Two Days, One Night in Fukushima Prefecture

  • 9 destinations
  • Multi day

Looking to visit the best of Fukushima Prefecture in only a short time?

This itinerary aims to cover some of the prefecture's most popular spots in the space of a two day, one night stay, including lunch options and potential activities. The transport hub of Koriyama, served by both shinkansen (bullet train) services from Tokyo and local trains, is an excellent place to start your trip. The journey from Tokyo Station to Koriyama Station takes as little as 1 hour and 15 minutes on the shinkansen.

On this trip, you'll visit, among others:

  • The ethereal thatched-roof village of Ouchi-juku
  • Tsurugajo Castle, samurai fortress of the Aizu clan
  • The double-helix architecture at Sazaedo Temple
  • Goshikinuma Ponds, one of northern Japan's most beautiful natural areas
  • The astonishing colours along the Bandai-Azuma Skyline sightseeing road
  • The Fukushima 'Fruit Line' with dozens of orchards

This itinerary can also be combined with a beautiful cherry blossom spot like Hanamiyama or the thousand-year-old cherry tree Miharu Takizakura, if your trip falls in mid-April.

These spots are most easily traversed by car, so this article recommends renting a car at Koriyama Station. There are four rent-a-car spots near the station with English support and online bookings available: 

However, much of the course can be accessed by public transport. The sights towards the mountainous Inawashiro region (Goshikinuma Ponds, Bandai-Azuma Skyline etc.) can be more difficult without a car.

Start

Koriyama Station

1hr drive; 1h 30m train (Ban-etsu West Line to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station) then bus to Tsurugajo Castle

Tsurugajo Castle

  • Aizu Area

Unique in Japan for its reddish roof tiles, Tsurugajo Castle was the fortress on which the Aizu Domain samurai clan was rooted. Especially beautiful in cherry blossom season or under snow, the castle is one of Fukushima’s most visually impactful tourist spots. This is also a good place to paint an akabeko, the traditional red cow toy that makes an excellent souvenir.

10min drive; 30min bus (direct from Tsurugajo Castle or return to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station)

Sazaedo Temple

  • Aizu Area

A Buddhist temple built in 1796, Sazaedo is unique for its double-helix shape, which means visitors do not pass on the stairs, and its beautiful wooden architecture. Not only is it a popular spot for its gorgeous interior, it’s also very accessible from the centre of Aizu. The forest temple complex that surrounds it is also worth visiting for its charming woodland atmosphere.

50min drive; 1h train from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station to Yunokami Onsen Station, then shuttle bus or taxi

Ouchi-juku

  • Aizu Area

Nestled in the southwestern mountains of Fukushima, Ouchi-juku is a former rest stop for samurai traveling between Aizu and the capital of Edo hundreds of years ago. With its thatched roofs and pleasant atmosphere, Ouchi-juku is a perfect place to see traditional Japanese architecture, take great photos and go shopping for folk art or snacks at local stalls. Although many houses are now simply restaurants or shops, many residents still live here, and there are multiple shrines to be found, including a great thatched-roof shrine overlooking the village at the main photo viewpoint.

Return to Aizu-Wakamatsu City, then 13min drive, 25min bus from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station to Higashiyama Onsen

Higashiyama Onsen

  • Aizu Area

The quaint hot spring town of Higashiyama Onsen is located close to Aizu-Wakamatsu City, making it a convenient stopping place that retains a countryside slow pace and refined atmosphere. Ashinomaki Onsen, between Ouchi-juku and Aizu-Wakamatsu, is also an option, while there are onsen towns closer to Fukushima City in the form of Tsuchiyu Onsen or Takayu Onsen.

45min - 1hr drive

Goshiki-numa Ponds

  • Aizu Area

DAY TWO: A cluster of volcanic lakes formed when nearby Mt. Bandai erupted in the late 1800s, the ponds at Goshikinuma are beautiful in any season. Each of the five lakes bears a different vivid colour, and visitors can take in most of the best views in a single walking course that takes just over an hour to complete. As such, it’s a perfect way to start the morning of your second day, and the ponds form a natural midpoint between Aizu to the west and the central Fukushima region where you’ll be heading next.

1hr drive

Bandai-Azuma Skyline

  • Central Area

The panoramic views from this sightseeing road rival those of any countryside across Japan. Thanks to its great views and abundance of nature, this route has been historically popular with road trippers making their way across Tohoku by car, van or motorbike. It’s not uncommon to see bikers whizzing along the mountain curves, especially in the autumn season when the views are at their most spectacular. (The road is closed in winter due to heavy snow.)

