Useful Information

Fukushima's Top Cherry Blossom Spots

Fukushima's Top Cherry Blossom Spots

Fukushima Prefecture is blessed with lush nature and dramatic scenery. As the third-largest prefecture in Japan, the climate, seasons and landscapes differ vastly by area. However, there is one season that is spectacular no matter where you may be in Fukushima – spring! Blossoms start to bloom from the south-east of Fukushima, where the temperature is warmest, and flower the latest in the west. This means that if visitors come to Fukushima during April and May, it is very likely that cherry blossom will be in full bloom somewhere in the prefecture!

OGAWASUWA SHRINE

The beautiful weeping cherry blossom tree at Ogawasuwa Shrine has been standing strong in Iwaki City for over 500 years. The branches gracefully stretch across the main area of the shrine, providing a stunning foreground against the red torii gates. The blossom is illuminated by traditional Japanese campfires every night of the cherry blossom season. 

See here for information on visiting Ogawasuwa Shrine

NATSUI SENBON-ZAKURA

'Senbon-zakura' translates as '1000 cherry trees'. As its name suggests, this area is well known for the 1000 Yoshino cherry blossom trees that line both sides of the river. Natsuigawa River is a wonderful location for taking photos or going on a peaceful walk. 

See here for information on visiting the Natsui Senbon-Zakura

HANAMIYAMA AREA

The Abe family opened their stunning garden to the public as a park in 1959 to allow visitors to enjoy their flowers. In the springtime, over ten types of blossom bloom together, enveloping the park in bright, beautiful colours. The white of the often snow-clad Azuma mountains contrasts sublimely with the flowers, giving visitors the impression of having accidentally wandered into paradise.

When I visited Abe-san, he spoke about how Hanamiyama Park can be enjoyed with all five senses – the sound of water from rock garden, the feel of the breeze on your skin, the sight and sweet smell of the flowers, and the taste of the fresh spring air. When I asked him where his favourite spot in the park was, he told me that he had too many to count, and it depended on the weather, the season and the time of day.

Visitors can enjoy finding their own favourite spot or ask for suggestions from the volunteer guides, who can guide visitors in English, Chinese and Korean.

See here for information on visiting Hanamiyama.

MIHARU TAKIZAKURA

One of the three great weeping cherry trees in Japan, the Takizakura tree in Miharu is truly breathtaking. It is estimated to be around 1000 years old and has been designated as a national treasure. Around 12 metres high, the flowers of the cherry blossom cascade down for metres around the magnificent tree, enveloping visitors in bright flowers. It’s no wonder that its name translates into English as ‘Cherry Blossom Waterfall’. 

See here for information on visiting the Miharu Takizakura.

TSURUGAJO CASTLE

The light colours of the castle walls are complemented by around 1000 cherry blossom trees that decorate the castle and its surrounding park in the springtime. The blossoms can be appreciated from up close, or from above – a sight you can gain access to from the viewing platforms at the top of Tsurugajo Castle. Relax at the traditional Japanese tea house inside the castle walls, or take a walk through the picturesque park before entering the castle and learning about Aizu-Wakamatsu City’s rich and interesting samurai history. Free English guided tours are available at the castle if booked 2 weeks in advance through the Aizu-Wakamatsu City International Association (Website here). You can also rent bicycles at the castle. 

See here for information on visiting Tsurugajo Castle.

NICCHU LINE

Nicchu Line is the name of the train line that used to run at this site. The train tracks have been closed and converted into 3 km long cycling paths, but you can still see the steam train which used to run on this line. 1000 weeping cherry trees stand tall along the Nicchu Line, their branches stretching as far down as the feet of visitors that pass by. There are 'cherry blossom walks' held along the Nicchu Line in late April.

See here for information on visiting the Nicchu Line.

KANNONJI-GAWA RIVER

During springtime, a 1 km path along the banks of the Kannonji-gawa river becomes lined with Yoshino and weeping cherry tree blossom. Visitors walking along the river banks may feel like they are passing through a tunnel of blossom. On a bright and sunny day, a visit to Kannonji-gawa River is a must. That being said, it is worth it to hang around until the evening, when the branches and flowers are lit up with the setting sun, and later with stunning light displays.

