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5 Ginkgo Tree Spots To Visit In Fukushima This Autumn

When it comes to the Japanese traditional of autumn leaf viewing, Fukushima Prefecture has so many fantastic spots to choose from. Whether the leaves of dark red maples, or bright yellow ginkgos, there are countless places worth visiting. In this post, I’ll introduce some of the famous and lesser-known ginkgo tree spots to visit this autumn.1. AZUMA SPORTS PARK, FUKUSHIMA CITY116 ginkgo trees line the pathway for over 500m at the centre of Azuma Sports Park. This park is easy to get to, has a huge car park, and looks spectacular in the day or in the evening, when the trees are lit up from below. It’s also quite a good date spot!

5 Ginkgo Tree Spots To Visit In Fukushima This Autumn
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Yuki-Matsuri: Fukushima’s Snow Festivals

In the Aizu region located in the mountainous part of Fukushima, many festivals are held weaving together the beautiful contrasts of fire and snow during the coldest part of the winter season. The snow serves as a pure white molding material that projects the feelings of the people of Aizu, themselves shaped by the beauty and severity of winter. The shimmering flames that decorate the tranquil frozen towns gently warm hearts and bodies while bringing a deep sense of mystery to the wintery night. Together with the crisp winter air, this otherworldly scene of wonder will form an indelible memory for couples for many years to come.The people of the Aizu region spend much of the winter in a deep layer of snow. While they are snowed in, they wait for the distant arrival of spring engaged in crafts such as basket and textile weaving and candle making. The simplicity of the diverse handiwork speaks of the overflowing vitality of the people. That spirit is very much alive today and deeply colors the mood of the festivals that continue to be celebrated in the towns of Aizu. Through these festivals that pray for good health and abundant harvests, you will experience a sense of the spirit of Japanese culture that has long respected the power of nature and given thanks for the changes of the seasons.

Yuki-Matsuri: Fukushima’s Snow Festivals
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Persimmon Paradise in Date City!

Here you can drive though fields of endless persimmons...  At first you might think that someone has hung thousands of lanterns, such a romantic sight might be expected in a town named Date City... but these are actually persimmons! Acres and acres of persimmon trees grow around the Date City area. On top of that nearly every home in the area has hundreds, even thousands, of persimmons hanging from their rafters or in open air pavilions. Dried persimmons are, apparently, a specialty in Date City. These fruits are turned into delicious semi-dried fruits that you’ve got to try! They are so good. The outer skin firms up like fruit leather and the insides sweeten and become gelatinous in texture. If you have ever tried a "gusher," these are like giant gushers that are naturally sweet.  The practice of hanging persimmons at home is still practiced by some Japanese people, however it can be a bit difficult and time consuming. Fortunately for everyday people (who lack both time and skill) the farmers of Date City make and sell plenty of these delicious treats!  Those who hang persimmons for commercial use use a special method that they learned from California raisin makers, this is how they maintain their brilliant color! It was cool to find a connection to my home country in such a cute rural town.

Persimmon Paradise in Date City!
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Japanese Onsen Bath Experience

The beauty of hot springs in Fukushima is that each onsen has different characteristics, such as the different minerals and temperatures of the waters, or the different styles, sizes, and atmospheres of the baths. This variety in types of onsen baths is what sets aside onsen in Fukushima from those in other prefectures. Getting away from the city and visiting a hot spring to relax for a few days is a popular activity among Japanese people. If you go on a trip to one or more hot springs for a week, you will see why they are in such high demand. Japan has four distinct seasons, changing every three months. You will experience something different depending on the season, even if you visit the same hot spring resort or hotel. Hotel Sansuiso (Tsuchiyu Onsen) Tsuchiyu Onsen, is located in the northern part of Fukushima Prefecture, about 16 km from Fukushima Station. Tsuchiyu Onsen is a hot spring resort with a long history, and is also known as the birthplace of the Tsuchiyu Kokeshi traditional craft. This hot spring town is home to over 10 types of onsen. Hot spring ryokan and hotels of various sizes line the river, each with baths that can be enjoyed through every season. At Hotel Sansuiso, you can enjoy a wonderful variety of baths. Highlights include an outdoor baths situated right across from a two-tier powerful waterfall, a two-story large hot spring area with various sizes of bathtubs and water types, a bath with a majestic ravine view, and a luxury private bath suitable for families. In particular, using the outdoor bath with a view of the Arakawa River in a snowy landscape in winter is breathtaking. Toryukan (Yunokami Onsen) Yunokami Onsen is a hot spring tow well-known for its abundant spring water and magnificent ravine view. Take a walk along the Okawa River from a simple thatched station and you will see a number of hot spring hotels. This hot spring town is not flashy, but is a wonderful spot for experiencing Fukushima’s breathtaking nature. Toryukan is a family-run hot spring inn which has been in business for generations. Each room is very spacious, and has a private bathroom with bathtubs made from cypress, so you can enjoy a hot spring bath in your own room any time of the day. Additionally, the inn's outdoor bath located along a mountain stream, you can spend time relaxing and listening to the murmuring of the Okawa River, which changes as the seasons go by. The Wonders of Onsen One of the joys of hot springs is relaxing in a bath, listening to the sound of a waterfall in the distance, all while heating yourself up in the warm water, with a refreshing cool breeze brushing gently against your face. Indeed, this feeling itself is often referred to in Japanese as 'onsen' and is the very reason why Japanese people often visit hot springs. It is an amazing feeling that everyone should experience. One of the attractions of onsen is that you can enjoy it all year round. We highly recommend you to try an outdoor bath, which is called 'rotenburo' in Japanese. See here for more information on private rotenburo. While you take a bath, you could be looking at cherry blossoms in spring, relaxing under the star-filled sky in summer, enjoying the colored leaves of fall, or reveling in your snowy surroundings in winter. Onsen is a special way for you can directly experience the seasonally changing nature of Japan. There are a large variety of hot springs, such as tranquil riverside hot springs and large hot spring facilities with more than thirty baths! In Fukushima, you can find the one that perfectly matches both you and your trip.

