Mishima Town Local Crafts Museum

Mishima Town Local Crafts Museum

This crafts museum, deep in the heart of the beautiful Oku-Aizu region, specialises in braided wicker crafts that have been a staple of the area for centuries. The local people have a strong affinity for handmade crafts, passing techniques down from generation to generation. In addition to learning about the history of the crafts here, visitors can try their hand at it themselves, making a small strap souvenir to take home (1,000 yen per person; reservations required).

There's also an expansive shop on site where visitors can buy baskets, bags, home ornaments and so on.

A trip to Mishima combines well with seeing a passing train at one of Japan's most scenic railway bridges, the Tadami River Bridge No.1, accessible by parking at the Mishima roadside station.

Venue Details

Venue Details
Websitehttps://www.okuaizu-amikumi.jp/(Japanese)
Contact

0241-48-5502

Opening Hours

9:00 - 17:00

Closed Mondays (or, next day if public holiday)

Entrance FeeFree to enter
Related infoParking for about 200 vehicles on-site
Access Details
AccessSuwanoue-395 Nairi, Mishima Town, Onuma District, Fukushima 969-7402
View directions
Getting there

By Car: About 1 hour from Aizu-Wakamatsu City

By Train: 20min walk from Aizu-Nishikata Station (Tadami Line, 1 hour from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station)

Useful Links

Guide to Visiting the Famous Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint

Tadami Line: 5 Sights You Shouldn't Miss

Michi-no-Eki Ozekaido Mishima-juku (Roadside Station)

5 Reasons to Visit Mishima Town

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    This tour itinerary, combining bus and train travel on one ticket, allows visitors to explore the best spots along the famous Tadami Line, showcasing breathtaking winter views and rich local heritage. On this tour, you’ll visit the historic Enzoji Temple, home to the famous ‘akabeko’ legend, and visit a museum showcasing local folk art. You’ll also capture stunning photos from the viewpoint above the Tadami River Bridge and learn about the fascinating history of the river area, before taking a ride on the iconic Tadami Line train itself. A traditional meal made from local ingredients is included in the price. Tickets can be purchased on the Fukushima Travel website. Tour Details: Dates: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays between January 24, 2026 - March 22, 2026 Price: ¥7,230 for adults (¥6,500 + processing fee), ¥6,120 for children (¥5,500 + processing fee) Includes: Bus ticket, Tadami Line train ticket from Aizu-Kawaguchi to Aizu-Yanaizu, lunch fee, Japanese guide Departure/Arrival: Aizu-Wakamatsu Station (guests at Higashiyama Onsen can disembark there)

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Yunokami Onsen

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Built in 1055, the Nagatoko is Shingu Kumano Shrine's worship hall and translates to “long floor”. It is designated as a Nationally Important Cultural Asset. Its thatched roof main structure was built between the Heian period and the Kamakura period and is supported by 44 massive pillars, each one 45 cm in diameter. It is a large, open stage with no walls, said to have been used for ascetic training by priests, as well as kagura dance festivals. Housed inside a nearby large wooden frame is the shrine bell, which visitors to the shrine are welcome to hit with a wooden rod. There is also a famous copper pot in which, allegedly, rice was rinsed before being offered to the gods; the pot was designated as an Important Cultural Property in 1959. This treasure is housed at the shrine along with many others and is on display for visitors along with national and prefectural designated cultural assets. Also not to be missed is the lion statue in the center of the treasure hall. It is known as a guardian of wisdom: a local legend says that if you can pass under the belly of the lion, your wisdom will blossom. It is a popular place for students to visit before the exam season and even politicians before election season. Come autumn, the magnificent 800-year-old ginkgo tree at the site is bathed in yellow, contrasting beautifully with the Nagatoko. This ancient tree has also been designated as a Natural Monument of Kitakata City. In November each year, you can even see a special illumination of the ginkgo tree for a limited time.
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