See here for information on visiting Kanonji-gawa River

Latest posts

  1. Useful Information

    Heroes and Kaijyu Adventures in Japan

    Inside each of us there is a struggle. Call it what you want: Light vs. Dark... Good vs. Evil... Hero vs. Kaijyu... There comes a day when you must decide, which are you? I visited Sukagawa City in Fukushima prefecture to delve into this concept a bit more. Why Sukagawa City? Sukagawa City is the home town of Tsuburaya Eiji, the creator of Ultraman and a co-creator of Godzilla. He came to be known at the “Father of Tokusatsu,” or, the “Father of Japanese special effects.” His post war work on the Godzilla film of 1954 brought him international success which allowed him to create more science fiction films featuring different monsters, or kaijyu, as well as the internationally popular Ultra-series! Today, Tsuburaya Eiji’s legacy lives on in his hometown where his heroes and monsters roam the streets! With this in mind we set off on our adventure! Eating our heroes... You are what you eat? Or are you conquering the enemy by eating them? You decide… My first stop was the Tamakiya Bakery in Sukagawa City where you will find a wonderful family owned and operated small business. Decorated with Ultraman related memorabilia. The creativity of the (now adult) kids of the family shines through in the various Ultraman and Kaijyu related breads and cookies! Each one is absolutely delicious. I recommend stocking up for your adventure, if there is one thing that heroes and kaijyu have in common, it is that they must eat to stay strong and battle ready! I ate a Kanegon chocolate bread, and suddenly the money in my pocket started looking like a.. snack?? Kanegon is a kaijyu who is known to eat money! Oh no, have I absorbed his powers? It’s impossible to say. Somehow, I managed to contain my dark urges.   Doing some research Suddenly it became clear that there was a lot that I still don’t know about Ultraman and Kaiju. So, I walked over to the Eiji Tsuburaya Museum to conduct some important research.  The museum has a lot of interesting information about Eiji Tsuburaya’s life and accomplishments, various kaijyu, heroes, and the filming of classic sci-fi and kaijyu related movies. There is even an original Godzilla suit on display! As you walk around the room, you may feel the eyes of Godzilla following you. Perhaps he is eyeing you up, trying to decide if you are an ally, or a delicious snack. Please tread lightly. There is a video exhibit and an interactive exhibit that turns you into various Kaijyu and heroes. There is also a station where you can create your own original Kaijyu, unfortunately this exhibit is temporarily suspended, however, it will hopefully be up and running again soon.   Having important discussions with IRL heroes and Kaijyu When you walk the streets of Sukagawa, you’ll never walk alone. Kaijyu and Heroes line the streets causing trouble and cleaning up said trouble. I recommend stopping and having a chat with these monsters and heroes to get some diverse perspectives on good and evil. I sat and spoke with Kanegon for quite a while, and we even discussed our struggles with wanting to eat money.   Channeling my hero energy Next we stopped by the Sukagawa Enobori Yoshinoya Workshop to create an Ultraman banner. It was so cool to experience the use of these traditional banner making techniques in a place with so much historical significance. As I admired my new Ultraman banner, I thought, maybe I am a hero after all.   The final test Next we headed over to the Sukagawa Tokusatsu Archive Center! Succumbing to my true nature and terrorizing a small town. Ultimately, the sight of an unprotected town brought out my worst instincts. I almost went full KAIJYU mode. Fortunately, my coworker is a hero, and he saved the town! After our battle, we explored the various miniature exhibits and classic special effects tools on display. We were also able to watch a short film and then a video about the special effects that were used to create that short film. It was really incredible, and made me want to try to make my own miniatures at home. If you are interested in sci-fi or classic special effects, then I highly recommend checking out the Sukagawa Tokusatsu archive center! You won’t be disappointed. Contact us through email or through our social media channels if you have any questions or need help planning a trip here! ©円谷プロ Published 2022/06/10