Japanese Onsen Bath Experience
Destination Spotlight

Feel the Samurai Spirit at Nisshinkan & Aizu Bukeyashiki

Experience for yourself what the training of real samurai was like in Fukushima.During 1868, the Aizu region of Fukushima was the site of the final prolonged battle of the Boshin Civil War, which was held between the supporters of the shogunate, and the newly formed government forces. Aizu was home to the Bushido spirit of loyalty to one’s lord without fear of death despite assured defeat. For this reason, the culture and spirit of the samurai still deeply color the region to this day.Visit the study halls where samurai gathered and the homes where they lived, and become a modern-day samurai yourself.Aizu NisshinkanFrom the age of ten, boys of Aizu’s samurai families would attend Nisshinkan, a school for cultivating their minds and bodies through academic and martial studies. Countless Nisshinkan graduates became important figures in Japan.You can visit the Aizu Hanko Nisshinkan, a faithful recreation of the original facility, which is still used as a place for educational activities, including martial arts. Entering through the impressive gate, you will be greeted by a magnificent example of Edo period architecture which recreates scenes of students carrying out their studies. Take a tour around Nisshinkan to learn about the training required to become a samurai and try your hand at archery and Zen meditation too – both of which were practiced by samurai-in-the-making.Aizu BukeyashikiAs you learn about the samurai lifestyle, be sure not to miss the Aizu Bukeyashiki (Samurai Residence) collection of historical buildings. This is an outdoor museum lined with structures of great importance in describing the history of the region. At the center is the residence of Saigo Tanomo, chief senior councilor of the Aizu clan during the Edo period, which features 38 rooms. Mannequins are used to recreate scenes from the lives of the family members. You will also find exhibits of actual weapons, kimonos, and other items used by the samurai in their daily lives, giving you an even more direct sense of their lives.Experiences at Nisshinkan and BukeyashikiThe Japanese archery which you can try at Nisshinkan is a martial art requiring concentration and willpower. While similar in appearance to Western archery, it uses a unique style in which a large bow is held to the right of the body. The arrows are small, making it possible for even children to try. There are instructors standing by at each location, so you can try even if it is your first time. If you release the arrow with controlled breath and the correct posture, you will enjoy a sense of having taken a step closer to becoming a samurai yourself. If booking as part of a group day tour, you may also experience Zen meditation at Nisshinkan. Here, you can hear lectures on basic methods and even how to live one’s life from the standpoint of Zen meditation. Try to grasp a sense of the state of mind valued by the Samurai. Please bear in mind that this activity is conducted in Japanese, so you need to book as part of a tour to ensure English support.After immersing yourself in the samurai spirit through Japanese archery and Zen meditation, why not try dressing up like a samurai too? Change into period garb at Aizu Bukeyashiki’s photo corner and have your picture taken. Pick out the costume you like and remember to strike a samurai pose for your photograph! Participatory samurai activities tend to be popular, so it is recommended that you contact the facilities in advance with the size of your group and your arrival time. Aizu Bukeyashiki (Samurai Residence) also features a restaurant where you can dine on local cuisine. Tasting the local cuisine which samurai likely enjoyed will perfectly complete the experience.Read more about the samurai spirit on our blog here.

