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History & Culture

Hattachi-Yakushi Temple

In the year 806, the holy priest Tokuichi constructed Hattachi-Yakushi Temple as a place of worship for the Buddhist deity who has the ability to ensure the safe voyage of seafarers. The temple grounds are extremely beautiful in spring when the hydrangeas bloom, earning the temple the local nickname ‘Hydrangea Temple’. In front of Hattachi-Yakushi Temple is Bentenjima Island and Shrine, and the Hattachi Coastline, which connects the mainland with the island. The Hattachi Coast is covered in unique gravel, which has traditionally been thought to have healing properties. However, removing a stone and bringing it home can have the opposite effect.

Hattachi-Yakushi Temple
Itineraries(Nature)

Inawashiro's Nature and Spirituality

Feeling a little tired of high-pace tours that are taking you this way and that? Why not slow down and enjoy the nature of Inawashiro and get in a side of spiritual cleansing while you’re at it? That’s exactly what this one-day side trip is for. Experience Inawashiro at a pace that suits you, during spring, summer, or autumn. You can travel minimally by train and bus to take away the stress of having to drive. Start out at Inawashiro Station and make your way to Lake Inawashiro. This lake is the 4th largest in Japan and its pristine, sparkling surface will definitely ease your worries away. Let yourself be transported into the heart of beautiful nature. Take advantage of everything that the lake has to offer; water sports, camping, and fishing are among the popular things to do here. So just relax and breathe in that fresh, crisp air. From Lake Inawashiro, gain even more solitude and clarity at Hanitsu Shrine. This beautiful shrine is especially lovely in autumn when the crimson leaves blanket the grounds. You’ll have an experience of introspection all to yourself as you walk the quiet shrine grounds.

Inawashiro's Nature and Spirituality
History & Culture

Hashimoto Buddhist Sculpture Shop

The Hashimoto Butsugu-Chokoku Ten (Hashimoto Buddhist Sculpture Shop) has a long history of over 160 years. Here visitors can try the truly unique experience of customizing their own lacquered chopsticks. Under careful instruction, you’ll be able to go home with your very own pair of one-of-a-kind chopsticks. The establishment sells many fine lacquerware products, from kitchen utensils and crockery to masks for use as decoration or at festivals. The chopstick-customizing workshop is available for 2,500 yen per person and is very popular for groups and couples. Even children (ages 12 and up) are able to do it with the supervision of adults and the instruction of the teacher. There are also pamphlets available in English for non-Japanese speakers. The workshop is easy to understand as the instructor guides you through the various steps until you are finally able to see the revealed layers of lacquer color on your own chopsticks. The chopstick experience workshop requires a reservation made at least five days in advance. While you are at the Hashimoto Buddhist Sculpture Shop, you will be guided through the six steps of making your own lacquered chopsticks. It will be an exciting experience as you begin with red or black chopsticks and slowly file down the layers of lacquer until the patterns are revealed. Traditionally, red chopsticks are for women and black are for men. Whichever color you choose though, these are certain to be your favorite set of chopsticks full of memories.  

Blog(Useful Information)

Red Bull Air Race World Champion’s Base

Taking place under the challenging conditions of a maximum speed of 370 km/h and a maximum gravitational acceleration of 10Gs, the Red Bull Air Race World Championship is a kind of motor sport that is also called the 'F1 of the Sky' as it is a competition against time using delicate maneuvering skill. The domestic base of Japanese pilot Yoshihide Muroya, who became the Red Bull Air Race World Champion in 2017, is the Fukushima Sky Park facility located in the central northern part of Fukushima Prefecture. This facility is located at an altitude of 402 meters, unusual for an airfield, and is sometimes referred to as the 'airport in the sky.' Muroya is active at Fukushima Sky Park, doing his best to practice and promote the practice of sky sports. “I want to fly freely in the sky.” Ever since he was young Muroya loved high places. However, his dream was not originally to become a pilot for general passenger aircraft, but rather to become a competitive pilot that could soar through the sky as he pleased. He became passionate about gliders during his college days and his fascination with the feeling of flying through the beautiful sky with its wide perspective led him to obtain his pilot’s license in the US while still a student. At that time, his thoughts were merely concerned with flying in the sky. Muroya happened to watch the world championship for a contest of acrobatic flying, known as aerobatics. Shocked by the sight of the aircraft flying freely around the sky above, he was confident that “this was the free flight I had dreamed of.” He set out to become an aerobatic pilot with the world's best maneuvering skill. However, Japan did not yet have an environment that could support aerobatics at that time and Muroya was concerned that he could not even do training in Japan. He worked hard to recruit supporters and finally acquired the environment he needed to take on the challenge of a world tournament. Muroya made Fukushima Sky Park the base for his activities in 1999. He chose this place for its spacious location surrounded by beautiful mountains such as the Azuma mountain range and its clear air. In 2003 he established an NPO corporation with friends out of the desire to “spread sky sports" and lent his cooperation to events held at Fukushima Sky Park. He began to engage in community development through sky sports, such as hosting air shows. Then in March 2011 the Great East Japan Earthquake struck and Fukushima experienced significant damage. As people in Fukushima were filled with anxiety in the aftermath of the disaster, Muroya and his team decided to help energize the children of Fukushima by inviting them to Fukushima Sky Park that May. He put on an air show and the children were delighted by the chance to see Muroya fly up close. As Fukushima headed towards recovery, Muroya started advancing again towards the pinnacle of the world. Since 2003, Fukushima Sky Park has been holding its own annual event - currently called 'Sky Agri' - which fuses agriculture promotion and sky sports awareness. In 2017 it was held in September, and approximately 6,000 people from inside and outside Japan visited over the two-day event to witness world-class top performances firsthand, such as an aerobatics show put on by Muroya and a demonstration run by the champion of Japan's highest-level "Super GT 500 Class" car race. Fukushima Sky Park is also known for having audience seats that are the shortest distance from the runway in all of Japan. Extreme sports fans cheered the speed and power that can only be experienced here. Muroya also started a new project to train personnel engaged in the aviation industry using his base at Fukushima Sky Park. In addition to opening a facility which exhibits high-performance aerobatic planes, he plans to develop a course to help young people learn about aviation around autumn of 2018. "I want people to take even a little interest in the aviation world, and I want people from all over the world to visit Fukushima Prefecture." With that desire Muroya continues his activities at Fukushima Sky Park.

