at the tourist information center when deciding where to eat. The Kitakata Ramen Burger, made from baked and hardened noodles together with pork, menma, and green onions, is another popular menu item. Kitakata is also known for its unique culture of eating ramen early in the morning. This habit began when people who started work from very early in the morning, such as sake breweries and farmers, ate ramen during those early morning hours. You can currently order “morning ramen ” at about 20 different shops. Phone: 0241-24-5200 (Kitakata Tourism and Products Association)

15. Enban Gyoza: Sample dumplings full of bean paste and vegetables

These local dumplings are arranged and baked in a frying pan to take the shape of a disk when served on a plate. Sometime after World War II, the founder of the local gyoza shop "Genso Enban Gyoza Manpuku" visited China, where he tasted these dumplings at an izakaya stall arranged and baked in a wok. You can now eat this dish at about 15 stores around Fukushima City, most of which open in the evening. It is said to be a remnant from the time when, with the growing popularity of these Fukushima dumplings, salarymen would eat them on the way home from work. A special feature of this shop is the gyoza skin, some crisp and fried, and others kneaded with yomogi, or Japanese mugwort. The gyoza filling made from vegetables and minced meat is also very delicious and is the perfect accompaniment for a bottle of sake. Phone: 024-525-4031 ( Fukushima Prefecture Tourist Product Center)

16. Taste the local cuisine of the Aizu region

The western part of Fukushima Prefecture , the Aizu region, has many local dishes that use alpine produce and dried seafood . They are popular for their rich, classic flavor. Kozuyu is one such dish representative of the Aizu region, served out of hospitality on special occasions like festival days and other ceremonial events. The soup stock is made from dried scallops and is combined with boiled vegetables such as carrots and shiitake mushrooms, and soybean paste. Other local dishes include dried, pickled herring called Nishin no Sansho-zuke and Shingoro dumplings eaten in autumn to celebrate a good harvest. In addition, there are restaurants in Aizuwakamatsu where you can enjoy local cuisine, so why not sample some of the local flavors? Phone: 0242-27-4005 (Aizu-Wakamatsu Sightseeing Bureau)

17. Sample Fukushima sake

Fukushima Prefecture ’s sake breweries have won many awards at the “National New Sake Appraisal,” a competition for exhibiting new sake. It is said that you can taste the most delicious sake in Japan in Fukushima . There is also a school where you can study sake brewing for three years, and one focus of the prefecture as a whole is continually working to improve the quality of sake. Some sake breweries scattered throughout the prefecture also offer tours and tastings. The Fukushima Prefecture Tourist Product Center on the first floor of the Corasse Fukushima building near Fukushima Station offers about 800 types of sake from 55 breweries. The center also has a dining area that serves three types of sake and popular dishes that go well with sake. It’s an easy way to sample Fukushima sake and the perfect place to buy souvenirs.

• Address Corasse Fukushima 1F, 1-20 Mikawa Minamimachi, Fukushima
• Phone Number 024-525-4031

Hours: Open daily 9:30 - 19:00

18. Soak in the hot waters of Iizaka Onsen

About 25 minutes from Fukushima Station on the Fukushima Transportation Iizaka Line, Iizaka Onsen is easily accessible from the city. It has a long history and is said to have started around 3,000 B.C. This hot spring town is symbolic of the Tohoku region. Many people come to visit the 37 inns of various sizes that line the Surikami River and its tributary, the Aka River . There are 9 communal baths and 4 footbaths where you can easily enjoy the hot springs , and some inns offer day trip bathing. A simple hot spring , Iizaka’s smooth waters are colorless and transparent simple and said to be effective in relieving neuralgia and fatigue. Dining at a local cafe or cafeteria after soaking in the hot water is a recommended way to complete a relaxing day of bathing.

• Address Totsunamachi, Iizakamachi, Fukushima-shi, Fukushima 960-0201, Japan

・ Phone: 024-542-4241 (Iizaka Onsen Tourist Association / Iizaka Onsen Ryokan Cooperative)

• Address 24-3 Iizakamachi, Fukushima-shi, Fukushima, 960-0201 View Map
• Nearest Station Iizakaonsen Station （Iizaka Line）

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19. Buy some Okiagari-Koboshi: Cute folk crafts from Aizu

This folk craft represents the Aizu region, a figurine of a little priest with a soft and smiling expression. The locals have a New Year tradition in which they buy these dolls in amounts of one more than the number of members in their families, with the hopes of bringing their family prosperity and health . Because this figure stands up as soon as it falls down, it is thought to represent the ability to do good work. They are sold in various sizes and many variations, such as red and blue with a white background and individual colors such as pink and red. They can be purchased at souvenir shops throughout the prefecture, including the Aizu region, and there are also workshops and tourist facilities that offer painting experience activities.

20. Get some tasty Tama-yokan as a souvenir

Tamashimaya is a long-established Japanese confectionery shop that has been around since the Edo Period. They are famous for Yokan, which has an elegant sweetness and a rich, red bean flavor, and was said to have been presented to the Tokugawa Shogunate, who ruled Japan at the time, by the Niwa Clan who owned Nihonmatsu Castle . We especially recommend the cute, small, and round tama-yokan. It was developed at the request of a prefectural governor in 1937 to make a soft yokan that could be eaten even on the battlefield. The shopkeeper at the time realized that this yokan would stay fresh and soft forever when wrapped in rubber. The unique way of eating it requires stabbing through the rubber with a toothpick and is another reason for its popularity. It has become a standard souvenir representing Fukushima Prefecture , and there are now even heart-shaped ones on sale.

• Address 1-88 Motomachi, Nihommatsu-shi, Fukushima 964-0917
• Phone Number 0243-23-2121

Hours: Open daily 7:30 - 18:50

These 20 selections are just a taste of the rich in variety of Fukushima – enjoy your trip!

The information in this article is current as of April 2021. Please check official websites for the latest information before visiting. Text by: Shoepress

• Area Fukushima, Koriyama And Iwaki
• Category Other Sightseeing
• How To: Sightseeing

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Ouchijuku in Fukushima

Fukushima is a prefecture located in the northern Tohoku region of Japan. With its great outdoors, delicious cuisine, and seasonal views, it is an ideal spot for you to visit again and again.

Since the incidents in 2011, Fukushima is now completely safe for visitors to travel in nearly all parts of Fukushima Prefecture.

In this article, we introduce the latest information on Fukushima, along with must-visit spots, cultural events, and delicious food.

Table of Contents:

Three recommended scenic destinations.

1. Tadami Line 2. Lake Inawashiro 3. Goshikinuma - Five-Colored Lakes

Six Retro Areas

4. Ouchijuku 5. Tsurugajo Castle in Aizu Wakamatsu 6. Sazaedo in Aizu Wakamatsu 7. Kitakata 8. Hanamiyama Park 9. Hot Springs Area of Fukushima: Higashiyama and Iizaka Onsen

Family-Friendly Spots

10. Aquamarine Fukushima

Two Seasonal Events

1. Soma Nomaoi 2. Miharu Takizakura

5 Must-Eat Dishes in Fukushima

1. Kitakata Ramen 2. Japanese Sake 3. Peach-Flavored Sweets 4. Fukushima Gyoza Dumplings 5. Sauce Katsudon

Fukushima Prefecture - Visit More than Once

1. Where Is Fukushima? 2. Getting to Fukushima

Here we will suggest three spots in Fukushima with breathtaking beauty.

Tadami Line

Daiichi Tadamigawa Bridge Photo by Eri Miura. Picture from Why We Live In Fukushima: Interviews With International Residents

The JR Tadami Line is considered to be one of the most romantic railroads in the world. It is a local train line that runs between Aizu Wakamatsu and Niigata Prefecture.

In particular, the Daiichi Tadamigawa Bridge (shown above) is said to be the most beautiful spot to view the train line from. It is located between Aizu Hinohara Station and Aizu Nishikata Station, and is a great spot to see the train crossing over the Tadami River, surrounded by stunning nature.

Picture courtesy of Fukushima Sightseeing and Product Exchange Association

You can enjoy the area year-round, with vivid greenery in summer, yellow and red foliage in fall, and the beauty of snow in the winter.

Those who wish to see the lush outdoors should head to the observatory near the Station Stop, Oze Kaido Mishima Inn . A limited number of trains run on the Tadami Line, so be sure to check the time table (Japanese) to capture the shot you want. There is also a bus  that goes from Aizu Miyashita Station to the Station Stop Oze Kaido Mishima Inn. The bus leaves once a day at 8:10 from Aizu Miyashita Station.

Daiichi Tadamigawa Bridge Observatory Address: Fukushima, Onuma, Mishima, Kawai Google Map Official Website (Time Table): Timetable for the JR Tadami Line (Japanese)

Lake Inawashiro

Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro. Picture courtesy of Fukushima Sightseeing and Product Exchange Association

Another must-experience is seeing the magnificent view of Mt. Bandai reflecting against the shimmering surface of Lake Inawashiro . This lake is one the most iconic destinations in Fukushima.

There is a sightseeing boat on the lake, which sails around for around thirty-five minutes. Ride it to cruise across the calm waters, while taking in the refreshing breeze and scenery.

Lake Inawashiro is the fourth biggest lake in Japan. In order to go see it, you will need to board a bus from JR Inawashiro Station and head to the northside of the lake. Other sightseeing spots nearby include Tenkyokaku , a villa once used by the imperial family that is a nationally-designated Important Cultural Property.

Lake Inawashiro (Bandai Sightseeing Boat Boarding Dock) Address: Fukushima, Yama, Inawashiro, Okinasawa, Nagahama 870 Google Map Website: www.aizubandai.com  (Japanese)

Goshikinuma - Five-Colored Lakes

Goshikinuma in Japanese means a marsh of five colors. As its name suggests, you can see an array of different hues at this marsh.

The twenty to thirty marshes in the area are collectively referred to as Goshikinuma. The bodies of water here show varying colors depending on the weather, season, surrounding scenery, or volcanic substances contained in the water.

It takes around one hour and ten minutes, to an hour and thirty minutes to see all the marshes. The course isn't too intense, so it is an ideal hiking route. At Bishamon Marsh, a relatively larger marsh, you can rent a boat and enjoy a scenic ride.

Goshikinuma Marsh Entrance Address: Fukushima, Yama, Kitashiobara, Hibara Kengamine Google Map Website: Goshikinuma Marsh (Japanese)

Four Retro Areas

Photo by Eri Miura. Picture from All The Charms Of Japan In One Place! 10 Things To Enjoy In Fukushima

When you come visit Ouchijuku , you'll feel like you've slipped back in time to an old era of Japan!

