Destination Spotlight

Fukushima x SIGMA: A Photographer's Paradise Route

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!

Tsurugajo Castle

First we went to the gorgeous and historic Tsurugajo Castle, a bright white castle that pops against the fall colors.

The high walls of the castle that once gave archers the strategic advantage against invaders, now provide fantastic angles for photographers. We walked along the castle walls and searched for the best angles of the bright white castle framed in the warm autumn leaves.

The castle tower is now a museum where visitors can view artifacts and learn about the history of samurai in the area. This castle was one of the final strongholds of samurai during the Boshin War and the final days of the Tokugawa shogunate. Something to think about as you photograph this historic location.

Be sure to check out the Rinkaku Tea Rooms on the castle grounds, it’s a great place to photograph some Japanese plants and a traditional garden atmosphere. Not only is the garden beautiful, but you can even enjoy traditional Japanese sweets and Matcha green tea if you have time.

(Read more about Tsurugajo Castle...)

Sazaedo Temple

Next, we arrived at Sazaedo Temple, a unique Buddhist temple that was built in 1796.  

When we first arrived, I was a bit confused. The entrance is a red tori gate that seems to be the entrance to a deep forest. After crossing under the gateway, we followed the stone path and suddenly the sound of a rushing river greeted us. A river surges through a curving canal and under a small bridge, then out of sight. Before even catching a glimpse of the temple we could feel the spiritual power of this place. To the right, a set of stairs and leads up to Sazaedo Temple. 

This architectural wonder is hexagonal in shape and has a unique double helix staircase. A must-see! The outside is beautiful, but the inside was what I looked forward to the most. We went inside to capture photos of the walls and ceilings that are plastered with the names of families who visited hundreds of years ago, an old Japanese tradition. Lit only by the natural night that streams in through the windows, this place truly felt like a step back into another time.

(Read more about Sazaedo Temple...)

Yunokami Onsen

Next we went to Yunokami Onsen, one of my favorite places to visit in Fukushima.

We searched ahead to find out what time the train would be coming and arrived just in time to capture photos of the train passing by. Watching the local train roll into this cozy countryside station was one of the highlights of my day! This place is truly special. The mountains around the station are small and cute, shaped like the triangular mountains that a kid might draw. In autumn when the autumn foliage gives the mountains their warmer colors, it provides a cozy backdrop to the thatched roof of the station.

The name of this station has the word onsen in it, and sure enough, there is a foot onsen to warm you up! A great way to spend some time while waiting to capture the perfect picture of the train rolling into the station. I get cold easily so this was a great place for me to warm up. Inside the station there are lots of old fashioned candies and snacks, I picked up a few to try and they were so delicious, I highly recommend checking that out.

(Read more about Yunokami Onsen Station...)

To-no-hetsuri Crags

Next we visted the To-no-hetsuri Crags, a beautiful and romantic place where huge cliffs overlook a gorgeous river.

The autumn leaves, white cliff faces, and turquoise water contrast beautifully making for great memories and photographs. We crossed the suspension bridge and wandered around the cliffs to find places to take some great photos. A narrow staircase leads to a viewpoint and a small shrine that is built into the rock face, that was an exciting surprise!

One of my favorite memories here was just standing at the bank of the river after crossing the bridge, autumn leaves gently falling from the cliffs above and landing delicately on the surface of the river. We explored here for a while and captured some really amazing photos, this is a great spot and felt like the kind of dramatic landscape that you might see in an old Japanese painting.

(Read more about the To-no-hetsuri Crags...)

Ouchi-juku

Arriving in Ouchi-juku felt like stepping back into the old world of samurai!

The historic post town, looked like an ancient village, and the coolest thing was that there were still traditional businesses run by families whose ancestors lived here since ancient times. There are tons of alleyways and old fashioned cafés to stop and take photos of. At the end of the road if the most popular photo spot where you can capture an image of the street that runs through the middle of town.