Red Bull Air Race World Champion’s Base
Blog(Destination Spotlight)

Visiting the Ouchi-juku Snow Festival

Ouchi-juku, in Shimogo Town, is a hamlet with a rich history and is well known having been used as a ‘post-town’ for travelers during the Edo period. The area includes 33 buildings which have been painstakingly preserved as they were hundreds of years ago. Ouchi-juku’s breathtaking snow festival is held on the 2nd weekend of February every year.[photo id="a2Dk5jLqMVazQMFOBQDbpi9veE0TrT5BSpmwdqJq.jpeg" size="original"]Most of the buildings that make up the main street of Ouchi-juku now operate as gift shops, but visitors can still stay the night in three traditional minshuku in the town. These houses have access to electricity and the internet, but Ouchi-juku still manages to feel like it exists in a whole world of its own.[photo id="bKBg6Gu6776QNaRvD3jlmSP7VbJr1AonOLS2BFVF.jpeg" size="original"]One of the best parts of visiting Ouchi-juku is taking a trip up to the viewpoint that overlooks the beautiful thatched houses. I headed there early upon arrival, in the hope of getting a good photograph, but the snow was so strong that I ended up getting more snow in my lens than anything else![photo id="bH2QC3Owb7mAvBYeMdhoeIKdWms6QZYXcJRjc0Kz.jpeg" size="original"]I have seen photographs of Ouchi-juku in the snow on the internet before, so I was really happy to have the chance to go and see this view for myself, and take my own photographs. It definitely didn’t disappoint.[photo id="qprQU4Ujs3rBBzcGsUGHR9PVdLMYcKkeg67nEZg5.jpeg" size="original"]Ouchi-juku Snow Festival takes place over the space of a weekend. There are a number of events over the two days that visitors of all ages can enjoy.One of the events that took place on Saturday was a “mochi pick-up” event. This event is where mochi (glutinous rice balls enjoyed as a sweet treat) are thrown from the roofs of buildings. Visitors can compete with each other to see how many they can collect!Even if you miss the mochi pick-up event like me, visitors can appreciate the hand-made mochi as a beautiful decoration displayed on the trees around the area. The bright and bold colors of the mochi were really beautiful against the snow.[photo id="LIRHwovTEucOext9ituWRoNZVqCqToDrZIW6iXdJ.jpeg" size="original"]Another event during the weekend is called Maruta Kiri Competition (丸太切り競争). This involves trying to saw through a small section of tree trunk faster than the other competitors.I was invited to take part in this competition! It was so much more difficult than it looked and I think that it took me about 3 minutes to cut through the wood, which was a bit embarrassing! However, it was also really fun, because the men in charge of the competition kept teasing me about how bad I was and insisted on showing me how to do it properly.I got to take back my bit of wood as a souvenir. I asked the volunteer what I should use it for. Despite it being twice the diameter of a map, he suggested that I use it as a coaster. I took it around with me for the rest of the event![photo id="sFdWnY7BqQrLuHPY0hiVMbYL2OjSZL7lNVaClzFU.jpeg" size="original"]If you don’t feel like performing yourself, visitors can watch performances of traditional performing arts. The photo below is from the Sanshi Kagura performance that took place on Sunday. These performances were very important hundreds of years ago, when they were most often performed around the start of the new year, as a way of warding off bad luck and evil throughout the year.[photo id="WObnYundOB1N8XpJBc7glCe1fqB4pZtoU9ix8ctj.jpeg" size="original"]Other events included a soba noodle eating competition, a dance performance by the area’s local yosakoi dance team, and a group effort to try and make Japan’s longest dango mochi (Mochi skewered on a stick).Between events, it was nice to check out the local cuisine. The food stalls aren’t only for the festival, but are open to visitors throughout the year. Traditional grilling techniques are used to make well-known local delicacies like senbei (rice crackers).[photo id="5FJv1H6MiwQjo3U4At7fZ8Byz3DMXD155p6n2nGs.jpeg" size="original"]There are also many other things to explore with your friends and family, such as a number of different igloos, some of which actually function as makeshift shrines, whereas others make good rest spaces.[photo id="2Aerz66EdLSWTnwUza7ctRjnwbRR51kVkAOCeGOk.jpeg" size="original"]As the sun went down, I decided to go back to the viewpoint and see what Ouchi-juku looked like at night. It was absolutely amazing, especially because the lighting of the lanterns – which are also made of snow – had already started to take place.[photo id="Xjr3sTZHmLbshsyCFxoNBcSAm85xLMpv93illB0o.jpeg" size="original"]Certain parts of the staircase and path to the viewpoint became slippery as the temperature dropped, so I would advise visitors to take care. I have never seen so many people slipping over during just one day.When I reached the bottom, I decided to have a look at some of the local shops before the fireworks display of the evening started. I fell in love with these cute hand-made ornaments – each of which has its own meaning and importance. I bought some of the chilies, which were used centuries ago to ward off spirits.[photo id="8TArz4tobKx229qfxKZyidNCRoOhiCThbLimDPEc.jpeg" size="original"]Another highlight of the Ouchi-juku Snow Festival was the fireworks show. The heavy snowy, strong wind made a really beautiful foreground for the 100 fireworks set off on Saturday evening. This is the most stunning location that I have ever seen a fireworks display.[photo id="H2lIRUrX3Vrab4nd42OquAYzxRgY7V3oXgpdn14z.jpeg" size="original"]I loved watching the faces of the locals as they enjoyed the views of the night sky.[photo id="gV1flW1vq8tsxUdVSaDM5znr6WsJHqUhJMy4UYYb.jpeg" size="original"]I had an absolutely amazing trip to the Ouchi-juku Snow Festival, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in traditional Japanese culture and local festivals. I would be very interested in coming back next yearACCESSOuchi-juku can be accessed by taxi or bus from Yunokami Onsen station, which is on the Aizu Railway line. It can become very crowded during festival time, so if coming by taxi, I would suggest booking both journeys of your taxi in advance, and preparing for congestion upon entering the area. If coming by rental car, make sure to prepare yourself for long queues to get into and out of the car parks.

