The Aizu area to the west of Fukushima Prefecture is the location of principal areas like Aizu-Wakamatsu City, home to Tsurugajo Castle. Tradition and samurai culture are deeply embedded in the region. Further afield, the Edo-era post town of Ouchi-juku can be found in Shimogo, in the southern Minamiaizu area. To the southwest, explore the Oze National Park area—a sweeping natural environment that reaches beyond Fukushima into Gunma, Niigata, and Tochigi too. Venturing north takes you to the ramen capital of Kitakata, also known for its sake and craft culture.
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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 fa...
Located less than 4km from Tsurugajo Castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima, Mt. Iimoriyama has had a difficult and somewhat dark past. But despite it’s history, the natural beauty of the place remains untarnished. There are many local food stalls set up near the base of the hill, so it’...
Japan's fourth-largest freshwater lake, Lake Inawashiro is situated in Bandai Asahi National Park. It is also known as the “Heavenly Mirror Lake” and has a surface area of 104 square kilometers! The combination of Lake Inawashiro and Mt. Bandai form one of Aizu's representativ...
Established over 1,300 years ago, Higashiyama Onsen is a well-known retreat area in Aizu-Wakamatsu City. The recognized historical onsen town is said to have been founded by the Buddhist priest Gyōki. According to legend, he found the area by following a bird with three legs, an auspicious and my...
Kaneyama Town is a scenic, rural town surrounded by woods. One of the most famous things about Kaneyama Town is its well of naturally carbonated water. Such water is rarely found in Japan. Small bubbles are infused into the water, giving it a gentle and smooth taste. Locals and visitors tak...
The Oza-Toro-Tembo Train is a limited-service sightseeing train which is operated during selected days of the peak tourist seasons. The train has three carriages - the oza carriage (which has a tatami-floor), the torokko (tram) carriage, and the tembo (observation deck) carriage. Stretch out a...
Yanaizu Town is best known as the birthplace of the legend of the lucky red cow Akabeko, but it is also known for its famous manju (sweet steamed buns). Hot in Yanaizu is a center with a bit of everything; it sells local products, has sightseeing information, rest areas, and an eatery. They even ...
Local farmers and agricultural associations offer a variety of authentic agricultural experiences, and are all waiting to provide you an unforgettable experience with a range of activities tailored for families, friends, schools, and company outings. Visitors can join farmers for a one-day farm e...
Ashina is a Japanese-style inn that preserves an atmosphere of old-style living in the Tohoku Region. The facility used to be part of a 120-year-old private residence, which was taken apart, moved and then rebuilt at its present location. An overnight stay at this inn will allow guests to experie...
An affiliated inn of Harataki, Konjakutei is a beautiful hideaway for travelers. The large baths are abundantly sourced with hot water piped directly from Konjakutei's own hot spring source, ensuring guests can enjoy good quality hot spring water every time they bathe. The daily menu prepa...
Among hot springs, this inn is rare for possessing their own spring source. You’ll enjoy the luxurious open-air baths to the fullest. They’re 100% “kakenagashi” (continuously flowing), which is the highest quality of hot spring water in Japan. Whether it’s spring, su...
A hot spring resort hotel named after Shosuke Ohara, a character in an old folk song, Takinoyu is located right next to Fushimigataki Waterfall, a major scenic spot in Aizu. You can enjoy a splendid view of the waterfall from the main baths and open-air bath. Other baths available for private use...
Tokyo to Ouchi-juku (Via Shin-Shirakawa) Koriyama to Ouchi-juku Fukushima to Ouchi-juku Aizu-Wakamatsu to Ouchi-juku Please note that all times are rough estimations and do not include accurate waiting times between stops. All prices listed below should be treated as...
Station list and timetable for the JR Tadami Line (Updated April 2020) ABOUT SERVICE DISRUPTIONS Replacement bus service runs between Aizu-Kawaguchi Station and Tadami Station. TIMETABLE (FROM AIZU-WAKAMATSU TO KOIDE, VIA TADAMI) Station name Aizu-Wakamatsu ...
I decided to write a bucket list of things to try out in Fukushima during the winter months! 1) TAKE IN THE VIEWS OF BEAUTIFUL OKU-AIZU The Tadami Line train connects Aizu-Wakamatsu City with Niigata Prefecture via some of Fukushima’s most beautiful rural towns and villages. T...
Fukushima Prefecture is packed with a huge variety of amazing scenic spots. It goes without saying that there is lots to see during the momiji (autumn-leaf viewing) season! I have compiled a list of 10 of my recommended spots for autumn-leaf viewing! I hope you find it useful. ...
