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

    Meaningful Travel Experiences in Fukushima

    Apart from exploring Fukushima’s extraordinary landscapes and indulging in its cuisine, plenty of travelers seek opportunities to engage with local communities through hands-on experiences. Japan’s third-largest prefecture, Fukushima, has a diverse and rich history, which is reflected in the variety of activities that visitors can enjoy. Here are some meaningful travel experiences unique to Fukushima.1. Explore the Extreme Side of Fukushima: Ebisu Circuit Drift Taxi Experience & Extreme Onsen (available April-November)Fukushima’s central area is home to active volcanos and mind-bending cliffs that make even experienced hikers jitter with adrenaline. It is no surprise, therefore, that two of the most extreme activities in the prefecture can be enjoyed in this region.The Drift Taxi Experience at the Ebisu Circuit in Nihonmatsu is a thrilling drift ride by a seasoned driver who takes participants through several courses full of twists, turns, and speed. It is the most popular experience on our website and offers a rare opportunity to drift in Japan alongside famous drivers.The Extreme Onsen Experience at Numajiri Onsen is another unique and popular activity. Alongside a guide, you will hike through volcanic terrain to reach a wild hot springs river source where you can soak in and contemplate the surrounding mountain peaks. This experience is perfect for those looking for an adventure, as it combines outdoor sports and relaxing in wild hot springs. Additionally, participants enter the hot springs in a swimsuit (and those with tattoos are also welcome!). 2. Get Creative and Make Your Own SouvenirsBy participating in a craft workshop, you can learn about traditional crafts hands-on by making your own. This helps craftspeople continue to develop their industry while encouraging others to learn about and appreciate their work—plus, you get to take home a unique souvenir. Here are some craft workshops you can join in Fukushima: In Aizu-Wakamatsu, you can paint your own Akabeko (Fukushima’s lucky red cow) at a souvenir shop a short walk away from the Tsurugajo Castle, or paint on lacquerware using traditional techniques at Suzuzen, a lacquerware shop and museum. Takashiba Dekoyashiki, also known as Takashiba Craft Village, is a traditional crafts-making village that looks suspended in time. Here, you can paint a papier-mâché fox mask, and explore the fascinating history of its close-knit community. Even today you can make washi, traditional Japanese paper, by hand in Nihonmatsu. The area has a history of over 1,000 years producing Kami-Kawasaki Washi paper, a local variety of Washi paper. At its Washi Denshokan (Washi Traditional Crafts Gallery) you can make a postcard out of washi and decorate a lampshade. You can assemble a tatami coaster at Tatami Village in Sukagawa City. Kuboki Tatami is a centuries-old family business that has honed the skill of producing and manufacturing tatami mats.3. Pick Your Own Fruit at Japan’s ‘Fruit Kingdom’Eating locally-grown food is a great option to make your travel more sustainable, and there is a wide variety of locally sourced produce to try in Fukushima. Apart from the many restaurants that use local ingredients, several farms and orchards offer a 30-minute all-you-can-pick course in which you can taste seasonal fruit (typically available from late June to December). You can book a fruit-picking experience at Marusei Orchard, for instance, and afterward, visit their cafe to try their delicious fruit parfaits.4. Traverse the Mugenkyo Ravine by Ferry BoatMugenkyo no Watashi is a ferry boat that traverses the Tadami River in Western Fukushima Prefecture. The ride is the brainchild of a local man, Hoshi-san, whose hometown disappeared due to a landslide. Refusing to let the beauty of the area disappear forever, he decided to craft an experience for others to see the stunning natural scapes while traversing the Tadami River, which often gets misty, creating a mysterious atmosphere. During this peaceful boat ride, you can sit back and relax to the sounds of nature as Hoshi-san and/or someone from his team takes you on a relaxing ride. The experience is only offered from spring to autumn each year (roughly from April to November) due to heavy snowfall in the area during winter.5. Make the Local Noodle SpecialtiesNoodles are a key ingredient in some of the most famous dishes in Japanese cuisine, and a few signature foods in Fukushima. Kitakata ramen is considered one of Japan’s big three ramen varieties, and visitors to Kitakata City can not only taste this delicious dish but also try their hand at making it under the guidance of a local expert (and then enjoy a delicious bowl of handmade ramen complete with toppings). The city is all about ramen, to the point that they famously have a tradition of enjoying ramen for breakfast (known as asa-ra!).Also famous is Ouchi-juku’s negi-soba, a bowl of buckwheat noodles topped with grated daikon radish and eaten with a green onion as a utensil. At Ouchi-juku’s soba dojo, you can make the noodles from scratch, after which the staff will boil them for you and prepare the rest of the ingredients. Wait a few minutes, and you can enjoy a steamy bowl of negi-soba of your own making before you go back to exploring the town.Note: The Ouchi-juku buckwheat (soba) noodles are typically made using a mix of buckwheat and wheat flour, but it is possible to request an alternative version using only buckwheat flour (which would make the noodles gluten-free). Please note, however, that there may be cross-contamination, as regular noodles are prepared in the same space.More Experiences AwaitFrom learning samurai martial arts to riding a horse along the coast, there are many more activities to try in Fukushima, which you can request directly through our website. Once you place your booking, we will contact the provider and let you know within a few days whether the date and time you requested are available. If you have any questions about visiting Fukushima or booking experiences through our website, please feel free to send us a message!

