Fukushima Prefecture is the third-largest prefecture in Japan after Hokkaido Prefecture and Iwate Prefecture, stretching 150 kilometers from the Pacific coast to the mountains in the northeast of Honshu. Located on the eastern Pacific coast of Japan at the southernmost part of the Tohoku region, Fukushima Prefecture offers a variety of enticing tourist destinations, including historical sites, natural recreation, high-quality cuisine, and Japan's first amusement spa resort, the Spa Resort Hawaiians.
When visiting Fukushima Prefecture, you can explore Japan’s history and cultural heritage at Tsurugajo Castle. Here, you can see displays of armor and swords from the castle's rulers and watch a theatrical video depicting the significant history of Aizu. In addition to the historical experience, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Bandai and Iimoriyama Hill, overlooking the city of Aizu.
In Fukushima Prefecture, you'll find the fourth-largest freshwater lake in Japan, Lake Inawashiro, located in Bandai Asahi National Park. Known as the "Heavenly Mirror Lake," you can witness the extraordinary scenery created by the combination of Lake Inawashiro and Mount Bandai. Moreover, you can engage in various water sports, observe swans, or camp along the lake's shore.
Fukushima Prefecture also hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year that you shouldn't miss. The Fukushima Waraji Festival, an iconic summer festival featuring a parade of people wearing "happi coats" and carrying traditional large straw waraji sandals. Attend the Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival to witness the spectacle of 3,000 lanterns adorning decorated vehicles. Additionally, experience Soma Nomaoi, a traditional Shinto ritual where warriors on horseback wear ancestral armor and ride across fields.
To navigate Fukushima Prefecture, using the bus is the optimal choice. The local buses in Fukushima can be identified by maroon and yellow colors, and they connect Aizuwakamatsu Station with most of the city's key attractions. These buses operate daily from 08:00 AM to 05:30 PM. The bus fare is 210 yen per trip, but if you opt for the daily ticket priced at 500 yen, you gain unlimited access to the bus throughout the day.
Fukushima Prefecture is the second-largest producer of fruits in Japan and the fourth-largest producer of pears, which is known as "Fruit Kingdom." To experience fruit picking, you can travel along Prefectural Route 5, also known as the "Fruit Line," which runs along the foothills of Mount Azuma.
When in Fukushima, don't miss the opportunity to soak in their hot springs. You can visit various hot springs for different experiences, such as Ashiomaki Onsen, renowned for its beautiful valleys and the high-quality hot water that flows abundantly from natural springs in the town. Alternatively, try Takayu Onsen, known for its bluish milky-colored waters believed to have healing properties, or the Noji Onsen, which offers picturesque views of the Adatara Mountains.
For a closer encounter with marine life, visit Aquamarine Fukushima, facing the Pacific Ocean. Here, you can observe various fish species while walking through tunnels. Serpent’s Eye Beach is a popular outdoor area where children can enter the water barefoot and directly interact with sea cucumbers and starfish.
Prepare your camera to capture the best shots at Takizakura, one of the three giant cherry blossom trees in Japan, serving as the symbol of Miharu Town, which is also renowned for its historic warehouses, temples, and shrines. Visit during the late afternoon or the cherry blossom season to have the best experience.
While exploring Fukushima Prefecture, make a trip to Ouchi-juku, a charming town with dozens of restaurants and thatched-roof souvenir shops. Take a stroll to Koyasu Kannon Temple to enjoy breathtaking views for capturing pictures of the Ouchi-juku landscape. Additionally, wander through the L-shaped farmhouses known as "magariya" Maezawa, designated as historical cultural assets.
Don't miss a visit to the Kitakata Warehouse, an area known for sake brewing and soy sauce production, featuring distinctive brick buildings with black plasters and white walls. Here, you can also explore the historical warehouse exhibitions by taking a guided tour.
Be sure to indulge in Kitakata Ramen, the local specialty of Kitakata City that ranks among the most famous types of ramen in Japan. This dish consists of thick noodles served with pork, boiled bamboo shoots, and green onions, making it a delicious treat during your visit to Fukushima.
If you are in the mood for a snack, try Enban Gyoza, dumplings filled with various vegetables and seasonings, presented in a crescent shape for a unique culinary experience.
Furthermore, you can savor local dishes with Aizu flavors, such as Aizu soba, known for its chewy texture, sweet taste, and fragrant aroma, making it a favorite among many. Alternatively, experience the traditional dish of Koyuzu, a soup featuring dried clams, konjac noodles, mame-fu (bean gluten), mushrooms, and carrots seasoned with salt and soy sauce.
The best time to visit Fukushima Prefecture is during the autumn months from September to November. During this period, the weather in Fukushima Prefecture is quite ideal, and there are many beautiful natural attractions to explore during the fall season.
To explore Fukushima Prefecture, the ideal duration is around 3 days, during which you can have various experiences in nature, history, and cuisine spread across the entire region.
Get to Know Fukushima
Travel Tips for Fukushima