Cherry Blossoms and Hot Spring Relaxation
  • Culture
  • Aizu Area
  • Spring

  • 4 destinations
  • Multi day

Get the full springtime cherry-blossom viewing experience on this two-day adventure through Fukushima. You'll hit all the major sites of the area and then even relax in a luxurious onsen!

Your trip begins at Kitakata Station; from there you will walk to the start of the Nicchu Line walking path. This spot is famous for its over 1,000 cherry trees stretching along both sides of the 3 km-long road and park. Nicchu Line makes for a magical vista with cherry petals falling like fresh snow against a backdrop of springtime colors and fresh air. From there, travel on to Kyu Kai Honke Zurashiki to see the early 20th-century kura-style residences. Admire the architecture and quality lacquer work on the building. Finish the day with a sake brewery museum tour at Yamatogawa Brewery. No springtime cherry blossom viewing party in Japan is complete without the famous Japanese alcohol. Finish your two-day trip at the fantastic Higashiyama Onsen town where you can relax at any number of hotels or ryokan-style inns. It’s a truly Japanese spring experience.
 

Start

Kitakata Station

Kitakata Sta. to the start of the Nicchu Line walking trail is only around 10 min on foot.

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Nicchu Line Weeping Cherry Blossom

  • Aizu Area
  • 75

The tracks of the now-closed Nicchu Line have been restored as a cycling path, from which you can view 1,000 weeping cherry blossom trees along a 3 km stretch. A steam train is also displayed near the Kitakata Plaza.

After walking north on the Nicchu Line for around 15 min, the Kai Honke Kurazashiki is a short 10 min walk.

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Kyu Kai Honke Kurazashiki

  • Aizu Area
  • 45

Many storehouses have been built in Kitakata City over the years, with various architectural styles represented across the city. The Kyu Kai Honke Kurazashiki (Former Residence of the Kai Family) is among the storehouses that are often visited by tourists. The outer walls have been coated with black laquer. The interior has been constructed lavishly with precious wood, giving the building a dignified appearance.

Kyu Kai Honke Kurazashiki to Yamatogawa Sake Brewery is 4 min by taxi or a 10 min walk.

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Yamatogawa Sake Brewery

  • Aizu Area
  • 60

Close to Kitakata station is Yamatogawa Brewery. This brewery was built in 1790 in the Edo Era, and has been producing sake ever since. The famous sake cultivated at this brewery is made using the clear, mountain water from Mt Iide. Another important component of Yamatogawa Brewery’s sake is the use of high-quality, carefully cultivated rice. This rice is grown in Yamatogawa Brewery’s own rice fields, and from the fields of selected local farming families.

Yamatogawa Sake Brewery to Higashiyama Onsen takes an hour to travel. Take a taxi to Kitakata Sta., then take the Ban-etsu West Line to Aizu-Wakamatsu Sta.; from the station take a bus or taxi to Higashiyama Onsen.

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Higashiyama Onsen

  • Aizu Area

From Higashiyama Onsen to Aizu-Wakamatsu Sta. takes 20 min by bus.

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Finish

Aizu-Wakamatsu Station

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Oku-Aizu Area Day Trip
Oku-Aizu Area Day Trip
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Oku-Aizu Area Day Trip

This one-day trip in Oku-Aizu departs from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, and features a visit to the No.1 Tadami River Bridge View Point and Enzoji Temple, so you can enjoy a full day out in Oku-Aizu!　   Please note, the times below are correct as of the December 2022 Tadami Line timetable. See here for more information about visiting the No. 1 Tadami River Bridge View Point.

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You can enjoy this multi-day relaxation tour of Fukushima any time of year. But that’s not the only thing to make this trip so enticing. You’ll find something for everyone in the family or quiet spots of solitude to be enjoyed alone. Whether you’re traveling with someone or by yourself, this is the perfect way to enjoy Fukushima. Take a bus ride from Fukushima Station to Hotel Sansuiso. Enjoy a quiet room at this lovely hotel where you can soak away your worries in one of their many hot spring baths. Especially nice during winter are the outdoor baths, let the cool air wash over your exposed face while the waters keep you warm. After a day sequestered in baths, why not take a stroll about town and visit the famous shop Matsuya. See their own unique kokeshi dolls, which are popular toys around Japan with each area creating completely unique kokeshi dolls. After you’ve admired the curious little wooden dolls, try your hand at painting your own under the guidance of one of the shop’s staff. Take your very own kokeshi doll back with you as a unique souvenir and memory of your time in Fukushima Prefecture. Finally, explore the other hot spring baths that Tsuchiyu Onsen has to offer. Choose from public baths, baths in other ryokan, or a number of a foot baths dotted around the town. No matter where you turn, you’re sure to enjoy the calming and rejuvenating waters. When you’ve finished enjoying everything that the area has to offer, head back to Fukushima Station by bus.  

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Refreshing Fruits and Waters of Fukushima
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Culture

Refreshing Fruits and Waters of Fukushima

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