1hr drive; train from Fukushima Station (20min) to Iizaka Onsen Station, then rent bicycles at the station (10-15min cycle)

Marusei Orchard

  • Central Area

The area west of Fukushima City is known colloquially as the ‘Fruit Line’ or ‘Fruit Kingdom’ on account of its abundance of orchards - over twenty individual businesses, each selling every variety of fruit that can be grown and sold in Japan. This means guests can pick fruit year-round, in an ‘all-you-can-eat’-style experience that allows you to savour the sweet taste of the local produce.

10-15min cycle

Iizaka Onsen

  • Central Area

Spend part of your afternoon strolling around this charming onsen town, with options for restaurants and cafes. The former residence of Kyu Horikiri-tei is nearby, one of several places in town that offers free public footbaths.

20mins to Fukushima Station, then 5-10min walk to Corasse Fukushima

Fukushima Product Promotion Center

  • Central Area

This expansive souvenir shop is located 100 yards down from the west exit of Fukushima Station in the Corasse Fukushima business centre. The shop sells a wide variety of local goods, from snacks to merchandise, which make perfect souvenirs for your visit.

This itinerary leaves time on the afternoon of your second day in Fukushima to allow you to prepare for your trips elsewhere. However, if you’re still looking for potential activities, check the Fukushima Travel website for a full list, among them tatami making and lacquerware painting.

Finish

Fukushima Station

Other Trips

Onsen and Relaxation Tour
Onsen and Relaxation Tour
Onsen and Relaxation Tour
Culture

Onsen and Relaxation Tour

Take a 2-day tour of relaxation, history, and culture on this trip you can enjoy by train or taxi. You’ll journey around Fukushima Prefecture to see some stunning sights and relax in some of the best springs. Begin your first day at Fukushima Station where you will travel to Iizaka Onsen by a quick bus ride. Iizaka Onsen has been a famous hot spring town of Japan for more than 1,000 years. Soak up the rejuvenating waters and history that has inspired countless artists and poets of the past before moving to Nakano Fudoson Temple. Founded some 800 years ago, this famous temple has three minor deities worshipped on the grounds. Find your own inner peace as you take in the cleansing atmosphere and breathe in the culture and history. From Nakano Fudoson Temple, visit Kyu Horikiri-tei, a former residence of the Horikiri family from the Edo Period. Enjoy soaking your feet in the foot bath and taking this calming scenery. You’ll enjoy your time by both relaxing and exploring the past.

Day Trip in Nihonmatsu City
Day Trip in Nihonmatsu City
Day Trip in Nihonmatsu City
Culture

Day Trip in Nihonmatsu City

Spend a day in Nihonmatsu City in Northern Fukushima, an area known for rich cultural traditions and specialities in sake and lacquerware. We recommend that you explore the city through our itinerary on foot or by taking short taxi rides. Access JR Nihonmatsu Station via the Tohoku Main Line.

Fukushima’s Revitalization Educational One-Day Trip
Fukushima’s Revitalization Educational One-Day Trip
Fukushima’s Revitalization Educational One-Day Trip
Culture

Fukushima’s Revitalization Educational One-Day Trip

This is a model itinerary for visitors who would like to learn about Fukushima’s revitalization. The coastal area of Fukushima is the only place in the world to have survived a triple disaster: an earthquake, a tsunami and a nuclear disaster. Following extensive decontamination efforts and a great deal of demolition and reconstruction, several areas that were once designated as ‘difficult to return’ have started welcoming both residents and visitors again, with many residents eager to share their stories with the world. This itinerary centers on the towns of Futaba and Namie, both of which were severely affected by the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident in 2011.  The first stop is Futaba station and the surrounding Futaba Art District, a mural art initiative that pays homage to the residents and folk art of the town. From there, you’ll visit the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum, which has a detailed account of the area before, during, and after the disaster. At the museum, you’ll learn about the stories and testimonies of locals, as well as the plans and ideas for the future of Fukushima. The last stop is the remains of the Ukedo Elementary School in Namie town. Although the school building, located only 300 meters from the sea, sustained great damage from the tsunami, students, teachers and staff were able to evacuate from the school safely, for which it is known as a ‘miracle’ school.  This is a one-day itinerary, but we recommend staying somewhere in the coastal area of Fukushima after your visit.  

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

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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