    Meaningful Travel Experiences in Fukushima
  2. Destination Spotlight

    5 Things to Do in Showa Village

    ‘Showa’ in Japanese marks a historical period that spanned from 1926 to 1989. Nowadays, the term is sometimes used to describe something retro, vintage, or nostalgic. Coincidentally, there is a village called Showa in Oku-Aizu, a tranquil mountainous region in Western Fukushima Prefecture, and the name seems fitting. Driving through Showa’s winding roads and quaint traditional houses and businesses feels both nostalgic and insightful. With a population of just over a thousand people and no train lines, in this quiet village, you can experience the charm and quietness of Japanese countryside life.If you are planning a trip to the widely overlooked Oku-Aizu area and are considering spending the day in Showa, here are some of the attractions we recommend visiting:1. Visit the Historical Kuimaru Elementary SchoolKuimaru Elementary School was open from 1937 until it closed in 1980 after being replaced by a newer school building. Although no longer operating as a school, Kuimaru was preserved, along with its old desks and vintage books. Walking through the hallways, it feels as if the bell might ring and students will come into class at any moment!What is more, in front of the school stands a towering ginkgo tree that is an attraction in itself, particularly during the autumn when its leaves turn golden. There is also a cafe, 蕎麦カフェ SCHOLA, famous for its galettes made of 100% buckwheat flour. You can read more about the Kuimaru Elementary School here.2. Have Fun at Chansey’s Lucky ParkDid you know that Chansey is Fukushima Prefecture’s support Pokémon? One of the four Chansey’s lucky Parks in the prefecture can be found at the Michi-no-Eki Karamushi Ori-no-Sato (Roadside Station) in Showa Village. While the park is a little smaller than other Chansey’s Lucky Parks, it has several photogenic Pokémon-themed attractions. While you are there, we recommend looking for the unique Showa village-themed Poké Lid (utility hole) featuring Chansey!3. Try Ramie Weaving at the Michi-no-Eki Karamushi Ori-no-Sato (Roadside Station)Ranging from delicately woven shirts to sturdy mats, a wide range of items made of ramie fiber have been produced in Showa Village for around 600 years. The village prides itself in its long tradition of craftsmanship, and it is one of the few places where ramie (karamushi in Japanese) is still commercially cultivated in Japan. Apart from learning about ramie production and seeing the ramie varieties at the garden next to the roadside station, you can also weave a ramie souvenir! At the Michi-no-Eki Karamushi Ori-no-Sato (roadside station), you can make a ramie coaster to take home.On site, you will also find a restaurant offering the area’s staple lunches, like buckwheat noodles, ramen, and tonkatsu (fried pork cutlets). There is also a souvenir shop.4. Climb to a Viewpoint to See the Entire VillagePerhaps the most photogenic view of the village can be found at a viewpoint located at the Okuaizu Showa no Mori Campsite. From there, you can see just how picturesque its traditional houses look surrounded by the lush mountains. The viewpoint can be accessed after hiking up a hill from the parking lot of the campsite. If you visit during the early morning, particularly in the autumn, you might be lucky enough to see a barrage of clouds rapidly passing through the mountains, a phenomenon known as unkai, or sea of clouds.5. Relax in the Area’s Natural ReservesShowa is not densely populated, and its vast forests are lush with vegetation. A recommended spot, particularly during autumn, is the Yanohara Marsh, where the vivid colors of the leaves reflect on the marsh creating a picturesque scene. Another popular spot is the Takashimizu Nature Park in nearby Minamiaizu Town. There, you will encounter a million Himesayuri flowers, highly treasured by the locals, which bloom between mid-June to early July. Please note, however, that there are wild animals in many of the green spaces of Showa and its surroundings, so take due precautions and hike safely!Visiting Showa VillageThe best way to get to Showa is by car, as there are no trains that travel to or within Showa, and buses that connect it with nearby towns are scarce. By car, Showa is about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Aizu-Wakamatsu City, or about 45 minutes from Ouchi-juku.Related LinksChansey’s Lucky Parks and Poké Lids: Must-See Pokémon Attractions in Fukushima5 Reasons to Visit Mishima Town2 Day Road Trip to Oku-Aizu