Feel the Samurai Spirit at Nisshinkan & Aizu Bukeyashiki
Destination Spotlight

1 Day in Kitakata

Here is an example 1 day intinerary for a trip to Kitakata City! 1. KITAKATA STATION Start your trip at Kitakata Station. Kitakata Station can be reached from Aizuwakamatsu Station on the JR Ban-Etsu West Line heading from Niitsu (新津). It takes around 20 minutes from Aizuwakamatsu Station. If you are wandering how to go about getting to Fukushima Prefecture, check out this guide on accessing Fukushima. 2. KURA-NO-MACHI Kitakata City has a wealth of beautiful old warehouses built over hundreds of years in a variety of styles. The warehouse-lined streets are definitely worth exploring. There are a number of different areas where warehouses can be found. I marked them with a yellow star on the map at the top of this page. You can also see a map here of where they are located. It is all in Japanese, but if you use this map in combination with your own map phone application, you should be able to find them! The longest street filled with warehouses is approximately a 1 km walk from the station. Depending on how far you would like to walk, you can adapt the length of your route. In the map at the top of this page, I have only included warehouses within walking distances of Kitakata Station. However, the Mitsuya district and Sugiyama areas of Kitakata City, which are known for their characteristic Meiji and Taisho style of architecture, can be accessed by bus from Kitakata Station. The bus apparently takes 15 minutes (approx. 6 km), but may be difficult to find and/or understand. There are cars available to rent near the station, so that might be the best bet for visiting these slightly further-away warehouses. The locations of these further-away warehouses can also be seen here, on the 3rd page (on the right hand side of the page). Tip: Rather than walking to see the closer-by warehouses, you could rent a bicycle at a shop near the station! 3. KITAKATA RAMEN With over 100 ramen establishments filling Kitakata City, it would be a shame to miss out on trying this local dish! Kitakata ramen is one of the three most famous types of ramen in Japan (The other two being local to Sapporo and Fukuoka). The high quality water in the area and the long-stretching tradition of making ramen means that Kitakata is a haven for foodies. For up to date information on the location and prices of a variety of ramen restaurants, please inquire at the Kitakata Tourism Association (located inside the station) upon arriving. Tip: If you’re brave, you can try asara (short for asa ramen) which is a ramen eaten for breakfast!  4. LOCAL SHOPS The central area of Kitakata City has many quaint and traditional shops waiting for your visit. During my recent trip, I visited Okuya, a specialist bean shop, to try peanut ice cream. Why not give Okuya a visit? One of my favourite shops in Kitakata City is Kurosawa Kirizaiten geta shop, which sells traditional wooden shoes worn throughout the year in Japan. These shoes are lightweight, super comfortable, and there are lots of designs to choose from. They would make a great souvenir to take back home for yourself or friends. While there used to be many geta stores in town, Kurosawa Kirizaiten is the last one standing.  5. SHINGU KUMANO SHRINE No matter the time of year, this 1000 year old shrine, and the equally old tree that stands next to it, are majestic. I received an English-language explanation sheet about the shrine when I visited it, which was helpful. There is a small museum and gallery on the premises with ancient artefacts available to view. Unfortunately, this is all in Japanese, so you may be at a loss for how old the artefacts are unless you whip out Google Translate. That being said, even without understanding the little museum, the shrine is really a stunning place to visit and spending some time exploring.  6. KITAKATA STATION Finish off your day trip back at Kitakata Station, where you can take a train to your next destination! Bonus: If you happen to visit Kitakata in spring, make sure to check out the beautiful waterfall-like cherry blossoms of the Nicchu Line cherry trees. Just a short walk from the station, they truly are a sight to behold.

