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Mr. Ueno's Nanohana Flower Maze

Today, in Minamisoma City, fields of bright yellow nanohana flowers seem to stretch as far as the eye can see. Laughter and joy fill the air where children, adults, and elders come to walk through the mazes of these bright flowers. But this was not always a place of joy. After the Great East Japan Earthquake, Tsunami, and following Nuclear Incident on March 11th, 2011, this area became a place of mourning. When people came here in 2011, all they could do was cry.  Turning a Place of Sorrow, into a Place of Joy. Takayuki Ueno, a local farmer, was heartbroken when he lost his parents and two young children to the tsunami in 2011. He wanted to plant flowers, so in November 2011 (8 months after the disaster) Mr. Ueno returned to his land and planted nanohana flowers. The following spring, the flowers bloomed bright yellow and brought a bit of color and joy to land. There were no announcements about the flowers, even so, young people came here in school busses to see the flowers. Upon seeing the smiles of the children and people who came to see the flowers, he could smile again.  The Immense Value of a Smile As the years went on he planted more and more flowers, in 2013 he started making the flower mazes and giving out prizes to children for completing the maze. He said that even though it’s a lot of work to plant the flowers and run events with the flower maze while also working full time as a farmer, it’s worth it to see the children smile and run through the maze. He also organizes illuminations and fireworks events for children with the help of volunteers who come from neighboring towns and prefectures to help run the events.  Today Due to the current global health emergency events have been scaled down, but the spring prior to that over 10,000 young children (not counting adults) came to enjoy the flowers and the maze! Mr. Ueno plans to continue planting the flowers for years to come. Meeting Mr. Ueno was so inspiring. Despite the heartbreaking loss that he experienced he focuses on bringing joy and brightness into the lives of others. Talking to Mr. Ueno and walking through the bright yellow flowers of the mazes and surrounding fields felt like a type of magic that made it impossible to do anything but smile.    Click here for information on visiting the Nanohana Flower Fields and Mazes.

Mr. Ueno's Nanohana Flower Maze
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Try Your Hand at Designing Local Crafts

One exciting part of travel is hunting for gifts for friends and family at home. Rather than taking the expedient route of gift shopping, why not consider giving them something particularly special by trying your hand at local crafts and making your gifts yourself? You can create items that will serve as the perfect gift through the many handicrafts practiced in Fukushima. Come experience the profound world of traditional crafts and folk art long preserved in these communities, and find yourself with an original gift item that is unique in the world. The items produced through local traditional craftsmanship and folk art are made with techniques and skills preserved by the people here over many generations. Among the items, there are those highly valuable as works of art that are made by a limited number of craftsmen by hand, one by one. Many of these traditional crafts, unique to each area, are still preserved in Fukushima, and are popular as gifts. Popular Crafts in Fukushima Miharu-Goma The Miharu-Goma wooden horse doll from the Nakadori region has long been valued as a charm for the healthy growth of children. You can make your own Miharu-Goma at Takashiba Dekoyashiki. Erosoku Aizu Painted Candles The historical erosoku painted candles from the Aizu region are imprinted with colorful pictures of flowers, which were known for being loved by the upper class in earlier times for their gaiety. You can paint your own Aizu Painted Candle at Ozawa Candle Shop. Akabeko The Akabeko red cow bobblehead toy, made from papier-mâché, is a symbol of good luck growing up strong. Incidentally, the 'beko' in the name is a local word for cow. Check for here for information on where to paint your own. In each case, you can observe the craftsmen creating these items by visiting their workshops. The scenes of these works being completed with skillful mastery are artistry in motion. You will certainly also get a sense of the warmth of the handiwork not found in mass produced goods. We also recommend that you participate in a workshop where you can add your own finishing touches, such as adding color or painting designs. These workshops typically only take 30 minutes, so can be easily added to your itinerary without worrying too much about time. Also, don’t worry if you’re not sure you can do it well - they don't have to be perfect! Hand-painted gifts will certainly serve as a wonderful gift that evokes fond memories of your journey for yourself or friends for years to come. History of Fukushima Handicrafts The reason why handicrafts are particularly popular here is because Fukushima Prefecture includes many areas that are transformed into snow country during the winter months. Snowy winters made it impossible to work outside so work that could be done indoors flourished. Many such traditional crafts and folk art originate in the Aizu region of the prefecture where the snowfall is particularly heavy, including a wide array of crafts other than those already mentioned, such as lacquerware, textiles, amikumi zaiku (traditional basketry woven with vines), woodworking, and Japanese paper. These handicrafts, born through coexistence with nature and climate, represent the very heart of the people of Fukushima. They combine simplicity with depth, durability with beauty. In addition to the workshops where they are made, these traditional crafts and works of folk art can also be purchased at gift shops, so take a look when you have the chance. Many workshops will also have a small exhibition space with information on the traditional crafts and arts which are worth the visit if you are interested. They will provide you with deeper knowledge on the history of each.　 We hope you will come to experience some of the local appeal of Fukushima, found nowhere else, through these traditional handicrafts.

Try Your Hand at Designing Local Crafts
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Stay with Local Farmers