Ouchijiku is located between Aizu and Nikko , and at one time functioned as a rest stop known as  shukubamachi (*1) in the past. Here, you can see the remnants of a historic Japanese town with thatched roof houses from the Edo Period . Currently, these type of houses can only be seen in a few areas Japan, such as Shirakawago .

Locals still live in these houses, and some also operate as souvenir shops, soba restaurants, and cafes.

*1 Shukubamachi: A town where people took a break during their journey between cities during the Edo Period.

When in Ouchijuku, be sure to try Takato soba (buckwheat noodles), or negi soba (green onion soba.) It is a soba dish that comes with a whole stalk of green onion.

You can try this dish at several restaurants at Ouchijuku, but Ouchijuku Misawaya (shown above) was the original shop that began serving it. When eating this dish, you use the green onion instead of chopsticks to scoop up the fragrant noodles in the chilled dashi broth . The green onion is fresh, so you can eat it if you wish, but it can be a little spicy.

On a sunny day, you can sit outside and enjoy a refreshing bowl under the warm sun.

Ouchijuku Address: Fukushima, Minamiaizu, Shimogo, Ouchi Yamamoto Google Map Website:  Ouchijuku (Japanese)

Aizu Wakamatsu - Tsurugajo Castle

Tsurugajo Castle is an iconic castle in Fukushima. This is the only castle in Japan that has a roof made with red roof tiles.

Around this castle is where the Boshin War took place at the end of the Edo Period in 1868. The Boshin War was a series of civil battles between people for and opposing the Edo Shogunate (*2).

*2 Edo Shogunate: The government during the Edo Period was ruled by the Tokugawa Shogunate. Ieyasu Tokugawa was the first leader. Yoshinobu Tokugawa handed the government to the Meiji Emperor after fifteen generations.

In the winter, this area gets snow from January to March annually, making this one of the few castles in Japan you can see covered in snow .

Tsurugajo Castle is located in Aizu Wakamatsu . The town is filled with antique-style buildings and fun shops, like Aizu Ichibankan , a historical house renovated into a cafe, and Suehiro Shuzo , where you can enjoy a tour of the sake brewery. The traditional structures can be seen around Nanokamachi Street and Noguchi Hideyo Seishun-dori Street .

Tsurugajo Castle Google Map Website: Tsurugajo Castle

Sazaedo Temple in Aizu Wakamatsu

At Sazaedo Temple , you can witness the world's one and only wooden double helix structure, measuring 16 meters high. The temple's double helix structure consists of six pillars in the center and six corner pillars. Often in Europe, you'll see spiral staircases built within historical church buildings, but in Japanese architecture you'll often only find basic straight staircases within temples.

Inside of Sazaedo, there are thirty-three statues of Kannon that are enshrined. The way this structure is built allows you to go around the thirty-three statues of Kannon at once, which was very popular amongst the common people when the temple was first built. Why not try climbing this intriguing double structure spiral staircase yourself?

Sazaedo Temple Address: Fukushima, Aizuwakamatasu, Itsukimachi Oaza Yahata, Bentenshita-1404 Google Map Operating hours: 8:15 to sunset (9:00-16:00 from January to March) *Open year round Admission: 400 yen for Adults, 300 yen for high school students, 200 yen for elementary and junior high students Access: [Aizu Bus] Machinaka Tour Bus Haikara-san Bus or Akabe Bus - alight at Iimoriyamashita Stop, 5 minute walk

You will find many sturdy-looking structures and buildings when visiting  Kitakata , located in northwestern Fukushima. These structures are called kura , and were originally built to protect valuables from fires and disasters.

There are many places that still use the kura for storage, while some kura have been renovated into souvenir shops and cafes open to the public. You can find many kura around Kitakata Station near Fureai-dori Street and Otazuki Kura-dori Street. Make sure to check out the unique ramen shrine if you drop by Fureai-dori Street!

Kitakata Fureai-dori street: Google Map Website: Kitakata (Japanese)

Hanamiyama Park

Although this park is run as a family business, the flowers trees that have been beautifully planted on the vast park grounds are worth visiting for a view. Along with Sakura cherry blossoms, many varieties of flower trees such as forsythia, quince, magnolia, and peach trees can be seen here at Hanamiyama Park. When the spring season ends in May, hydrangeas and mountain lilies begin blooming from June.

Visit in April to view the park's masterpiece: sakura cherry blossoms and nanohana blossoms both blooming at the same time.

Hanamiyama Park Address: Fukushima, Watari, Hara-17 Operating hours: 7:00 to 18:00 *Open year round Admission: Free Access: 15 minutes by taxi from JR Fukushima Station East Exit

Hot Springs Area of Fukushima: Higashiyama and Iizaka Onsen

Fukushima has the fifth largest number of natural hot springs in Japan. There are over 130 hot springs in the prefecture.

Located only fifteen minutes by bus from Aizu Wakamatsu Station, Higashiyama Onsen is a hot spring district with over fifteen ryokan . The iconic view of the hot springs is shown in the picture above, with the bridge extending across toward Ryokan Mukaitaki.

Mukaitaki is a historic building that has been designated as a cultural property of Japan. You can see the different meticulous construction techniques that have been used throughout the buildings. All twenty-four rooms have a different thematic design. Prime ministers, writers, and many celebrities have stayed in the area, and it has also been used as a filming spot for movies.

Higashiyama Onsen Address: Fukushima, Aizu Wakamatsu, Higashiyamamachi Oaza Yumoto Google Map Website: Higashiyama Hot Springs

Pictured above is Iizaka Onsen , located twenty-five minutes by train from Fukushima Station. There are nine public bathing spots at this hot spring area.

Nakamuraya Ryokan is not a public bath, but an inn where you can use the hot springs without an overnight reservation. You can also use a private bath here. The building is also a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Other sightseeing spots around Iizaka Onsen include the Kyu Horikiri-tei , which was a former house of a prestigious family.

Iizaka Onsen Address: Fukushima, Iizaka, Yuzawa Google Map Website: Iizaka Onsen

Aquamarine Fukushima

You will be absolutely stunned when viewing the huge tanks that  Aquamarine Fukushima has. The large tank shows the collision between the warm and cold currents and contains 2050 tons of water, with over 120,000 creatures in the aquarium. There's also a touch pool that replicates the ocean floor, providing entertainment for all ages.

Ten minutes from the aquarium is Aeon Mall Iwaki Onahama , a large shopping complex with around 130 shops. Located slightly further away but in the same area is MEGA Don Quijote (located at La Park Iwaki), a large branch of the nationwide discount store, Don Quijote.

Aquamarine Fukushima Address: Fukushima Iwaki, Onahama, Tatsumicho 50 Google Map Website: Aquamarine Fukushima (Japanese)

Soma Nomaoi

Picture courtesy of Soma Nomaoi Executive Committee

This stunning image is from a festival called Soma Nomaoi .

It is said that this festival began over 1000 years ago during the Heian Period by the warlord, Taira no Masakado. The main purpose of this festival was to capture horses that were released to the fields and to offer them to the gods.

The procession down the city streets. Picture courtesy of Soma Nomaoi Executive Committee

Soma Nomaoi is held for three days at the end of July every year.

The festival highlight falls on the second day, where you can see the procession through the city streets. Participants will be dressed in kacchu (*3), carrying flags passed down from their ancestors.

You can also see the Kacchu Keiba event, where ten men on horses storm through the fields. There's also the Shinki Sodatsusen match, in which people fight to catch the flags that fall from the sky.

Soma Nomaoi is held on the last weekend and Monday of July every year. For details, please check the official website  (Japanese). On the second day of the festival, there is a free shuttle bus to the festival from JR Haranomachi Station.

*3 Kacchu: Armor worn by the samurai.

Soma Nomaoi Hibarigaoka Festival Spot (the venue for Soma Nomaoi): Address: Fukushima, Minamisoma, Haramachiku, Hashimotocho 4-13-27 Google Map Website: Soma Nomaoi (Japanese)

Miharu Takizakura

The Miharu Takizakura in Fukushima is one of the three largest cherry blossom trees in Japan. The word "taki" means waterfall, and like its name, the cherry blossoms cascade down like a waterfall.

This astonishing beni shidarezakura cherry blossom tree is over 1000 years old, extending 25 meters wide and 20 meters in height.

During the cherry blossom season in mid-April, the tree is lit up beautifully at night. There is also a temporary bus that runs from JR Miharu Station and the Miharu Takizakura.

Miharu Takizakura Address: Fukushima, Tamura, Miharu, Taki, Sakurakubo Google Map Website: Miharu Takizakura (Japanese)

Despite the incidents in 2011, all the delicious food you'll find in Fukushima is completely safe to eat . Passing Japan's food safety standards, one of the strictest in the world, all food goes through rigorous inspections for radionuclides and have been deemed safe to eat.

Kitakata Ramen

A dish to try in Kitakata is Kitakata ramen , known for its light, soy sauce based soup. There is also a custom of eating ramen in the morning, so there are some shops that are open as early as 7:00 in Kitakata.

Shokudo Namae , Bannai Shokudo , Makoto Shokudo are all recommended ramen shops that are within walking distance of Kitakata Station.

Japanese Sake

Picture from Try Award-Winning Sake In Fukushima! Visit The Kingdom Of Quality Sake

Fukushima is one of the top sake producing locations in Japan. In 2019, they were awarded with the gold medal for the seventh straight year at the Excellent New Brew of Sake Awards Ceremony in Japan.

The flavor of Japanese sake changes drastically depending on the production area and the brewery. Try a cup at an izakaya in Fukushima, or sample some at a souvenir shop to taste the difference.

Peach-Flavored Sweets

Many types of fruit are grown in Fukushima.

Peaches , in particular, are a specialty of Fukushima, produced in the prefecture's northern region. Summers are hot in this valley area, and the heat brings out the sweetness from the peaches. The juicy, mouthwatering peaches made with clean water and rich minerals are a treat from Mother Nature.

Fukushima Gyoza Dumplings

Fukushima gyoza is a specialty dish from the Fukushima City area, where dumplings are laid out in a circular form. Filled with Napa cabbage and other vegetables, the dumplings are crispy and fried. They make a perfect side dish for beer.

Sauce Katsudon

Katsudon is a donburi dish where a pork cutlet is coated in egg and put over rice. However, in the Aizu area in Fukushima, you will get sauce katsudon , where the pork cutlet is soaked in katsu sauce. A layer of cabbage is laid over rice and is topped with a cutlet dipped in sauce.

The picture above shows a sauce katsudon from a town called Yanaizu . Fluffy egg is sandwiched between the cabbage and sauce-dipped cutlet in this dish. There are many different variations of sauce katsudon depending on the shop you go!

Fukushima is a destination you want to keep on your visit list no matter how many times you've visited before!

Where Is Fukushima?

Fukushima is part of Japan's Tohoku area. It is the third largest prefecture in Japan and contains three major areas.