We explored the shops, and captured photos of the town and the unique alleyways. We stopped at one of the many noodle shops in town and tried negi soba (fresh buckwheat noodles eaten using a green onion), stick-roasted char fish, fire roasted rice cakes and more! My favorite memory here was holding up one of my snacks to photograph it against the blue sky. I got really excited when I noticed the warmly colored thatched roofs seemed endless as they blended into the warm colors of the mountains. Sitting down to enjoy my snack in one of the alleyway cafés was a nice way to spend the last moments of the day as the sun set behind the mountains.

After a long day of photography, it was nice to slow down in the evening and spent the night in one of the historic buildings that have been functioning as guesthouses for hundreds of years.

(Read more about Ouchi-juku...)

Lake Sohara

In the early morning light we drove to Lake Sohara for gorgeous views of the lake. We almost went paddling on the lake to see what kind of photos could be taken from the water, but ultimately we chose to move on to the next location. However, if you like paddling it seems like a lot of fun!

Bandai-Azuma Lake Line

Next we drove along the beautiful Bandai-Azuma Lake Line and enjoyed the excellent views.

But of course we didn’t just drive by, we stopped a few times for photos and these were two viewpoints that you should definitely check out!

Nakatsugawa Valley Viewpoint

First we stopped at the Nakatsugawa Valley Viewpoint, here we captured photos of the gorgeous view of the Nakatsugawa river winding through the autumn colored valley.

To access this viewpoint, you will want to park at the Nakatsugawa Keikoku Resthouse and walk to the viewpoint through a short path through the trees. The trees on this path were also very beautiful so be sure to have your camera out, but watch your step. I had a hard time focusing on the path as the wind through the trees along the path was truly enchanting.

Sanko Paradise Viewpoint

We continued driving along the Bandai Azuma Lake Line to reach the second viewpoint, the Sanko Paradise Viewpoint.

Sanko literally translated to “three lakes,” from this viewpoint you can enjoy the view of three lakes framed by autumn colored mountains. My jaw dropped at this view, the mountains and lakes were so beautiful. As we drove there were quite a few clouds forming in the sky that made me a bit nervous... However, as we pulled up to this viewpoint, the clouds made way for rays of sunshine that illuminated the mountains and valleys in a truly magical way.

Goshiki-numa Ponds

Next we visited the Goshiki-numa Ponds where the bright blue water contrasted with the warm autumn leaves and made for a fantastic sight!

Take a stroll around the lake and enjoy this spectacular view, while you pick out your favorite angles to take photos from. This unique lake was formed due to volcanic activity in the area, so it can change colors slightly depending on the time of day and the season, so you are sure to capture a unique photo. After taking a lot of photos outside, I was feeling rather chilly, so I quickly grabbed a cup of warm, non-alcoholic amazake, a popular cool weather drink in Japan.

Inawashiro Herb Garden

Next we headed towards Lake Inawashiro and stopped by the Inawashiro Herb Garden.

Here you can go inside and see beautiful collections of flowers, depending on when you visit, there may be an art installation as well. When we visited there was a beautiful exhibit that featured colorful umbrellas by the reflective pond. Research ahead of time when you visit to find out what art installation will be on display when you visit.

Outside there are huge fields of flowers, and depending on the season and what’s in bloom you can take some really beautiful photos. In autumn there are some very cute fluffy red plants called “kochia,” which look like a plant right out of a Doctor Seuss book! We couldn’t go outside when we visited due to the rain, but if you have nice weather, get creative and see what photos you can take here! Be sure to check Instagram for some photo inspiration as many talented photographer flock to this garden every autumn. There are delicious floral flavored ice creams and snacks to try here, I recommend the floral ice cream, despite the cold, it’s worth it!

Lake Inawashiro

As we headed towards the station to travel home, we drove around Lake Inawashiro and gazed out at the gorgeous water and fantastic views of Mt. Bandai in the distance.

If the weather is warm or you don’t mind the chilly weather, I recommend finding a spot along the lake shore to stop and relax under some trees. The rain was coming our way so we went to a café instead. There are lots of local coffee shops and cafes, there are many to choose from and they are quite popular among locals, so I recommend checking one out before heading home. I was nice to relax and drink some coffee and have a bit of cake before heading home.