Your travel experience will vary greatly depending on where you stay, making the choice of accommodation essential to planning an enjoyable trip. While a cleanly appointed hotel room or a hot spring inn rich with Japanese aesthetics is sure to satisfy, if you’re coming to Fukushima, why not also consider something more rustic to get a taste of the local culture? One option is to stay at a noka minshuku (‘farmer’s inn’). Fukushima Prefecture is rich with farmland, with much of its area covered with fields and rice paddies. The popular crops on local farms vary with the area, such as rice in the western Aizu region, fruit in the central Nakadori region, and vegetables and other seasonal crops in the coastal Hamadori region. Farmers’ inns are part of a style of travel growing in popularity in which you stay at a home actually involved in farming. Unlike normal trips where visitors travel from place to place for sightseeing, doing a farm stay will give you a deeper experience of the land and its appeals as you work and eat with the local residents. First and foremost among the various activities you will experience is the farm work itself. Farm stay guests assist their host through activities including harvesting crops in the family-owned fields and paddies. It’s not a problem if you’ve never done this type of work before, as these veteran farmers will kindly guide you through the tasks. When the work is done, join your hosts and other locals in preparing meals from the freshly harvested produce. The taste of meals prepared from hand-picked produce are beyond compare. Your bonds with your host farm family will deepen as you dine together around the dinner table, and you will likely experience the same sense of comfort as when visiting relatives. Each area of Fukushima has its own unique culinary culture. For example, Kozuyu is a soup made with a broth of scallops and filled to the brim with numerous local veggies such as carrots, taro, and shitake mushrooms. This dish local to Aizu has long been enjoyed as an essential part of any celebratory occasion. Don’t hesitate to ask your host family about the history of the dishes and tips for preparing them so you can make them at home to fondly recall your trip in years to come. During moments of free time, you can relax in a tatami room, nap on your futon, and experience the simple pleasures of the traditional Japanese lifestyle. If the inn is a traditional Japanese home, you will likely also encounter such items as irori (special sunken hearths located in the middle of the living room), or the blanket-covered kotatsu table under which you can warm your feet in winter months. Other activities you may enjoy vary depending on the area, and may include traditional crafts and outdoor activities. This type of trip can also be enjoyed with your whole family! Many farmer’s inns are located in mountainous areas. These areas give you an immediate sense of the changing seasons, with blossoming flowers in springtime and the verdant green of summer. You will likely see Japanese farming villages in a new light as you take photographs on your walks or simply gaze at the gardens in between other activities. Thus, simply relaxing and taking in the quiet unavailable in bustling cities is another pleasant way to spend your time here. Tips It is often the case that you will actually be living together with the farmer’s family, so you should refrain from being too noisy or going out and about without first consulting them. Further, farm stay inns don't provide the high level of customer service normally found at hotels and other tourist accommodations. Therefore, you should take care to do your part, such as helping to wash the dishes after meals and by keeping your own room clean during your stay. During the course of your stay of several days, you will doubtless experience the bountiful nature, cuisine, traditions, and lifestyle of Fukushima. So, come do a farm stay in Fukushima, and perhaps you will discover your second home, a place where you will wish to return again and again in years to come.

Stay with Local Farmers
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Sample Fresh Sake at Local Breweries

One reason why Japanese sake produced in Fukushima is particularly delicious is that production of rice, the raw material of sake, also thrives here. Fukushima is in fact a well-known rice production region with plains covering a wide area and clear separation in climate between the four seasons. The availability of abundant spring water is also important. Thus, Fukushima has both the rice and water appropriate for brewing sake. Praise for the sake produced in Fukushima continuous to rise, such as receiving gold awards at the Annual Japan Sake Awards. The Annual Japan Sake Awards is run by the National Research Institute of Brewing (NRIB), the highest authority on sake in Japan. Effort is also put into exports, and the number of fans of Fukushima’s sake is beginning to grow throughout the world. While sake is made primarily from the simple ingredients of rice and water, the resulting flavor varies greatly depending on the producer. Not only are there differences between breweries, with types of sake that are variously sweet, refreshing, or fragrant, but there is variation in types even under the same brand. Thus the mystery of Japanese sake is the ability to brew countless different flavors and aspects that all share the same raw ingredients and process. There are more than 60 sake breweries in Fukushima today. The majority of these boast long histories of more than 300 years for the older ones, and more than 100 years for the more recent ones, and there are those that still produce sake in the same building as they did when they were founded. Each day they work to preserve their traditional taste while researching ways to make sake even tastier. In recent times, there has been a rise in the number of breweries that provide tours for the general public in a desire to allow more people to learn about the sake brewing process. If you get a chance to tour a sake brewery, there are two important things to keep in mind. First is the brewery itself, which has likely been operating for many years. Brewery buildings constructed using traditional Japanese architectural methods can transport you back to an earlier time as you step across the threshold. You will begin to grasp the history and tradition of sake cultivated in this land. The other point is how sake was brewed over this long history. The entire process is managed carefully by master brewers. These master brewers have typically passed down the techniques of sake brewing used in their breweries within their families over many generations. Delicious sake is only possible thanks to their tireless dedication to quality and their unrivaled skill. Some breweries, such as Suehiro Brewery in Aizu-Wakamatsu City, even provide tour guides who will describe the history of the brewery and introduce some of the valuable tools used over the years. After completing your tour, you will often be guided to a tasting corner. Choose your favorite flavor as you consider the brewing process you have just learned about. If your timing is lucky, you may even get to taste sake that has just been freshly brewed. Unlike wine and beer, sake is made only in Japan, so it makes a welcome gift. Why not enjoy the flavors of sake with your friends and family as you talk of your experiences in the sake wonderland of Fukushima? Sake breweries come in many sizes, from small family-run operations, to major factories capable of mass production. Furthermore, the busiest time for sake brewing is in the winter time because the process begins after the fall rice harvest. Sake breweries in Fukushima are largely concentrated in the areas of Aizu-Wakamatsu, Kitakata, and Nihonmatsu cities. These are each historic towns in their own right and we recommend spending the time to walk through the streets as well.

Sample Fresh Sake at Local Breweries
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Cycling in Kitakata City