    Heroes and Kaijyu Adventures in Japan
  2. Useful Information

    5 things to do in Aizu Misato Town

    1. Try out an Aizu Hongo pottery workshop! After all, Aizu Misato Town is best known for its pottery culture! I’ve never used a pottery wheel in my life, but the kind staff at Irori Pottery house was so helpful. The way to use the wheel was not only thoroughly explained to me, but he also gave me a full demonstration! It was so much fun making a cup on the pottery wheel! The staff made it look so easy, however it was much harder than it looks! The shop is filled with beautiful pieces.   https://fukushima.travel/destination/aizu-hongo-pottery-workshops/322 2. Investigate the local pottery culture Be sure to stop by the visitors’ center to learn more about the town and admire a variety of pottery that is on display in the museum area. The town has a rich history in pottery that dates back to the Warring States Period (1467 – 1615)! Aizu Hongo pottery is a local treasure and although it may not be a house hold name, pieces of Aizu Hongo pottery (known in Japanese as 'hongo-yaki') can be found in museums around the world! Some pieces are more affordable and available for sale while some pieces are priceless, however, all are beautiful. During the warring states period, the leader of the Aizu Clan, Ujisato Gamo, ordered renovations be made to the nearby Tsurugajo Castle. The need to quickly produce a large number of ceramic tiles for the castle roof led to a surge in pottery production in the area with more than 100 kilns and craftspeople producing the tiles. Along with tiles, potters also crafted a wide variety of products and wares, honing their skills after years of training. Today there are only 13 kilns left in the area, and they are still producing ceramics and porcelain products today to preserve the oldest tradition of pottery in the Tohoku region.   3. Explore the area on a free rental bike! There are actually rental bikes here that you can use for up to 4 hours, for FREE! One of the bikes is an electrical assist bike, so if you are super interested in biking but your travel buddy is less so, then you can put them on the electrical assist bike and go exploring together! The bikes can be rented at the visitors’ center.   4. Check out the the Isasumi Shrine. The history of this shrine is thought to be connected to a 2000 year old legend, detailed on the Isasumi Shrine page. The grounds of the shrine are shaded with large trees and quiet mossy paths. When I visited, the classic wooden structure was so beautiful against the summer greenery. There is a large Koi pond nearby that is also very relaxing to visit. I had a nice time feeding the koi fish.   5. Enjoy local cuisine The area is particularly famous for having delicious soba noodles and sauce Katsudon dishes! I ordered the sauce Katsudon at a local diner and it was absolutely delicious.

    5 things to do in Aizu Misato Town
  3. Useful Information

    Fishing at Aquamarine Fukushima

    I know what you’re thinking... Fishing?? At an aquarium? Well, this isn’t a typical aquarium. Aquamarine Fukushima is an Environmental Aquarium focused on research and providing educational information about sustainability and conservation. The aquarium is most well-known for its triangular tunnel that separates two large tanks that represent the part of the sea where two currents meet. The Oyashio current (home to a high degree of diversity and reef environments) and the Kuroshio current (home to fast moving fish and wide open sea environments). This was my first time seeing large schools of fish moving together, and it was really mesmerizing! After getting hypnotized by the swirling school of fish, we headed over to the fishing pond to catch some lunch! At the fishing area I was handed a rod and some bait. You pay (1000 yen) to use the rod, and then it is a small fee (100 yen) per fish you catch. The fish in the pond were really cute, so I was nervous about eating them. I love eating sushi but when confronted with a cute little fish swimming around, I start to think less with my stomach and more with my heart. I’ve never successfully caught a fish on my own, so I was shocked when I almost instantly felt a tug on the fishing pole. I pulled the rod up and suddenly there was a flopping fish in my hands! In the same way, I was able to quickly catch two more fish. So, one for me and each of my coworkers. You aren’t allowed to return any fish to the water, so be careful not to catch more fish than you can eat. Catching the fish here is pretty easy, so I think this is a great activity to try! Most of us have very little experience with fishing or hunting. When you source all of your food from the local grocery store, it can be hard to remember or come to terms with the fact that the meat we eat was once alive. Faced with a living fish, some visitors (mostly children) have broken the rules and released what they caught once no one was looking! However, rather than feeling sad about the fish, I channeled the mindset of gratitude towards the fish for providing me with life-sustaining nourishment. Thankyou fish friend! We carried the fish friends over to the cooking area, said a little goodbye, and handed them over to the chef. Quickly, the fish were swiftly prepared in front of us and cooked. A few minutes later, we were handed a plate of hot fish fry. They smelled really good. We said a heartfelt thank you, “itadakimasu,” and ate. The taste was so fresh and delicious. I have never eaten such fresh fish before, my coworker and I agreed that the meat almost tasted more like fried chicken than fish. It felt good to know exactly where our food had come from. In order to consume consciously, it is good to remember to value the life of the creatures that we eat. By keeping our oceans clean, we can honor the lives of sea animals. After we ate, we walked around a bit more and took a look at some of the exhibits. One had a lot of information about beach cleanups and efforts that the aquarium is making to stay environmentally conscious which I hope you will check out if you visit! It was a lot of fun visiting Aquamarine Fukushima, and I hope that you will consider visiting!

    Fishing at Aquamarine Fukushima
Show All (101)
Top