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Exploring the Kasumigajo Castle Park!

When we arrived at the Kasumigajo Castle Park (Nihonmatsu Castle) I immediately felt drawn in by the sweet smell of the blooming sakura trees. The whole park is full of sakura trees, making this a great place for cherry blossom viewing (Hanami, in Japanese)!  Before you walk in throug...

Exploring the Kasumigajo Castle Park!
Destination Spotlight

Fukushima x SIGMA: A Photographer's Paradise Route

This route through part of Fukushima has it all, fantastic autumn views, history, and adventure! Follow the route that we took to produce our video, "Fukushima x SIGMA: A Photographer's Paradise."  Grab your camera, and LET'S GO! Tsuruga...

Fukushima x SIGMA: A Photographer's Paradise Route
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The Sake Brewing Process at Niida Honke

Niida Honke Sake Brewery Founded in 1711, Niida Honke has seen eighteen generations of master brewers, each bringing their own personality and subtle changes to the company and its sake. The current head brewer is Yasuhiko Niida, an incredibly nice person with an awe inspiring passion for...

The Sake Brewing Process at Niida Honke
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[EVENT] Fukushima EXPO “FUKU-EXPO” 2020 in Aizu

In Fukushima Prefecture, in the Aizu region, we are holding a tour-type expo event called [Fukushima EXPO “FUKU-EXPO” 2020 in Aizu] to promote traditional crafts and local industries in Fukushima! Here, guests can explore the history and development of traditional culture in Fukushima...

[EVENT] Fukushima EXPO “FUKU-EXPO” 2020 in Aizu
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Getting to Ouchi-juku

  Tokyo to Ouchi-juku (Via Shin-Shirakawa) Koriyama to Ouchi-juku Fukushima to Ouchi-juku Aizu-Wakamatsu to Ouchi-juku Please note that all times are rough estimations and do not include accurate waiting times between stops. All prices listed below should be treated as...

Getting to Ouchi-juku
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JR Tadami Line

Station list and timetable for the JR Tadami Line (Updated April 2020) ABOUT SERVICE DISRUPTIONS Replacement bus service runs between Aizu-Kawaguchi Station and Tadami Station. TIMETABLE (FROM AIZU-WAKAMATSU TO KOIDE, VIA TADAMI) Station name Aizu-Wakamatsu ...

JR Tadami Line
Destination Spotlight

Mt. Iwatsuno’s Gankakuji: Amazing Buddhist Mountain Temple

I discovered Mt. Iwatsuno by accident. I did a farmstay in Motomiya City, and when I asked my farmstay host about her favourite place in Motomiya, she told me about Mt. Iwatsuno. My farmstay host described Mt. Iwatsuno as a mountainside scattered with huge rocks that had either been e...

Mt. Iwatsuno’s Gankakuji: Amazing Buddhist Mountain Temple
Destination Spotlight

Making Bamboo Lanterns in a Temple

I discovered an awesome temple in Fukushima City! I’ve known that Ioji Temple existed for a long time, so I was really happy to finally get to visit. The architecture and traditional garden in the temple grounds make a visit to Ioji Temple worthwhile in itself, but what makes Ioji re...

Making Bamboo Lanterns in a Temple
Destination Spotlight

Iizaka Onsen & Kenka Matsuri Autumn Festival

WHERE IS IIZAKA ONSEN & WHAT IS A ‘KENKA MATSURI’? Iizaka Onsen is a quaint town built around the sources of the Iizaka Onsen hot springs. Iizaka Onsen hot spring water has been loved for over a millennium, and is well-known in Japan. Residents of Tokyo often pop up on the Shin...

Iizaka Onsen & Kenka Matsuri Autumn Festival
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Ideas for Winter Trips in Fukushima

I decided to write a bucket list of things to try out in Fukushima during the winter months! 1) TAKE IN THE VIEWS OF BEAUTIFUL OKU-AIZU The Tadami Line train connects Aizu-Wakamatsu City with Niigata Prefecture via some of Fukushima’s most beautiful rural towns and villages. T...

Ideas for Winter Trips in Fukushima
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Autumn Leaves in Fukushima

Fukushima Prefecture is packed with a huge variety of amazing scenic spots. It goes without saying that there is lots to see during the momiji (autumn-leaf viewing) season! I have compiled a list of 10 of my recommended spots for autumn-leaf viewing! I hope you find it useful. ...

Autumn Leaves in Fukushima
Destination Spotlight

Making Awamanju in Yanaizu

I got to try my hand at making awamanju (a local delicacy from Yanaizu Town, Aizu) and really enjoyed the experience! This activity is suitable for people of all ages, and staff can even instruct you in English! But first things first… WHAT IS A MANJU? Manju are a type...

Making Awamanju in Yanaizu
Destination Spotlight

Trying Out Ramie Weaving in Showa Village

I visited Showa Village, in the rural Oku-Aizu region, in autumn. One of the places I headed to was Michi-no-Eki Karamushi Ori-no-Sato (Roadside Station) – pictured below – where I was able to try traditional ramie weaving! From shirts to bags, decorations to mats, Showa V...

Trying Out Ramie Weaving in Showa Village
Destination Spotlight

Sukagawa City: Fireworks, Tatami, Fire Festivals & Sci-fi Heroes

It struck me recently that when people think about travelling in Fukushima Prefecture, Sukagawa doesn’t tend to be the first place that comes to mind. But the city has some really interesting places to visit and incredible festivals to experience. What’s more, it’s really easy t...

Sukagawa City: Fireworks, Tatami, Fire Festivals & Sci-fi Heroes
Destination Spotlight

Oku-Aizu Museum & Sannojaya Tea Room

I recommending a visit to the Oku-Aizu Museum to anybody traveling around Aizu-Tajima area, especially to those who might have visited the Aizu-Tajima Gion Festival. It takes 15 minutes to reach Oku-Aizu Museum from Aizu-Tajima Station if travelling by car, and 30 minutes if using public transpor...

Oku-Aizu Museum & Sannojaya Tea Room

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