Mt. Shinobu, with a total altitude of 275 meters, is one of the most recognisable landmarks of Fukushima City. It is estimated that it formed about 500,000 years ago when the Fukushima basin caved in and Mt. Shinobu became an isolated hill, which later became the object of multiple local poems, stories, and legends.
Visitors can hike up Mt. Shinobu for unobstructed views of the cityscape. Hikers of all levels can try climbing Mt. Shinobu, as its peak can be reached in a few hours and many parts of it can be reached by car.
Each year in April, there is a spring festival with cherry blossom night illuminations that attract hordes of visitors. Summer and autumn are also great times to follow the hiking routes on Mt. Shinobu.
A spiritual power spot for locals, Haguro Shrine can be found at the top of the central peak, where there is also a giant straw sandal that weighs about 2 tons and is 12 meters in length and is believed to be among the biggest in Japan. The sandal is paraded along Fukushima City each year in August during the Waraji Festival. Also in Mt. Shinobu, you can find the Shinobuyama Neko Inari Jinja (‘cat shrine’), and the Gokoku Shrine, along with several parks.
For stunning views of the city, including the Shinkansen bullet train tracks, head to the Karasugasaki Observation Deck on the western side. Located nearby are the Fukushima Prefectural Museum of Art and the Fukushima Prefectural Library.
| Website | https://www.shinobuyama.com/ |
|---|---|
| Contact | Nonprofit Organization Street Fukushima |
| Best Season | All Year |
| Access | Hayasakayama Oyama, Fukushima City, Fukushima Pref. 960-8252 View directions |
|---|---|
| Getting there | By bus: From Fukushima Station (JR/Shinkansen), take a Fukushima City Loop Line Momorin Course 2 （福島市内循環線ももりん2コース）bus and get off at the Fukushima TV bus stop (福島テレビ), pronounced ‘Fukushima terebi’. From there, it takes about 5 minutes on foot to reach Mt. Shinobu. By Car: Approximately 5 minutes from Fukushima Station (East Exit). On foot: Approximately 30 minutes on foot (2 km) from Fukushima Station. Bicycle rental services are also available near the station. Useful Links |
A massive forest park of 167,000 square kilometers, featuring hiking courses, camping sites and BBQ locations that can be enjoyed as a day out or as an overnight trip. It is known for its 150,000 Shiba-zakura plants, and a Shiba-zakura Festival is held every year during their blooming season.
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.
In 1801, Matsudaira Sadanobu, the twelfth Lord of Shirakawa, constructed a recreational area which was to be opened to anybody - regardless of status or family background. This recreational area turned into Nanko Park, which is considered to be the Japan's oldest public park. There are Yoshino cherry blossoms (about 800 trees), azaleas, pine trees, and maple trees at the edge of lake. You can enjoy seasonal scenery such as cherry blossoms in spring, fresh green leaves in early summer, autumn colors, and winter scenery with the beautiful contrast of the Nasu Mountains. The park contains Nanko Shrine, where Sadanobu is enshrined as a deity. Next to Nanko Shrine stands the beautiful Japanese gardens Suirakuen. At Suirakuen, visitors can try traditional Japanese tea served in a tea room, which boasts a spectacular view of the gardens. There are a number of shops, cafés, and restaurants along the edge of Lake Nanko. One of the local specialities to look out for is nanko dango, which are sticky rice balls on a skewer, served with different toppings.
At Marusei Orchard, you can enjoy seasonal fruit picking as well as beautiful rural views. You can even treat yourself to delicious sweet treats made using fresh fruit at their onsite cafe! (The cafe menu changes by season).Fruit-Picking Experience Info & BookingSee more information about fruit picking in Fukushima City here.
This huge Japanese cherry tree is over 400 years old and has been designated as a national Natural Treasure. The tree has a trunk circumference of about 7.2 meters and stands 20 meters high, and was thus selected as one of the "100 Giants of the Forest" by Japan's Forestry Agency. Koshidai Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year on May 3. A Yabusame horseback archery event accompanied by taiko drumming takes place during this festival, and local organizations set up food stalls.Photo tip: Try taking photos from the south side of cherry blossoms.
Nishigo Village is truly blessed with breathtaking scenery and view spots, such as Kashi-Ohashi Bridge.Kashi-Ohashi Bridge stretches for 199 m against a backdrop of mountains, colored with fresh spring greenery or bright red leaves, depending on the season. Home to the water source of the Abukuma River, and filled with primeval forest trees, the beauty of Nishigo Village area was even praised by the feudal lord Matsudaira Sadanobu in centuries gone by. A bridle path has been constructed near Kashi-Ohashi Bridge, and lots of hikers come to visit every summer and autumn.
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.
The Ayu Suspension Bridge is a long-beloved symbol of Yamatsuri Town, located near Yamatsuriyama Station. From the bridge, visitors can enjoy magnificent views of the Kuji River and the surrounding mountains. It is worth coming to see in any season. The riverbank around Ayu Suspension Bridge is a popular spot for anglers.