    5 Things to Do in Showa Village
  3. Destination Spotlight

    6 Destinations to See in Fukushima With the Japan Rail Pass

    About the Japan Rail Pass & the Japan Rail Pass TohokuThe Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a travel pass that allows foreign visitors in Japan to ride freely on JR lines, shinkansen (bullet trains), and JR buses for a set price during a fixed period.The Japan Rail Pass Tohoku (JR Pass Tohoku) is another travel pass available for both foreign visitors and foreign residents in Japan that allows for unlimited travel within a designated area comprising some parts of Kanto (Tokyo, Yokohama, Chiba, etc.) and Tohoku (Fukushima, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, and Aomori) during a set period.In this post, we introduce attractions and experiences in Fukushima Prefecture that are easily accessible for visitors both on the regular JR Pass and the JR Pass Tohoku. Trips on the JR PassAizu Area1. Immerse Yourself in Samurai History in Aizu-Wakamatsu CityIt is no wonder why Aizu-Wakamatsu is one of the main attractions in Fukushima. This historical city was one of the last strongholds of the samurai and is packed with beautiful natural attractions and historical sites, like Tsurugajo Castle or Sazaedo temple. You can reach Aizu-Wakamatsu Station from Tokyo in approx. 3 hours (bullet train + local JR line train, fully covered by either of the JR passes).ℹ️ To move comfortably around the city it is best to rent a car or buy a one-day pass for the local loop bus (600 yen, not included in the JR Pass) that will take you to the main attractions. 2 Days in Aizu-Wakamatsu  Recommended seasons:  Year-round 2. Take a scenic train ride on the JR Tadami LineSome train rides are not just a means of transport, but an attraction in themselves. That is the case of the JR Tadami Line trains that run between Aizu-Wakamatsu City in Fukushima Prefecture and Koide in Niigata Prefecture. Known for its stunning views of rural towns, rice fields, and forest-covered mountains, this is a famous scenic train ride that is growing in popularity among visitors.ℹ️JR Tadami Line trains only run a few times a day, so please check the schedule before your visit.ℹ️Note that only the stretch between Aizu-Wakamatsu Station and Tadami Station is covered by the JR Pass Tohoku.ℹ️Trains may become canceled due to heavy snowfall in the winter (December-March). Tadami Line: 5 Sights You Shouldn't Miss Recommended seasons:  Year-round Central Area3. Shirakawa: Komine Castle, Specialty Ramen & Daruma PaintingThe beautifully restored Komine Castle, with its striking black-and-white structure and lush gardens, is a powerful symbol of Shirakawa, located only a few minutes walk from the JR Shirakawa Station (only a short train ride away on the JR Tohoku Line from the Shin-Shirakawa shinkansen Station).After exploring the castle, indulge in a bowl of hearty ramen (a specialty of the area) and end your visit to Shirakawa by shopping for a Daruma lucky doll at the nearby Daruma Land. If you would like to explore more, take a local bus (not included in the JR Pass) to a very special park that looks breathtaking in the autumn and spring.  