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Destination Spotlight

Enjoying Mt. Adatara in Autumn

Mt. Adatara is one of Fukushima Prefecture’s most spectacular places to go and see the bright colours of the autumn leaves, in a custom that is called 'momiji-gari' in Japanese. I went to Mt. Adatara in Nihonmatsu to try and do some momiji-gari of my own! I was a little worried abou...

Enjoying Mt. Adatara in Autumn
Destination Spotlight

1 Day in Shirakawa

START: SHIRAKAWA STATION (JR TOHOKU MAIN LINE) 1. DARUMA PAINTING EXPERIENCE Try out painting a traditional Shirakawa Daruma, or how about making your own unique design? There are two main places in Shirakawa City where daruma are made: Watanabe Daruma and Sagawa Daruma Workshop. I have add...

1 Day in Shirakawa
Destination Spotlight

Tsurugajo Castle & the Meiji Restoration

Tsurugajo Castle is a popular spot to visit among tourists coming to Fukushima. Whether you’re discovering the samurai history of Aizu-Wakamatsu City in the castle museum, relaxing while taking a sip of freshly-prepared matcha at Rinkaku Tea Rooms, or snapping some photos from the observato...

Tsurugajo Castle & the Meiji Restoration
Destination Spotlight

Azuma-Kofuji’s Short & Scenic Hiking Route

Home to a wealth of stunning views and scenic roads that can be enjoyed by car or bike, the eastern side of the Azuma mountain range that borders the prefectures of Fukushima and Yamagata is particularly popular for those who enjoy hiking and walking. Mt. Azuma-Kofuji (which translates as ‘...

Azuma-Kofuji’s Short & Scenic Hiking Route
Destination Spotlight

Watching Exhilarating Samurais On Horseback – Soma Nomaoi

The Soma Nomaoi is a 3-day festival takes place during the last weekend of July every year, and is centered around 3 main shrines in the cities of Minamisoma and Soma. It is thought that the festival has its roots in a local tradition from the 10th century, when horses were chased and tame...

Watching Exhilarating Samurais On Horseback – Soma Nomaoi
Destination Spotlight

2 Days in Iwaki

DAY 1 1. IWAKI STATION This example itinerary departs from Iwaki Station. For directions to Iwaki Station see here. I recommend traveling by rental car for this 2 day itinerary. 2. AQUAMARINE FUKUSHIMA Aquamarine Fukushima is an amazing aquarium and research centre which is in som...

2 Days in Iwaki
Destination Spotlight

Visiting Inawashiro in Summer

Yesterday I traveled to Inawashiro Town and nearby Kitashiobara Village to check out some of the best places to visit in the area. Here is my list of recommended sightseeing spots in – and around –  Inawashiro Town. 1. TSUNODA LACQUER ART STUDIO（漆芸工房　角田） Yesterday ...

Visiting Inawashiro in Summer
Access

Getting to Ouchi-juku

  Tokyo to Ouchi-juku (Via Shin-Shirakawa) Koriyama to Ouchi-juku Fukushima to Ouchi-juku Aizu-Wakamatsu to Ouchi-juku Please note that all times are rough estimations and do not include accurate waiting times between stops. All prices listed below should be treated as...

Getting to Ouchi-juku
Destination Spotlight

Going to See Aizu-Tajima Gion Festival

WHY IS THERE A GION FESTIVAL IN AIZU-TAJIMA? The most famous Gion Festival takes place every year in Gion, Kyoto. Hundreds of years ago, elite families were moved to various areas around the country. One of these areas was Aizu-Tajima, in Minamia Aizu, Fukushima. The families that moved from K...

Going to See Aizu-Tajima Gion Festival
Destination Spotlight

Making Bamboo Lanterns in a Temple

I discovered an awesome temple in Fukushima City! I’ve known that Ioji Temple existed for a long time, so I was really happy to finally get to visit. The architecture and traditional garden in the temple grounds make a visit to Ioji Temple worthwhile in itself, but what makes Ioji re...

Making Bamboo Lanterns in a Temple
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 h...

Feel the Samurai Spirit at Nisshinkan & Aizu Bukeyashiki
Useful Information

Harvest Seasonal Fruit

Fukushima Prefecture is one of the leading fruit production regions in Japan, to the extent that Fukushima City is often called the 'Fruit Kingdom,' and there is a road within the city limits with the nickname 'Fruit Line.' As hinted at by the name, the road is surrounded by fruit...

Harvest Seasonal Fruit
Useful Information

Hanami: Picnic Under the Sakura

Cherry blossoms are a symbol of springtime throughout Japan. From late March through May, the hearts of the people of Japan are filled with joy at the coming of spring as the pink cherry blossoms begin to bloom. If you visit during this period, you will see countless people in many different loca...

Hanami: Picnic Under the Sakura
Destination Spotlight

Shiramizu Amidado Temple in Iwaki

Shiramizu Amidado Temple is a beautiful, historic Buddhist temple in a serene and peaceful garden. For those planning a trip to Iwaki or Northern Ibaraki, it is a great place to add to your itinerary! WHAT IS AN AMIDADO? 'Amidado' is the name given to a temple dedicated to the B...

Shiramizu Amidado Temple in Iwaki
Useful Information

Autumn Leaves in Fukushima

Fukushima Prefecture is packed with a huge variety of amazing scenic spots. It goes without saying that there is lots to see during the momiji (autumn-leaf viewing) season! I have compiled a list of 10 of my recommended spots for autumn-leaf viewing! I hope you find it useful. ...

Autumn Leaves in Fukushima

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