This two day / one-night long photography tour of Fukushima was a really special way to visit these wonderful places in Fukushima. It was my first time seeing these places and I was in awe for two days straight. These have become some of my favorite places to visit and photograph in Fukushima, and even the whole of Japan.

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  1. Useful Information

    5 Experiences in Fukushima with a Local Guide

    Did you know that there are cultural experiences in Japan that come with their own guide? Many visitors choose to take advantage of the wide array of local experts during their visit to Fukushima.Some say exploring Japan with the help of a local is the best way to travel – someone who knows their way around, can show you hidden spots, answer questions and deepen your understanding of the area.Why does the scenery look like that? What causes that natural phenomenon? What’s the history behind this spot? These are all questions that a local guide can answer for you during your trip. With that in mind, here are our recommendations for some activities you can try in Fukushima with the help of an experienced guide, both for solo travellers or group trips.1. Aizu Lacquerware Painting ExperienceCreate your own piece of a 400-year traditionWith a history tracing back over 400 years, Aizu lacquerware was known in the samurai era for its beauty and quality of craftsmanship. However, this region also pioneered some of the techniques that made mass production of lacquerware a reality, and it became the backbone of Aizu’s artisanal history.In this hands-on experience, you’ll paint some of this lacquerware yourself, with guidance from a skilled artisan and guide, and get to take home your creation as a souvenir.In addition to the techniques and history, you’ll learn about the philosophy behind this sacred art, and how it has been passed down through the generations from the very first artisans who served their samurai lords.Not only is this a fun way to engage with Japanese culture and learn from an experienced artisan first-hand, but you’ll have a lasting memory to take home from your trip!The lacquerware experience takes place at the historic Suzuzen workshop in Aizu-Wakamatsu City, making it a perfect stop for travellers interested in traditional crafts. It’s suitable for visitors of any artistic level.This experience can be booked on the Fukushima Travel website with English support.2. Ramen-Making Experience & Kitakata Town WalkDiscover Kitakata through ramen, culture, and landscapeKitakata City is famous across Japan as one of the country’s ‘ramen heartlands’ – a city with over 100 ramen shops. Ramen is so tied to the culture here that some ramen shops even open for breakfast!In this experience offered by a local store, you’ll explore Kitakata’s ramen history first-hand, walking the atmospheric streets, seeing the traditional warehouses that make the old town so famous, and trying your hand at making your own ramen.In short, this experience is about ramen not only as food, but as a form of culture. To the people of Kitakata, that’s what ramen is – inherently tied to their day-to-day lives.In this experience, rather than making noodles, participants take on the same role as actual Kitakata ramen chefs by preparing an authentic ramen soup, under the watchful eye of a former ramen shop owner. This reflects the true structure of Kitakata ramen culture, where soup-making and noodle-making are traditionally handled by different specialists.The soup is made using naturally filtered spring water fed by the snowmelt of Mount Iide, along with locally produced soy sauce.The experience includes a guided walk through the town, learning about the history of the warehouses that were vital to the ramen creation process. A stop at the local sake brewery allows guests to see and taste the same spring water used in ramen-making.This is no ordinary cooking class – this is a thoughtful, story-rich experience connecting ramen, nature, and everyday life in Kitakata.Prices vary based on group size; please check the booking website for more information.3. Snowshoe Hiking at Goshiki-numaA quiet winter walk through snow, forest, and lightAfter the busy streets of Tokyo, there’s nothing like stepping away to enjoy the peace of nature in rural Japan. This snowshoe hiking tour takes visitors into the famous Goshiki-numa region, renowned for its ponds that turn a variety of vibrant colours depending on the season and sunlight.Led by an experienced guide, visitors wind their way through the snowy forests of the Urabandai area, finally arriving at one of