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Top 10 Things to Do in Fukushima Prefecture

Top 10 Things to Do in Fukushima Prefecture

Welcome to Fukushima! As the third-largest prefecture in Japan, split into three distinct regions, there is no shortage of interesting options to make your trip worthwhile.

In this article, we’ll break down the most popular spots, and give our recommendations for the absolute best of the best Fukushima has to offer.

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1. Tsurugajo Castle, Aizu-Wakamatsu City

Formerly the site of one of the last great battles of the samurai era, the red-tiled fortress of Tsurugajo Castle was the centre of power for the Aizu Domain, a great clan of warriors who ruled this part of Japan until 1868.

Though the main keep has undergone several rebuilds and refurbishments over the years, its signature reddish roof tiles are unique among Japanese castles. The interior houses a museum teaching visitors about the Aizu clan, with displays in Japanese and English, while the top floor offers wide-ranging views over the surrounding city.

The castle grounds are also a busy spot in spring, when dozens of cherry trees bloom at once, and again in autumn, when trees of red and gold are illuminated in the evening.

Nearby, the Tsurugajo Kaikan visitors’ center provides outstanding shopping options, including local snacks, gifts and sake, as well as kimono rental services. Visitors can also paint an akabeko here, one of the Aizu region’s most beloved toys, and an unofficial mascot of the area.

2. Ouchi-juku, Shimogo Town

Samurai travelling between Tsurugajo Castle and the historical capital of Edo (Tokyo) often stopped here at Ouchi-juku to rest and recover. The traditional thatched-roof village, located in Shimogo Town, is popular year-round for its tranquil atmosphere. The rows of houses, meanwhile, have been well-preserved for hundreds of years – many are restaurants serving local specialties, or stalls selling folk art or snacks.

Although there is something unique about the village in any season, the area is at its busiest in winter, when the thatched roofs are laden with snow and snow sculpture lanterns light the paths. This is also the time of the Ouchi-juku Snow Festival, a major event in February featuring dancing, community games and a flaming torch parade.

3. Goshikinuma Ponds, Kitashiobara Village

Formed in 1888 by the steam explosion of nearby Mt. Bandai, ‘Goshikinuma’ refers to the many volcanic ponds that can be found in Urabandai, an area of astonishing natural beauty. The colours of the water are known to differ even from day to day; a vibrant blue on Monday may have shifted to a brilliant emerald green by Tuesday.

Perhaps most-visited is Bishamon-numa (pictured above), a good starting point known for its gorgeous red-leaved foliage in autumn. Visitors can take a gentle hike around the water’s edge, see koi fish, and take a rowboat ride on the water in small groups.

4. Lake Inawashiro

As Japan’s fourth-largest lake, Inawashiro is so massive it can be seen from space. In summer the great lake is used for water sports like wakeboarding, while in winter it’s common to see flocks of migrating swans at the water’s edge. Since three of Fukushima’s main ski resorts are based nearby – more on that below – a trip here combines well with a ski holiday, or with a visit to the Goshikinuma Ponds in autumn.

The lake and its nearby mountain scenery can be seen by a nautical sightseeing tour, with two large boats – one swan and one turtle – leaving from the north dock multiple times a day. There are several campgrounds on all sides of the lake, and even a Finnish-style lakeside sauna that can be rented for those brave enough to dip in the water in winter.

5. Ride the Tadami Line

One of Japan’s most scenic train lines, the Tadami Line takes passengers west from Aizu-Wakamatsu City all the way through the stunning Oku-Aizu region, and eventually into Niigata Prefecture.

This is perhaps the best way to get to Yanaizu, a historic little town famous for its akabeko character and the majestic Enzoji Temple. It also features one of the four Chansey Parks, based around Fukushima’s official support Pokemon.

Not only does the railway stop at several scenic areas, but the train itself is also the subject of breathtaking photos from the viewpoints at Mishima (Tadami River Bridge No.1, pictured above) and Kaneyama (Kaneyama Fureai Hiroba).

This is also how many visitors choose to get to the ethereal Mugenkyo ferry crossing, within walkable distance of Hayato Station on this line.

Find out more about the Tadami Line here.

6. Learn about Fukushima’s disaster recovery

Fukushima’s east coast was severely affected by the ‘triple disaster’ in March 2011 – earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster. This led to many people having to evacuate their homes, some for several years. Even now, nearly fifteen years later, revitalisation efforts are ongoing in many places with the support of proud, warm-hearted communities who are keen to welcome new guests.

