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 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
  2. Destination Spotlight

    5 Things to Do in Kitakata

    Located just 15 minutes north of the historic city of Aizu-Wakamatsu, Kitakata is a charming area with a rich history, most notable for its traditional quarter and seasonal nature spots.If you’re visiting Kitakata, be it for cherry blossoms, the green season, or autumn colours, this is a great chance to explore one of Japan’s great ‘ramen cities’, with over 100 restaurants serving the famous Kitakata ramen.Here are some ideas for things to do:Wander the old townDuring the Meiji and Taisho eras, Kitakata experienced a construction boom, leaving behind an impressive legacy of around 4,200 kura warehouses still standing today. These buildings were originally used by brewing and lacquerware industries, but they also symbolized wealth and pride for local families. Building a kura was seen as a mark of success and remains deeply tied to Kitakata’s cultural identity.Different districts showcase unique designs. If you’re keen to learn more, the visitor’s centre Kitakata Kura no Sato offers a preserved collection of kura and other traditional architecture within a 4,500-square-metre site. Ten restored buildings include warehouses for miso, grains, shops, and even residences, as well as houses of former local officials.These kura now serve as exhibition spaces, displaying everything from Aizu dye stencils and historic photographs to stories of local figures and movements from the Meiji era. Wandering from warehouse to warehouse is a great way to immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture.Nicchusen Weeping Cherry BlossomsThe Nicchusen cherry blossoms offer one of Fukushima’s most memorable springtime experiences. The trees line a three-kilometre stretch of the former Nicchu Line railway, which once connected Kitakata with Atsushio Onsen. Today, the old tracks have been transformed into a walking and cycling path that comes alive with thousands of cherry blossoms, creating a tunnel of pink and white each spring. Blooming typically coincides with Golden Week in late April to early May.An old steam locomotive remains on display midway along the path, providing a nostalgic backdrop framed by blossoms. On clear days, you can even make out the silhouette of Mt. Bandai to the east.With different varieties of cherry trees, each section offers unique views and photo opportunities. Despite its popularity, the path is so long that there are still plenty of places to stop and relax, and food stalls are usually abundant during blooming season.Sannokura Plateau Sunflower Fields & Ski ResortIn summer, the ski slopes of Sannokura Plateau are transformed into expansive fields of sunflowers. Around 1.5 million flowers bloom across 5.4 hectares of land, divided into three main areas that flower at slightly different times. This staggered blooming means visitors can enjoy the fields from early August through early September. The view stretches across the Aizu Basin, giving the fields a broad and open backdrop.The site is also known for its canola flowers, which bloom between March and June. The yellow blossoms spread across the same slopes, offering another seasonal landscape before the sunflowers appear. Signs at the entrance provide guidance on the best viewpoints and current blooming conditions, while wooden observation decks on the west and south hillsides give elevated perspectives over the fields.In winter, the area reopens as a ski resort, hosting evening sessions for beginners and intermediate skiers.Shingu Kumano ShrineAt the heart of Shingu Kumano Shrine stands an 800-year-old ginkgo tree, rising 30 metres high with roots over eight metres around. Designated a Natural Monument of Kitakata City, the tree is the site’s most striking feature. Each autumn, its leaves turn a vivid yellow, covering the shrine grounds in a golden carpet. In November, evening illuminations draw visitors from all over Tohoku.Behind the ginkgo is the Nagatoko, or ‘long floor,’ a large thatched-roof worship hall built between the Heian and Kamakura periods. Supported by 44 pillars and open on all sides, it was historically used for ascetic training and kagura dance rituals. The hall has been designated a National Important Cultural Property.The shrine also preserves treasures such as a copper pot once used for offerings, Buddhist statues, and guardian figures, many of which are displayed in the treasure hall.Savour Kitakata ramenKitakata ramen is one of Japan’s ‘big three’ ramen styles, alongside Sapporo and Hakata, and for many people is one of the highlights of visiting the area. Known for its soy sauce-based broth and thick, chewy noodles with a high water content, the style originated at Genraiken in 1927, when Ban Kinsei, a Chinese immigrant, began selling noodles based on his own recipe. He later opened a shop and shared his methods freely, helping spread the dish across the city.Today, Kitakata has the highest number of ramen shops per capita in Japan. Local eateries often open as early as 7 a.m., serving bowls to factory workers, farmers, and travellers. Among the most famous are Genraiken, Makoto Shokudō, and Bannai Shokudō, each offering slightly different variations, from soy sauce-based soups to salty broths topped with generous slices of chashu pork.The long tradition of soy sauce brewing here, and access to clear mountain water, also shapes the flavor of the ramen. Local pride and the work of ramen associations has helped establish Kitakata as a must-visit ramen destination.Kitakata’s ramen shops are as much a cultural experience as a meal, reflecting Kitakata’s history, resources, and community spirit.One of several bars at Aizu HomareTour a sake breweryA trip to Kitakata wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a sake brewery. Two potential options are Yamatogawa and Aizu Homare, both of which have long histories and welcome visitors for tastings and tours.Yamatogawa Brewery, founded in 1790, uses pure mountain water from Mt. Iide and high-quality rice grown on its own fields and by local farmers. The interior features a museum telling visitors about its long history. Next to the brewery, the Northern Museum displays Edo-era earthen storehouses and explains how sake production has evolved. Tours and tastings are free, and the museum is open daily from 9:00 to 16:30.Aizu Homare Brewery, established in 1918, is known for its award-winning sake and also benefits from soft spring water from Mt. Iide. Visitors can take guided tours, watch a video on sake making, and sample over 10 varieties of sake, liqueur, and shochu. The brewery grounds include a large Japanese garden, overlooked by a tatami room where guests can sit, enjoy sake, and take in the seasonal scenery.Looking for more information? Check out our: Access guide for getting to Fukushima Itineraries page for trip ideas Activities page for tour experiences with English support