Fukushima’s great natural sights – the crystal blues and emerald greens of the waters of Goshiki-numa.For many people, the snowshoe hiking tour is something of a meditative experience. Although the guide will walk you through the region’s history and wildlife, there are portions of the trip where you’ll hear nothing but the crunching of snow beneath your feet. If you’re looking to visit somewhere with real character and no other tourists, this is the trip for you.Although guests can bring their own snowshoes, most choose to rent snowshoes on site for a small additional fee. The default experience is held with a Japanese-speaking guide, although they speak some basic English and are happy to welcome visitors from overseas.This experience is suitable for families and small groups.Bookings can be made on the Fukushima Travel website.4. Fukushima Taxi: Tsurugajo Castle CourseHistory, local cuisine, and a preserved post town in one dayTaking out the stress of getting the right timings on public transport, a day taxi hire is how many visitors choose to see Fukushima’s best sights. This course departs from Fukushima Station, a bullet train stop, making it easy for travellers utilising the JR Pass.The course runs to Tsurugajo Castle, an awe-inspiring fortress that bears a terrible and war-torn history behind it. The interior is a museum dedicated to the men and women who fought here in open rebellion, during the final years of the samurai.Lunch, included in the price, is served at a beloved local restaurant serving wappa-meshi. This regional dish, made exclusively with local produce in artisanal cedar lunchboxes, has a rich history that evokes the workers who used to carry them to their work deep in the wilderness.The taxi then winds its way south to Ouchi-juku, one of Fukushima’s most beloved sights for its rows of thatched roofs and calming atmosphere. Some of the residents in this area have lived here and sold their wares for generations, and are as eager to welcome new visitors as their forefathers were. This was once a post town, where samurai would stop and rest on their long journeys between Aizu and the capital.You’ll be met by your guide at the important sites and given an introduction to the history of the area, making it perfect for lovers of history or those looking to learn more about Japanese culture.This is a private taxi tour, so pricing varies based on the number of participants. A standard taxi seats 1-2 guests (plus the guide), while a ‘jumbo’ taxi is used for groups of 3-8.Bookings can be made here.5. Fukushima Taxi: Disaster Memorial CourseA day to understand Fukushima’s past, present, and futureAs with the taxi tour to Tsurugajo Castle and Ouchi-juku, this course simplifies travel arrangements, offering visitors a chance to see the main sights of Fukushima’s disaster recovery for themselves.The events of March 2011 are intertwined with this part of Japan. The east coast of Japan, devastated by the earthquake and tsunami, is still recovering in many ways, although great strides have been made in the intervening years.Visitors on this course will head first to the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum, known as Denshokan, where they can learn more about the people tragically affected in 2011 and how the prefecture continues to move forward to a brighter future. Here is where your guide will explain more about the history as someone who is familiar with the area and can explain the facts clearly and carefully.Next is lunch at Asano Nenshi; the soft towel factory is something of a symbol of the region’s recovery, having been opened here after the disaster to encourage economic growth and provide jobs. The stylish café on the ground floor is an open, airy space that offers a variety of Japanese and Western options.The final stop is Ukedo Elementary School, a preserved site that quietly conveys the memories of the disaster. The school, barely 300 metres from the east coast, was badly hit by the tsunami, and still bears the scars of that day, but also tells the story of how all students and teachers escaped with their lives. A peaceful and thought-provoking final stop on your tour before heading back.This is a private taxi tour, so pricing varies based on the number of participants. A standard taxi seats 1-2 guests (plus the guide), while a ‘jumbo’ taxi is used for groups of 3-8.Bookings can be made here.Looking to travel more in-depth during your trip? Consider booking a guided experience and learn more about Fukushima’s rich history and culture.Advance booking is recommended. For any questions, send us a message via our contact form.