If you’re looking to learn more about the 2011 disaster and support the region’s recovery, many visitors choose to visit the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum in Futaba. This modern museum, completed in 2020, tells the story of Fukushima residents before, during and after the disaster, as well as exploring the ways modern technology can aid in disaster relief.

Read our example itinerary here, and learn more about safety in Fukushima here.

7. Go to a festival

Timing your visit to coincide with a festival is a surefire way to ensure a lasting memory of your time in Japan. Most towns in Japan have at least one yearly festival, often in summer, but there are also bigger festivals themed around certain historical events. In almost every case, festivals are a good place to hang out with friends and eat street food, while many have a cultural showcase of some kind or a fireworks display.

(From left to right: Iizaka Fighting Festival, Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival, Taimatsu Akashi Torch Festival)

If you’re looking to visit one of Fukushima’s biggest festivals, here are perhaps the most famous:

Reaching the top of Mt. Issaikyo rewards climbers with stellar views

8. Experience incredible nature

Since Fukushima is so massive, it’s easy to find somewhere to get away from the crowds of bigger cities and enjoy your trip at a slower pace in the countryside. Depending on the season, there’s always a spectacular photo spot worth visiting. For example:

Cherry blossoms 

Fukushima’s sheer size means it experiences several cherry blossom seasons, separated by region. It usually starts with Iwaki City in the south-east in early April and ends in the mountainous west of Tadami as late as mid-May.

The most popular spots include Hanamiyama, a valley that turns a vibrant pink and yellow, and Miharu Takizakura, a gigantic single cherry blossom tree over 1,000 years old.

Check our dedicated cherry blossom guide, or our Google Maps list for more.

Autumn colours

With multiple locales that rank at the top of Tohoku’s best foliage lists, autumn is an excellent time to visit Fukushima. Most leaves are at their best in late October into early or mid November, depending on the region.

The Goshikinuma Ponds are possibly the most striking autumn scenery, and some people even plan their whole trip around getting autumn photos here.

Elsewhere, several shrines are well-known for their vibrant colours, such as Hanitsu Shrine in Inawashiro with its picturesque vista of red leaves, or the massive yellow gingko tree at Shingu Kumano Shrine in Kitakata.

See our Google Maps list for more options.

Hiking

As a mountainous region, the central plinth of Fukushima offers several excellent hiking options for all levels. Day-trippers looking to stretch their legs will enjoy Mt. Azuma-Kofuji, a 45-minute walk around a crater offering splendid views over Fukushima City on a clear day, while peaks like Mt. Adatara or Mt. Issaikyo provide more of a robust challenge to intermediate climbers.

Those looking for a change of pace may be interested in the Extreme Onsen challenge, where a tour guide escorts you up the volcanic back trails of Mt. Adatara to bathe in a real hot spring river. (Changing facilities are provided and a swimsuit is required.)

9. Skiing

There are around 20 ski resorts in Fukushima Prefecture, ranging from small regional resorts to huge super-resorts with multiple courses for all levels. The quality of snow and variety of courses is comparable to other major resorts around Japan, but lift pass fees are typically lower and queues for lifts are typically shorter.

Three of the biggest resorts are based in the Inawashiro region around Mt. Bandai:

See our ski guide for more about these resorts.

10. Cuisine

Japan’s fantastic food culture is one of the best reasons to visit Japan, and Fukushima is no different. You’ll find something delicious no matter where you visit in the prefecture.

Regional specialties include:

  • Ramen, especially ‘ramen heartland’ Kitakata City with its over 100 restaurants
  • Sauce katsudon, breaded pork and sauce over rice in the Aizu region
  • Enban gyoza, dumplings served direct from a circular pan to provide extra crispiness

The Fukushima Fruit Line, in the northwest of Fukushima City, is a row of over 20 orchards, many of which offer all-you-can-eat fruit picking experiences year-round. Long picking seasons ensure there is always something to pick whenever you visit – although peaches are most popular in July and August.

Fukushima’s sake reputation is also stellar, with its products routinely receiving gold standard certifications at Japan’s major sake awards. There are several places to take a tour of a brewery and sample the local products, such as Yamatogawa, Homare or Suehiro.