1 Day in Kitakata
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Red Bull Air Race World Champion’s Base

Taking place under the challenging conditions of a maximum speed of 370 km/h and a maximum gravitational acceleration of 10Gs, the Red Bull Air Race World Championship is a kind of motor sport that is also called the 'F1 of the Sky' as it is a competition against time using delicate maneuvering skill. The domestic base of Japanese pilot Yoshihide Muroya, who became the Red Bull Air Race World Champion in 2017, is the Fukushima Sky Park facility located in the central northern part of Fukushima Prefecture. This facility is located at an altitude of 402 meters, unusual for an airfield, and is sometimes referred to as the 'airport in the sky.' Muroya is active at Fukushima Sky Park, doing his best to practice and promote the practice of sky sports. “I want to fly freely in the sky.” Ever since he was young Muroya loved high places. However, his dream was not originally to become a pilot for general passenger aircraft, but rather to become a competitive pilot that could soar through the sky as he pleased. He became passionate about gliders during his college days and his fascination with the feeling of flying through the beautiful sky with its wide perspective led him to obtain his pilot’s license in the US while still a student. At that time, his thoughts were merely concerned with flying in the sky. Muroya happened to watch the world championship for a contest of acrobatic flying, known as aerobatics. Shocked by the sight of the aircraft flying freely around the sky above, he was confident that “this was the free flight I had dreamed of.” He set out to become an aerobatic pilot with the world's best maneuvering skill. However, Japan did not yet have an environment that could support aerobatics at that time and Muroya was concerned that he could not even do training in Japan. He worked hard to recruit supporters and finally acquired the environment he needed to take on the challenge of a world tournament. Muroya made Fukushima Sky Park the base for his activities in 1999. He chose this place for its spacious location surrounded by beautiful mountains such as the Azuma mountain range and its clear air. In 2003 he established an NPO corporation with friends out of the desire to “spread sky sports" and lent his cooperation to events held at Fukushima Sky Park. He began to engage in community development through sky sports, such as hosting air shows. Then in March 2011 the Great East Japan Earthquake struck and Fukushima experienced significant damage. As people in Fukushima were filled with anxiety in the aftermath of the disaster, Muroya and his team decided to help energize the children of Fukushima by inviting them to Fukushima Sky Park that May. He put on an air show and the children were delighted by the chance to see Muroya fly up close. As Fukushima headed towards recovery, Muroya started advancing again towards the pinnacle of the world. Since 2003, Fukushima Sky Park has been holding its own annual event - currently called 'Sky Agri' - which fuses agriculture promotion and sky sports awareness. In 2017 it was held in September, and approximately 6,000 people from inside and outside Japan visited over the two-day event to witness world-class top performances firsthand, such as an aerobatics show put on by Muroya and a demonstration run by the champion of Japan's highest-level "Super GT 500 Class" car race. Fukushima Sky Park is also known for having audience seats that are the shortest distance from the runway in all of Japan. Extreme sports fans cheered the speed and power that can only be experienced here. Muroya also started a new project to train personnel engaged in the aviation industry using his base at Fukushima Sky Park. In addition to opening a facility which exhibits high-performance aerobatic planes, he plans to develop a course to help young people learn about aviation around autumn of 2018. "I want people to take even a little interest in the aviation world, and I want people from all over the world to visit Fukushima Prefecture." With that desire Muroya continues his activities at Fukushima Sky Park.

Red Bull Air Race World Champion’s Base
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Fukushima's Top Cherry Blossom Spots

Fukushima Prefecture is blessed with lush nature and dramatic scenery. As the third-largest prefecture in Japan, the climate, seasons and landscapes differ vastly by area. However, there is one season that is spectacular no matter where you may be in Fukushima – spring! Blossoms start to bloom from the south-east of Fukushima, where the temperature is warmest, and flower the latest in the west. This means that if visitors come to Fukushima during April and May, it is very likely that cherry blossom will be in full bloom somewhere in the prefecture! OGAWASUWA SHRINEThe beautiful weeping cherry blossom tree at Ogawasuwa Shrine has been standing strong in Iwaki City for over 500 years. The branches gracefully stretch across the main area of the shrine, providing a stunning foreground against the red torii gates. The blossom is illuminated by traditional Japanese campfires every night of the cherry blossom season. 

Fukushima's Top Cherry Blossom Spots
Destination Spotlight

Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival

2024 DATES: The main festival (with all the lantern floats in one place) will be held on Saturday 5th October, with smaller festival events held on Sunday 6th and on Monday 7th. A map of the parade routes can be found in English here.Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival is held annually on the first Saturday, Sunday, and following Monday in October. The sight of the festival floats, stretching up 11 metres at their tallest, shining bright in the evening light makes Nihonmatsu famous as the home to one of the top three lantern festivals in Japan.Pick from countless delicious festival food stalls, try and find the best place to snap photos of awe-inspiring festival floats, kanpai with the locals and see if you can master the festival chants, at this fun, high-energy festival.WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND THIS FESTIVAL?The festival was started around 370 years ago by the lord of Nihonmatsu Castle. When he first took charge of the Nihonmatsu area, he wanted to ensure the loyalty of the local people by first installing them with lots of religious piety. To do this, he decided to start a Shinto festival which could be attended by anyone, regardless of status.

Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival
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Fun in the Powder Snow in Japan

The silvery world of snow-covered ski slopes and mountains sparkling in reflected light is a typical sight in Fukushima Prefecture during winter. The altitude is high in the western part of Fukushima, which includes the areas of Inawashiro, Aizu, and Adatara Kogen, and the snow is deep during winter months from December through March. The many ski resorts in these areas are recommended for first-time visitors experiencing snow for the first time because, in addition to winter sports such as skiing, these resorts are great places for sledding, making snowmen, and snowball fights.Reaching FukushimaEase of access and the unstinting hospitality unique to Japan are among the many reasons why Fukushima Prefecture’s ski resorts are so popular. These features make these resorts of particular interest to families with children. Koriyama, which serves as the main transportation hub for Fukushima Prefecture, is only 90 minutes from Tokyo on the Tohoku Shinkansen. Travelers will arrive in Koriyama before they know it, entertained en route by the views of mountains adorned in snow juxtaposed with the speed of the shinkansen itself which particularly fascinates children.Numerous shuttle buses operate between the ski slopes and stations including Koriyama. There are also shuttle buses that run between ski resorts and other facilities. This means driving the unfamiliar snowy roads won’t be necessary.Getting to FukushimaGear & ClothingWhile the temperature here is typically near freezing in winter, it’s possible to rent all manner of cold weather clothing and gear, from jackets and pants, to accessory items such as gloves, all available in sizes from child to adult. Staff will pick out the right outfit for your planned snow activities. Perhaps one of the greatest appeals of Fukushima is that it’s possible to come to our snow-covered mountains on a whim any time you feel the urge to play in the snow during winter time in Japan.Photo: Urabandai Tourism Association https://www.urabandai-inf.com/en/Let’s hit the ski slopes!Go ahead and dive right into the snow. The soft snow will take you in and wrap you in its gently chilly sensation. Fukushima is known for its powder snow, which is low in water content. Powder snow does not melt right away when you touch it, but rather falls away like a dry powder. The sensation of this dry powdery snow that can only be enjoyed in the winter mountains is itself more than enough reason to visit.The various ski resorts each provide open areas where it is safe for children to play in the snow, and where there is no need to be concerned about being crashed into by skiers.First, why not try sledding across the surface of the snow? The sleds are ridden in a seated position, and the sense of acceleration is very exciting. You can even experience a sensation of floating as you zip across the surface of the powder snow.Next, try making snow balls. Here, snowball fights are never painful due to the fluffy nature of the powder snow. The photos you take of your family covered in snow after everyone has had their fill will likely provide fond memories for years to come.Finally, don’t miss the chance to make a snowman. Starting with a small ball of snow, you can create a surprisingly large ball simply by rolling it around to collect more snow. For a Japanese style snowman, you need only make two large balls of snow, one for the body and one for the head, to complete the snowman. You can then try decorating it with small branches and other objects. Perhaps you can make a face that looks just like someone in your family.Tips1) Don’t overdo it if you get cold If you start to feel tired, why not head back indoors and lazily enjoy the snowy vistas from a comfy warm room? Another way you can enjoy the Fukushima with your family is to warm up at one of the many hot springs after playing in the snow together.2) Always watch your feet as you move aboutPowder snow is ideal for winter sports, but it also makes the ground very slippery. Make sure to wear waterproof shoes with non-slip soles.3) Bring appropriate clothing.We also recommend bringing ample changes of undergarments for your children. The temperature is typically below freezing, so you will become cold quickly when you sweat.Ski resorts are located in high-altitude mountainous areas, and there are times even in April when the cold weather begins to thaw when the sudden arrival of a blizzard can quickly drop the temperature and change the climate at short notice. Thus it is important to be ready for the cold weather even at the end of the season.Useful Links6 Reasons To Go Skiing In Fukushima (& Where To Go)Yuki-Matsuri: Fukushima’s Snow FestivalsJapan's Lesser-Known Ski Resorts

Fun in the Powder Snow in Japan
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The Sunken Village of Hibara