Hamadori is the coastal region, the Nakadori is the central region, and Aizu is the western region. Despite being in the same prefecture, each area is very unique, with distinct culture and natural landscape.

Getting to Fukushima

Sendai International Airport

If you are traveling from Sendai , there is a bus (Aizu bus) (Japanese) that goes to the Fukushima area. The bus from the airport is currently unavailable, but there is a route from Sendai to Aizu Wakamatasu (3,300 yen), and from Aizu Wakamatsu to Fukushima (3,300 yen).

There is a direct bus (Japanese) leaving from Shinjuku  that goes to Fukushima as well. It stops at locations including Koriyama Station and Fukushima Station. It takes around five hours and costs around 5,100-5,500 yen, depending on where you alight.

From Tokyo , there is the Tohoku Shinkansen that departs from Tokyo Station and Ueno Station. Shinkansen stops include Koriyama Station and Fukushima Station. This area is included in the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku Area) .

Experience the Best of Japan in Fukushima

Fukushima receives many international visitors each year, reaching 100,000 or more travelers staying in the prefecture, drawn by its nature-rich regions, culture, and delicious food.

Put Fukushima on your to-visit list and experience all this prefecture has to offer for an unforgettable trip.

MATCHA Editer.

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• things-to-do

Things to do in Fukushima

Find a wealth of things to see and do in Fukushima Prefecture, from beautiful natural environments or cultural and historical discoveries to regional flavors, crafts, and festivals.

Unique in Fukushima

Shiramizu Amidado Temple

Shiramizu Amidado Temple (Amitabha Hall) was constructed in 1160 by Princess Tokuhime of the Oushu Fujiwara clan, which built the "golden culture" in Oushu (the present Tohoku Region). It is the only building in Fukushima Prefecture that has been designated as a national treasure. Inside the hall stands a wooden statue of Amida Nyorai as well as a number of other Buddhist statues such as Kannon Bosatsu, Seishi Bosatsu, Jikoku Tenno, and Tamon Tenno.The garden, called Jodo Teien (Jodo, or "the pure land", is the Buddhist paradise) is a realm of natural beauty in every season. The scenery is especially breathtaking in summer when the lotus flowers are in bloom, prompting one famous writer to liken the garden to a mythical paradise.

The Warehouses of Kitakata

In the Meiji and Taisho eras, Kitakata City experienced a boom in the construction of kura (traditional Japanese storehouses). There are approximately 4,200 still left in the city today. While these were used both as storehouses for businesses in the brewing and lacquerware industries, the building of a kura has traditionally been considered among Kitakata locals as a great symbol of status, and a source of pride.In the Mitsuya District, the rows of brick storehouses are reminiscent of rural Europe, whereas in the Sugiyama district, they have roofs that take the appearance of helmets. Visitors can see a range of kura and other traditional buildings at Kitakata Kura-no-Sato museum, or enjoy exploring the kura of the city on foot or by bike.See here for a 1 day itinerary for visiting Kitakata City.Check out a map of the kura located around Kitakata City.

Komine Castle

Shirakawa Castle (Komine Castle) was heavily damaged during the Boshin War (also known as the Meiji Restoration), and was restored in the 1990s.Komine Castle's restoration marked the first time in over 120 years that a restoration had been attempted on a triple turret (yagura) structure. Blueprints from the late Edo Period were used as references for the repair of this structure.As a result of using these blueprints, it was possible to restore the castle almost exclusively using wood construction techniques. This amazing architecture, along with the extraordinary techniques used to make the stone wall around the castle, make this castle extremely special. There is also an exhibition hall on site.

Ebisu Circuit

Ebisu Circuit – revered as a drift racing paradise – is visited every year by lots of international visitors. Ebisu Circuit’s ‘Drift Taxi’ experience lets you ride as a passenger in a special drifting car while a professional Drift School Teacher speeds around the circuit! Booking and more information here.

Areas in Fukushima

Central area, coastal area, fukushima by season, nature & scenery.

Natsuigawa Valley

Natsuigawa Valley continues 15 km along JR Ban-etsu East Line. In autumn, the train passes the valley at a slow speed so that passengers can enjoy the awesome views from its windows. The beautiful view of the waterfalls and clear streams meandering through rocks is definitely worth seeing.

Goshiki-numa Ponds

The Goshiki-numa ponds of Urabandai are a cluster of five volcanic lakes at the foot of Mt. Bandai. When Mt. Bandai erupted in 1888, Goshiki-numa - which translates as "Five-Colored Ponds - were formed.In actuality dozens of lakes were created due to the 1888 eruption, but the Goshiki-numa Ponds are the most famous. It was thanks to the eruption that the lakes each took on rich color; the various minerals found in each lake give them a unique color and create a mystical aura.The colors of the Goshiki-numa Ponds also change throughout the year depending on weather and time of day, a truly mysterious phenomenon. The lakes have become a popular tourist destination. The five main lakes are Bishamon, Aka, Ao, Benten, and Midoro, and their colors range from a lime green to deep turquoise to a topaz blue. A scenic walking route guides visitors around the ponds. At 3.6 km in length, this walking route - which will take you past many of the ethereal colors - takes about 70 minutes to complete.If you’d like a view of all five lakes at once, why not take the 4 km walking trail from Bishamon-numa (largest of the five lakes) up to nearby Lake Hibara. Alternatively, if hiking is not on your itinerary, enjoy a simple rowboat out on Bishamon-numa. It’s especially lovely in autumn as the color of the autumn leaves reflects on the deep green surface of the lake. In winter, there are even snowshoe trekking tours offered. The color of the lakes looks particularly vivid in winter, seeing as the minerals in some of the lakes stop them from freezing over, meaning you can see their colors contrasted with the white of the snow.Be sure to stop by the Urabandai Visitor Center, which is a large and well-equipped facility. You can find great information here about tours as well as the various geography, wildlife, and even the history of the area. It’s a great chance to learn more about the ecosystem that makes up the Goshiki-numa Ponds.

Mt. Azuma-Kofuji

Every year in spring, as the snow melts away, it leaves behind the shape of a giant white rabbit on the side of Mt. Azuma-Kofuji. This is called the “seeding rabbit”, and it signals to the people of Fukushima that the farming season has come.From April to November each year, you can experience the beauty of the awe-inspiring natural landscape of Mt. Azuma-Kofuji.Mt. Azuma-Kofuji is an active volcano with an appealing symmetry to it and a soft conical shape; because of these classic features, it was named Kofuji ('little Fuji'), after the iconic Japanese mountain.Thanks to its volcanic ground, the area has given birth to many nearby onsen areas perfect for relaxing, such as Tsuchiyu Onsen and Takayu Onsen.Mt. Azuma-Kofuji is a great destination for those who decide to drive through the area as the Bandai-Azuma Skyline happens to pass just below the crater of Mt. Azuma-Kofuji. Along the roadway is the Jododaira Visitor Center, which offers visitors a place to park, rest up, get a snack, and maybe even buy souvenirs. It is the perfect spot to take a break and explore one of the many short hiking routes to stretch out your muscles after a long car ride. From there, it is just a short hike up to the crater, and there are plenty of other great trails. Circle the crater of Mt. Azuma-Kofuji on a relaxed 40-minute walk and—if you are lucky—enjoy gorgeous views of Fukushima City, Mt. Bandai, and the Urabandai area. But do watch your step as the ground can be uneven and even slippery on grey days. The mountain is open from spring to autumn every year.

Bandai-Azuma Skyline

This sightseeing road that runs from Fukushima City's Takayu Onsen to the Tsuchiyu Pass, commanding panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.The spectacular views that stretch out at an average altitude of 1,350 meters attract visitors time and time again, and Bandai-Azuma Skyline has been selected as one of the 100 Best Roads in Japan.In spring, tourists can enjoy flower viewing while at the same time taking in the otherworldly winter scenery of the "Snow Corridor".In summer, the Nemoto Shakunage (Rhododendron brachycarpum), a species of alpine rose, and other alpine plants display their colorful flowers and fresh, brilliant green leaves. During autumn, the drive warms as roads become enclosed by fiery seasonal leaves.There are also many hot springs in the vicinity of the Skyline where visitors can enjoy a bath and relax stiff muscles while out on a daytrip.The roadway passes next to the crater of Mt. Azuma-Kofuji. Visitors can easily park their car at the nearby guest center and enjoy a short hike up to the crater’s rim.The Bandai-Azuma Skyline Roadway has been selected as one of the top 100 roads in Japan, and unlike many others, this one is free to use. There are rest stops along the way for the hungry traveler; the most popular is Jododaira, as it’s home to a rest house and an observatory.Be sure to plan ahead though, from mid-November to early April the roadway is closed due to heavy winter snowfall.

History & Culture

Take a journey to the past in Fukushima Prefecture’s Ouchi-juku area. This isolated village boasts thatched-roof houses and natural streets making you feel at one with the people who lived here hundreds of years ago.Nestled in the southwestern mountains of Fukushima, Ouchi-juku is a great spot to visit thanks to its unique charm and history. This village was established under the post station system of the Edo period, and played a vital role as a rest stop for travelers.In 1981, the well-preserved streets of Ouchi-juku led to it being designated as an Important Preservation District for a Group of Traditional Buildings. It isn’t difficult to see why—the village looks as it did during its heyday. And with no telephone or electric wires above ground, the view from the top of the hill overlooking the village is marvelous.It is a picturesque village where you can lose yourself to the flow of time. The traveler’s road that used to run through this village was called the Shimotsuke Kaido Route, or the Aizu Nishi Kaido Route.Ouchi-juku not only connected Aizu to Nikko, it also connected Aizu-Wakamatsu to Imaichi, a post town on the Nikko Kaido Route in Tochigi Prefecture. This road was frequented by many travelers as well as by the processions of feudal lords who had to travel to and from Edo periodically.Travelers of the Edo Period rested at the inns of Ouchi-juku to relieve their fatigue. Nowadays, festivals and events help draw in new visitors. The annual Snow Festival in February turns Ouchi-juku into a pretty candlelit scene.Visit in July to see a procession of dancers dressed in traditional Edo Period costumes, and you might even get to wear a happi (festival attire jacket) and join the locals in their celebrations!And when you’re feeling hungry be sure to try some of the local specialties, which include negi soba (fresh buckwheat noodles eaten using a green onion), stick-roasted char fish, and more.There’s a little bit of everything at Ouchi-juku.