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  1. Useful Information

    5 Famous Cherry Blossom Spots in Fukushima... and 5 Hidden Gems for 2026

    Being such a huge prefecture, Fukushima has an abundance of beautiful cherry blossom locales across all three of its main regions. In this article we'll introduce some of Fukushima's most famous picturesque scenes - the ones you'll see on the travel brochures - as well as a selection of hidden gems that don't see as much foot traffic.If you're looking for every cherry blossom spot in one place, check our Google Maps list.Where possible, this article lists the usual period in which the area reaches full bloom. In 2026, this is likely to be slightly earlier than previous years due to a warmer winter.Fukushima's Five Most Famous Cherry Blossom Spots1. Miharu Takizakura, Miharu TownConsidered by many to be Japan's most beautiful single cherry tree, Miharu Takizakura - literally 'waterfall cherry blossom' - is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, such tree in the country. Visitors flock from all over Japan to visit Takizakura, making it one of the busier spots on this list, but the tree is so massive it's easy to take beautiful photographs.It's worth turning up early if you want to beat the crowds, although there is always plenty of parking thanks to several overflow parking areas. There are food stalls and seating lining the route up to the tree, so many visitors choose to spend the afternoon at the tree, eat at the food stall area, then return up the slope for the night-time illuminations.Usual blooming period: Mid-April (above photos taken 17 April 2025)2. Hanamiyama, Fukushima CityThe rolling hillsides of Hanamiyama are situated east of Fukushima City, where you can see vibrant colours of pink, white and yellow from early to mid-April. Previously a private field, Hanamiyama was opened to the public in the 1950s and has steadily grown into one of Tohoku's most famous cherry blossom spots.There are a variety of walking courses that visitors can choose from based on length and difficulty, although even the longest course, to the highest viewpoint over the valley, is still suitable for most people.The easiest way to get to Hanamiyama is to take a bus from the east exit of Fukushima Station. During the blooming season, buses run regularly and cost in the region of 500 yen for a round trip.Usual blooming period: Early to mid-April (above photos taken 9 April 2025)3. Nicchu Line Weeping Cherry Blossoms, Kitakata CityOnce a part of a wider railway line, this three-kilometre stretch features over 1,000 cherry trees that form a waterfall effect on either side as you walk. This is the rare popular photo spot that doesn't feel overly crowded thanks to its sheer length and number of cherry trees, and the south entry to the promenade is only a short distance from the station.The steam engine that once ran here is still on display, and there are places to stop and relax, as well as food stalls operating throughout blossom season. This makes it an excellent option to try 'hanami', the Japanese spring tradition of having a picnic while cherry blossom watching.Kitakata City is also a great place to visit with a rich history as a ramen and sake brewing heartland, so for some ideas of where else to visit while you're in town, see our related article about Kitakata.Usual blooming period: Late April (above photos taken 21 April 2025)4. Tsurugajo Castle, Aizu-Wakamatsu CityThe massive fortress of Tsurugajo Castle, which stands at the centrepoint of Aizu-Wakamatsu City, is one of Fukushima's best-visited tourist spots in any season, but especially beautiful in spring. The castle grounds are full of cherry trees, especially in the grove on the west side of the keep. There is space to lay out picnic blankets, while the nearby tourist information kiosk sells ice cream and snacks to enjoy while you admire the scenery.The history of Tsurugajo Castle traces back to the Boshin War of 1868, where it was the site of a bloody siege by the forces of the Emperor against the Aizu Domain clan of samurai. The interior of the keep is now a museum dedicated to that battle and those who died in it, while the top floor is an observatory with panoramic views over the city and surrounding area.Usual blooming period: Mid- to late April (above photos taken 21 April 2025)5. Kaiseizan Park, Koriyama CityIf you're a Pokemon fan - or even if you're not - the sprawling grounds of Kaiseizan Park are a must-visit in cherry blossom season for its charming atmosphere. One of Fukushima's four Chansey Parks is based here, a children's play park styled after Fukushima's official support Pokemon.The rest of Kaiseizan Park features a large pond, an array of different flowers, another large play park and