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Meaningful Travel Experiences in Fukushima

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 Souvenirs

By 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:

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 Boat

Mugenkyo 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. Enjoy (or Make!) the Local Noodle Specialties

Noodles 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 eaten with a whole 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 Await

From 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!

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  1. Useful Information

    Exploring A Fukushima Footpath Course

    In 2026, Fukushima’s east coast is no longer defined solely by its past. Along the Pacific shoreline, towns once struck by disaster are gradually filling with new buildings, new businesses and cautious optimism. One of the most revealing ways to understand this transformation is simply to walk through it, map in hand, on a Fukushima Footpath walking tour.What is a Footpath course?Threading through towns along Fukushima’s east coast, a Footpath course is a self-guided walking route that particularly explores areas heavily affected by the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident of 2011. These courses follow ordinary streets, coastal paths, shrines, parks and newly developed districts, with visitors using a map to explore at their own pace, stopping where they choose and taking time to absorb the surroundings.The initiative began as a way to draw people back to communities still rebuilding their numbers following the 2011 evacuation order. By encouraging visitors to walk through these towns, the project aims to increase awareness of both the disaster’s impact and the steady, visible progress of reconstruction. On foot, you can see details that would otherwise pass unnoticed; new seawalls, freshly laid roads, modern public buildings, and empty plots waiting for future homes.What makes them worthwhile?Walking these courses with friends turns the experience into something more than simply sightseeing. You might find yourself chatting with a shop owner in a newly opened café or meeting residents who have recently returned. Spending money locally – even on a coffee or lunch – directly supports communities rebuilding from the ground up.You’ll see construction sites beside quiet fields, or brand-new community centers next to long-standing shrines. The courses offer visitors a chance to see the region with their own eyes, and witness firsthand how the coastline is reshaping itself day by day with the support of its vibrant and regrowing community.Futaba: A link from yesterday to tomorrowFutaba, once home to thousands of residents, became the last municipality in Fukushima Prefecture to reopen after the disaster. Today, its population is still small, and walking here makes for a quiet but reflective afternoon. The course begins at the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum, a beautiful facility completed in 2020 as an archive detailing life before, during and after the 2011 tragedy.Next door is the Futaba Business Incubation and Community Center (F-BICC), equally modern with restaurants, conference facilities and a great view from the rooftop.From there, visitors walk through Futaba’s natural scenery, through wide plains where neighbourhoods once stood, while ongoing infrastructure work indicates the area’s rapid progress. In Futaba alone, there is a large hotel under construction by the museum, while the planned Fukushima Reconstruction Memorial Park is taking shape along the coast, designed as a large green space for reflection overlooking the Pacific.The walking course takes trekkers past Nakano Hachiman Shrine, famously rebuilt after once being swept away by the tsunami, and a rare example of a newly built shrine building.Further uphill, Morotake Suwa Shrine sits among trees, offering a view across the town toward the Pacific Ocean, with a small memorial to those who found refuge there during the tsunami.Eventually the course leads to the Asano-Nenshi textile factory, built here in 2023. Masami Asano, company president, chose Futaba as the site for the new factory to promote and stimulate Futaba’s economic recovery.The factory now stands as a beacon for Futaba’s revival, and contains a cafe restaurant where visitors can stop for lunch.Okuma: Forging new infrastructureLike Futaba, Okuma is in the midst of large-scale reconstruction. Entire districts are newly built or being developed, creating a townscape that blends fragments of the old with ambitious new planning. The footpath loops through the former downtown area, where parts of the historic main street survive alongside wide new roads and modern housing for returning residents.The route begins at the contemporary multipurpose complex CREVA, with coworking spaces and event halls reflecting the town’s focus on attracting businesses and entrepreneurs. Nearby, Kuma Sun Terrace provides a convenience store, restaurant, kid’s play room and everyday services.The new Ono Station building connects the town to Joban Line railway, while rows of azaleas and ginkgo trees line sections of the route.Further along stands Fun Eat Makers, a modern wooden facility combining a café and a hydroponic farm that grows produce using advanced indoor techniques. Nearby, the Okuma Incubation Center was once an elementary school, and now hosts companies and community events. Officials have suggested that in five or ten years, the town may look entirely different again. Walking the footpath today captures Okuma at a pivotal moment – actively constructing the infrastructure and social spaces that will define its next chapter.Hirono: At one with natureSouth of Futaba and Okuma, Hirono has a peaceful farmland atmosphere, reminiscent of even a European countryside. Beginning at a renovated Hirono Station – with a new community exchange center scheduled to open nearby – the footpath quickly transitions from town streets to open greenery.Tsukijigaoka Park provides an early highlight, including a monument connected to a well-known children’s song associated with the area. Beyond the park, vivid green rice paddies stretch across the landscape in growing season, backed by low hills.Walking under the Joban Line railway bridge, you may be lucky enough to watch a train passing overhead on its way headed north to Sendai or south to Iwaki.As the path approaches the Asamigawa estuary, the horizon opens toward the Pacific. The Oshu Sunrise Viewpoint draws visitors in the early morning, when light spreads across the water. Coastal windbreak forests and disaster-prevention green spaces line the shore, representing both preparedness and resilience.Together, Futaba, Okuma and Hirono reveal different aspects of Fukushima’s east coast in modern times: a mixture of reconstruction, natural beauty and cultural significance. By walking a Footpath course, you can witness these changes at a leisurely pace – and see for yourself how the region is reshaping its future.Looking for other ideas during your visit? Check out more details about the Hamadori region, and learn more about the Footpath programme (Japanese language only) on the official website.

    Exploring A Fukushima Footpath Course
  2. 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
  3. 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
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