In a crescent shaped cove separated from the mainland on the small island known as Bentenjima Island, you will find the mysterious Bentenjima Shrine. The vermillion painted tori gate stands out against the jagged stone and the powerful waves. It is believed that the shrine was land based until an earthquake that occurred in 1410 resulted in the formation of this jagged rock island. The construction date of the original shrine is unknown. The island is also known as Wanigafuchi because, according to legend, a creature known as a “wanizame” (crocodile shark) lived on the island. Half crocodile, half shark, this creature can be seen in many old Japanese paintings. The creature may have been believed to cause the swirling water and violent waves that crashed against the rocks, sometimes resulting in people getting swept into the water. Another legend suggests that the wanizame once kidnapped a young woman from Iwaki who had wandered out to explore the island.This coast is lined with small round pebbles that shine when the water hits them. However, do not take any of these pebbles home, legend says that anyone who takes pebbles home from this coast will suffer from eye disease. This area was once a very popular destination for tourists and I highly recommend checking out the photos on the Iwaki city website linked below. It is all in Japanese, but you can read it with the google translate extension on google chrome browsers.

Aizu Hanko Nisshinkan

Aizu Hanko Nisshinkan was the highest-level learning institution of its time. It was established in 1803 by the Aizu Domain to foster Japan's next generation of talented samurais.Children of samurai families entered this school at the age of ten and worked on academic studies and physical exercises to instill both physical and mental discipline.The property, covering about 26,500 square meters in area, used to house such facilities as a martial arts training hall, an astronomical observatory, and Suiren-Suiba Ike, Japan's oldest swimming pool.During the late Edo Period, the school turned out a great deal of excellent talent, including the legendary group of young warriors, the Byakkotai. The facilities, which were burned down during the Boshin War, have been rebuilt faithful to their original design. They now function as a hands-on museum that features exhibits of the magnificent architecture of the Edo Period and dioramas of school life as it used to be.Visitors can enjoy practicing some of the essential disciplines of the samurai, including tea ceremony, Japanese archery, meditation, and horseback riding, as well as experiencing hand painting an akabeko (red cow), a traditional good-luck charm of Aizu.Make a reservation : https://nisshinkan.jp/reservation*Since the website is in Japanese, we recommend that you use Google Translate or other translation functions to make reservations. 

Hot Springs

Dake Onsen is one of Japan's few naturally acidic hot spring sources. The onsen source is located some 8 kilometers away from Dake Onsen town, meaning the hot spring water must be pulled from the source, travelling for around 40 minutes before it reaches the town. During this journey, the hot water becomes softer, making it gentle on the skin. Since the Dake Onsen's hot spring waters are acidic, it is recommended that visitors rinse in the shower after bathing in the town's onsen. This onsen town is also a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. The cherry blossom tunnel at Sakura Hill in Dake Onsen – an onsen town located on the periphery of Mt. Adatara – comes into full bloom in mid-April. Visitors are greeted with fantastic views of cherry blossom against a backdrop of Mt Adatara still sprinkled white with the remainder of last winter’s snow.

Iwase Yumoto Onsen

Iwase Yumoto Onsen has been treasured as a hot spring resort for a long time. The rustic ryokan of Iwase Yumoto Onsen have quaint thatched roofs and are particularly photogenic lined up side-by-side. This old-fashioned area’s nostalgic atmosphere is definitely not to be missed if you would like to feel as if you have been transported back into the Japan of centuries gone by.  

Takayu Onsen

This famous hot spring area is located at an altitude of approximately 750 meters, which is why it’s called 'taka-yu' ('taka' means 'high-up' and 'yu' means 'hot spring'). Located on the slopes of the Azuma mountain range, Takayu Onsen area was once known as “Shinobu Takayu” and, together with Zao Takayu and Shirabu Takayu, prospered as one of three Takayu in what was once known as the northern Ou region. The waters of Takayu Onsen are a bluish milky color and are thought to have healing properties. Most of the resort facilities of the area neither add water nor adjust the temperature in order to maintain the natural allure of the hot spring waters. After bathing in the waters of this spring, your skin becomes almost slippery from the high acidic and hydrogen sulfide makeup. In the Takayu Onsen area, there are 10 natural hot spring sources, with names such as 'Takinoyu', 'Netsuyu', and 'Senkinoyu'. These sources are named after old public baths. In the olden days, bathtubs were built right next to or directly above the hot spring source. Today, the bathing facilities still receive their water flowing directly from the same source. Nowadays, Takayu Onsen consists of about a dozen ryokan (traditional Japanese inns), all offering their unique charm to travelers. You’ll be pleased to note that many of the ryokan open their hot spring baths to non-staying guests for a small fee. The most famous hot spring facility in Takayu Onsen is Tamagoyu, a wooden bathhouse with a traditional feel. There’s even a foot bath in the center of the town open to the public. If public bathing isn’t something you feel comfortable with, many of the onsen facilities in the area also offer private onsen rooms with a rotenburo (open-air bath) available for your own use. It is a relaxing experience unlike any other to soak in the hot waters and feel your worries melt away.

Ashinomaki Onsen

This hot spring resort town is well-known for its beautiful vallies, and the high quality of the abundant hot water that gushes from the town's natural hot springs.Ashinomaki Onsen is a convenient place to stay overnight for those visiting sightseeing spots such as Ouchi-juku, To-no-hetsuri, and Aizu-Wakamatsu City, as the town is located in between these key places.After enjoying a full day of sightseeing in Aizu, visitors can relax and lose track of time while bathing in a hot spring bath at a resort hotel or quaint ryokan.

Outdoor Activities

Canoeing at Lake Hibara

Experience canoeing at Lake Hibara, one of Urabandai’s largest lakes! Outdoor Sports Club Bacss offers a range of fun tours and activities centred around Lake Hibara that you can join with family and friends, including trekking, canoeing and fishing.  

Fukushima Sky Park

A rural landing field located 10 km Northwest of central Fukushima City. Starting with the Azuma Mountain range, the beautiful mountain vistas surrounding this massive location will leave you mesmerized. In addition to aircraft take-off and landing practice, it is possible to use the Fukushima Sky Park for various events. It is widely used for music events, automobile and motorcycle test drives, and a test venue for public organizations.

Watersports at S.A.Y (Lake Inawashiro)

A wakeboard shop located on the northwest shore of Lake Inawashiro in Fukushima Prefecture. It offers easy access from the Kanto region, bypassing major traffic congestion. Individuals and beginners are welcome. A specialized beginner's course is available, allowing even first-timers to enjoy their time on the water, and all necessary equipment can be rented. Bookings can be made even for 1 person. Why not spend a day enjoying the beautiful, clear waters of Lake Inawashiro, one of the most breathtaking lakes in Japan?

Cultural Experiences

Mitsuishi Shrine (Three Stones Shrine)

The Mitsuishi Shrine (Three Stones Shrine) is located a short 10-minute walk from Tadami Station in Tadami Town. Ichinoiwa, Ninoiwa and Saniwa are the three large stones that have spritual significance.  Ichinoiwa (the first stone) is thought to improve intelligence, Ninoiwa (the second stone) is thought to improve eyesight, and Saniwa (the third stone) is thought to improve connections with others, particularly romantic love. The Saniwa is a popular place to visit for those who are hoping to get married someday. To reach the shrine there is a short hike through dense forest, so it is recommended that visitors wear shoes that are easy to walk in.

Aizu Painted Candles Craft Experience

Aizu Erosoku (painted candles) are sumptuous items that were long-prized among samurai families. Delicate and vivid patterns such as chrysanthemums, plum blossoms, and peonies are painted onto candles made of natural Japan wax extracted from the fruits of lacquer trees. Each candle is still painstakingly painted one by one, and they serve as regal decorations in Shinto and Buddhist ceremonies and weddings. A candle painting experience is available at Ozawa Candle Shop (Reservation required).

Kimono Experience in Aizu-Wakamatsu City

You can now try on yukata or kimono at Tsuruga Kimono Rental Shop, which opened in April 2019. Tsuruga Kimono Rental Shop is located on the second floor of Tsurugajo Kaikan, which is right next to Tsurugajo Castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu City. Rent a kimono or yukata and take photos with friends and family in front of the castle, or venture a bit further to the historical Nanokamachi-dori Street to feel like you have stepped back in time. Come and make some great memories in Aizu-Wakamatsu City!

Mugenkyo no Watashi River Crossing

You can try out the Mugenkyo no Watashi River Crossing on the Tadami River for a unique Japanese experience! Sit back, and enjoy the beautiful views as you make your way from one side of the Tadami River to the other. The boat trips are around 15 minutes per way, and run between Hayato Onsen pier and the Mifuke area.Booking & More Information

Gourmet & Shopping

Shokudo Hasegawa

This ramen shop has the characteristically simple flavors of Kitakata Ramen with their curly noodles. The Shokudo Hasegawa is one of the oldest ramen shops in Kitakata City. They use an original plump curly noodle with a satisfactory broth with flavors including soy sauce, salt, miso, and spicy miso.

Odaka Micro Stand Bar (OMSB)

Odaka Micro Stand Bar (OMSB, “omusubi”) is a cafe located near the JR Odaka Station (小高駅) in Minamisoma City, in the coastal area of Fukushima prefecture.This narrow but charming coffee house is popular among visitors and residents, who gather to indulge in its pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Odaka is an area that saw its population decrease to zero for several years while the evacuation order was in place following the nuclear accident.Mr. Takashi Moriyama, a young IT specialist and entrepreneur, decided to open a kitchen car cafe in front of the JR Odaka Station in 2016, after the evacuation order was lifted in the area, to serve returning residents.Mr. Moriyama knew he wanted to play a part in revitalizing Odaka. At the time, there weren’t many other stores or businesses open in the area. He decided to launch a crowdfunding campaign to open a cafe, bakery and coworking space.The campaign raised the necessary funds, and Odaka Micro Stand Bar, the cafe that he envisioned, finally opened to the public. The coworking space and offices on the first and second floor have also opened. OMSB also hosts programming lessons and IT literacy seminars for senior residents in the area.So, more than only a cafe, OMSB is a place where the community comes together, bridging the old and the new.Odaka Micro Stand Bar serves coffee, sandwiches, pastries, matcha and more. We recommend enjoying their rich hot chocolate on a winter afternoon.

Marusei Orchard

At Marusei Orchard, you can enjoy seasonal fruit picking as well as beautiful rural views. You can even treat yourself to delicious sweet treats made using fresh fruit at their onsite cafe! (The cafe menu changes by season).Fruit-Picking Experience Info & BookingSee more information about fruit picking in Fukushima City here.

Azuma Orchard

Azuma Orchard is located along the Fruit Line (a road in Fukushima City which is surrounded by orchards). Here visitors can pick their own fruit, such as cherries from early June, peaches from mid-July, nashi (Japanese pears) and grapes from early September, and apples from October.The grounds of Azuma Orchard include a shop which has been recently renovated. Visitors can also enjoy soft-serve ice-cream in a range of seasonal flavors.