I got to try my hand at making awamanju (a local delicacy from Yanaizu Town, Aizu) and really enjoyed the experience! This activity is suitable for people of all ages, and staff can even instruct you in English! But first things first… WHAT IS A MANJU? Manju are a type...
I visited Showa Village, in the rural Oku-Aizu region, in autumn. One of the places I headed to was Michi-no-Eki Karamushi Ori-no-Sato (Roadside Station) – pictured below – where I was able to try traditional ramie weaving! From shirts to bags, decorations to mats, Showa V...
I recommending a visit to the Oku-Aizu Museum to anybody traveling around Aizu-Tajima area, especially to those who might have visited the Aizu-Tajima Gion Festival. It takes 15 minutes to reach Oku-Aizu Museum from Aizu-Tajima Station if travelling by car, and 30 minutes if using public transpor...
I had seen some amazing photos of the Mugenkyo Ferry (夢幻峡の渡し）passing through the beautiful emerald water of the Tadami River, and was excited to go and experience the ferry ride for myself. So I headed off to Mishima Town to meet Hoshi san, who had kindly offered to show me around. MY E...
Mishima Town, in rural Oku-Aizu, is known for its beautiful scenery, historic craft techniques, delicious soba (buckwheat), and high quality Paulownia wood, known as ‘kiri’ in Japanese. Mishima has also been gaining attention in recent years for a less positive reason &nda...
When I’ve spoken to friends from around the world who have visited Fukushima about their favorite places in the prefecture, this museum’s name has been brought up time and time again. So what is so special about this museum? SALVADOR DALI GALORE The founder of Morohashi Muse...
WHY IS THERE A GION FESTIVAL IN AIZU-TAJIMA? The most famous Gion Festival takes place every year in Gion, Kyoto. Hundreds of years ago, elite families were moved to various areas around the country. One of these areas was Aizu-Tajima, in Minamia Aizu, Fukushima. The families that moved from K...
Dotted around Nanokamachi-dori Street (Aizu-Wakamatsu City) stand a number of extremely old buildings. Coming to this area of the city feels like stepping back in time, especially at quieter times of day. Many of the warehouses and factories that stand on Nanokamachi-dori are still used to this d...
Ouchi-juku, Minamiaizu, is a town with a rich history, and is well known having been used as a ‘post-town’ for travellers during the Edo period. The area includes 33 buildings which have been painstakingly preserved as they were hundreds of years ago. Ouchi-juku’s breathtak...
Sazaedo is a very special Buddhist temple. Constructed in 1796 entirely from wood, Sazaedo has a double-helix structure, meaning that those who enter Sazaedo will leave the temple without encountering anybody traveling in the opposite direction. The one-way route of Sazaedo was int...
I am often asked about how to reach the No. 1 Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint (also known as Daiichi Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint) which has become the focus of spotlights across the world. Taking a look at the beautiful photographs that can be taken there, it is easy to understand why people all ...
Constructed at the end of the 16th century, the thatched roof farmhouses of Tateiwa Village are a hidden gem, buried deep in the heart of Minamiaizu, Fukushima Prefecture. L-SHAPED FARMHOUSES One of the first things I noticed upon arriving at Maezawa Village was the huge size and o...
Yesterday I ticked one place off of my Fukushima bucket-list: the cherry blossom along the Nicchu Line in Kitakata City. It definitely did not disappoint, and I am so glad I got to go. The Nicchu Line is an old railway line that used to run between Kitakata City & Atsushio Onsen town. The rai...
I visited Yunokami Onsen during the cherry blossom season! We visited the station in late April – which just so happened to be perfect timing! We were greeted with blue skies and sakura in full bloom. YUNOKAMI ONSEN STATION Yunokami Onsen Station is a very picturesque local station on...
I’m going to jump right into it: 6 Reasons to Go Skiing in Fukushima this winter! 1) ACCESS FROM TOKYO Some of Fukushima main ski resorts can be reached in just 2.5 hours by train (shinkansen and local) & bus 2) LONG SKI SEASON Being the third largest prefecture in Japan mak...
In this article, I’m going to introduce you to a number of traditional Japanese inns (ryokan) in onsen towns throughout Fukushima where you can experience the magic of private rotenburo outdoor baths. WHAT ARE ROTENBURO? 'Rotenburo' translates as ‘open-air bath’. ...
Summer is the perfect time to take a hike around the incredible the Goshiki-numa Ponds in Urabandai. The range of colours which can be seen in the water of the picturesque lakes and ponds of this area has given it the name ‘Goshiki-numa’, meaning ‘Five Coloured Ponds’. ...
Yanaizu Town lies west of the historic city of Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture. It’s a perfect destination to include in a day trip from Aizu-Wakamatsu City, or as part of the journey to Kaneyama or Miyashita, where you can stay the night before venturing out to see the No. 1 Tadami Ri...