    5 Experiences in Fukushima with a Local Guide
  2. Destination Spotlight

    7 Things to Do in Iwaki City

    One of Fukushima Prefecture's largest cities, Iwaki is located in the south-east of the prefecture and is one of its warmest areas, seeing no snow in winter and great beach-going weather in summer.The city is known for its laid-back coastal atmosphere, contrasting with the rich samurai history and chilly winters in the Aizu region to the west, and is a great example of the width of experiences on offer in Fukushima.Only three hours from Tokyo Station via the direct Hitachi & Tokiwa limited express, or an hour's drive from Koriyama, Iwaki is surprisingly accessible. It's also possible to take the Joban Line from here to Futaba, site of Fukushima's great reconstruction efforts, or all the way up to Sendai.Here are some suggestions for must-visit spots if you're looking to make a stop in Fukushima's sunny seaside city:BentenjimaBentenjima Shrine stands on a small rocky island just off the coast of Iwaki City, set within a crescent-shaped cove facing the Pacific Ocean. The shrine is marked by a vermilion torii gate that contrasts sharply with the jagged stone and crashing waves below. According to local tradition, the shrine was originally located on the mainland, but a major earthquake in 1410 caused the land to break apart, leaving the shrine isolated on what is now Bentenjima. Although the exact date of the shrine’s founding is unknown, it has long been worshipped as a sacred coastal site dedicated to Benzaiten, a deity associated with water and protection.The island is also known as Wanigafuchi, named after a legendary creature called a wanizame, said to be half crocodile and half shark. Folklore describes the creature as the cause of the swirling currents and rough seas around the island, and one legend tells of it abducting a young woman who wandered too close. Such stories reflect the fear and respect once held for this dangerous stretch of coastline.The shore around Bentenjima is covered with small, rounded pebbles , which visitors are warned not to take home, as legend says doing so will bring eye disease.Shiramizu Amidado TempleShiramizu Amidado, also known as the Amitabha Hall, is located in Iwaki City and is a rare surviving example of late Heian period religious architecture. The hall reflects Pure Land Buddhist beliefs that were widespread at the time, and is the only building in Fukushima Prefecture designated as a National Treasure. In front of the hall lies a Jodo-style garden designed to represent the Buddhist Pure Land. The garden is centered around a pond with a small island and carefully placed stones, creating a calm, balanced landscape meant to be viewed from the hall. The garden changes noticeably with the seasons, such as when lotus flowers bloom across the pond in summer, or most famously when maple and ginkgo trees flush red in autumn.In November, the temple grounds are illuminated in the evening, typically on the last two weekends of the month, offering a stunning view of the red leaves reflected in the pond waters. This combination of historic architecture, religious art, and carefully designed landscape makes Shiramizu Amidado an important cultural and historical site, and easily accessible from central Iwaki.Aquamarine FukushimaAquamarine Fukushima is an environmental aquarium designed to showcase marine life in settings that closely resemble natural habitats. In addition to its public exhibits, the facility also functions as a research and education center, providing information on marine ecosystems, sustainability, and conservation. This dual role makes it both a place for learning and a space for observation.The aquarium’s main feature is a pair of large tanks spanning from the second to the fourth floors, recreating Shiome no Umi, the offshore waters where the Kuroshio and Oyashio currents meet. This unique environment supports a wide range of marine species, including large schools of sardines and bonito. There is also a touch pool where visitors can interact with starfish and other small sea creatures.One of the aquarium’s research highlights is its long-running study of coelacanths, with specimens and footage displayed in the 'World of Coelacanths' exhibit on the first floor.Seasonal events and hands-on activities are held throughout the year, many aimed at families. Nearby, Iwaki Lalamew offers a seafood market and restaurants serving locally caught fish, located about a ten-minute walk from the aquarium. There is also an Aeon Mall nearby.Bicycle tour with Hayate CycleThe Iwaki Nanahama Kaido cycling route carries visitors down the scenic east coast, past the Bentenjima island and the symbolic Shioyasaki Lighthouse. If you're looking to rent bikes to do the trip, why not make a stop to Hayate Cycle? The bike rental shop is located next to the Iwaki Yotsukura 'michi no eki' or rest station, which has a restaurant and sells souvenirs.Kimura-san, the owner, is a sunny and easy-going local of the Iwaki area and cycling enthusiast who loves showing people around the area. In addition to renting out bicycles -- among them electric bikes and tandem bikes -- he also acts as a tour guide, taking you to some of the best scenic spots.To learn more about the cycling tour, see our dedicated page.Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum (Horuru)Iwaki City Coal & Fossil Museum, affectionately known as 'Horuru,' introduces visitors to both the coal-mining history of Iwaki and the region’s rich fossil record. The museum opened in 1984 to preserve the legacy of the Joban Coalfield, once one of Honshu’s major coal-producing areas. At the entrance stands a life-sized replica of Futabasaurus suzukii, a marine reptile discovered in Iwaki in 1968 by a local high school student. This fossil has since become one of the most important paleontological finds in Japan.Inside, the museum is divided into several themed areas. The fossil exhibition rooms display specimens from Iwaki and beyond, including plesiosaurs and ancient whales, with lighting and sound used to explain their environments and evolution. A recreated underground coal mine allows visitors to walk through a tunnel and learn how miners worked and how extraction techniques changed over time. The learning and specimen areas also explain the geology of the region and how coal and fossils were formed.Horuru also looks at everyday life in mining communities. Dioramas and displays recreate streets and homes from the early to mid-20th century, showing how coal mining shaped local culture and livelihoods. Hands-on activities, such as making amber or fossil-themed accessories, are offered on certain days, and the museum shop sells minerals, fossils, and souvenirs.The museum is also a short walk from our next spot...Yumoto OnsenIwaki's Yumoto Onsen is widely regarded as one of the oldest hot spring resorts in Japan, often mentioned alongside Dogo Onsen in Ehime and Arima Onsen in Hyogo. Its history is said to date back around 1,000 years, when hot spring water was first used in the area. The onsen developed in connection with the aforementioned Joban Coalfield, as miners made use of the naturally heated water that flowed underground. Today, hot spring water is pumped throughout the town to hotels and ryokan at an impressive rate of around five tonnes per minute, supporting a compact but well-established onsen community.The spring water at Iwaki Yumoto is a sulfur-based onsen, known for its distinctive scent and its reputation for skin care. It's said to help with fatigue, muscle pain, and circulation, as well as having skin-beautifying properties. Public day-trip bathhouses and free footbaths are scattered around the town, making it easy for visitors to casually experience the hot springs even without staying overnight.A short distance from the onsen town is Miyukiyama Park, a popular green space overlooking the city. In spring, the park becomes a local cherry blossom spot, with rows of trees lining the paths and open areas suitable for hanami picnics. From the higher points of the park, visitors can enjoy views over Iwaki while walking beneath the blossoms. A stroll through Miyukiyama Park combines well with a soak in one of Yumoto Onsen's many hot springs!Ogawasuwa ShrineSpeaking of cherry blossoms, one of Fukushima Prefecture's earliest-blooming sakura spots is here at Ogawasuwa Shrine. Although the rows of massive cherry trees are beautiful in daytime, the nighttime illuminations are especially impressive.Selected by Iwaki City as a Natural Monument, the main tree is estimated to be over 500 years old and is one of the area’s most important seasonal landmarks. The tree blooms slightly earlier than standard Yoshino cherry trees, usually reaching its peak in late March to early April.Bear in mind that, as a popular viewing spot, the shrine grounds are particularly busy during cherry blossom season, especially in the evenings or on weekends. Some parking is available, but waiting times can be long during busy times.Looking for more information? Check out our: Top 10 Things to Do in Fukushima Access guide for getting to Fukushima Itineraries page for trip ideas Activities page for tour experiences with English support