Aizu Festival

The Aizu Festival is one of the largest fall events in the Aizu Area. The main feature of the festival is the Aizu Hanko Gyoretsu, a procession of Aizu Domain Lords.Headed by flag-bearers holding the flags of the successive feudal lords of the Aizu Domain, the procession is attended by participants representing well-known feudal lords such as Lord Uesugi, Lord Hoshina, and Lord Matsudaira, and by groups of festival participants wearing garments and carrying tools associated with each of these lords.Each year, some 500 people parade through downtown Aizu-Wakamatsu in an event that magnificently recreates the world of samurai. Before the procession starts off, there is a kick-off ceremony at Tsurugajo Castle.Visitors can enjoy watching the sword dancing of the Byakkotai worriors and sword fight performances given by professional actors, with the castle keep of Tsurugajo in the background.

Tadami Snow Festival

Snow sculptures big and small take center stage at this exciting, local snow festival. Try out local cuisine and browse traditional locally-made crafts at the Tadami Furusato Snow Festival. As night closes in, the snow sculptures are dramatically lit up. They look even more fantastic when surrounded with the light of the fireworks display that is held on Saturday and Sunday evening.

Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival

The Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival is held yearly on the first Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of October. The highlight of the festival is the procession of festival floats during the first evening. Seven large festival floats adorned with lanterns and filled with locals playing taiko drums make their way through the streets of Nihonmatsu City, filling the streets with festival music as they move.  The final destination for the floats is the Nihonmatsu Shrine.Don't miss the breathtaking sight of 3000 lanterns attached to the floats, burning against the night sky.

Ouchi-juku Snow Festival

Ouchi-juku’s rows of thatched-roof houses (which date back to the Edo Period) are transformed into a winter wonderland during Ouchi-juku Snow Festival, which takes place every February. Bright white snow falls and slowly builds up, as candles burn bright in snow lanterns, bathing the old post town in warm light. Various events are held during the two-day festival, the highlight being the fireworks on the first evening.----------------------------Snow Festival Schedule for 2024Getting to Ouchi-juku BY LOCAL TRAIN & BUS 2024:Download in PDF:Ouchi-juku Snow Festival 2024 The Event Scedule & The Special Schedule for Public Transportation Note added on January 9, 2024.We checked with the bus company that operates the Saruyugo Bus to see if reservations can be made. They are accepting reservations through their reservation website or by phone. Reservations have priority. The reservation site was only in the Japanese language, so we strongly recommend that you use the translation function to make reservations.Saruyugo Bus Reservationhttp://london-taxi.jp/saruyu_reserve/

Disaster Recovery & Revitalization

The Remains of Ukedo Elementary School in Namie Town

The Remains of Ukedo Elementary School in Namie Town (震災遺構浪江町立請戸小学校) are located in the coastal area of Fukushima prefecture.Ukedo Elementary School, located 300 meters from the sea, was having classes when the earthquake struck at 2:46 p. m. on March 11, 2011. A few minutes later, a tsunami warning was issued for Ukedo. The school staff urged students to evacuate immediately to nearby Mount Ohirayama, approximately 1.5 km from the school. When the tsunami hit about 40 minutes after the earthquake, all of the students and staff had evacuated safely.The school building suffered great damage from the earthquake and the tsunami, as did most of Namie town, which shortly after became under evacuation order due to the nuclear disaster (the evacuation order for some areas in Namie Town was lifted on March 31, 2017).In 2021, the remnants of the Ukedo Elementary School building opened to the public. The facilities remain largely untouched, with debris, broken floors and ceilings, smashed objects, collapsed furniture and other school items. Visitors can see the extent of the destruction caused by the earthquake and tsunami and learn about the importance of disaster preparedness.At the entrance, you can scan a QR code using your phone to access the English translation of each explanation panel as you proceed through the school grounds.

The Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum

The Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum (東日本大震災・原子力災害伝承館, often referred to in Japanese only as ‘Denshokan’ [伝承館]) is located in Futaba town, in the coastal area of Fukushima prefecture.Through exhibitions, storytelling, research and interactive displays, visitors can learn about this area before, during and after the disaster, deepen their understanding of the revitalization of Fukushima and the decommissioning of the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, as well as listen to testimonies of residents.This museum shows how Fukushima has dealt with a complex and unprecedented disaster and its ongoing consequences, and communicates lessons for the future on the importance of disaster prevention and mitigation.The museum opened in September 2020 and has about 200 items related to the The Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster on permanent exhibition.Exhibits include explanations in both English and Japanese.Located near the museum is the Futaba Business Incubation and Community Center.

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 EarthNon-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.

Iwaki 3.11 Memorial and Revitalization Museum

Opened on Saturday, May 30, 2020, the museum was established to share the history of the disaster and the following reconstruction efforts by preserving and exhibiting materials related to the earthquake and tsunami, giving talks by local storytellers, and other activities. This way, they are able to preserve the memories and lessons of the disaster. There are panel displays about the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear power plant accident, as well as about recovery and reconstruction, and displays of actual items damaged in the disaster, such as a blackboard from the former Toyoma Junior High School.The Iwaki Storyteller's Group offers regular lectures on the disaster. For more information on lectures, please visit this website.

Snow Activities

Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain

With its high-quality powder snow, Hoshino Resorts Nekoma is perfect for all levels of experience, especially for full-fledged skiers. The Freestyle Park is popular among snowboarders on account of its rich variety of terrain features.

Yellow Falls

This shining golden waterfall appears in the midst of Urabandai's harsh winter. The water, containing sulfur and iron, freezes one layer after another, creating a frozen fall which shines a unique golden colour - giving it the name 'Yellow Falls'. Urabandai Tourist Association recommends that those wishing to trek to the falls should do so only as part of a guided tour, as the trail is not clear in winter.

Smelt Ice Fishing

Come be surrounded by Mother Nature, enjoy ice fishing, and eat delicious, fresh smelt in Urabandai!During November and December, smelt fishing is done from on board a traditional Japanese houseboat. From January through March, it can be enjoyed atop the ice. The houseboats and the rental houses available for ice fishing allow you to fish in warmth and comfort. A one-day, 700 fishing permit is required and can be purchased at convenience stores in Urabandai. For information about smelt fishing, please contact the Urabandai Tourism Association.

Grandee Hatoriko Ski Resort

Grandee Hatoriko Ski Resort offers many runs with relatively gentle slopes allowing beginners and families to safely ski down from the top of the mountain. The main slope also has a snow park, allowing visitors to show off their best tricks and jumps. Waves, mini-kickers and other equipment can also be found on the courses letting you get a bit of practice during your runs. Grandee also offers two conveyor belt lifts, so even ski and snowboard beginners can improve quickly. The beginner area is also separated with a net, making it safe even for small children.

Activities in Fukushima

HISTORY&CULTURE WINTER Aizu Area

Experience private tea ceremony

¥30,000～40,000

OUTDOOR Aizu Area

Snowshoe Hiking at the Goshiki-numa Ponds (Urabandai)

¥25,000 per group

FOOD&DRINK AUTUMN SUMMER Central Area

Fruit Picking Experience

¥1,100～1,500

Approx. 1 hour

HISTORY&CULTURE ALL YEAR ROUND

Aizu Lacquerware Painting Experience

¥5000 per person

If you have any questions, suggestions, or tour enquiries, please contact us using this form.Replies within 2 business days.

Fukushima City

Fukushima (����) is the capital city of Fukushima Prefecture in the Tohoku Region of Japan. Located along the foothills of the Azuma mountain range about 40 kilometers inland from the Pacific Ocean, Fukushima is not a major tourist destination, but offers a variety of natural and seasonal attractions including hot springs , hiking trails in spectacular volcanic landscapes, and Hanamiyama , one of Japan's most pleasant cherry blossom spots .

Fukushima's city center lies 60 kilometers northwest of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and never had to be evacuated. Radiation levels remain slightly above the pre-accident levels but do not pose a health threat.

Top attractions in Fukushima

Hanamiyama ••

Azuma Mountains •

Takayu Onsen •

Getting there and around.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Fukushima guide.

8 Best Places to Visit in Fukushima

Fukushima is often associated with the nuclear disaster that followed the disastrous tsunami and the the big earthquake in 2011. This was the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl. Some of you might wonder if it is worth visiting Fukushima and we say wholeheartedly yes. Fukushima is a prefecture located in the Tohoku region of Japan, that is so much bigger than just ‘that place’. The third largest prefecture of Japan has so much to offer due to the outstanding effort of the local people. You can see historical sites, breathtaking natural landscapes and taste the delicious local foods in Fukushima. In this article, we will introduce places to visit in Fukushima prefecture, that we’re sure you will be surprised about!   ▼ Get exclusive access and learn all about the Fukushima Exclusion Zone on our tour!

1. Ouchi-juku

2. tsuruga castle, 3. aizu-wakamatsu, 4. goshiki numa, 5. hanamiyama park, 6. inawashiro lake, 7. abukuma cave, 8. tepco decommissioning archive center, fukushima exclusion zone 1-day tour from tokyo, fukushima daiichi nuclear power plant visit 2-day tour, where to stay in fukushima, japan wonder travel tours , other articles you might enjoy.

Ouchi-juku refers to a small area known for its well preserved old houses. The town is located in the southwest of the heart of Fukushima prefecture and was used as a post town during the Edo era , where people traveling around the country took a rest and stayed overnight. There were countless numbers of post towns around Japan at that time, and this one is considered as one of the most well-preserved post stations of all. There are a number of Japanese traditional houses and buildings lining the main road, and most of them feature the traditional thatched roof. Especially in winter, the snow-covered roofs offers visitors an amazing scenery! You can also find some souvenir shops selling local specialties for an affordable price.

You can’t just visit Ouchi-juku and take in its stunning scenery, you also need to try the famous local dish called Takato-soba which is usually eaten with Welsh Onion. It is a kind of onion native to Japan, and the long shape is perfect to use for eating soba noodle instead of chopsticks! It could be much more difficult especially for those who are not used to using chopsticks, but it is definitely a must try once you visit there! 

If you are interested in the history of Ouchi-juku and want to learn more about it, you can go to the museum which exhibits traditional daily tools which were once practically used by people living there. The museum itself is using a reconstructed old building, so it must be an exciting experience to enter the building and feel the unique atmosphere!

Tsuruga Castle , also known as Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle is a castle constructed in 1384 and one of the most beautiful castles of Japan . During Edo era, it played an important role as a political center of the Aizu clan who had a significant power due to its close relationship with the Tokugawa Shogunate which governed the whole country at the time. It also became a main stage for the Boshin war , which was one of the fiercest wars in Japan in its long history and also a turning point for Japan. After the Tokugawa Shogunate ended, the original structures were unfortunately destroyed in 1874 in a series of political measures implemented by the new Meiji government. Only the fundamental ruins such as walls of stones and moat are remained precisely as they were even today. In 1965, the castle was reconstructed, and is currently used as a museum which is open to the public. The castle is situated in the heart of Aizu Wakamatsu city, which is in the eastern part of Fukushima. On the castle grounds you can also visit the beautiful Rinkaku Teahouse , where the feudal lords used to hold the tea ceremony .

