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Official Fukushima Tourism Information

Discover the wonders of Fukushima, the third-largest prefecture in Japan, located in the Tohoku region. From breathtaking nature to historical sites, there is something to see and do here year-round.

Despite the severe impact of the 2011 triple disaster, Fukushima has made significant efforts to recover and rebuild and is a safe and welcoming destination. Learn more about safety in Fukushima.

Welcome to the official English website dedicated to tourism in Fukushima. Find places to visit, things to do, and local delicacies to try!

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Unique in Fukushima

History & Culture

Tsurugajo Castle

Tsurugajo Castle is the crown jewel of the Aizu region, bringing visitors from all over the world to see its incredible scenery, which changes drastically every season.Despite several reconstructions to the main castle over the years, the surrounding park's stone walls remain in their original state. In 2010, for the first time since it was refurbished in 1965, the castle underwent a cosmetic restoration. Following completion in 2011, the same red-tile roofs seen by the Byakkotai (during the Boshin War and finals days of the Tokugawa shogunate) are now displayed for all to see.This castle is one of the final strongholds of samurai that remained loyal to the shogunate and today stands as a symbol of courage and faithfulness.Within the castle tower's museum, the swords and armor of the castle’s successive lords are on display. Visitors can watch a CG-enhanced theatrical video reflecting on the great history of Aizu.In addition to the historical atmosphere surrounding Tsurugajo, visitors can sense the changes that have occurred throughout history, thanks to the engaging and informative museum within the castle walls. It’s fun to gaze across Aizu from the fifth floor, like a feudal lord admiring his domain—the viewing platform up here provides panoramic views taking in Mt. Bandai and Mt. Iimoriyama.The castle is also a must-see in the springtime when approximately 1,000 cherry trees offer a magnificent display within the castle's grounds.When you’re in the mood for a rest, visit the Rinkaku Tea Rooms for some freshly-prepared matcha green tea. This tea house on the grounds of Tsurugajo was vital in the spread of this traditional art—and had it been destroyed during the Meiji Restoration, tea ceremony as it is known in Japan might have vanished.

Nature & Scenery

Tadami River Bridge No. 1 Viewpoint

A panoramic view of the arch bridge stretches over the Tadami River. On clear winter days, the bridge is reflected in the river, surrounded by deep, glistening snow. Spring's fresh leaves, summer's lush greenery, autumn's red leaves... the view changes each season.

Events & Festivals

Aizu Festival

The 2025 Aizu Festival will take place on 19-21 September, 2025. Reservations are open to join the lords' parade as a samurai on Saturday 20th. Visit our booking page for more information.The Aizu Festival is the biggest event of the year for the historic Aizu region. The main feature of the festival is the Aizu Hanko Gyoretsu, a procession of Aizu Domain lords and samurai.Headed by flag-bearers holding the flags of the 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.The 2024 festival was struck by bad weather, but the samurai spirit of the participants was undiminished. 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 warriors and sword fight performances given by professional actors, with the castle keep of Tsurugajo in the background.Overseas visitors or Japan residents can also join the parade in samurai armour; for more details about joining the 2025 parade in September, please visit the booking site above.2025 Festival Schedule:19 September 2025 (Friday)18:00 - 18:30 Lantern parade: Local schoolchildren will walk from Tsurugajo Castle to Shinmei Street carrying lanterns.19:00 - 20:30 Aizu-Bandaiyama Mountain Dance: Held around the tower on Shinmei StreetMain day: 20 September 2025 (Saturday)09:55 Lord's Procession: The procession leaves from Tsurugajo Castle and carries on through the city, ending at roughly 1pm or 2pm.19:00 - 20:30 Aizu-Bandaiyama Mountain Dance: Held around the tower on Shinmei Street21 September 2025 (Sunday)10:00 Nisshinkan Children's Parade: Children march through the streets dressed as members of the legendary Byakkotai (White Tiger Corps) or Swords Corps.10:10 Drum and Flute Corps Parade: Students from around 20 elementary schools in the city perform with traditional drum and flute.

History & Culture

Ouchi-juku

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.Please be aware that some restaurants are closed on Wednesdays, so lunch availability may be reduced.

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Activities in Fukushima

OUTDOORSUMMERAizu Area

Tadami Line Summer Tour

¥7,450

7.5 hours

AUTUMNAizu Area

Join the Aizu Samurai Festival: Total Samurai Experience

¥120,000

3 days

AUTUMNAizu Area

Join the Aizu Samurai Festival: Parade Only

¥15,000

5 hours

FOOD&DRINKAUTUMNSUMMERCentral Area

Fruit Picking Experience

¥1,100～1,500

Approx. 1 hour

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Trips in Fukushima

Samurai

Samurai Spirit Experience

Discover the spirit of the Japanese samurai on this one-day tour of warrior history in the beautiful Aizu region of Fukushima. Feel the past come to life all around you as you experience the places where samurai once walked. This tour can be enjoyed any time of the year. Leave from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station and journey to Tsurugajo Castle, the only castle in Japan with its signature red roof tiles. Stroll through the outer grounds before heading inside the keep, complete with a picture from the observation platform at the top. After you’ve finished at the castle, make your way to Aizu Hanko Nisshinkan, once a high-grade academy for young samurai. This is where the fledgling warriors received training and education, not only in combat but in philosophical and artistic pursuits. Afterwards, move on to Aizu Bukeyashiki, the 28-room sprawling estate that once belonged to a samurai family of the region. The well-preserved estate showcases everyday samurai life as well as some stunning artifacts and gardens. As you walk the halls of the old quarters, you'll be able to imagine what life was like for a powerful and influential samurai of the period. Still looking for samurai experiences? Try a samurai class at the dojo of Ookawaso ryokan.