Visiting the Ouchi-juku Snow Festival
Gourmet & Shopping

Hot in Yanaizu

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 have an "experience area". It goes without saying that, at Hot in Yanaizu, you can paint your own Akabeko, but you can also make manju with the help of the facilities' kind staff (Read more here). Hot in Yanaizu have staff that can speak English, but please make sure to contact them in advance, as you might not be able to do the experience without placing a booking. Please take your time & enjoy the slow pace of Japanese countryside life in Yanaizu Town.

Hot in Yanaizu
History & Culture

Kitakata Kura-no-Sato

Established in 1993, Kitakata Kura no Sato is a base for passing down the cultural tradition of building kura (traditional warehouses) and magariya (L-shaped houses), which are valuable parts of the lifestyle heritage of the Kitakata area. Ten traditional-style buildings stand within this 4,500 square-meter area. These include a mise-gura (a kura used as a shop), a miso-gura (kura for preserving miso paste), a kokumotsu-gura (a kura for storing grain), and a kura-zashiki (a kura used as a residence), as well as the residences of local officials (Go-gashira and Kimoiri) constructed around a courtyard. The landscape with its old warehouses and residences induces a sense of nostalgia in the minds of Japanese people. Each of the warehouses also serves as an exhibition space for various resources on different themes: stencils for Aizu dyeing; a photo gallery exhibiting the works of Minoru Kaneda, who introduced Kitakata to outsiders as the town of kura; Iwako Uryu, a social worker during the Meiji Period; Monzo Hasunuma, the leader of a youth movement group called Shuyodan; and the Kitakata Incident, which took place in the midst of the democratic movement during the Meiji Period. Visitors can also acquire background knowledge here before going on a tour to see the many kura that are dotted around the city of Kitakata.