Tsuruga Castle 8.30am – 5pm Admission fee ¥410 (adult) or ¥520 for a combi ticket (Castle, teahouse & Oyakuen Garden)

Aizu-Wakamatsu is a famous samurai town, surrounded by mountains. The city is known for its many historical highlights, including the Tsuruga Castle , the iconic castle that is also known as one of the best sakura spots in the area. The city officially call itself Samurai city because of its history and there are more historical spots and traditional buildings, like the reconstructed samurai residence Aizu Bukeyashiki . If you are strongly interested in Japanese history, we recommend you some time in the city. 

A recommended visit is Mt. Iimoriyama home to the interesting architectural highlight Sazaedo Temple . From the outside it doesn’t look all too special, but when you visit the interior, you’ll realise there are two spiral ramp-like staircases. As one is used to go up and one to go down, you will never come across someone who’s walking down. Located also on the Iimoriyama Hill, a few minutes south of the temple on foot, you can visit the burial ground of 19 young samurai who committed suicide (seppuku) after they saw their beloved Tsuruga Castle engulfed in flames and thought they has lost the Boshin war. The tragedy is that they were wrong, the castle wasn’t at fire at that time, but the story of their loyalty and devotion has become well known. Besides the long history and the beautiful buildings, Aizu-Wakamatsu is known for its high-quality sake, traditional crafts, onsen , and scenic train rides .

Goshiki Numa is a cluster of several ponds and lakes located in Bandai plateau of Mount Bandai. This mountain is in the northwestern part of Fukushima, and counted as one of the best mountains in Japan. Although Goshiki means five colors in Japanese, there aren’t five different colours of water… there are many more! The ponds and lakes enchant visitors with the mysterious colours of water which are not artificial, but thoroughly created by nature! It is said that the water contains some special chemical elements such as silicon and aluminums, which occurred due to an eruption of Mount Bandai in 18th century. The colours are changing according to several factors including climate, season, and time which makes it more special and fascinating! 

There is also a tracking course around the ponds, and you can take a relaxing walk while being surrounded with the amazing nature. The best season to visit there is spring, when snow has melted away and the plants and flowers come out and grow further! You can also rent a rows at the largest pond called Bishamon Numa , and enjoy the pleasant view from the lake, which will definitely be one of the highlights of your trip!

If you want to visit somewhere to admire flowers, Hanamiyama park could be the perfect option for you! It is a large park sitting on the hillside of the mountain located outside of the center of the city. It was initially started by a local farmer who decided to cultivate the thicket in front of their house and started to plant several spices of flowers and plants. In 1959, they opened it to the public, hoping that anyone could come and enjoy the seasonal flowers whenever they wanted for free! A famous Japanese photographer, Akiyama Shotaro, was extremely impressed by the scenery, and described it as a “flower paradise”. He is said to have repeatedly visited there, which resulted in the increase of the number of visitors afterwards. 

Needless to say, the best season to enjoy the park is spring, as cherry blossoms and plums are in bloom. There is a shuttle bus running between JR Fukushima station and the park, which makes it easy accessible for people who don’t have their own car. The park belongs to the local farmers as a private property so there are some restrictions you need to remember while you walk around there.    

Inawashiro Lake is the fourth largest lake in Japan and recognized as a symbolic tourist attraction in Fukushima. It is situated in Bandai Asahi National Park , about 514 meter above the sea level. There are several tourist spots around the lake such as a camping ground and World Glassware Hall Inawashiro , which displays a number of handmade glassware. Many tourists also go to the Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum, which is dedicated to a world-famous bacteriologist who was born and grew up there. Cruising ship is also available on the lake, and it offers a peaceful ride in a calm atmosphere!

Inawashiro Lake World Glassware Hall Inawashiro (Japanese only) Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum (Japanese only)

Abukuma Cave is a natural wonder that was only discovered a little over 50 years ago. Located in the Tamura City of the Naka-dori area of Fukushima, this limestone cave is like something out of a movie. This cave has naturally formed over the last 80 million years by single drops of water slowly but surely melting the limestone and the calcium phosphate crystallizing into what are called stalactites, making for the beauty that it is today. From the looks of it, you may think that this cave is small and you’d be able to see everything in a few minutes, but that’s not the case. If you’re looking to go through the whole cave, it is a bit over half a kilometer long and takes around 40 minutes to get through!

Finally, we want to introduce a unique center which offers a slightly different experience for you compared to other tourist attractions. TEPCO Decommissioning Archive Center is an archive center operated by TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings), and was formerly used as Energy Museum for Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Plant . Their exhibits help you understand the story of the nuclear accident caused by the big earthquake and tsunami in 2011. They also explain how they have been struggling to achieve the decommissioning of the Daiichi Power Plant over the last 9 years. Everything is clearly explained and transparent for the visitors, so that we can preserve the unforgettable memory for the future generations. An impressive experience!

TEPCO Decommissioning Archive Center (Japanese only)

English brochure is also available

Don’t forget to check out our Fukushima Exclusion Zone tours!

For those interested in what happened in 2011 with the earthquake and disaster, we have some tours that will give you a full understanding, as well as hopefully a new point of view on the area as a whole. We highly recommend making a trip to the area if you haven’t yet.

We have a very insightful and informative 1-Day tour from Tokyo where you will have the chance to see highlights of the beautiful Fukushima coast that was devastated by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear power plant accident. You will also get to talk with the locals who were in the area when everything happened, and see how they have overcome all of the adversity. Have a look below for more information.

▼ Book here

This is the longer and in depth version of the tour, that will provide a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn about nuclear power, what happened to the devastated area, and how we can make the most of the experience for a better future. You will even have the chance to make an exclusive trip to the Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, where the disaster took place, and see the coast’s highlights as well.

• The Celecton Fukushima One minute walk from JR Fukushima Station, delicious breakfast and friendly staff
• Shosuke-no-Yado Takinoyu Japanese Ryokan style room with great onsen hot springs, good location to explore around the city
• Harataki Traditional Japanese ryokan which welcomes you with the view of the waterfall, outside and indoor onsen hot springs

Perhaps you didn’t know this, but Fukushima prefecture is one of the largest prefectures and the majority of the prefecture was largely unaffected by the nuclear disaster following the earthquake and tsunami of 2011. We strongly recommend that you visit some areas which are more relevant to the real struggles and sad memories that local people have been through, but also make sure to visit the other beautiful places as well. Our answer to the question, “is Fukushima worth visiting?” is definitely yes, but not only because of its tourist attractions. We want you to remember that Fukushima is a very special, impressive place where you can feel the aftermath of the devastating disaster and understand the importance of avoiding the same accident happening ever again in the future. 

Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.  From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help you organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are visiting, our knowledgeable and friendly English speaking guides will happily take you to the best spots!  In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need some help! 

▶ Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo and try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake with one of our friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides! 

▶ Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours) There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.

▶ Mt. Fuji Day Trip Bus Tour from Tokyo Experience the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji by visiting the highlights of the area on our guided sightseeing bus tour! Departing from Shinjuku in central Tokyo, you can travel comfortably to all of the best spots in the area by bus.

▶ Kyoto Private Full Day Walking Tour On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.

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Fukushima City

Things to do in fukushima city.

Tsuchiyu Onsen

Fukushima Top Attractions

Kataoka Tsurutaro Art Garden

Upcoming fukushima city events.

Fukushima Ramen World 2024

Set to take place in early May, the Fukushima Ramen Show brings a variety of ramen stores from across Japan to the Shiki no Sato..

About Fukushima City

Fukushima, meaning “Happy Island” is a city nestled between mountains in the Abukuma Valley. At 37 degrees latitude North it is just below Athens, Greece. The heavy snowfalls of winter, however, make it seem much further north. In contrast, the summers are often hotter than Tokyo due to the surrounding mountains that trap in the heat. That being said, the mountains and cooler foothills are close-by and easily accessed by car or public transport.

Fukushima City is a mere 90 minutes away from Tokyo by Shinkansen (Bullet Train) but seems like a world away. The masses of Tokyo station are a stark contrast to the serene feeling one gets when stepping off the train at Fukushima. For the author of this article day trips from Fukushima to Tokyo, over the last 20 years, have always been exciting. The greatest feeling, however, has always been returning in the late evening and getting off the train in Fukushima. The peace and quiet almost seems like a luxury.

The Shinkansen link to Tokyo was completed in 1971 and this caused a rapid transformation of the city which celebrated its centennial in 2007. As the city center was modernized with widened streets and refurbished parks the increase in population tended to settle in the outskirts forming western-style suburbs. As a result, the city center is rarely congested and very accessible by car. Parking spaces are abundant and reasonable. Most charge 100 JPY/half hour with many offering the first 30 minutes free of charge. Access to restaurants and shops are conveniently located in a concentrated downtown area near the station.

Fukushima once had its own castle, though quite humble compared to those in neighboring areas. Historically, it is its silkworm production rather than rice which makes Fukushima stand out. After the Meiji restoration in 1868 silkworm cocoons were exported to Europe and were widely prized by the silk industry in Lyon, France. Though rice paddies seem to be giving way to housing development, fruit production continues to be an important part of the local economy. And, with its new industrial zone hi-tech and pharmaceutical companies such as Canon, Toshiba, and Becton Dickenson have built production facilities west of the city center. Factory visits are available upon request.

Among the most interesting spots in or around the city are:

• the hot spring towns of Iizaka, Takayu, and Tsuchiyu;
• Azuma Sports Park which encompasses the facilities built for the Japan National Sports Meet held in 1995;
• Village of Four Seasons;
• Minowa Ski Resort;
• Jorakuen, a traditional Japanese garden;
• Hanamiyama, famous for its sakura and other flowering trees;
• Mount Azuma-kofuji, an active volcano overlooking the city;
• Fukushima Racecourse;
• and the lesser-known Mount Shinobu which has numerous abandoned mines which were transformed for aircraft engine assembly during WWII.

Whether you come by car, bus, or by train Fukushima is well worth the visit. You will be enchanted by its friendly residents, great food, and stunning beauty. Well into the 21st century Fukushima still displays traditional Japan while moving ahead with cutting edge technology. Come and see it for yourself. You may not want to leave!

Fukushima Top 10

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Explore Fukushima

Plan your trip to fukushima: best of fukushima tourism.

