Fukushima Prefectural Museum

Fukushima Prefectural Museum

The Fukushima Prefectural Museum (Fukushima Museum) [福島県立博物館] is in Aizu-Wakamatsu City, about a ten-minute walk (750 m) from Tsurugajo Castle. The museum covers the history of Fukushima prefecture from the primitive age through modern times with exhibitions of historical items, relics, scale models, and replicas of objects of historical significance.

Its general exhibition is divided into six parts and explains the history of the area in chronological order. Starting with archaeological findings from the Glacial Age, the formation of the Japanese islands, and the first settlements (all covered in the Primitive Age section), the exhibits show the cultural developments and the evolving way of life through to modern times. The last exhibit, ‘Fukushima and its Nature’, details the prefecture’s ecosystems and how they have been impacted by natural disasters through the years.

The museum also has departmental exhibition rooms that focus on Fukushima’s geological features and folk culture.

Visitors can ask for an English guidebook at the entrance, which contains explanations of most items on exhibit. Information in English, Chinese, and Korean is displayed on some screen panels at the museum.

The museum also houses a tea room, the Prefectural Museum Tea Room ‘Tsukinai’, that serves lunch and a variety of drinks.

To the right of the main entrance is a recreational room for children. The room has a tatami area, children’s books, wooden toys, and decorations in traditional Aizu momen (cotton) textiles, which give it a unique, warm feel. Throughout the year, several special events and activities for children are hosted in this space.

Venue Details

Venue Details
Websitehttps://general-museum.fcs.ed.jp/
Contact

Fukushima Prefectural Museum
(+81) 242-28-6000

Best SeasonAll Year
Opening Hours

9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entrance at 4:30 PM)

Closed every Monday (if a National Holiday falls on a Monday, the museum remains open on that day and closed the next day).
Closed the day following a National Holiday (except for weekends).
Closed during the New Year Holidays (December 28 to January 4th)
The museum may be closed on additional days for maintenance.

ParkingAvailable
Related infoGeneral Admission/University Students: 280 yen.

Groups of 20 visitors or more: 220 yen per person (reservation required three days in advance).

High school, middle school or elementary school students: Free

Visitors with a physical or mental disability certificate, or health welfare certificate: Free

VIsitors with a Type 1 or Level 1 Certificate and one caregiver: Free

Visitors with a Fukushima Prefecture certificate of free admission to cultural facilities for foreign students: Free
Access Details
Access1-25 Jotomachi, Aizu-Wakamatsu City, Fukushima Pref. 965-0807, Japan
View directions
Getting there

From Aizu-Wakamatsu Station [会津若松駅](JR Ban-etsu West Line), the museum can be reached using the sightseeing loop bus. The nearest stop on the "Haikara-san" and "Akabe" loop bus routes is San-no-Maru (三ノ丸).

From Koriyama Sta. [郡山駅] (JR/Shinkansen), go to the Koriyamaeki-mae bus stop and take an Iwaki-Koriyama-Aizu-Wakamatsu [いわき～郡山・会津若松] bus bound for Tsurugajo - Government Office Building Complex [鶴ヶ城・合同庁舎前]. The museum is located about 650 meters from the bus stop.

By Car: 15 min drive from the Aizuwakamatsu I.C. exit off the Ban-etsu Expressway

By Taxi: 10 minutes from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station [会津若松駅].

Nearby

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Tsurugajo Castle

Tsurugajo Castle allows visitors the opportunity to experience history, nature, and tradition with all five senses.Despite being mostly reconstructed, the surrounding park's stone walls remain in their original state. In 2010, for the first time since it was refurbished in 1965, the castle underwent a cosmetic restoration. Following completion in 2011, the same red-tile roofs seen by the Byakkotai (during the Boshin War and finals days of the Tokugawa shogunate) are now displayed for all to see.This castle is one of the final strongholds of samurai that remained loyal to the shogunate and today stands as a symbol of courage and faithfulness.Within the castle tower's museum, the swords and armor of the castle’s successive lords are on display. Visitors can watch a CG-enhanced theatrical video reflecting on the great history of Aizu.In addition to the historical atmosphere surrounding Tsurugajo, visitors can sense the changes that have occurred throughout history, thanks to the engaging and informative museum within the castle walls. It’s fun to gaze across Aizu from the fifth floor, like a feudal lord admiring his domain—the viewing platform up here provides panoramic views taking in Mt. Bandai and Mt. Iimoriyama.The castle is also a must-see in the springtime when approximately 1,000 cherry trees offer a magnificent display within the castle's grounds.When you’re in the mood for a rest, visit the Rinkaku Tea Rooms for some freshly-prepared matcha green tea. This tea house on the grounds of Tsurugajo was vital in the spread of this traditional art—and had it been destroyed during the Meiji Restoration, tea ceremony as it is known in Japan might have vanished.Tsurugajo Castle is truly a place where the modern visitor can slip into the past and become immersed in history. 
The World Glassware Hall
Hot Springs

Yunokami Onsen

Yunokami Onsen is famous for having one of the only thatched roof station buildings in Japan. The hot spring area is fed from 8 source springs. Each ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in the town draws its hot water directly from the source. The clear, transparent water is beloved for being soft and gentle on the skin. Many lodges offer just day-use of their baths, making it a great place to enjoy on a whim. There is also a public foot bath located at Yunokami Onsen Station. During the cherry blossom season, visitors can enjoy a warm foot bath while watching the light pink petals fluttering in the wind.

Discover Aizu Area

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