ample space for hanami viewing. Food stalls run during cherry blossom season, including across the road at Kaiseizan Shrine, which is also worth a quick visit while you're in the area.The rare inner-city cherry blossom spot in Fukushima, Kaiseizan Park is a short bus ride from Koriyama Station, alighting at Koriyama City Hall.Usual blooming period: Mid-April (above photos taken 17 April 2025)Five Hidden GemsLooking for some lesser-known sleeper spots with great scenery?1. Yonomori Sakura Tunnel, Tomioka TownTomioka is something of a hidden gem itself in Fukushima - evacuated in part in the aftermath of the 2011 disaster, the town has been rebuilding over the last decade and is once again known for its woodland walks and beautiful cherry trees. The sakura tunnel here has been known historically as one of the most striking sights of Tohoku's east coast, now made all the more special for its efforts to rebuild.A cherry blossom festival, combining the traditional sakura viewing with stage performances like yosakoi dancing and taiko drumming, is held on the first weekend of April. For years the festival was unable to be held in the aftermath of the evacuation of parts of the east coast, but nowadays it has returned to being a yearly event.Looking to visit Tomioka Town? You can access the area and enjoy the scenery via a Footpath walking course.Usual blooming period: Early April  (2025 full bloom was around 8-10 April)2. Kannonji-gawa River, Inawashiro TownThe parallel rows of Yoshino cherry trees flanking the Kannonji-gawa River make for a stunning sight in both day time and night time, when the trees are illuminated by an area of multi-coloured lights. The combination of the lush banks, pink cherry blossoms and calming river make a stroll here one of Fukushima's best-loved cherry blossom spots with locals.It's also very accessible, sitting only a minute's walk or so from Kawageta Station, while food stalls selling a variety of Japanese festival food are available on the east bank of the river.A trip to Kannonji-gawa combines well with a visit to the wider Inawashiro region, famous for Japan's fourth-largest lake. If you're in the area, you might consider a trip to Hanitsu Shrine, the Tenkyokaku former imperial villa, or the 'Umbrella Sky' installation at Inawashiro Herb Garden.Usual blooming period: Mid- to late April (above photos taken 24 April 2025)3. Mogi Station, Koriyama CityAlthough a smaller station primarily used for school commutes, Mogi Station totally changes in sakura season thanks to its vibrant wall of cherry blossoms behind the southern platform.For photographers looking to get a shot of the train and the blossoms together, only the last train of the evening arrives at the platform nearest the trees. Most prior arrivals arrive to the platform nearest the station, which also has some cherry blossoms behind it that make for nice photographs.Visitors to the station should be aware that parking can be limited, especially around train arrival times when locals are picking up family members. Please be considerate of the area residents during busy cherry blossom season!Usual blooming period: Mid-April (above photos taken 17 April 2025)4. Fujita River, Koriyama CityFukushima is blessed to have several rivers that are flanked by cherry trees for a long stretch - such as Kannonji-gawa above or the Natsui River Park - but Fujita River is perhaps the best, being accessible from Koriyama City and therefore less than two hours from Tokyo. The trees line this route for three kilometres, and a train - which stops at nearby Kikuta Station - passes over the nearby railway bridge.There is some space on the river banks for picnics and hanami viewing, and there is ample parking nearby. Like Nicchusen or Kannonji-gawa, the route is long enough that it's rare for this area to become crowded despite its popularity.Usual blooming period: Mid-April (above photos taken 17 April 2025)5. Matsugaoka Park, Iwaki CityLocated in sunny Iwaki City in the south-east of the prefecture, Matsugaoka Park is typically one of the first places in Fukushima to reach full bloom, and the oldest in the city. Hosting over 200 trees, the park is wide enough with ample lawn space to make it the perfect hanami picnic spot, in addition to a strong selection of food stalls if you run out of supplies.If you're visiting Iwaki, you might be interested in a trip to Aquamarine Fukushima, the Iwaki Coal and Fossil Museum, or further cherry blossom viewing at spots like Ogawa-suwa Shrine (beautiful with late-night illuminations) or Miyukiyama Park in Yumoto Onsen.Usual blooming period: Early April (above photos taken 5 April 2025)More information: Fukushima Cherry Blossom Guide Getting to Fukushima Top 10 Things to Do in Fukushima Cultural activities in Fukushima