1. Renting a Bicycle in Kitakata City Kitakata is a small city full of hidden gems and local secrets! Wandering the streets of the city you will discover traces of the city’s history as a Japanese warehouse or “Kura” town. You will see many unique and distinctive buildings around town. These unique gems are dotted around a large area that is difficult to fully experience in a day on foot or by car, so I highly recommend renting a bike to get the most out of your trip! Option 1: Garden Hotel Kitakata This is a hotel that offers bicycle rentals to guests for free and non-guests for a small fee, the hotel is a short walk from Kitakata Station. A typical bike rental will cost 1000 yen, while an electric assist bike will run you 1500 yen. There are 3 electric assist bikes and 5 regular bikes. During the spring season, bicycle reservations are not accepted in order to give hotel guests priority, however, the bikes are first come first serve, so arriving early in the morning will give you a better chance of securing a bicycle. Staying the night here is another great way to help you secure your chances of renting a bike.If you are arriving by car, the hotel has a free parking lot for guests, so, if there is space available, bicycle renters can request permission to park here.     Option 2: Akutagawa This is a small local business/gift shop that also rents out bicycles. Located immediately in front of Kitakata Station, this a very convenient place to rent. There are only “mamachari” style bicycles (no electric assist bicycles) and the number of bikes is roughly seven, however the cost of daily rental is only 500 yen making it a great deal. Reservations are accepted over the phone in any bicycle friendly season, however staff only speak Japanese so it may be a good idea to ask for help from a Japanese speaker when making a reservation.     2. Cycling the Nicchu Line Weeping Cherry Blossoms path The Nicchu Line is a gorgeous 3km long stretch of path that is lined with weeping cherry blossoms. Roundtrip, the journey can be as long as 6km! So, most people only manage to see half of the cherry blossoms before they turn around, or exhaust themselves from walking. However, if you are cycling you will be able to maintain your energy so can enjoy a full day in Kitakata and see all that the city has to offer!! Cycling through the trees, you will need to watch out for low hanging branches and also pedestrians. The middle kilometer or the trail tends to be really crowded with people taking photos, Fortunately, there are parallel streets so that if you want to go fast you can and enjoy the cherry blossoms while you zoom by the crowds to stop at your favorite trees. The first and third kilometers are much less crowded so you should be able to cycle between the trees without worrying about a crowd. Click here for more information about the Nicchu Line Weeping Cherry Blossoms. ( https://fukushima.travel/destination/nicchu-line-weeping-cherry-blossom/51 )     3. Grab a snack from a street vendor As you zoom along the trail you are sure to notice various street vendors. Food trucks, local famers’ stalls, festival style food, and more! At one point of the trail I even spotted an older couple who had a long extension cord coming from their garage so that they could sell cold drinks from their fridge to people on the street. We love to see the hustle! But seriously, I hope that you will check out some of these little street vendors and chat with the local people. I stopped at an asparagus farmers stall and bought some of her locally grow asparagus to take home and cook. They were SO delicious. Then I stopped at another stall to buy some sakura flavored “Karintou” snacks. Also, delicious! Finally, my coworker and I spotted a place with mini daifuku (rice cakes) and tea, so we stopped to sit and drink some tea have a sweet snack and people watch in front of the cherry blossoms. Although a quick snack will help you find the energy to cycle up and back the entire path, make sure you take the time to enjoy a proper lunch!     4. Kitakata Ramen for Lunch We chose to try the local specialty, Kitakata Ramen! One of the top three ramen varieties of Japan, you can hardly say you’ve been to Kitakata City if you haven’t tried a delicious bowl of Kitakata Ramen! We went to Bannai Shokudo and had zero regrets! The ramen here is absolutely delicious, however sometimes there can be long lines. So I would also recommend Shokudo Hasegawa (https://fukushima.travel/destination/shokudo-hasegawa/286 ), or discover your own hole in the wall ramen restaurant. Although this is a relatively small city, there are over 100 ramen shops, this is a town that takes ramen seriously. If you choose to stay the night, I recommend trying the local culture of “Asa-Ra” which involves eating ramen for breakfast!     5. Makie Painting at the Kinomoto Lacquerware Store After filling up on a big bowl of ramen, I recommend relaxing with a calming indoor activity such as trying your hand at a makie painting experience at the Kinomoto Lacquerware Store. The Kinomoto Lacquerware Store is full of various pieces of lacquerware that are beautiful and long lasting. The tradition of makie painted lacquerware in Kitakata City has a rich history that goes back some 400 years! To draw attention to this local art form, the shop began offering painting experiences, so visitors can experience this beautiful and relaxing art form by painting designs and then dusting pigments onto the pieces. This is a fun activity and a great souvenir from your trip to Kitakata City. After you finish your masterpiece, I highly recommend taking a look at the “Cats School” diorama upstairs which features lots of cute animal figures (mostly cats!) that are handmade from Paulownia wood and posed doing various cute things. The figures recreate nostalgic scenes of Japanese school life in a large model of a traditional Japanese school. The details are incredible and you can spend a good bit of time taking in each scene of little cat dolls enjoying a day at school. There is even a festival scene that is very cute! Photography is prohibited, so you have to see it to believe it. The display is free to see, so I highly recommend checking it out if you are nearby.     6. Okuya Peanut Factory for desert After trying your hand at painting, you may want something sweet, conveniently located just across the street from Kinomoto is the Okuya Peanut Factory. The shop makes a variety of sweets using Aizu-grown peanuts, my favorite is the peanut soft serve icecream. The chocolate covered version was absolutely fantastic, but of course, you can also get it without the chocolate topping in either a cup or a cone. I highly recommend visiting here if you’re craving a sweet treat! Click here for more information about the Okuya Peanut Factory. (https://fukushima.travel/destination/okuya-peanut-factory/287 )     Cycling around Kitakata city was so much fun! This is a pretty jam packed adventure day, but I hope this will inspire you to take a trip to Kitakata City and try exploring this unique city by bike! Thank you for reading, please contact us through our social media accounts or website if you have any questions while planning your next trip.

Cycling in Kitakata City
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Cycling in Iwaki

Cruising along the beautiful coastline of Iwaki, it’s easy to forget that this coast was once ravaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. Since then, the area has been rebuilt and is once again a beautiful place to explore! The coastline of Iwaki has been fortified with sea walls that now provide an excellent course and panoramic views for cyclists. Bicycle rentals and paths are accessible with various options that will entertain beginner, intermediate, and even expert cyclists!  From long coastal stretches where cyclists can enjoy endless sea views and a refreshing sea breeze, to courses that wander inland through forested roads to beautiful natural areas, there is so much waiting to be discovered. Along the various cycling routes there are many unique places to stop including museums, hot springs, restaurants, cafes and more! When I visited we rented bicycles from the Shinmaiko Cycling Station, from there we cycled along the coast and enjoyed the sea breeze and views of the lighthouse in the distance. We stopped by the Iwaki 3.11 Memorial and Revitalization Museum to learn about how the area was affected by the 2011 disaster, it was very touching and interesting to see artifacts that were preserved since the disaster.  The Iwaki Cycling Map and other information is available in English and other languages on the PDFs that may be accessed from this link.  More information on cycling and places to visit in this area is available here (Open this link in Google chrome for automatic English translation).

