Traditional structures from northern Fukushima built between the Mid-Edo to Meiji era (1700 – 1912) – including restaurants, private houses, storehouses, and even a theater – have been relocated to Fukushima City Minka-en Open-Air Museum.
At Minka-en these buildings are restored and displayed to the public, along with a range of artefacts and tools used in daily life in years gone by.
Also, a number of special events, such as sword-smithing demonstrations, are held every year to celebrate and promote traditional folk crafts and skills.
| Website | https://fukushima-guide.jp/discover/minka-en/ |
|---|---|
| Contact | Fukushima City Tourism & Convention Association (+81) 24-563-5554 fukushima.guide@f-kankou.jp |
| Best Season | All Year |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Closed: Every Tuesday; Between Dec. 29 and Jan. 3 |
| Entrance Fee | Free |
| Access | Oishimae, Kaminagura, Fukushima City, Fukushima Pref. 960-2155 View directions |
|---|---|
| Getting there | By Bus: Take a bus heading from Sabara from JR Fukushima Station. Get off at Muroishi bus stop, then walk for 8 min By Train: 25 min by taxi from JR Fukushima Station. |
Experience traditional Japanese life & culture at Adachigahara Furusato Village. From exploring samurai residences to learning about the lifestyles of local farmers, there is a lot to see and do in this incredibly scenic open-air museum.
Yuyu Land Hanawa Dahlia Park is located within Yuyu Land Hanawa hot spring and accommodation facility. 300 kinds of 5000 dahlias bloom in approximately 7000 ㎡ site from summer to autumn at the Dahlia Park. Hanawa Town is home to 18 small dahlia gardens including 4 located in elementary and junior high schools. The best time to visit in order to see these flowers is between August and October. An annual dahlia festival is held in Hanawa Town every year to celebrate these vibrant flowers.
From early April right up to the start of May, 40 varieties of blossoming peach trees present a feast for the eyes for visitors to Hanamomo-no-Sato Park. There are over 300 peach trees spread across the 8,000 square meters of land. From blossoms with a single layer of petals, to the elaborate Yae-zakura and Kikuzaki Sakura flowers, there is a huge variety in the shapes and colours of cherry blossoms to be discovered and enjoyed at Hanamomo-no-Sato Park. As well as being free to visit, Hanamomo-no-Sato Park is conveniently located; just 20 minutes on foot from Iizaka Onsen Station.
Azuma Orchard is located along the Fruit Line (a road in Fukushima City which is surrounded by orchards). Here visitors can pick their own fruit, such as cherries from early June, peaches from mid-July, nashi (Japanese pears) and grapes from early September, and apples from October. The grounds of Azuma Orchard include a shop which has been recently renovated. Visitors can also enjoy soft-serve ice-cream in a range of seasonal flavors.
Fukushima Prefectural Museum of Art, located at the foot of Mt. Shinobu on the north side of Fukushima City, houses over 2,000 pieces of art, including paintings, block prints, carvings, craft works, and more. Some highlights of the museum's collection include paintings by Shoji Sekine and woodblock prints by Kiyoshi Saito, both of whom were born in Fukushima Prefecture, as well as a collection of impressionist art, and 20th century paintings by artists such as Ben Shahn and Andrew Whyeth.
<p style="text-align:justify">The Archive Center was opened on November 3rd, 2020 in order to share the unique artistry of Tokusatsu (Japanese special effects) with the world. Early Tokusatsu creator and Sukagawa Native, Eiji Tsuburaya came to be known as the “Father of Tokusatsu” due to his incredible Tokusatsu special effects in films such as Godzilla (1954) and television series such as the Ultra-series.</p><p style="text-align:justify">Prior to the development of advanced digital and cgi special effects, science fiction films heavily relied on Tokusatsu techniques to create captivating live-action scenes where enormous monsters or Kaijyu wreak havoc upon cities. Smashing and exploding miniature models of cities allowed film makers to create incredible scenes for films and television.</p><p style="text-align:justify">The Archine Center stores and displays many historic pieces that were used in or otherwise are related to the production of Tokusatsu films. There is even a special where visitors can watch Tokusatsu artists in action!</p><p style="text-align:left"><span style="color:black">©</span><span style="color:black">円谷プロ</span></p>
Licca Castle houses a production studio and museum both dedicated to Licca dolls (Japanese fashion dolls). In this building designed in the image of a European castle, you can find out everything there is to know about the five generations of Licca dolls.
<p style="text-align:justify">This is a museum dedicated to Eiji Tsuburaya the “Father of Tokusatsu,” or, the “Father of Japanese special effects.” There are exhibits relating to many of the monsters, “Kaijyu,” that are featured in many of Tsuburaya’s films including a Godzilla suit and Mothera egg!</p><p style="text-align:justify">Eiji Tsuburaya is from Sukagawa City so you will also find statues around town of various Kaijyu and Ultraman characters from the Ultra-series, a series that was primarily created by Tsuburaya.</p><p style="text-align:justify">©円谷プロ</p>