    5 Things to Do in Kitakata
  3. Useful Information

    8 Things to Do in Nihonmatsu

    Nestled between Fukushima and Koriyama, the sleepy city of Nihonmatsu is surrounded by beautiful nature on all sides. With both cities accessible in short order by shinkansen from Tokyo, Nihonmatsu makes for a great day trip while seeing other sights in this region of Japan.The area is at its most lively during festival season, centring around October and November, but there’s something to visit in Nihonmatsu year-round. Let’s take a look at some of the best spots for a trip to this hidden gem:Climb Mt. AdataraAt 1,700m tall, Mt. Adatara is one of Fukushima’s most famous regions for hikers. It’s also very accessible thanks to a gondola lift, departing from Adatara Kogen Ski Resort at the base, which takes visitors up as far as 1,300m.Regardless of how you make the climb, you’ll be treated to gorgeous views over the surrounding hillsides, especially in autumn when the foliage turns a vibrant gold and orange. This is a great option for hikers of all experience levels, with the trails well-marked and fairly wide throughout the trek.Kasumigajo Castle ParkIn 1868, Nihonmatsu Castle was torn down after forces loyal to the fading shogunate were defeated in the Boshin War. These days only the walls remain, but the castle park is a beautiful spot and listed as a prefectural natural park. In autumn, it’s the site of the charming Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Doll Festival, while in spring, the park comes alive as over 1700 cherry trees bloom a beautiful pink.Nihonmatsu Lantern FestivalOne of the best festivals in the prefecture, the lantern festival in Nihonmatsu is held every year at the start of October. Seven giant floats parade through the streets decorated with hundreds of traditional lanterns, each lit by hand by a platoon of talented local townspeople. Each float is then filled with drummers, pulled along by groups of dancers, and cheered on by local students – it’s a powerful atmosphere, and the visuals of the glowing lanterns in the night is hard to beat anywhere in Japan.The festival takes three days; the first day (Saturday) is considered the main day, when all seven floats parade in a single line. On Sunday they tour the city separately, before parading in two groups on the Monday.Visit this page for more information about Fukushima's incredible festival culture.Relax at Dake OnsenMany people choose to experience Japanese culture first-hand during their trip by soaking in a hot spring, or onsen. While it’s not for everyone – clothing is not permitted at most public hot springs – there are options for non-bathers, too. Fukushima has a wealth of onsen towns, served by piping-hot water sourced directly from its many mountains, and Dake Onsen is one of its most charming. But for those not taking a dip, the town still has a pleasant atmosphere perfect for taking a stroll, footbath facilities, and the beautiful road of Sakurazaka (especially beautiful in cherry blossom season!)Take the Extreme Onsen challengeFor those wanting to try an onsen where swimsuits are allowed, this challenge might be right up your alley. A robust hike up an active volcano, with the help of a local guide, and you’ll be soaking in the hot springs of Mt. Adatara directly at the source. The tour is only offered during the summer, since the trail can be dangerous while winter snow remains on the mountain. The Extreme Onsen hike is a truly unique experience, and works great for either groups or as a solo trip.Visit a sake breweryFukushima has a stellar reputation as one of Japan’s best sake-brewing regions. With over seventy breweries in the prefecture, many of which have been making sake for centuries, there’s a reason Fukushima sake constantly wins gold medals at the Annual Sake Awards and has been served at major events worldwide.Seeing the inside of a brewery during your trip to Japan is a must for anyone interested in Japanese cuisine or sake. An option in Nihonmatsu is Himonoya, similarly traditional in that it only brews sake during the winter. Both offer brewery tours, albeit with limited English support, so for guests looking to know more about the sake brewing process, some knowledge of Japanese or an interpreter will be required.Make washi (traditional Japanese paper)Washi paper is a fascinating traditional craft with over a thousand years of history. Handmade from natural fibers, it’s renowned for its strength, beauty, and translucency. Unlike Western paper, washi is produced using meticulous techniques passed down through generations and its versatility spans from everyday items and calligraphy to art conservation and interior design.At the Nihonmatsu Washi Traditional Crafts Gallery, you can learn about the history of the craft, see the kozo (paper mulberry) it’s made from, and make postcards or lampshades to take home as a souvenir. It’s an excellent family activity and well worth a trip.Ebisu Drift CircuitThe famous drift circuit at Ebisu brings hundreds of visitors from overseas every year to experience Japanese drift culture first-hand. The circuit features seven unique courses of varying styles and difficulty levels, and hosts a plethora of racing events throughout the year. Most popular is the Ebisu Drift Matsuri, a drift festival held three times a year, with certain courses only usable for drifting during that weekend.Related informationDay trip itinerary in Nihonmatsu CityOther activities in Fukushima PrefectureGetting to Fukushima

    8 Things to Do in Nihonmatsu
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