Cycling in Iwaki
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Kimono Experience in Ouchi-juku

Want to try the kimono experience for yourself? Read more and make reservations here.On a clear autumn morning, I stepped out in a bright purple kimono, tabi socks, and wooden sandals, my hair up in a pink flower kanzashi hairpin and a cloth purse in hand. The sky looked sparkling blue in the quiet town of Ouchi-juku, located between the mountains of the Japanese countryside.What happened next was unforgettable.The Start of my Ouchi-juku Kimono Experience“Kimono is for everyone”, the kimono specialist assured me. Few garments are as universal and inclusive.Sunlight was timidly spilling into the room through the translucent paper windows when my kimono experience began.We were in a wide room parched with tatami floors, warming up close to a heater. First, using a kanzashi hairpin, she quickly and effortlessly arranged my hair. Next, it was time for me to pick my kimono.Kimono means ‘a thing to wear’ in Japanese and is a timeless item of clothing adaptable to different body types and designed to last for generations. I opted for a bright purple one that matched the fuchsia flowers on my hair. I put on white tabi socks and a black cloth bag with embroidered cherry blossoms. As a cat lover, I was delighted when the staff suggested I wear a white obi with pictures of cats.That kimono must have been worn by many before me. Kimono has no sizes and is a timeless piece. In the face of ultra-fast fashion (and its subsequent toll on the environment), this sustainable and inclusive garment has stood the test of time and remains as relevant as ever.Welcoming as it is, kimono does have its intricacies—for one, you need someone to fit you into it. The kimono specialist will answer all the questions you may have, as well as teach you a few local secrets to make your visit even more memorable. Booking a kimono experience brings you closer to Japanese culture in more ways than one.Stepping into the Past: Picture-perfect Ouchi-jukuOuchi-juku is an old town preserved to look exactly the way it did 300 years ago. With rows of thatched roof handcraft shops and restaurants, no cars nor electricity poles on the streets, and little streams shushing along the road, it is a postcard-like gem hidden between the mountains of the Aizu region.Either people in Ouchi-juku are extremely welcoming or the kimono was truly special because people would go out of their way to compliment me or even ask to take my picture. Elderly ladies tending for the shops would greet me with a broad smile and a friendly “kawaii, desune!” (‘You look very cute!’).It was a lovely way to connect with everyone—the flowery kimono helped start many warm conversations.A Taste of Aizu Samurai’s Soul FoodsIt finally was time to sit down for a meal.If you visit Ouchi-juku, make sure to build up some hunger and indulge in local specialties.This is what I ordered and would recommend you try it! Takatosoba (高遠そば) is Ouchi-juku’s signature dish: buckwheat noodles served with grated radish soup and eaten with a green onion. The radish used in this dish is called azagi daikon and grows naturally in the Aizu mountains. It smells as tangy as it tastes. What makes this dish unique is that you eat it with a green onion instead of chopsticks or a spoon.     Nishin no sanshosuke (にしんの山椒漬）is pickled herring with sansho (Japanese pepper). The herring was buttery soft and marinated in soy sauce. The Japanese pepper leaves on top had a strong but refreshing taste. Kozuyu (こづゆ) is a staple dish of the region, said to have been a favorite of the Aizu samurai. It is made up of a hearty scallop broth, fish cakes, carrots, konjac noodles, and gluten croutons. This delicately presented dish is wonderful to warm up during cold days. Sweet soybean flour-flavored tochimochi (栃もち・きな粉) was my personal favorite. These two chewy, warm, and powdery mochi were perhaps the best I have had in over four years that I have been living in Japan. Each bite had just the right amount of sweetness, with the sweet soy flour kinako powder sprinkled on top leaving behind an almond-like aftertaste.  An Iconic View of Ouchi-juku The best view of Ouchi-juku can be found after a short walk through the main street towards the shrine. Climb up the stone stairs and you will find yourself in front of a famous photo spot overseeing the traditional kominka houses, mountains stretching out in the background.Despite its striking beauty, this town remains quiet and rarely sees crowds, making it perfect for visitors who enjoy taking their time to explore places off the beaten path.After looking through the pictures of that day, I noticed that the prints of kimono look even more vivid against the backdrop of Ouchi-juku’s earthy hues. Strolling through such a well-preserved historical site in a kimono was a one-in-a-lifetime experience.If you would like to wear a kimono in Ouchi-juku, read more about the Ouchi-juku Kimono Experience, which includes a two-hour stroll in a kimono, matcha, and sweets at a traditional tea house, and entry to the townscape exhibition hall where you can learn more about the way of life way back then at Ouchi-juku.

Kimono Experience in Ouchi-juku
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6 Reasons To Go Skiing In Fukushima (& Where To Go)

I’m going to jump right into it: 6 Reasons to Go Skiing in Fukushima this winter!1) ACCESS FROM TOKYOSome of Fukushima main ski resorts can be reached in just 2.5 hours by train (shinkansen and local) & bus2) LONG SKI SEASONBeing the third largest prefecture in Japan makes for a varied climate across Fukushima Prefecture – this means Fukushima Prefecture’s ski season is comparitively long, lasting up to the end of April in some regions!3) POWDER SNOWSheltered by mountains, Aizu region’s inland location blesses its ski slopes with low humidity and a high snow quality that is fine and dry, which is comparable to that of the top-class snow in Hokkaido.4) HAVE THE SLOPES TO YOURSELFFukushima’s ski resorts are yet to be widely discovered by international tourists. You can enjoy skiing in Aizu without feelings like you’re at just another international tourist resort.5) CLOSE TO SIGHTSEEING DESTINATIONSMany ski resorts are located in or near Bandai, Inawashiro, Oku-Aizu and Minamiaizu Areas, which are close to some of Fukushima’s most impressive sightseeing spots including Tsurugajo Castle and Tadami River No.1 Bridge Viewpoint.6) GOOD DEALS FOR INTERNATIONAL TOURISTSGreat deals (such as cheap ski passes and car rentals) are often available to international tourists. See Aizu Ski Japan's website for more information. FUKUSHIMA’S SKI RESORTSHoshino Resorts’ Alts Bandai, Hoshino Resorts’ Nekoma, and Grandeco Resort are 3 of Fukushima’s most popular ski resorts amongst international tourists. They each have their own English websites, but here’s a little summary:HOSHINO RESORTS’ ALTS BANDAI

6 Reasons To Go Skiing In Fukushima (& Where To Go)
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6 Things to Do at the Aizu Hanko Nisshinkan Samurai School