Essential Fukushima

Fukushima Is Great For

• Onyado Kawasemi
• Richmond Hotel Fukushimaekimae
• Umakatei Fukushima Eki Pivot
• Gyoza no Terui Iizaka Honten
• Terui Fukushima Station East Entrance
• Hanamiyama Park
• Azuma Kofuji
• Old Horikiri House
• Fudosawa Bridge / Tsubakurodani
• Bandai-Azuma Skyline

WHAT IS HOPE TOURISM

Hope tourism (hope in fukushima).

At 2:46 pm on March 11th 2011, a magnitude 9 megathrust earthquake occurred in Japan’s Tohoku region. Many people in Fukushima Prefecture lost their lives to this earthquake and the subsequent large tsunami, and scores of homes were destroyed. In addition, the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station Disaster resulted in leaving many people with no choice but to evacuate their homes. The effects of these multiple disasters remain to this day.

However, there are lots of people in the disaster-affected areas striving for a bright future, and working hard to make post-earthquake and nuclear disaster revitalization a reality. Hope Tourism offers participants the opportunity to actually see the places where the effect of the earthquake and nuclear disaster still remain, as well as the places where revitalization efforts are taking places. What’s more, participants can hear directly from people dedicated to regional revitalization. Through these experiences, participants can be actively involved in the handing down of lessons learned from the earthquake and nuclear disaster, as well as having the opportunity to reflect upon a number of current societal problems. This is all part of a new type of tourism we call ‘Hope Tourism’.

Step 1: Seeing

Fukushima today: There are both positive and negative sides to the current situation in Fukushima Prefecture, much of which can only be seen by visiting. There are buildings left broken, abandoned streets left empty after being evacuated. But Fukushima is also home to many areas on the steady path to revitalization, with some areas focused on creating a way of powering society through renewable energy, and ridding it of its reliance on nuclear power. For Hope Tourism, rather than thinking of visits to local areas as being those to “disaster-affected areas”, we think of them as areas continuing on the path to local revitalization. We believe that it is important for people to see these places with their own eyes.

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, as seen from a national highway.

Ukedo Elementary School (Namie Town), which was badly damaged by the tsunami. All students were evacuated from the school on the day of the disaster.

Tomioka Revitalization Mega Solar Power Plant, which was built with local revitalization in mind.

Japan Atomic Energy Agency’s Naraha Center for Remote Control Technology Development, which was established as a development and demonstration facility.

Step 2: Listening

From community rebuilding and the resumption of farming and fishing activities, to disaster prevention and dealing with the nuclear disaster, there are people who - even in the midst of unprecedented hardships - continue working hard across a variety of fields to move towards a bright future. Participants have the opportunity to speak with some of these extraordinary individuals, who are invited to participate in Hope Tourism tours as ‘Guest Speakers’.

Disaster Prevention & Mitigation Kazuhiko Amano (Fukushima University)

Nuclear Disaster / Decommissioning Akihiro Yoshikawa (AFW)

Fisheries Motofumi Kikuchi (Soma Futaba Fishery Cooperative Association, Haragama Branch Office)

Step 3: Considering

In Fukushima Prefecture, participants can see not only places that remain as they were on the day of the disaster, but also those that have changed, or are changing, and are moving towards revitalization. Through interacting with our Guest Speakers, participants can learn a lot from hearing a range of opinions regarding current progress and regional revitalization. Whilst considering the current state in Fukushima and current revitalization efforts, participants are invited to contemplate and debate about social challenges, such as aging populations, decreasing birthrates, community decline, the loss of industrial infrastructure, and energy problems.

Areas to be Visited

Tours run by Hope Tourism mainly visit the coastal area of Fukushima Prefecture, which is where the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station is situated. During part of the tour, participants may pass through Difficult-to-Return Areas, but apart from this, all disaster-affected areas to be visited are places where evacuation orders have been dropped, meaning that former residents are able to return. (There won’t be visits to areas where special permission is needed in order for a temporary visit to take place).

FUKUSHIMA EXPERIENCE

Fukushima University Exchange Students ～Our Fukushima～

Report 2：Hiroshima University Study Tour(“Peace” & “Hope”)

• Field Partners
• Guest Speakers

News of 「HOPE TOURSISM」 tour for foreign visitors to Japan

Follow Fukushima University International Student Facebook started !!

"Hope Tourism" Discovering the REAL Fukushima, and thinking about our FUTURE!

The English website for “Hope Tourism” is now available!

Inquiries about HOPE TOURISM will be answered in English or Japanese.

To fend off tourists, a town in Japan is building a big screen blocking the view of Mount Fuji

FUJIKAWAGUCHIKO, Japan — The town of Fujikawaguchiko has had enough of tourists.

Known for a number of scenic photo spots that offer a near-perfect shot of Japan ’s iconic Mount Fuji , the town on Tuesday began constructing a large black screen on a stretch of a sidewalk to block the view of the mountain. The reason: misbehaving foreign tourists.

“Kawaguchiko is a town built on tourism, and I welcome many visitors, and the town welcomes them too, but there are many things about their manners that are worrying,” said Michie Motomochi, owner of a cafe serving the Japanese sweets “ohagi,” near the soon-to-be-blocked photo spot.

Motomochi mentioned littering, crossing the road with busy traffic, ignoring traffic lights and trespassing on private property. She isn’t unhappy though — 80% of her customers are foreign visitors whose numbers have surged after a pandemic hiatus that kept Japan closed for about two years.

Her neighborhood suddenly became a popular spot about two years ago, apparently after a photo taken at a particular angle showing Mount Fuji in the background, as if sitting atop a local convenience store, became a social media sensation known as “Mt. Fuji Lawson,” town officials say.

The mostly foreign tourists have since crowded the small area, setting off a wave of concerns and complaints from residents about visitors blocking the narrow sidewalk, taking photos on the busy road or walking into neighbors’ properties, officials said.

In Europe, concerns over tourists overcrowding historic cities led  Venice last week to launch a pilot program  to charge day-trippers a 5-euro ($5.35) entry fee. Authorities hope it will discourage visitors from arriving on peak days and make the city more livable for its dwindling residents.

Fujikawaguchiko has tried other methods: signs urging visitors not to run into the road and to use the designated crosswalk in English, Chinese, Thai and Korean, and even hiring a security guard as crowd control. None worked.

The black mesh net, when completed in mid-May, will be more than 8 feet high and 65 feet long, and will almost completely block the view of Mount Fuji, officials said.

Dozens of tourists gathered Tuesday taking photos even though Mount Fuji was not in sight due to cloudy weather.

Anthony Hok, from France, thought the screen was an overreaction. “Too big solution for subject not as big, even if tourists are making trouble. Doesn’t look right to me,” he said. The 26-year-old suggested setting up road barriers for safety instead of blocking views for pictures.

But Helen Pull, a 34-year-old visitor from Britainthe U.K., was sympathetic to the local concern. While traveling in Japan in the past few weeks, she has seen tourism “really ramped up here in Japan from what we’ve seen.”

“I can see why people who live and work here might want to do something about that,” she said, noting many were taking pictures even when the mountain was not in view. “That’s the power of the social media.”

Foreign visitors have flocked to Japan since the border restrictions were lifted, in part due to the weaker yen.

Last year, Japan had more than 25 million visitors, and the number this year is expected to surpass the 2019 record of almost 32 million, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. And the government wants more tourists.

While booming tourism has helped the economy, it has brought complaints from residents in popular tourist destinations, such as Kyoto and Kamakura. In Kyoto, a famous geisha district recently decided to close some private-property alleys.

Locals are uncertain about what to do.

Motomochi said she cannot imagine how the black screen can help control the flow of people on the narrow pedestrian walk and the road next to it.

Yoshihiko Ogawa, who runs a more than half-century-old rice shop in the Fujikawaguchiko area, said the overcrowding worsened in the past few months, with tourists gathering from around 4-5 a.m. and talking loudly. He sometimes struggles to get his car in and out of the garage.

“We’ve never thought we’d face a situation like this,” Ogawa said, adding he is unsure what the solution might be. “I suppose we all just need to get used to it.”

The Associated Press

U.S. criticizes China’s seafood ban over Fukushima wastewater release

Share this story

In this photo provided by U.S. Embassy, U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, left, eats a local fig at JA farmer’s market in Soma city, Fukushima prefecture, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. U.S. Ambassador Emanuel visited a northern Fukushima city Thursday and had seafood lunch with the mayor, talked to fishermen and stocked up on local produce at a grocery store to show they’re all safe after the release of treated radioactive wastewater from the wrecked Fukushima Daiichi plant to the sea, backing Japan effort while criticizing China’s ban on Japanese seafood as political.(U.S. Embassy via AP)

U.S. envoy visits Fukushima to eat fish, criticize China’s seafood ban over wastewater release

TOKYO — The U.S. ambassador to Japan visited a city in Fukushima on Thursday and had a seafood lunch with the mayor, talked to fishermen and stocked up on local produce to show they are safe after the release of treated radioactive wastewater from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea, backing Japan while criticizing China’s ban on Japanese seafood as political.

Ambassador Rahm Emanuel ate flounder and sea bass sashimi with Soma Mayor Hidekiyo Tachiya, talked with local fishermen, and visited a grocery store where he sampled fruits and bought peaches, figs, grapes, flounder, sea bass and other produce from Fukushima prefecture.

All of his purchases will be served when his children visit him this weekend, Emanuel said in a telephone interview from his train back to Tokyo. “We are going to all eat it. As a father, if I thought if there is a problem, I won’t serve it.”

The release of the treated wastewater began last week and is expected to continue for decades. Japanese fishing groups and neighboring countries oppose it, and China immediately banned all imports of Japanese seafood in response.

Emanuel praised Japan’s water release plan as scientifically based and fully transparent, which he said “stands in total contrast” to how China handled the coronavirus pandemic.

“The Chinese ban is political,” he said. An end to the ban “depends on whether China wants to be a good neighbor,” Emanuel said.

Radioactive wastewater has accumulated at the Fukushima plant since a massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011 destroyed cooling systems and caused meltdowns in three reactors. The 1.34 million tons of water is stored in about 1,000 tanks and continues to grow because of leaks and the use of cooling water.

The government and the plant operator say discharging the water into the sea is unavoidable because the storage tanks will reach their capacity early next year and space at the plant will be needed for its decommissioning, which is expected to take decades.

Earlier Thursday, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida sampled seafood and talked to workers at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market to assess the impact of China’s ban on Japanese seafood.

One of the seafood business operators told Kishida that sales of his scallops, which are largely exported to China, have dropped 90% since the start of the wastewater discharge.

Kishida told reporters that he instructed officials to compile a package of support measures for seafood exporters hit by China’s import ban, including an expansion of domestic consumption and new destinations for Japanese seafood to replace China.

“We will patiently and resolutely call on China to take actions based on scientific evidence,” Kishida said.