The mystery beneath the surface of Lake Hibara...  Today, if you visit Lake Hibara, you’ll see a beautiful lake with pebble beaches and forested banks. In winter the lake freezes over, making it a popular destination for ice fishing! However, beneath the surface of the water, or ice, lies traces of the areas mysterious past. Prior to 1888, this was the location of Hibara Village, a small but lively village surrounded by rivers and natural beauty. The last trace of the village’s existence is a partially submerged set of Torii gates and a set of stairs that leads up to Ooyama Sumi Shrine.  So what happened?  I visited the Mt. Bandai Eruption Memorial Museum to learn more and speak to Mr. Satou, a local expert on volcanoes and the area surrounding Mt. Bandai and the . He showed us an old map of Hibara Village, pointing at the spot where his great great grandfather’s home once stood. At the center, you can even see some rare photographs from people evacuating the village back in 1888.  Today there are one two peaks on Mt. Bandai, however, there used to be three. On July 15th, 1888, on a beautiful summer day the Kobandai peak of Mt. Bandai suddenly erupted, changing the landscape forever. When Kobandai exploded, that side of the mountain collapsed into the valley below, burying entire villages and homes under 100 meters of mountain. Although some managed to escape, around 500 lives were claimed beneath the volcano. The environment beneath the fallen mountain peak, known as the Urabandai area, was changed forever. Rivers and streams that once covered the area changed dramatically, lakes and ponds began to form, these bodies of water became known as the Goshikinuma Lakes and Ponds due to their unique colors. This is also how Lake Hibara was formed. Fortunately, for the people of Hibara village there were no casualties! However, people had to quickly evacuate and relocate to surrounding villages and towns when it became clear that the water would not recede.  An ever changing natural environment. Visiting today is safe, thankfully, today we have tools that allow us to predict when volcanoes will erupt that give us time to evacuate. Although it is a tragedy that so many lost their homes or lives to the eruption, we can also be reminded of the enormous power of nature. Despite the destruction that the eruption caused, it also gave birth to new, unique habitats for indigenous plants and animals, creating unique new landscapes for us to discover. Visit the sunken village of Lake Hibara, and explore the other lakes and ponds of the Urabandai area!

The Sunken Village of Hibara
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2023 Cherry Blossom Full Bloom Forecast & Spots in Fukushima

Update (2023/03/14): This article was originally published in February 2023. Cherry blossoms are blooming earlier than expected this year, so most of the dates that were originally included in this article are inaccurate as per current predictions. Please find the updated dates (as of March 14, 2023) in red. Fukushima prefecture is the ultimate cherry blossom destination—home to Miharu Takizakura, said to be one of the oldest waterfall sakura trees in Japan, and the idyllic Hanamiyama Park in Fukushima City, a park on a hill with countless varieties of flower trees and shrubs, to name only two of its most famous spots. Miharu Takizakura in Miharu Town. Photo: （株）三春まちづくり公社 When to See Cherry Blossoms in Fukushima Hanamiyama Park in Fukushima City You may have heard (or experienced) that the cherry blossom season is painstakingly short. The blooming period typically lasts for about two weeks—flowers usually reach full bloom about a week after blossoming and keep blooming only for an additional week. Ozawa Sakura in Tamura City Fukushima prefecture boasts a long sakura season, however, with flowers sprouting along the prefecture from late March to early May. How Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Fukushima Cherry blossom tunnel at Sakura Hill in Dake Onsen Although the exact dates vary by year, cherry blossoms are known to bloom in an ‘m’ shape across Fukushima prefecture.  The coastal area, on the east side, sees the first blossoms between late March and early April, going from South to North. Next, flowers start sprouting in the central and western areas from North to South. The last blossoms can be seen sometime up until mid-May in South-West Aizu. Sakuratoge Pass in Kitashiobara Village For more information about how sakura blooms in Fukushima, please refer to this guide. Because it is best to see sakura in full bloom (or near full bloom), we recommend picking destinations according to the dates you have available.  2023 Forecast Dates Per Area Yonomori Sakura in Tomioka Town It is difficult to predict the exact date when cherry blossoms will bloom, as weather conditions in the prior weeks and months directly affect when the blooming starts and for how long it lasts. But there are ways to know a rough estimate. The following information is based on the website of the Japan Meteorological Corporation “Sakura Navi” (please note, however, that this is simply a forecast and actual blooming dates may vary).   As of February 2023, here are the projected dates for cherry blossoms in different areas of Fukushima in 2023 (Dates in red are as of March 2023): Coastal Area Iwaki City: Early April (Late March) Soma City: Early to Mid-April (Early April) Central Area Fukushima City: Early to Mid-April (Early April) Koriyama City: Mid-April (Early to Mid-April) Shirakawa City: Mid-April (Early to Mid-April) Aizu Area Aizu-Wakamatsu City: Mid to Late April (Mid-April) Yanaizu Town: Mid to Late April Full Bloom Forecasts Per Area The flowers are most beautiful when in full bloom, and for a few days to a week later. Cherry blossoms in Inawashiro Town Here are the Japan Meteorological Corporation's 'Sakura Navi' estimated dates for full bloom in Fukushima in 2023 (forecast as of mid-February; actual blooming dates may vary depending on future temperatures and the weather). Coastal Area’s Sakura Spots Full Bloom Forecast for 2023 (Dates in red are updated as of March 2023) Iwaki Flower Center (Iwaki City): April 5 (March 30) Miyukiyama Park (Iwaki City):  April 5 (March 29) Matsugaoka Park (Iwaki City): April 7  (April 1) Soma Odaka Shrine (Minamisoma City): April 8 (March 31) Tenjin Misaki Sports Park (Naraha Town): April 11 (April 5) Baryo Park (Soma City): April 11 (April 3) Cherry blossoms at Soma Odaka Shrine in Minamisoma City Central Area’s Sakura Spots Full Bloom Forecast for 2023 (Dates in red are updated as of March 2023) Hanamiyama Park (Fukushima City): April 9* (April 3)* Kasumigajo Castle Park (Nihonmatsu City): April 12 (April 6) Komine Castle (Shirakawa City): April 12 (April 6) Kaiseizan Park (Koriyama City): April 12 (April 6) Fujita River Fureai-Zakura (Koriyama City): April 14 (April 7) Natsui Senbon-Zakura (Ono Town): April 20 (April 16) Although it is difficult to predict the exact date as of yet, Miharu Takizakura is expected to be in full bloom in early to mid-April.  *Hanamiyama Park has different varieties of cherry blossom trees, each blooming at different times. More information here. Heidodan Cherry Tree in Miharu Town Aizu Area’s Sakura Spots Full Bloom Forecast for 2023 (Dates in red are updated as of March 2023) Tsurugajo Castle (Aizu-Wakamatsu City): April 16 (April 11) Miyagawa Senbon-Zakura (Aizu-Misato Town): April 17 (April 13) Yunokami Onsen Station (Shimogo Town): April 19 (April 15) Enzoji Temple (Yanaizu Town): April 20 (April 17) Kannonji-gawa River (Inawashiro Town): April 27 (April 24) Tenkyodai Showa-No-Mori Park (Inawashiro Town): May 7 (May 5) Although it is difficult to predict the exact date as of yet, the Nicchu Line Weeping Cherry Blossom is expected to be in full bloom around mid-April. Nicchu Line Weeping Cherry Blossoms in Kitakata City For information about hanami spots, itineraries, and more visit our section Spring in Fukushima. Cherry blossoms at Yunokami Onsen Station in Shimogo Town (close to Ouchi-juku) The information contained in this post is a rough forecast based on the information provided on the Japan Meteorological Corporation’s website ‘Sakura Navi’ as of February 2023 (dates in red are updated as of March 2023). Actual blooming dates may vary depending on future temperatures and the weather. To access the latest information about the status of cherry blossoms in Fukushima in 2023, visit Japan Meteorological Corporation’s website Sakura Navi (the website is in Japanese but you can change the language to English from the drop-down menu).   Arakawa Sakura Tsuzumi River Park in Fukushima City