I visited the Aizu Hanko Nisshinkan, originally established in 1803. This was a large and prestigious school where the children of samurai families were sent at the age of ten to learn both academics and physical discipline. Today it is a large interactive museum where you can participate in many of the activities that the students here would have practiced back in the day. So, for anyone interested in history, culture, or anything samurai, I highly recommend a visit! Even if you do not know much about the history, there are lots of interactive group activities that you can enjoy with friends and family.A school for samurai or a Japanese school for wizards? 1. Walk around the school groundsWalking through the front entryway, the beautiful architecture and vastness of the school will immediately draw your attention. The property covers something like 26,500 square meters, making it as large as some modern-day universities. It feels like a Japanese school for wizards and it is so fun to get lost in your imagination as you wander around the grounds.The architecture throughout the complex is beautiful, and there are even the remains of an astronomical observatory where students could have studied the stars.2. Check out the oldest swimming pool in Japan!The first thing that drew my attention was a large pool of water, which is actually Japan’s oldest swimming pool! Today, you can see koi fish swimming peacefully in the water, however, this was once a place when samurai-in-training would wear weighted practice armor and swim while practicing battle moves. This was to train them in the case of a mid-battle river or moat crossing. Swimming was always my favorite subject so I asked a staff member if visitors could swim here, and unfortunately the answer was no. It’s too bad, but I probably wouldn’t have lasted long trying to swim in weighted armor... Maybe it is better this way! My disappointment evaporated when we walked over to the archery course.3. Try out Japanese archery or “Kyūdō”The archery course is shaded by a classic-style wooden roof, and there are a variety of classic Japanese-style bows to practice with. There is a lot of space to sit and watch your friends and see who can hit the target the best. Even if you come alone, the male and female archery teachers are really kind and will give you lots of pointers and advice.Japanese archery is called Kyudo, and has a rich history! Archery in Japan dates back to pre-historic times with images of long-bow-wielding Japanese people first appearing in the Yayoi period which lasted between 500 BC to 300AD. Sometime during the Edo period (1603-1868) the name “Kyūdō” was coined to refer to the martial art of Japanese archery. Kyūdō was commonly used in ceremonies, competitions, and festivals. Today, you can still see Kyūdō events in festivals around Japan.It’s a lot of fun, but it’s harder than it looks! Will you impress yourself and others with unexpected talent? Pricing is very reasonable, only a couple hundred yen (a couple of dollars) for a handful of arrows.4. Decorate some traditional crafts to take homeIf you want a relaxing activity to do, I recommend trying your hand at painting a traditional craft. The open-air craft space is cool in the shade, with an occasional breeze blowing through. You can even hear the songs of birds drifting in through the large open doorways.I painted an Akabeko and a set of Okiagari Koboshi dolls. Akabeko is a good luck charm that is thought to ward off illnesses, while Okiagari Koboshi are little dolls that represent perseverance as even when they are knocked over they stand up again. Both of these crafts are symbolic of Aizu and Fukushima spirit making them a great souvenir once you finish painting them!Learn more about Fukushima Local Crafts5. Learn the history by exploring the classroomsExploring the classrooms, you can get a sense of what it must have been like to live a day in the life of a student here. Students would begin attending from age 10 and continue till age 15, after which they would study etiquette, calligraphy, martial arts, and other subjects. Top students may have gone on to university for further studies.In some classrooms, you can see classrooms recreated as they would have looked to students so many years ago. Other classrooms are left open so that you can enter and even experience some classes that students here would have experienced such as meditation and tea ceremony.6. Become a student!If you visit with a party of at least ten, you can try out Japanese classes the traditional art of Zazen (Japanese Mediation) and Sadou (Japanese Tea Ceremony) which were also traditional cultural subjects that the samurai students would have studied back in the day. Combine this with archery and painting experiences to feel like a student for the day!Learn more about the Aizu Hanko Nisshinkan Samurai SchoolContact us through email or on our social media channels if you have any questions or need help planning a trip here!Published 2022/05/11

6 Things to Do at the Aizu Hanko Nisshinkan Samurai School
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Learn More About Fukushima as Seen in Japan’s New Blockbuster Film ‘Suzume’

Suzume (original title in Japanese: すずめの戸締り, Suzume no Tojimari) is an animated movie and the latest blockbuster from Japanese director Makoto Shinkai and production company CoMix Wave, which also produced hit films like Weathering with You (天気の子) and Your Name (君の名は).The film tells the story of a highschooler and a young man on a mission to close doors throughout Japan to prevent natural disasters. The film is already a box office success both domestically and abroad after only a few months of screening.Suzume Official YouTube Trailer (Toho Movie Channel, 東宝MOVIEチャネル）Many areas that have been hit by disasters in the country are shown in the movie, including the Tohoku area in Northern Japan, which suffered greatly from the devastating effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake, a tsunami and a nuclear accident in 2011.At one point in the film, the characters pass through an area with “Difficult-to-return” signs reminiscent of those that had to be placed in areas where evacuation orders were enforced due to radiation in Fukushima.Although some remain today, evacuation orders have been lifted in many of the areas that were once labeled “difficult-to-return zones'' (only approx. 2.3% of Fukushima Prefecture’s territory is under evacuation order now).The Remains of Ukedo Elementary School in Namie Town is a popular destination for visitors who want to learn more about the effect of the disaster in the coastal area of Fukushima.These past years have seen people come together to rebuild these areas, taking on the challenge of rekindling a community, honoring the history of towns and villages, as well as fighting the lingering stigma and misinformation surrounding Fukushima.As ‘Suzume’ sheds light on the importance of disaster preparedness and brings attention to the devastation brought by 3.11, many young people are drawn to learn more about what happened in Fukushima and how the prefecture has sought to recover. Commutan Fukushima (Communication Building of the Centre for Environmental Creation, Fukushima prefecture) in Miharu Town has a lot of information for visitors to learn about Fukushima's environmental recovery.Fukushima remains the only place in the world to have survived an earthquake, a tsunami, and a nuclear disaster, and by visiting Fukushima, particularly the coastal area, you can learn a lot about how disaster preparedness saves lives, see the recovery efforts for yourself, and get to know the stories behind those driving the prefecture's revitalization.If you would like to know more, please check model the model itinerary ‘Fukushima's Revitalization Educational One-Day Trip’.