More about this route Recommended seasons:  Cherry blossom season (typically mid-April to early May) Autumn foliage season (typically late October to early November) February 11 (Shirakawa Daruma Market) 4. Nihonmatsu: Kasumigajo Castle Grounds, Sake Tasting & Drift Taxi ExperienceNihonmatsu is an area with natural features that make it perfect for the cultivation of rice and the production of sake. After arriving at the JR Nihonmatsu Station, visit the Kasumigajo Castle Grounds, and go sake tasting at a local brewery. If you are feeling adventurous, why not try the Drift Taxi Experience at the Ebisu Circuit? You will need to make a reservation beforehand and arrange how to get there in advance, but the thrill of the experience will surely be unforgettable. Recommended seasons:  Cherry blossom season (typically around mid-April). Each year there are ‘sakura matsuri’ (cherry blossom festivals) celebrated at the Kasumigajo Castle Grounds. Autumn festivals (October-mid November). The Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival is held every year on the first Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of October, while the Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Doll Festival (Nihonmatsu Kiku Ningyo) is held from Mid-October to Mid-November each year. The Ebisu Circuit is typically unavailable during the winter (December-April). Coastal Area5. Ride next to the seaside on the JR Joban LineThe JR Joban Line connects the Tokyo area to Sendai through Chiba, Ibaraki, and Fukushima Prefectures. You can enjoy a scenic ride along the seaside in Fukushima’s coastal area, stop by Yumoto Onsen, or visit a famous novelist’s book cafe in Odaka Station. Wherever you choose to stop, you are sure to enjoy the best views of the Pacific Ocean through the train window. Recommended seasons:  All year Two Days in Iwaki6. Learn about Fukushima’s reconstruction in FutabaFutaba town was profoundly affected by the triple disaster of 2011 and has now become a powerful symbol of Fukushima’s recovery. Although the town had to be evacuated in 2011, some of the evacuation orders were lifted, and new initiatives, such as the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum, and the Futaba Art District, revitalized the area. Visitors can walk around the town and visit the museum to learn more about Fukushima’s recent history and recovery. Recommended seasons:  All year Upon arriving, consider renting a free bicycle from the Futaba Station (100-yen deposit system), and cycle to The Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum and The Remains of Ukedo Elementary School in Namie Town (both have bicycle parking available). Check here for more details about this model route.Shinkansen and JR Trains in FukushimaFukushima has three Shinkansen Stations: Shin-Shirakawa, Koriyama, and Fukushima. To reach Fukushima from Tokyo, you can take either the JR Tohoku Shinkansen or the JR Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo Station or Ueno Station and get off at any of the three stations mentioned above. It is also possible to reach Fukushima by highway bus, local JR trains, and more. See our Access page for more information about getting to Fukushima.Please bear in mind that local trains and buses have fewer frequencies than in big cities like Tokyo, Osaka, etc., so we recommend checking the schedules before you travel.

    6 Destinations to See in Fukushima With the Japan Rail Pass
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