Standing 95 feet tall and nearly 100 feet wide, the Great Gingko Tree of Akai looms above a small neighbourhood to the west of the great lake at Inawashiro. At over 650 years old, this is one of Japan's oldest gingko trees and an iconic symbol of the area for many local people.
In particular, the tree is most impressive in autumn, when its changing leaves become a vibrant yellow that can be seen for miles around.
The best time to see the great tree is early to mid-November, which is also when the tree is illuminated in the evening. Although there is no official car park, there is plenty of open space in which to park.
| Best Season |
|
|---|---|
| Entrance Fee | Free |
| Access | Akai-5-1 Minatomachi Oaza Akai, Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima 965-0201 View directions |
|---|---|
| Getting there | 20min drive from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station 1hr 20min drive from Fukushima City via Route 115 |
This ramen shop has the characteristically simple flavors of Kitakata Ramen with their curly noodles. The Shokudo Hasegawa is one of the oldest ramen shops in Kitakata City. They use an original plump curly noodle with a satisfactory broth with flavors including soy sauce, salt, miso, and spicy miso.
This museum is dedicated to the works of the world-renowned woodblock print artist Kiyoshi Saito. Housing a collection of 850 of his works, including his well-known series 'Aizu no Fuyu (Winter in Aizu)', the museum also holds four special exhibitions a year with about 90 works displayed on each occasion.
Oku-Aizu Hydraulic Plaza “Miori” is a free public facility in Kaneyama Town that introduces the role of hydroelectric power in the Oku-Aizu region. It was opened in 2020 and is operated by Tohoku Electric Power Company. The center focuses on how the area’s rivers have been used to generate electricity and support everyday life in the region.Inside, visitors can learn about hydroelectric power through easy-to-understand exhibits that use videos, projection mapping, models, and interactive displays. These explain how electricity is made from water, the structure of dams and power stations, and why renewable energy is important for the future. The displays are designed so that both adults and children can enjoy them.The facility also introduces the history and culture of Oku-Aizu, showing how local communities developed alongside river and power station projects. There are exhibits about daily life in the region, traditional crafts, and the people who supported the area’s development over time, helping visitors understand the connection between energy and local life.The name “Miori” refers to a “water path,” symbolizing the rivers that flow through Oku-Aizu. The building is located next to a roadside station and is within walking distance of the nearest train station, making it an easy stop for travelers exploring the Tadami Line area.If visiting the Oku-Aizu region, Miori combines well with a visit to the Mishima Town Local Crafts Museum and the Tadami River No.1 Bridge.The museum is also located next to the Kaneyama michi no eki or roadside station, which offers local produce, souvenirs and a restaurant.
Kuimaru Elementary School is a historic Japanese school that was built during the Showa era of Japan, making it over 80 years old.In the 1980s, a modern elementary school was built nearby, leaving this old school house abandoned. Fortunately, this building was preserved and converted into a museum. It happens to be one of only a handful of old fashioned schools left standing in Japan.Here you can explore the old school grounds including a large ginkgo tree that is over 100 years old. A long standing symbol of the school, in Autumn (early to mid-November) the leaves turn a beautiful golden yellow, and when they fall, the school yard is carpeted in these golden leaves.The school building has undergone some light renovations, but the charm of this old building has been beautifully preserved. Inside the building, you can wander through the halls and explore the classrooms, sit at the little wooden desks, page through some old textbooks and imagine what it would have been like to be a student here around 80 years ago.After you explore the school, there is a café next door called “Soba Café SCHOLA” that serves 100% buckwheat noodles (soba noodles) as well as other dishes created with 100% buckwheat (soba) flour. These dishes are naturally gluten-free and delicious.
Kagamizakura is a huge Sargent's cherry located in the Numanotaira area, Yamato-machi, Kitakata City. Numanotaira is also known as the home of one million Fukujusō (vibrant yellow flowers). Rich with nature, the area contains many wildflowers and wild mountain vegetables. The single Sargent’s cherry is located on the edge of a pond called “Kagami Ike” (lit. Mirror Pond). The age of the tree is unknown but it is estimated to be over 100 years old. The trunk consists of dozens of roots growing from the foot of the tree. The tree's branches spread out widely, making it look as if the tree is leaning over toward the pond. When the flowers of the cherry tree blossom, the scenery with the reflection on the surface of the pond is exceptionally beautiful. The dark pink flowers typical of Sargent’s cherry are simply gorgeous.
A panoramic view of the arch bridge stretches over the Tadami River. On clear winter days, the bridge is reflected in the river, surrounded by deep, glistening snow. Spring's fresh leaves, summer's lush greenery, autumn's red leaves... the view changes each season.
A station located near Ashinomaki Onsen. A cat named Basu from Ashinomaki Onsen was appointed Honorary Stationmaster in April 2008. The current station attendant cat is called Sakura. Souvenirs such as key chains featuring the stationmaster cats are sold inside the station.Please note that, in order to ensure its wellbeing, it is forbidden to take photos of the station attendant cat. Thank you for your understanding.
Only a one-minute walk north of Kawageta Station (JR Ban-etsu West Line) is this beautiful 1 km-path along the banks of the Kannonji-gawa River. In the spring the path transforms into a spectacular tunnel of Yoshino cherry trees and weeping cherry trees. Kannonji-gawa River is perhaps the most fantastic place to see cherry blossoms in Fukushima Prefecture; the calming river and the lovely petals falling like snow are a sight that can’t be beat. The lush green bank contrasting with the pale pink blossoms creates an unforgettable scene.Altogether there are about 200 trees growing along the Kannonji-gawa River on both banks. Additionally, the river maintains its natural curves and bends as it hasn’t undergone any work to adapt its shape to the city surrounding it. It’s one of Fukushima’s most splendid and respected natural landscapes. Currently, the Kannonji-gawa River cherry trees rank number 11 of the best places to see cherry blossoms in the entire Tohoku region!While enjoying the delicate blossoms and the sweet, fresh air, visitors to Kannonji-gawa River can also enjoy some of the tasty food from street vendors available only during the cherry blossom season. We’d really recommend a springtime picnic right on the river bank with various yatai (food stand) delicacies. Be sure to come back during the evening when the trees are illuminated, and the river transforms into a magical dreamscape.