Learn More About Fukushima as Seen in Japan’s New Blockbuster Film ‘Suzume’
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Reaching Miharu Takizakura

KEY INFORMATIONVISITING HOURSVisiting hours are usually between 6:00-18:00, but they are extended until 20:30 during the light-up period.HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO VISIT?Miharu Town asks for visitors to pay 300 yen to visit the tree. This money goes towards the continued conservation efforts towards Miharu Takizakura.REACHING MIHARU TAKIZAKURALOCAL BUSThe number of local buses in service is typically increased during cherry blossom season. These buses leave from outside Miharu Station. The dates of increased service differ from year to year. For 2018, service was increased between April 7th and April 15th. For 2019, service was increased between April 6th and April 21st. A 1-Day pass can be bought for use on the public bus costs 1,000 yen per adult.FREE SHUTTLE BUSA free shuttle bus runs regularly between Miharu Town Exercise Park (三春町運動公園）(map here) & the Miharu Takizakura during the cherry blossom season. The dates that the shuttle bus run differ from year to year. For 2018, shuttle bus service ran between April 7th and April 15th. For 2019, the shuttle bus service ran between April 12th and April 21st. Be aware that the last shuttle bus from Takizakura might leave at 17:00 despite the Light Up events that occur during cherry blossom season that run until later in the evening.GETTING TO MIHARU STATIONThe local buses mentioned above depart from Miharu Station. You can get to Miharu Station via the JR Ban-etsu East Line from Koriyama Station. The train from Koriyama Station – a major station – only takes 12 minutes. For information on reaching Koriyama Station.Here are some terms in English and Japanese to help you decipher bus timetables! ・滝桜　Miharu Takizakura ・三春駅 Miharu Station ・滝桜方面 Heading to Miharu Takizakura ・三春駅方面 Heading to Miharu Station TAXITaxis from Miharu Station must be booked in advance. It is likely to be difficult to get a taxi on the day of your visit without ringing up in advance. Bookings via phone in Japanese only.CARThe closest I.C. (interchange) to Takizakura is Funehiki Miharu, but this I.C. gets very busy during hanami season, so it’s recommended to exit the Ban-etsu Expressway at Koriyama Higashi I.C. From this I.C., the tree is a 30 min drive (12.6 km).During cherry blossom season, visitors coming by car are likely to have to queue for quite a bit. When I drove to Miharu Takizakura in 2019 on a weekday, I had to queue for about 40 minutes to get into the car park from 1 km away. On the plus side, I didn’t have to queue to get out of the car park. If you’re using a GPS system in your car, you can enter the map code: 300 840 492*42WALKING FROM THE BUS STOP AND CAR PARKThe buses stop in the large car park. From the car park, you pass through an underpass, reach an office where you can buy a ticket to view the tree, then follow the path to the main tree. The tree is about a 5 min walk from the car park.

Reaching Miharu Takizakura
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All Aboard for Sake and Scenic Views

Fukushima is known as a treasure trove of Japanese sake, but did you know that sake can also be an exciting part of getting around the prefecture as well? Recently, more and more travelers are enjoying the luxurious pleasures of sake on the trains in Fukushima as they view the beautiful vistas passing by. There is even a word in Japanese for this practice now, nomi-tetsu, a portmanteau of the Japanese words for drinking and train. If you’re interested in trying nomi-tetsu yourself, we recommend taking the Oza-Toro-Tembo train. The three parts of the name refer to the three areas of the train: the oza carriage (which has a tatami-floor), the torokko (tram) carriage, and the tembo (observation deck) carriage. The Oza-Toro-Tembo train runs on the Aizu Railway line during selected days of the peak tourist seasons. Unlike normal trains in Japan which run through urban areas, this special train for tourists features beautiful rural views, such as the many flowers blooming in springtime or the accumulating snowfall in winter. These views are sure to bring out the delicious taste of the sake even more. Aizu Railway is local train line that connects Aizu-Wakamatsu City with the Minamiaizu area. Aizu Railway trains are usually comprised of only one or two cars at a time. While used by locals on weekdays, the line becomes quite festive on when the Oza-Toro-Tembo train runs through the beautiful natural vistas along the Agano River and rustic farming villages. There are also many tourist destinations along the Aizu Railway route, so there is the option of boarding without a particular destination in mind and getting off en route on a whim to enjoy walking through the towns. The floor-seating carriage does away with normal seats and is designed after the traditional Japanese living room, creating a very relaxing environment. In the wintertime, there is even a kotatsu heater and table combination, long favored in Japan for warming the feet in cold weather. Meanwhile, the tram carriage is windowless and open to the air, allowing you to enjoy a more dynamic view. You can feel the crisp mountain breeze against your skin, and take great photos, making it particularly popular with camera enthusiasts. Finally, the observation deck carriage features limited seating in the form of reclining seats that allow passengers to enjoy the beautiful vistas in a more private environment. Passengers can eat and drink in each of these cars, so the ability to casually enjoy some sake during the journey is particularly appreciated by sake aficionados. Thus, by riding the Oza-Toro-Tembo, the trip to your destination, normally a time spent in various stages of boredom, is transformed into an attraction in its own right with the ability to eat and drink while watching the scenery. It is without a doubt that your time on this train will become yet one more unforgettable memory of your trip. Japanese sake, or rice wine, is an alcoholic beverage which presents a different flavor depending on its temperature and the food accompanying it. For that reason, it is typically consumed in small sips using a tiny cup called an ochoko. Sake is always specially brewed to go well with local cuisine, so we recommend looking for something local to Fukushima when selecting the snacks to go with your sake. We particularly recommend nishin-no-sanshozuke (pickled dried herring with leaves of Japanese pepper). The route of the Oza-Toro-Tembo train connects mountain villages within the Aizu region, allowing you to enjoy a more relaxing train experience quite unlike the crowded urban commuter trains Japan is famous for. Not only can you absorb views of the changing seasons through the train windows, but you can also observe local people going about their daily lives. While it is possible to purchase sake and snacks on the Oza-Toro-Tembo train itself, it is perhaps better to avail yourself of the more numerous options available at Aizuwakamatsu Station, which features an abundance of gift shops as well. There is also a sake brewery near Aizu Tajima Station, the final stop on the line, which would be another interesting place to visit. Please come and enjoy a unique travel experience, rare even in Japan, on the Oza-Toro-Tenmbo train!