2023 Cherry Blossom Full Bloom Forecast & Spots in Fukushima
Useful Information

Discover Samurai History

Japan is a land where samurai walked the streets with swords at their hips as recently as 150 years ago. However, those samurai disappeared into the annals of history as the country modernized. The Aizu region in Fukushima is known as the home to samurai who held out to the very end against the new westernized government army during the civil war that triggered the modernization of Japan. Follow in the footsteps of these true ‘Last Samurai’ through the numerous surviving sites in Aizu and feel for yourself the samurai spirit that Aizu still embodies today. Aizu was the site of the final large scale battle as part of the resistance to Japan’s revolution of modernization known as the Meiji Restoration. Countless samurai from Aizu gave their lives in battle despite having full knowledge that the war would soon be lost. The history of this civil war, known as the Boshin War, describes how not only the young men, but also the elderly, women, and children gave their lives in battle as samurai. Among them, one battle unit called the Byakkotai, or ‘White Tiger Force,’ formed of the teenage sons of samurai became legendary during the Boshin War. The boys committed seppuku (ritual disembowelment) together after observing what they believed to be the sight of their castle burning from their vantage point on Mt. Iimoriyama to the east of their town. If you visit Mt. Iimoriyama today, try and spot the castle that those young warriors watched from the same viewpoint. Tsurugajo Castle, located in central Aizu-Wakamatsu City, was rebuilt after the war. The seven storied central structure of the castle is one of the largest in Japan, and the red roof tiles further accent the beauty of its white walls. It is difficult to describe the beauty with words, particularly during the winter snowfall and when the cherry blossoms bloom in springtime, making Tsurugajo Castle a rare example of medieval Japanese architecture that is both impressive and beautiful in form. It may be possible to begin to understand the samurai spirit of self-sacrifice as you . Looking down on Tsurugajo Castle from Mt. Iimoriyama through the eyes of the young men of the White Tiger Force, and pondering what they must have felt when they decided to take their lives, visitors can begin to understand the samurai spirit of self-sacrifice. You can further deepen your knowledge of the White Tiger Force through the many historical records and videos available at the nearby Byakkotai Memorial Hall. Within walking distance, you will find the Former Takizawa Honjin, a building which served as a rest stop for feudal lords and was used as a headquarters during the Boshin War. Here you can still find bullet holes and damage left by swords, evoking the raw violence of the battle fought there. After seeing Tsurugajo Castle from your vantage point on Mt. Iimoriyama, head straight to the castle keep. The castle features many exhibits including suits of armor and katana swords, and there is a lot of English-language information available about the history and lifestyles of the people of Aizu. By learning of the traditions and culture from the age of the samurai, you will be able to understand more about the samurai spirit that still lives on today in the Fukushima Prefecture’s Aizu region. Inspired by that spirit, next climb to the observation deck on the top floor of the castle to enjoy an uninterrupted 360 degree view of the city. What will your thoughts be as you take in the view once observed by the feudal lord who lived in this castle? The Tsurugajo Castle grounds also feature a tea house and Japanese garden that provide yet a deeper sense of Japanese culture. Sipping green tea accompanied by Japanese sweets as you view the seasonal trees decorating the garden will likely sooth your mind and body of the fatigue of your journey, while giving you a taste of the times in which the samurai lived. Guides can sometimes be found dressed in samurai armor near the main tower of Tsurugajo Castle. If you see them, it is a great opportunity to have your picture taken with a samurai, so don’t hesitate to ask. And if you ask nicely, they may even strike an impressive Samurai pose. There’s no doubt that the photo will make your trip all the more memorable!