    7 Things to Do in Iwaki City
  3. Useful Information

    5 Hidden Autumn Colour Spots in Fukushima

    Fukushima Prefecture is famous for its striking autumn scenery, the mountainsides and parks across the prefecture turning vibrant shades of golds, reds, oranges, greens and browns throughout late October, November and into early December.Make sure to check out our guide to 10 famous spots, as well as our Google Maps list of every major autumn leaves area in the prefecture. But here are our top five lesser-known gems that are worth a visit this year:1. Suzumigaoka Hachiman Shrine, Soma CityLocated at the end of a road with parallel rows of cherry trees, Suzumigaoka Hachiman Shrine is a popular spot among locals in both spring's blossom season, and again in autumn. The gingko beside the main worship hall turns a vibrant yellow, and leaves cascade across the shrine grounds.All of the buildings on site are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, and even in autumn colour season, the shrine grounds have a calming, ethereal atmosphere. It was once known as 'Soma Nikko', calling to mind the splendour of the Nikko shrine complexes in Tochigi Prefecture.Best viewing time: Late November to early DecemberAutumn is one of the best times to visit the Soma region, an area affected by the 2011 disaster but rich in natural beauty. Consider pairing your visit with a trip to nearby Baryo Park and its Soma Nakamura Shrine for more autumnal scenery.2. Isasumi Shrine, Aizu-MisatoA beautiful shrine complex with a lot to offer, Isasumi Shrine makes for a worthwhile visit during a trip to the Aizu region. The shrine grounds are beautiful in autumn, when yellow leaves can be seen throughout, and there's a park where visitors can walk through rows of vermilion torii gates and feed the ducks. (Ask at the nearby kiosk for bread!)Isasumi Shrine is a well-loved spot among Aizu locals. Once upon a time it was named a 'Daijingu' or 'Great Shrine', said to enshrine the guardian deity of the Aizu region, and was well-looked-after by the great warlords who ruled here throughout history.Best viewing time: Early to mid NovemberVisiting the storied old city of Aizu-Wakamatsu? Learn more about its samurai heritage by touring some of its major historical sites.3. Shirahata Gingko, Shinchi TownSometimes called the 'upside down gingko', this massive tree was the subject of an urban myth that Masamune Date, the notorious warlord, planted a riding crop here upside down that later became this tree. The beautiful yellows of the Shirahata Gingko -- which typically reach their pinnacle in early December -- can be seen from quite a distance and contrast beautifully with the striking red torii gate at its base.Best viewing time: Late November to early DecemberFukushima has some of the most impressive gingko trees in all of Japan, with most sites hosting night-time illuminations during autumn colour season. Consider visiting Fukushima City's Azuma Sports Park with its rows of parallel trees, the Great Gingko of Akai in Aizu for its sheer scale, or Shingu Kumano Shrine in Kitakata with its legendary wooden pavilion.4. Kuimaru Elementary School, Showa VillageAlthough no longer a real elementary school day-to-day, this old wooden building was built in 1937 and still stands in Showa Village, these days as a tourism and local community centre. It's most popular in autumn for the massive gingko tree that dominates the front of the building. The interior has a quaint, homely atmosphere thanks to its all-wooden construction and Showa era design, and visitors can take photos sat at the desks, while looking out at the tree through the window.Most years there are night illuminations of the tree, but please be aware the 2025 edition has been cancelled due to repeated bear sightings in the area.Best viewing time: Mid October to Early November5. Hanitsu Shrine, InawashiroIn the heartland of the stunning Inawashiro lake region, Hanitsu Shrine is located a few hundred metres south of the ski fields at Inawashiro Ski Resort. The shrine is famous not only for its gorgeous autumn colours caused by 16 large maple trees, but also for its great white torii gate that greets visitors at the front of the shrine. Patterned artisanal parasols line the stairs here, making it a picturesque location popular for families and couples taking photos.Walking up past the main shrine building takes visitors into the woodlands behind the main grounds, where cobblestone paths lead to the site where Lord Hoshina Masayuki, founder of the powerful Aizu clan of samurai, is buried.During autumn colour season, the shrine can get a little busier, and temporary car parking areas are installed. Please follow the instructions of staff. Illuminations take place from 5pm to 9pm.Best viewing time: Late October - mid NovemberLooking for more information? Check out our: Guide of Top Things to Do in Fukushima Access guide for getting to Fukushima Itineraries page for trip ideas Activities page for tour experiences with English support

    5 Hidden Autumn Colour Spots in Fukushima
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