All Aboard for Sake and Scenic Views
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2023 Autumn Festivals in Fukushima: Dates & Times

As the heat of summer fades and the cool autumn breeze sets in, Fukushima Prefecture is energized with its autumn festivals. Travelers who visit from late September to Mid-November get to enjoy both breathtaking foliage and rich cultural festivities. Here are some of the festivals scheduled for the fall of 2023:Aizu Festival (Aizu-Wakamatsu City)This is one of the main events in the Aizu area. It features a procession of horseback riders dressed in samurai attire, parades, sword performances, and more. In Japanese: 会津まつり Place: Tsurugajo Castle & other locations in Aizu-Wakamatsu City. Date: September 22 (Friday), 2023: Lantern Procession, Aizu-Mt. Bandai Dance September 23 (Saturday), 2023: Thanksgiving Ceremony for Ancestors, Procession of Aizu Domain Lords, Aizu-Mt. Bandai Dance September 24 (Sunday), 2023: Nisshinkan Children’s Parade, Drum and Fife Corps Parade Time: Varies depending on the event Tickets/Cost: Free to attend, but there might be a parking feeIf you are interested in participating in the parade, consider trying the SAMURAI CITY AIZU Special Program: Aizu Clan Lord Procession & Samurai Experience. The Kengido Samurai Experience is also scheduled for the same weekend as the Aizu Festival. Iizaka Kenka Matsuri (Fukushima City)Iizaka Onsen Town’s main yearly event is an exciting ‘fighting’ festival! Apart from taiko drums and food stalls, what makes this festival unique is the 'yatai' festival stalls that are fiercely pushed against each other as contending groups (each representing a different area of the town) try to get their mikoshi (portable shrine) into the Hachiman Shrine grounds first. More information about this festival and travel ideas in Iizaka Onsen. In Japanese: 飯坂けんか祭り Place: Hachiman Shrine. Click here for directions to Iizaka Onsen by train from Fukushima Station Date: October 6 (Friday) to October 8 (Sunday), 2023. Time: Varies depending on the event. The main event will be on October 7 (Saturday) at around 19:15. Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival (Nihonmatsu City)With a history spanning back over 350 years, this vivid festival is a highly anticipated event in the central area of Fukushima! Large floats as tall as 11 m are lit up with over 300 paper lanterns and paraded to the beat of traditional music. In Japanese: 二本松の提灯祭り Place: Nihonmatsu Shrine Date: October 7 (Saturday), 8 (Sunday), and 9 (Monday). Held every year on the first Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of October. Time: Depends on the event Tickets/Cost: Free Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Doll Festival (Nihonmatsu City)In Nihonmatsu City, autumn brings beautiful flowers! The city prides itself on its cultivation of chrysanthemums, the National Flower of Japan, which bloom spectacularly in the fall. Each year for a month, from Mid-October to Mid-November, the Kasumigajo Castle Park Grounds are enlivened with a colorful display of chrysanthemum flowers and decorated dolls. In Japanese: 二本松の菊人形 Place: Kasumigajo Castle Park Grounds (Nihonmatsu Castle) Date: October 10 (Tuesday) to November 19 (Sunday), 2023 Time: From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets/Cost: General entry is 800 yen; 600 yen for those with disabilities, and free for middle-school-aged students and younger. Discounts may be applicable for groups of 20 people or more. Aizu Shiokawa Balloon Festival (Kitakata City)This local festival in Kitakata City is incredibly picturesque! Riding on one of the balloons requires a fee and previous registration, but spectators can enjoy the sight of balloons rising into the crisp autumn skies for free. In Japanese: 会津塩川バルーンフェスティバル Place: Nippashi-gawa Green Park Free Plaza (日橋川緑地公園自由広場) in Shiokawa-machi, Kitakata City Expected Date: October 8 (Sunday) and 9 (Monday)  Time:  Competition Flight 6:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Experience Boarding 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. *Only for those who applied in advance. Night Glow 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (October 8 only) Tickets/Cost: Previous application (in Japanese) is required to fly, for which there is a fee. Please check the event's website (in Japanese) for more information. Hinoemata Kabuki (Hinoemata Village)This traditional art form passed on through generations is a fundamental tradition for the inhabitants of Hinoemata Village. There are typically three kabuki performances held each year, the last of which will be on September 2nd this year. For more information, please check our blog post 'Hinoemata Kabuki: A Hidden Gem of Japanese Folk Culture'. In Japanese: 桧枝岐歌舞伎 Place: 670 Idaira, Hinoemata Village, Minamiaizu District Date: September 2 (Saturday), 2023 Time: Venue opens at 18:00, performance starts at 19:00 Tickets/Cost: 1,000 yen per person (free for guests staying at the village) Taimatsu Akashi Fire Festival (Sukagawa City)A spectacular fire festival in Sukagawa City, the Taimatsu Akashi Fire Festival has a history stretching back 400 years. As the evening grows darker, the glowing fire and the rhythm of the taiko drums will make you feel as if you were transported to a different era. In Japanese: 松明あかし Place: Mt. Gorozan in Midorigaoka Park, Kuriyasawa, Sukagawa City Date: November 11 (Saturday), 2023 Time:  Main torches (Hon-taimatsu) Procession: 2:00 p.m. Big torches (Dai-taimatsu) Procession: 3:00 p.m. Main Event of lighting up the big torches (Dai-taimatsu): 6:30 p.m. Tickets/Cost: FreeUseful LinksTop 10 Places to See Autumn Leaves in Fukushima5 Ginkgo Tree Spots To Visit In Fukushima This AutumnAutumn Colors of Fukushima

2023 Autumn Festivals in Fukushima: Dates & Times
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The Truth Behind the Peculiar-Looking Nakanosawa Kokeshi Dolls