The government has allocated 80 billion yen ($550 million) to support fisheries and seafood processing and combat potential damage to the reputation of Japanese products. The government will do everything to protect the fisheries industry by utilizing the fund and other measures, Kishida said, indicating possible additional financial measures.

China stepped up testing of Japanese fisheries products, causing long delays at customs, even before the start of the wastewater release and the Chinese import ban. Japanese Fisheries Agency officials said the measure has affected prices and sales of seafood from places as far away from Fukushima as Hokkaido.

All seawater and fish sampling data since the release have been way below set safety limits for radioactivity, officials and the plant operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, say.

In Seoul on Thursday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visited a fish market and had seafood for his lunch as part of efforts to ease public concerns about the safety of local fishery products after Japan’s wastewater release, as his country strengthens a trilateral strategic partnership with Japan and the United States in the face of a growing Chinese regional threat.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno hinted on Wednesday of the possibility of taking the case to the World Trade Organization, but Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi stressed the importance of dialogue.

The impact of China’s ban on Japanese seafood has spilled over to tourism. Transport and Tourism Minister Tetsuo Saito says cancellations of Chinese group tours and inquiries about food safety in Japan have been on the rise.

Meanwhile, Kishida ordered Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries MInister Tetsuro Nomura to apologize after calling the treated radioactive water “contaminated,” the term China uses.

Nomura used the term when speaking to reporters after meeting with Kishida and other ministers to discuss fisheries support measures. He apologized and retracted the remark, which Kishida called “extremely regrettable.”

———

Associated Press writer Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report.

Find more AP Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific

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• Coastal Fukushima
• Aquamarine Fukushima

Aquamarine Fukushima アクアマリンふくしま

50 Onahama, Tatsumicho, Iwaki-shi, Fukushima-ken

• View on Google Maps
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Visit an aquarium with the world's largest touch pool and catch your own lunch

Extensively rebuilt and expanded since the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, Aquamarine Fukushima provides an immersive way for visitors to discover the coastal and marine life of the region.

• The centerpiece glass walkway in the main tank
• Janome Beach, the world's largest touch pool
• The goldfish exhibit showcasing many breeds

How to Get There

From Izumi Station, take the bus for Onahama/Ena and get off at the Aeon Mall Iwaki-Onahama or Shisho Iriguchi bus stops. From there, walk the 5 to 10 minutes to the aquarium.

Exploring diversity and sustainability

Aquamarine Fukushima is more than just a massive aquarium: it is a combination zoo, aquarium, and terrarium that features re-created environments of rivers, coasts, and organisms from the Pacific coast and Fukushima.

The Kuroshio and Oyashio aquariums

The centerpiece of Aquamarine is undoubtedly the Kuroshio and Oyashio aquariums. The swirling schools of tuna and sardines provide an unforgettable immersive experience as you walk through the special triangular glass walkway between the two tanks.

Outside, explore the traditional Japanese philosophy of sustainable living in the satoyama environment. Within these recreated streams and rice fields, the cyclical rhythms of nature can be observed as the seasons change.

You can also catch and eat your own fish at Aquamarine. While this may seem strange, it is part of the sustainable fishing and educational aims of the museum.

More fun in the surrounding area

A 10-minute walk from Aquamarine takes you to Iwaki La La Miu, a large fish market and shopping mall. If you are fit, a further 25 minutes will take you to Misaki Park, containing the Iwaki Marine Tower and an observation platform that juts out over the ocean.

The latest information may differ, so please check the official website

* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

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Mount Fuji view to be blocked as tourists overcrowd popular photo spot

Fujikawaguchiko town official says choice to erect huge barrier is ‘regrettable’ and last resort

A huge barrier to block views of Mount Fuji will be installed at a popular photo spot by Japanese authorities exasperated by crowds of badly behaved foreign tourists.

Construction of the mesh net – 2.5 metres (8ft) high and the length of a cricket pitch at 20 metres – will begin as early as next week, an official from Fujikawaguchiko town said on Friday.

“It’s regrettable we have to do this, because of some tourists who can’t respect rules,” leaving litter behind and ignoring traffic regulations, he told Agence France-Presse.

It is the latest direct action in Japan against over-tourism after residents of Kyoto’s geisha district banned visitors from small private alleys this year.

Record numbers of overseas tourists are travelling to Japan, where the number of monthly visitors exceeded 3 million in March for the first time.

Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain, can be photographed from many spots in the resort town of Fujikawaguchiko. This viewpoint is particularly popular because the majestic – and active – volcano appears behind a Lawson convenience store, which are ubiquitous in Japan.

Due to this visual juxtaposition, “a reputation has spread on social media that this spot is very Japanese, making it a popular photo location”, said the town official, who declined to be named.

The mostly non-Japanese tourists are overcrowding a stretch of pavement next to the Lawson shop, he said.

After traffic signs and repeated warnings from security guards were ignored, the town in Yamanashi region decided on the huge screen as a last resort.

The measure is also meant to protect a nearby dental clinic against tourists who sometimes park there without permission and have even been seen climbing on to the roof of the clinic to get the perfect shot, the official said.

The town wished it had not been forced to take action, the official said, adding that the current plan was for the screen to stay up until the situation improves.

Japan has been a booming tourist destination since pandemic-era border restrictions were lifted, and the government has been working hard to boost visitor numbers. But this has not been universally welcomed, including in Kyoto, where people have complained of snap-happy tourists harassing the city’s immaculately dressed geisha.

This summer, hikers using the most popular route to climb Mount Fuji will be charged ¥2,000 each (£10.50, $13.35, A$20.50), with numbers capped to ease congestion.

Other destinations are also struggling with over-tourism. On Thursday, Venice began charging day-trippers to enter the city, while last week tens of thousands of people across the Canary Islands called for a freeze on visitor numbers .

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Chugoku Electric delays restart of nuclear reactor at Shimane plant

Chugoku Electric Power said Tuesday that the planned restart of the No. 2 reactor at its Shimane Nuclear Power Plant in western Japan will be delayed from August by about four months.

The company now aims to reactivate the 820,000-kilowatt reactor in December, aiming for a restart of commercial operations the following month.

The reactor passed the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA)'s safety screening in 2021. Chugoku Electric was working to improve measures against volcanic ash from a possible eruption in the prefecture, and to install equipment to monitor the state of the fuel pool.

But the work to improve the safety measures was suspended due to a fatal accident at the plant in December last year. As the company also needs to conduct a facility inspection at the same time, the completion of the work is now expected in October of this year, instead of May as previously scheduled.

On Tuesday, Chugoku Electric notified the NRA of changes to the schedules for inspection and other work.

"We will proceed toward the restart, putting safety first," company President Kengo Nakagawa told a news conference.

Regarding the plant's No. 3 reactor, which is under construction, Nakagawa said the company aims to start its commercial operations by fiscal 2030.

The No. 2 unit is a boiling-water reactor, the same type as those used at Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings' Fukushima No. 1 plant, which suffered a triple meltdown in March 2011 following a massive earthquake and tsunami.

No other reactors of that type have been restarted in Japan since the nuclear accident. Among the owners of boiling-water reactors, Tohoku Electric Power aims to reactivate the No. 2 unit at its Onagawa plant in Miyagi Prefecture, around September this year.

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Japanese town with near-perfect shot of Mount Fuji hates tourists so much it’s building a giant black billboard to block the view

The town of Fujikawaguchiko has had enough of tourists.

Known for a number of scenic photo spots that offer a near-perfect shot of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, the town on Tuesday began constructing a large black screen on a stretch of a sidewalk to block the view of the mountain. The reason: misbehaving foreign tourists.

“Kawaguchiko is a town built on tourism, and I welcome many visitors, and the town welcomes them too, but there are many things about their manners that are worrying,” said Michie Motomochi, owner of a cafe serving Japanese sweets “ohagi,” near the soon-to-be-blocked photo spot.

Motomochi mentioned littering, crossing the road with busy traffic, ignoring traffic lights, trespassing into private properties. She isn’t unhappy though — 80% of her customers are foreign visitors  whose numbers have surged  after a pandemic hiatus that kept Japan closed for about two years.

Her neighborhood suddenly became a popular spot about two years ago, apparently after a photo taken in a particular angle showing Mount Fuji in the background, as if sitting atop a local convenience store, became a social media sensation known as “Mt. Fuji Lawson,” town officials say.

The mostly foreign tourists have since crowded the small area, triggering a wave of concerns and complaints from residents about visitors blocking the narrow sidewalk, taking photos on the busy road or walking into neighbors’ properties, officials said.

In Europe,  concerns over tourists  overcrowding historic cities led  Venice last week to launch a pilot program  to charge day-trippers a 5-euro ($5.35) entry fee. Authorities hope it will discourage visitors from arriving on peak days and make the city more livable for its dwindling residents.

Fujikawaguchiko has tried other methods: signs urging visitors not to run into the road and to use the designated crosswalk in English, Chinese, Thai and Korean, and even hiring a security guard as crowd control. None worked.

The black mesh net, when completed in mid-May, will be 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) high and 20 meters (65.6 feet) long, and will almost completely block the view of Mount Fuji, officials said.

Dozens of tourists gathered Tuesday taking photos even though Mount Fuji was not in sight due to cloudy weather.

Anthony Hok, from France, thought the screen was an overreaction. “Too big solution for subject not as big, even if tourists are making trouble. Doesn’t look right to me,” he said. The 26-year-old suggested setting up road barriers for safety instead of blocking views for pictures.

But Helen Pull, a 34-year-old visitor from the U.K., was sympathetic to the local concern. While traveling in Japan in the past few weeks, she has seen tourism “really ramped up here in Japan from what we’ve seen.”

“I can see why people who live and work here might want to do something about that,” she said, noting many were taking pictures even when the mountain was not in the view. “That’s the power of the social media.”

Foreign visitors have flocked to Japan since the pandemic border restrictions were lifted, in part due to the weaker yen.

Last year, Japan had more than 25 million visitors, and the number this year is expected to surpass nearly 32 million, a record from 2019, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. And the government wants more tourists.

While the booming tourism has helped the industry, it has triggered complaints from residents in popular tourist destinations, such as Kyoto and Kamakura.  In Kyoto, a famous geisha district  recently decided to close some private-property alleys.

Locals are uncertain about what to do.

Motomochi said she cannot imagine how the black screen can help control the flow of people on the narrow pedestrian walk and the road next to it.

Yoshihiko Ogawa, who runs a more than half-century-old rice shop in the Fujikawaguchiko area, said the overcrowding worsened in the past few months, with tourists gathering from around 4-5 a.m. and talking loudly. He sometimes struggles to get his car in and out of garage.

“We’ve never thought we’d face a situation like this,” Ogawa said, adding he is unsure what the solution might be. “I suppose we all just need to get use to it.”

Yamaguchi reported from Tokyo.

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