    5 Famous Cherry Blossom Spots in Fukushima... and 5 Hidden Gems for 2026
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    Hot Laps Experience at Ebisu Circuit

    Ever since the concept of drift racing was born in Japan in the 1970s and 80s, drifting culture has steadily increased in popularity to become a global phenomenon. These days, elite drift racers appear in competitions across the world in highly-modified cars, burning through tyres and kicking up smoke wherever they go.The technique involved in drifting is simple to understand but difficult to master – drivers hone their skills over years to perfect the difficult technique of sending the car sliding sideways through corners at full speed. Japan’s legendary car culture and natural abundance of mountain pass roads – known as ‘touge’ – made it the perfect ecosystem for the birth of this wild and exciting motorsport.Drifting is a part of Japan’s underground culture, and there’s nowhere better to experience it for yourself than at the circuit known as ‘drifting Mecca’.What is the Ebisu Circuit?Based just outside of Nihonmatsu City, the Ebisu Circuit is home to several full-size tracks. Some of these are designed for drifting full-time, while others are more for traditional ‘grip’ racing, and only open for drifting during the thrice-annual Ebisu Drift Festival.The circuit also houses several drift schools, the biggest of which is the Sideways Experience. In addition to running classes and renting vehicles to visitors to the circuit, the Sideways crew also provide a Hot Laps experience, letting you ride along in a real drift car as it whips you around the track.The Hot Laps ExperienceIf you’re into drifting culture, or just like cars, or even just want a rollercoaster-style shot of adrenaline, the Hot Laps at Ebisu make for a pulse-pounding experience.We went to try it for ourselves, visiting The Sideways Experience at their headquarters at the Kita (north) course, and then jumping into the passenger seat to take a few loops around the track.If you’ve never been in a drift car before, it is a sensory overload, from the smell of burning rubber to the screech of tyres as the pro drivers swing around corners. Although you’re tightly cinched into your seat by a racing seatbelt, the dramatic momentum shifts and high speeds make for a thrilling time on the track.Bookings can be made in advance on the reservation page.All members of the Sideways team speak English and can help you with any concerns or problems.Ride & DriveAs a working drift school, Sideways also offer the possibility of getting behind the wheel for yourself and learning the basics of drifting from a professional teacher. This was a great eye-opener for me, as I had no idea just how complex it is to send a car into an extended drift. I also managed to throw in a few doughnuts for the camera!The Ride & Drive experience also gives you a chance to jump into a Toyota AE86 (known as a hachi-roku, eight-six), a legendary car made famous by the manga and anime Initial D. Those booking this experience also get to jump in the AE86 for their Hot Laps, so if you’d like to learn to drift in an AE86 on a Japanese track, this is your chance.The AE86 Ride & Drive experience is currently being prepared and aims to be open for bookings sometime in spring 2026. Thank you for your patience.Q&AWhat do I need to bring?A driver’s license is not required to do either the Hot Laps experience nor the Ride & Drive. Helmets can be borrowed on-site.How much does it cost?The Hot Laps experience is a flat fee of 25,000 yen per person for three laps. The car only has room for one passenger at this time. Passengers must pay a separate fee of 2,200 yen at the front gate for ridealongs, which includes a 500 yen mandatory insurance.The exclusive Ride & Drive experience in the AE86, opening soon, costs 66,000 yen, and includes the Hot Laps experience followed by two 10 minute sessions with a professional driver on the Kuru Kuru Land drift pad. Drivers must pay a separate fee of 3,000 yen at the front gate, which includes the 500 yen insurance.Can I choose my favourite track?Visitors can choose from one of Ebisu Circuit’s famous tracks for the Hot Laps – Kita (north), Nishi (west) or Touge (mountain pass). Please be aware that some tracks are sometimes unavailable on event days or special occasions.Is there an age or height restriction?In general, there are no restrictions, but participants must be tall enough to be cinched into a racing seatbelt across the chest.Can I rent a car and drive for longer?For car rentals, please contact the Sideways Experience directly.Getting to the Ebisu CircuitWhile driving up from Tokyo is possible, it's a long journey - upwards of three and a half hours - that mostly sticks to highways and can be costly for toll roads.Many visitors choose to take the shinkansen (bullet train) as far as Koriyama Station - taking about 75 minutes from Tokyo Station - then rent a car there to drive to the circuit. Popular rental services include: Toyota Times Car Rental ORIX JR Rent-A-CarThese all have stores at Koriyama Station and can be reserved online in English.(Overseas visitors using rental cars must have a valid license to drive in Japan, such as an International Driver's Permit acquired in your home country..)Taking a local train as far as Nihonmatsu Station, then a taxi to the circuit, is also a potential option, since the Sideways Experience staff will pick you up from the front gate of the circuit.Helpful Links: Things to Do in Nihonmatsu City A Total Guide to the Ebisu Drift Festival Getting to Fukushima Top 10 Things to Do in Fukushima Cultural activities in Fukushima

    Hot Laps Experience at Ebisu Circuit
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    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
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