Woodworkers in Northern Japan’s hot spring towns started creating dolls for children out of wood scraps over 150 years ago.These dolls became known as kokeshi (こけし).Kokeshi dolls rose from their humble origins and became a distinctive symbol of Northern Japan’s Tohoku region. They developed into something more than a simple toy, and are now considered a lucky charm that guards the happiness of children! The Unique Faces of Nakanosawa Kokeshi DollsNakanosawa kokeshi dolls at Guest House Inawashiro HanbogFukushima Prefecture’s Nakanosawa kokeshi (中ノ沢こけし) are not like any other kokeshi dolls: they typically have wide eyes with pink or red rims around them, thick black eyebrows and bulbous or long noses. Some Nakanosawa kokeshi dolls look really serious, although you can find smiling ones too.Additionally, some Nakanosawa kokeshi dolls are known as “tako bozu” (たこ坊主, bald boys), and have a blue ring on the top of their heads and/or very little hair painted on them.Why do they look like that, you may ask? Are they startled? Confused? Angry?Neither, according to Fumio Kakizaki, a Nakanosawa kokeshi maker from Inawashiro town, Fukushima prefecture.Fumio Kakizaki making a kokeshi dollNakanosawa kokeshi have a fascinating history. The Origin of Nakanosawa Kokeshi’s Distinctive FaceThe creator of Nakanosawa kokeshi was called Zenkichi Iwamoto. Iwamoto was an occasional entertainer, and it is believed that the face of Nakanosawa kokeshi could have been inspired by one of the props he used for his comedic act.Nakanosawa Kokeshi Dolls at Takamiya Hotel Bonari no MoriIt is said that Iwamoto wanted to make an original kokeshi doll that looked like no other. The features he chose for his wooden dolls certainly did not leave anyone indifferent and Nakanosawa kokeshi became famous and celebrated around Japan and abroad. The Power of Makeup: Nakanosawa Kokeshi’s Pink-Rimmed EyesFumio Kakizaki admits that Nakanosawa kokeshi may look “grotesque” at first. But, after a closer look, he trusts you may be able to see something “innocent” and “simple” in them.This is a picture he uses as a reference to paint his dolls. Certainly, the dolls have pink makeup and bright colored flowers similar those of the girl in the picture.Fumio Kakizaki's workshop in Inawashiro Town is surrounded by a beautiful, lush natural environmentHow Are These Dolls Made?   Fumio Kakizaki's workshopKakizaki used to walk up the mountain to gather the dogwood he uses to make kokeshi dolls, he says, but now uses his car as the climb is steep and the wood is heavy. He is now 75 years old.He walked us through his craft effortlessly, showing us how he chisels the dogwood logs, chops them into smaller pieces and shapes the head of a kokeshi doll—you can watch a video about the fascinating process here.Apart from kokeshi in many shapes and sizes, Kakizaki also makes other wooden toys like wooden spinning tops, which, traditionally, boys would play with.Wooden spinning tops and other toysEjiko kokeshi (嬰児籠 こけし) are kokeshi dolls shaped like “ejiko”, a type of basket used in the past to carry babies in rural villages.An ejiko kokeshi dollNakanosawa kokeshi are long-lasting dolls passed down through generations. They are handcrafted from start to finish, so they are more than a souvenir to bring back home—each one is a unique piece of folk art that are sure to serve as a warm reminder of your trip to Tohoku in Northern Japan.  You will find Nakanosawa kokeshi dolls in many parts of Fukushima, and, of course, in Nakanosawa Onsen itself.Tsuchiyu Onsen (土湯温泉) is another spot in Fukushima prefecture that is famous for its own type of kokeshi dolls, Tsuchiyu kokeshi (土湯こけし). You can make your own kokeshi doll at Matsuya Souvenir Shop in Tsuchiyu Onsen. Special thanks to Fumio Kakizaki for his invaluable guidance and insight on the fascinating world of Nakanosawa kokeshi dolls.

The Truth Behind the Peculiar-Looking Nakanosawa Kokeshi Dolls
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Exploring the Kasumigajo Castle Park!

When we arrived at the Kasumigajo Castle Park (Nihonmatsu Castle) I immediately felt drawn in by the sweet smell of the blooming sakura trees. The whole park is full of sakura trees, making this a great place for cherry blossom viewing (Hanami, in Japanese)!  Before you walk in through the front entrance you will notice some bronze statues that depict the samurai warriors who once defended the castle. If you look closely you will notice that these warriors seem to be a bit young. These statues honor the Nihonmatsu Youth Corps, also known as the Shonentai, who were boys between the ages of 13 to 17 who lost their lives during the Boshin War in order to protect their hometown. The youngest Shonentai warrior may have been 12 years old, although he sustained injuries, it is thought that he survived the war. Typically such young boys would not fight in wars, however, as the war waged on and troops were diminished, many young boys and elderly men volunteered themselves to join the fight.  The tragedy of the loss of such young lives is honored by these statues. Behind them the statue of a woman mourns the boys as a representation of the boys' mothers and families who were left behind.  With this history in mind, I walked toward the entrance and passed under the castle gate, intrigued to see what kind of a place these soldiers were defending.  Inside the walls there is a large clearing where cherry blossoms spread out. Around the trees hang paper lanterns that illuminate the cherry blossoms at the night. There is a small waterfall in the corner of the main square and a pond, adding to the atmosphere with the sound of flowing water and the chirping of little frogs. In the spring time there are some food vendors set up so you can enjoy something to eat under the cherry blossoms. There are lots of benches and picnic tables so this is a great place to come and relax and have something to eat outside. I didn't have time to eat anything this time, but the mochi (sweet rice cakes) drew my attention, so I will have to go back and try it next time I visit. After exploring this area and photographing the cherry blossoms, when I realized I hadn't even been up to where the castle was! The park grounds are dotted with with castle ruins, some dating back to the 1500s! Unfortunately much of the castle was burned down at the end of the Boshin War, officially, the castle fell on July 29, 1868.  The castle ruins at the top of the hill are worth checking out and offer a great view of the area. The climb is a bit of a work out, so I kept thinking about how great the defense was as it would be quite the challenge for invaders to climb up the hill in their heavy samurai armor!   It would have been nice to visit here before the war, during a time of peace to see how beautiful this castle parks and the surrounding town must have been! If you are interested in Japanese history, and especially Samurai history, I definitely recommend visiting. Even if you aren't a history buff, this is a great place to visit and enjoy some nature in Japan.  Thankyou for reading, if you enjoyed this article please be sure to check out more of our articles and blogs. Click here for information on visiting the Kasumigajo Castle Park (Nihonmatsu Castle)!

Exploring the Kasumigajo Castle Park!
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