Driving

Ultimate Fukushima Prefecture Road Trip

This trip highlights some of the best Fukushima has to offer and is perfect for those looking to get the most out of the prefecture in a limited time. Take in castles, nature, traditional villages, and more as you treat yourself to local styles of soba and ramen along the way. Renting a car is a must if you want to hit all the spots on this tour. You can take it slow and complete this trip over three days, or skip out an overnight stay in Urabandai area, and do it in two days. Start the day from Fukushima Station with a scenic drive to the the beautiful Urabandai region. We recommend taking the Bandai-Azuma Skyline road so that you can enjoy a mountain drive and check out the great sights at Mt. Azuma-Kofuji. From there, take the stunning sightseeing road Azuma-Bandai Lake Line into Urabandai. Explore the Urabandai area, have lunch, go on a walk around the five-colored ponds of Goshiki-numa, and maybe even take a dip in a hot spring or two. Choose whether take it slow and stay the night in Urabandai area, or whether to press on to Aizu-Wakamatsu City. Later that day - or the next morning, depending on your schedule - head into the castle town of Aizu-Wakamatsu City where samurai culture is prevalent. The majestic Tsurugajo Castle offers beautiful views of the surroundings from the keep. Check out the nearby Tsurugajo Kaikan to paint an akabeko or two and maybe have some lunch. Then explore the mysterious Sazaedo Temple and the surrounding Mt. Iimoriyama area. From here, we suggest staying overnight in the city. There are plenty of budget hotels in Aizu-Wakamatsu, but if you are looking for something traditionally Japanese, we recommend looking into lodging at the nearby Higashiyama Onsen hot springs town just east of the city. On the next day prepare to jump into the past with a trip to the Ouchi-juku mountain village. You can spend hours here shopping and eating local foods while walking up and down the street lined with traditional thatched-roof houses. Lastly, head to the To-no-Hetsuri Crags, a natural monument filled with towering cliffs overlooking the Okawa River. Cross the nearby suspension bridge which offers breathtaking views of the surroundings. After getting fully refreshed head back to Shin-Shirakawa station by car, drop off your rental car, and connect back to Tokyo or the next stop on your journey!

Two Days, One Night in Fukushima Prefecture

Culture

Two Days, One Night in Fukushima Prefecture

Looking to visit the best of Fukushima Prefecture in only a short time? This itinerary aims to cover some of the prefecture's most popular spots in the space of a two day, one night stay, including lunch options and potential activities. The transport hub of Koriyama, served by both shinkansen (bullet train) services from Tokyo and local trains, is an excellent place to start your trip. The journey from Tokyo Station to Koriyama Station takes as little as 1 hour and 15 minutes on the shinkansen. On this trip, you'll visit, among others: The ethereal thatched-roof village of Ouchi-juku Tsurugajo Castle, samurai fortress of the Aizu clan The double-helix architecture at Sazaedo Temple Goshikinuma Ponds, one of northern Japan's most beautiful natural areas The astonishing colours along the Bandai-Azuma Skyline sightseeing road The Fukushima 'Fruit Line' with dozens of orchards This itinerary can also be combined with a beautiful cherry blossom spot like Hanamiyama or the thousand-year-old cherry tree Miharu Takizakura, if your trip falls in mid-April. These spots are most easily traversed by car, so this article recommends renting a car at Koriyama Station. There are four rent-a-car spots near the station with English support and online bookings available: Toyota Times Car Rental ORIX JR Rent-A-Car However, much of the course can be accessed by public transport. The sights towards the mountainous Inawashiro region (Goshikinuma Ponds, Bandai-Azuma Skyline etc.) can be more difficult without a car.

Fukushima’s Revitalization Educational One-Day Trip

Culture

Fukushima’s Revitalization Educational One-Day Trip

This is a model itinerary for visitors who would like to learn about Fukushima’s revitalization. The coastal area of Fukushima is the only place in the world to have survived a triple disaster: an earthquake, a tsunami and a nuclear disaster. Following extensive decontamination efforts and a great deal of demolition and reconstruction, several areas that were once designated as ‘difficult to return’ have started welcoming both residents and visitors again, with many residents eager to share their stories with the world. This itinerary centers on the towns of Futaba and Namie, both of which were severely affected by the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident in 2011. The first stop is Futaba station and the surrounding Futaba Art District, a mural art initiative that pays homage to the residents and folk art of the town. From there, you’ll visit the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum, which has a detailed account of the area before, during, and after the disaster. At the museum, you’ll learn about the stories and testimonies of locals, as well as the plans and ideas for the future of Fukushima. The last stop is the remains of the Ukedo Elementary School in Namie town. Although the school building, located only 300 meters from the sea, sustained great damage from the tsunami, students, teachers and staff were able to evacuate from the school safely, for which it is known as a ‘miracle’ school. This is a one-day itinerary, but we recommend staying somewhere in the coastal area of Fukushima after your visit.

Seasons on Fukushima

Spring

Mar - May

Summer

Jun - Aug

Autumn

Sep - Nov

Winter

Dec - Feb

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