When it comes to the Japanese traditional of autumn leaf viewing, Fukushima Prefecture has so many fantastic spots to choose from. Whether the leaves of dark red maples, or bright yellow ginkgos, there are countless places worth visiting. In this post, I’ll introduce some of the famous and ...
Mt. Bandai is one of the most recognizable of Fukushima’s landmarks. It towers in the background of many scenic places and is located in a super picturesque area right next to Lake Inawashiro. Mt. Bandai is situated in Bandai-Asahi National Park, and is the focal point of the gorgeou...
Every time I visit Ouchi-juku, I notice new, amazing things about it. I thought I’d document a few of them in this post. I love taking photographs at Ouchi-juku, so I’d like to let my photos do the talking for the most part!
Tsurugajo Castle is a popular spot to visit among tourists coming to Fukushima. Whether you’re discovering the samurai history of Aizu-Wakamatsu City in the castle museum, relaxing while taking a sip of freshly-prepared matcha at Rinkaku Tea Rooms, or snapping some photos from the observato...
Tucked away in Shimogo Town, Minamiaizu, stand the To-no-hetsuri Crags – an area of magnificent and other-worldly rock formations carved away from years of natural erosion. Shimogo is the same town where Ouchi-juku – the old post town popular with visitors to Fukushima Prefecture &nda...
Yesterday I traveled to Inawashiro Town and nearby Kitashiobara Village to check out some of the best places to visit in the area. Here is my list of recommended sightseeing spots in – and around – Inawashiro Town. 1. TSUNODA LACQUER ART STUDIO（漆芸工房 角田） Yesterday ...
Fukushima Prefecture is blessed with lush nature and dramatic scenery. As the third-largest prefecture in Japan, the climate, seasons and landscapes differ vastly by area. However, there is one season that is spectacular no matter where you may be in Fukushima – spring! Blossoms start to bl...
The Tadami Line is an incredibly scenic railway that runs across Aizu. Connecting the bustling samurai city of Aizu-Wakamatsu with the serene, gorgeous countryside of Oku-Aizu, this route is definitely one to try out if you want a chance to see rural Japan at its best. The Tadami Line is gr...
Here is an example of the kind of trip you could do in two days in Aizu-Wakamatsu City. Of course, all of the places mentioned below could be fitted into one day – but it might be a bit of a squeeze! DAY 1 1. JR KORIYAMA STATION Travel to Aizu-Wakamatsu either via the JR Ba...
Here is an example 1 day intinerary for a trip to Kitakata City! 1. KITAKATA STATION Start your trip at Kitakata Station. Kitakata Station can be reached from Aizuwakamatsu Station on the JR Ban-Etsu West Line heading from Niitsu (新津). It takes around 20 minutes from Aizuwakamatsu Sta...
Aizu is a very large area of Fukushima Prefecture, so it may be difficult to decide whereabouts to go! I have created a model 2 day itinerary which you could follow as part of your visit to Fukushima Prefecture. Renting a car is necessary for this suggested itinerary. DAY 1 1. AIZU-WAKAMATS...
While on a tour of Fukushima Prefecture, John made some 360-degree videos that make you feel like you're right there with him; you’ll be able to join him in his travels and see what kind of adventures he embarked upon. You will be able to feel real moments, such as how far above you ...
You can often see Japanese traditional inns, known as 'ryokan,' in towns which have hot springs. Most of these inns have rooms with beautiful tatami mats and futons, accompanied by scenic views of mountains, forests or a calm and relaxing hot spring town across a river. What’s mo...
The beauty of hot springs in Fukushima is that each onsen has different characteristics, such as the different minerals and temperatures of the waters, or the different styles, sizes, and atmospheres of the baths. This variety in types of onsen baths is what sets aside onsen in Fukushima from tho...
Experience for yourself what the training of real samurai was like in Fukushima. During 1868, the Aizu region of Fukushima was the site of the final prolonged battle of the Boshin civil war, which was held between the supporters of the shogunate, and the newly formed government forces. Aizu was h...
Japan is a land where samurai walked the streets with swords at their hips as recently as 150 years ago. However, those samurai disappeared into the annals of history as the country modernized. The Aizu region in Fukushima is known as the home to samurai who held out to the very end against th...
Mr. Everett Brown is a professional American photographer who endeavors to discover the values of Japanese culture from an international perspective. He has accumulated a number of illustrious achievements, such as a prize from M.I.L.K: Moments of Intimacy, Laugher & Kinship, since he started...
In the Aizu region located in the mountainous part of Fukushima, many festivals are held weaving together the beautiful contrasts of fire and snow during the coldest part of the winter season. The snow serves as a pure white molding material that projects the feelings of the people of Aizu, thems...
