Destination Spotlight

5 Reasons To Visit Tadami Line’s Yanaizu Town

5 Reasons To Visit Tadami Line’s Yanaizu Town

Yanaizu Town lies west of the historic city of Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture. It’s a perfect destination to include in a day trip from Aizu-Wakamatsu City, or as part of the journey to Kaneyama or Miyashita, where you can stay the night before venturing out to see the No. 1 Tadami River Bridge View Spot in the morning! The best part? The scenic JR Tadami Line local railway line connects all of these places!

Here are some of my favourite things about visiting Yanaizu during the winter months.

1) ENZOJI TEMPLE

Originally constructed in the year 807, Enzoji Temple is a remarkable and historic temple in Yanaizu Town. Although damaged heavily and repaired in the 17th century, the temple still feels extremely old, and bears the scars of historic events such as damage to the wood caused by the fighting that took place during the Meiji Restoration.

This temple looks absolutely magical in winter time, as there is heavy snowfall in Aizu area each year. The temple is just a 9 minute walk from Aizu Yanaizu Station on the JR Tadami Line, or you can drive here easily from Aizu-Wakamatsu City.

Enzoji Temple is most famous for being the birthplace of the legend of the lucky red cow of Fukushima known as the ‘Akabeko’. This cow supposedly played a vital role in the construction of the temple nearly a millennium ago.

2) THIS VIEW

I never get over how beautiful the view from the steps leading up to Enzoji Temple is. Every time I drive past here, no matter the season, I can’t help but park my car and snap a photo or two.

3) STEAMED BUNS

Yanaizu Town is known within Fukushima Prefecture for its really tasty sweet steamed buns known as ‘Awa Manju’, which are filled with a variety of flavours. Made from millet and pounded mochi rice, and filled with red bean paste, these buns have been loved in this town for almost 200 years. They’re especially delicious enjoyed with hot green tea!

There are a number of shops that sell them along the quaint roads that surround Enzoji, so please take a walk around and choose your favourite! I’ve included the main manju shops in the map to the top of this post.

4) KIYOSHI SAITO MUSEUM OF ART, YANAIZU

Just a 12 minute (1 km) walk from Enzoji Temple, this museum of art displays the work of Kiyoshi Saito, an internationally famous artist who was born in nearby Aizu-Bange Town. Inspired by traditional woodblock print, Saito produced many beautiful block prints during his life which have been exhibited in countries including the US, Australia, India and Czechoslovakia.

Over the decades, the subject of Saito’s prints developed and changed, and range from animals and vegetable motifs to landscapes and portraits. For the town of Yanaizu, arguably the most important prints produced by Saito were his Aizu Series, made in 1940.

Saito left Aizu in 1911 when he was 4-years-old to move to Hokkaido due to his father’s job transfer. He returned to Aizu for the first time in 1937 to visit his Aunt in Yanaizu Town. He was really moved by the beautiful scenery and created prints to capture the atmosphere and magic of rural life. He became a honorary citizen of Yanaizu Town years later and retired there at the age of 80. The museum has a great English website so please check it out here.

The museum is located close to Michi-no-Eki Yanaizu (Roadside Station) and Hot in Yanaizu, where you can buy souvenirs and local food (and even a steamed bun or two if you get there before they all run out!) so be sure to check these shops out too.

Images ©Hisako Watanabe

5) NAKED MAN FESTIVAL

This festival is officially known as ‘Nanokado Hadaka Mairi‘, which translates as ‘Naked Temple Visit’. On the evening of January 7th every year, crowds of men dressed in fundoshi loincloths (which you read about last week!), get ready for this festival, which takes place in Enzoji Temple. Participants cleanse their bodies, and march through the streets of Yanaizu to Enzoji Temple, almost completely exposed to the elements.

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    Following Fukushima’s Footpath: A Forest Walk in Nishigo

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    Following Fukushima’s Footpath: A Forest Walk in Nishigo
  2. Destination Spotlight

    Among a Sea of Clouds – Climbing Mt. Issaikyo

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    Among a Sea of Clouds – Climbing Mt. Issaikyo
  3. Useful Information

    How to Enjoy Fruit Picking in Fukushima: The Ultimate Guide

    Fukushima Prefecture has been called the ‘Fruit Kingdom’ for its abundance of orchards – in particular, the western half of Fukushima City is overloaded with fruit farms of all kinds and colours. This long strip of farmland is known as the ‘Fruit Line’, with over 20 orchards located in this region alone, and is one of the best places in Japan to enjoy a leisurely fruit picking experience during your trip.Unlike fruit picking in western countries, which is often an all-you-can-pick experience, fruit picking in Japan more closely resembles all-you-can-eat. You are usually given a set time period after you arrive – likely 30 minutes to an hour – during which you’re welcome to pick and eat as much fruit as you like. 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You also must show the permit to staff during the rental process.JR Rent-a-car / Toyota / OrixBicycle RentalExploring the countryside on a rental bicycle is one of the best ways to experience Japan – when the weather is nice – and it’s a great way to ‘hop’ multiple orchards if you’re looking to peruse the local products. Despite being ringed to the west by the Azuma mountain range, the Fruit Line is largely flat with a splendid green atmosphere, with most roads being flanked by fruit trees.As an example, if going to Marusei Orchard, take the Izaka Line to its final station of Iizaka-onsen (approx. 20mins), and rent cycles at the station. From there, take a leisurely bike ride headed west for about 10-15 minutes until you arrive at the orchard. (This itinerary would also work for visiting any orchard on the Fruit Line by bicycle.)TaxiTaxis are plentiful and available from the west exit of Fukushima Station, with drivers very familiar with the layout of the Fruit Line and able to drop you at any orchard of your choice. If returning to Fukushima Station, the orchard staff would be able to call a taxi to pick you up. However, since a round trip to the west of the city would likely cost around 7,000 yen – roughly the same price of a rental car for the day – it may be worth considering driving yourself or taking a train and renting bicycles.To learn more about the Fruit Kingdom and book your spot, visit our reservation page.

    How to Enjoy Fruit Picking in Fukushima: The Ultimate Guide
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