Discover Samurai History
Destination Spotlight

Hiking Mt. Bandai

Mt. Bandai is one of the most recognizable of Fukushima’s landmarks. It towers in the background of many scenic places and is located in a super picturesque area right next to Lake Inawashiro. Mt. Bandai is situated in Bandai-Asahi National Park, and is the focal point of the gorgeous sightseeing roads Bandai-Azuma Skyline and Bandai-Azuma Lake Line. No matter what the season, Mt. Bandai is truly a sublime sight to behold. I started my climb at the Happodai Trailhead, which is the most commonly used route up Mt. Bandai and the easiest to hike! There are 2 pretty wide car parks at this trailhead so it is easy to park there even on more popular hiking days. I created a map of the hiking trail, so please make sure to check it out. I hope it’s of some help! It takes around 2 hours to hike from the Happodai Trailhead to the main rest station which is situated at Koboshimizu Mountain Hut. At this rest stop, you can buy souvenirs such as Mt. Bandai pins and badges, bells to ward off bears, postcards, etc. But the thing I appreciated being able to buy at this rest stop was a cold bottle of coke. It’s a good idea to have a good rest at this stop because the final 20 minutes to the summit of Mt Bandai is pretty steep compared to the rest of the hike. I’m glad I took my time before facing the final part of the hike. I was really impressed by how scenic this hike was – especially once we got to the top and the clouds started to clear up, finally letting us see amazing views all the way down to Lake Inawashiro. I’ve been to Lake Inawashiro a number of times and seen photos of the lake from lots of angles, but it was really awesome to see it from above. Our walk back down had much clearer skies, meaning that we could take some good photographs of the views! We walked past a large field that becomes filled with flowers a number of times over the course of the year, so I recommend taking this route on the way back. Going back via the flower field also cuts out some of the steeper climb between the trailhead and Koboshimizu Mountain Hut. Climbing Mt. Bandai was a great experience, and definitely something I am proud to tick off my Fukushima bucket list! Make sure to try this hike if you have a chance! TIPS It is possible to get to the Happodai Trailhead by public transport, but only if you take a taxi from a nearby station, which can be pretty expensive (up to 10,000 yen from the closest train station). I recommend renting a car in the prefecture and driving to the trailhead for a relaxing start to your hike. The best and safest time of the year to hike Mt. Bandai is between late April and early November. This area has heavy snowfall in the winter though, so you can enjoy snowshoe trekking in other areas of Urabandai instead of climbing Mt. Bandai. Take walking poles to help you balance when going up or down some of the steeper areas of the route. Make sure to bring plenty of water, food, snacks, and sunscreen! Make sure to use the toilet at the Happodai Trailhead before setting off, as there isn’t a toilet on the hiking course. Before you start hiking, make sure you have a bell on your bag to scare away any bears that might be lurking around. Also, make sure that any food you carry is wrapped up nice and air-tight so as not to attract any wildlife. On your way down, you’ll come to a fork in the road at Nakanoyu Seki, from where you can choose to go to Urabandai (裏磐梯) or Happodai (八方台). Make sure you go in the direction of Happodai, as the Urabandai direction will take you all the way to Bandai Kogen Station!

Hiking Mt. Bandai
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