Kitakata Kura-no-Sato
Itineraries(Adventure)

The Coast of Fukushima

Refresh yourself along the coast of Fukushima with this one-day plan, which includes three of Iwaki's best spots. You can enjoy these places any time of the year, so it’s perfect to fit into your pre-existing travel plans. Start out at Iwaki Station and make your way down to Aquamarine Fukushima. This beautiful aquarium and aquatic museum will take your breath away with its amazing exhibits of sea creatures and habitats. Let your imagination run free as you walk through the interior and discover something new everywhere you look. After you’ve finished at Aquamarine Fukushima, make your way to Shiramizu Amidado Temple. This temple is a National Treasure of Japan and was first commissioned by a princess. It has a unique history and the atmosphere lends itself well to relaxation and introspection. Once you’ve found inner peace, head over to Natsuigawa Valley. The pristine river waters and cool countryside breeze will relax your body and rejuvenate your spirit. No matter where you turn to, the coastal area of Fukushima is sure to astound you. This plan is best enjoyed by renting a car from Iwaki Station.

The Coast of Fukushima
Itineraries(Nature)

Explore the Heights of Aizu

It’s time to visit the dizzying heights of Aizu on this one-day tour that can be enjoyed any time of the year. Travel by train to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station and make your way for Michi-no-Eki Ozekaido Mishima-juku (Roadside Station). At this countryside road stop, you’ll find snacks, local handicrafts and produce galore, not to mention fantastic paulownia wood crafts. Be sure to pick some up. From Michi-no-Eki Ozekaido Mishima-juku (Roadside Station), take a short 10-minute walk to the lookout point for the Tadami Bridge. This is the number one place to look out at the bridge from and you’ll be entranced by the scenery - time your trip right and you might be able to see the Tadami Line train passing over it. The majestic mountains almost seem to hug the bridge and the landmark makes a beautiful contrast against a backdrop of nature. After you’ve finished bridge-watching, head south to ride a ferryboat across a jagged ravine at Mugenkyo no Watashi. The splendor of the natural craggy rocks and trees that cling to them will astound you from your seat at water level. Get a sense of size of these beautiful mountains and cliffs.

Explore the Heights of Aizu
Blog(Useful Information)

Extreme Sports through the Four Seasons

Fukushima Prefecture offers nature on a massive scale, including the sea, mountains, rivers, and lakes, and has many locations where one can enjoy extreme sports. It is now gaining attention from hardcore fans in addition to beginners. Lake Inawashiro, which is located in the central region of Fukushima Prefecture, is protected from strong winds by the surrounding mountains, allowing people to freely create their own waves. In the summer, the lake bustles with intermediate-level wakeboard and jet ski enthusiasts. In the winter, powder snow, which is a light, fine snow with very little moisture content, falls on the mountains in the northern area of central Fukushima, and skiers and snowboarders flock to the slopes from both in Japan and overseas to enjoy the exquisite conditions. These conditions combine to make Fukushima one of the premier spots in Japan offering extreme sports experiences in all four seasons. Washikura Onsen in the northern region of Fukushima Prefecture is known as a secret hot spring at the lofty elevation of 1,230 meters, and a massive snowmobile course is located in the mountain slopes behind the onsen facility, and is famous among snowmobilers throughout the world. The area is the private property of the onsen, making it a well-hidden secret from ordinary pedestrians, allowing snowmobilers to enjoy the exquisite feeling of having a world of powder snow all to themselves. Furthermore, there are no fixed courses on the slopes, which makes choosing one’s own course freely another point of enchantment. Snowmobilers can enjoy a luxurious time of practicing their riding without worrying about their surroundings. When one asks why Lake Inawashiro is gaining popularity among wakeboarders and jet skiers, the first and foremost reason is the ease of riding the waves. The surrounding mountains protect the lake from strong winds, allowing boats to use their wake to easily create waves, creating the ideal conditions for enthusiasts who want to challenge themselves with acrobatic techniques such as jumps and spins. The water of Lake Inawashiro is also known for containing the least organic matter among all of Japan’s lakes, and for being of very high quality. There are few tall buildings surrounding the lake, making stretching out in a boat or on a surfboard while enjoying the gentle waves, a perfect way to enjoy the majestically beautiful mountain vistas, starting with the famous Mt. Bandai. The exquisite views that weave together Fukushima Prefecture’s two great natural symbols, Lake Inawashiro and Mt. Bandai, are so beautiful they take the breath away from not just marine sports enthusiasts, but also local residents. Anyone can enjoy the snowmobile experience at Washikura Onsen as long as they prepare a helmet, goggles and snow wear. An experienced guide will take you on a 2–3 hour journey that allows time to enjoy a lunch break and photo sessions of the incredible scenery. The winter air of February and March is the most clear throughout the entire year, allowing you to see distant mountains such as Mt. Adatara and Mt. Azuma. Enjoying the grand scale of nature on a snowmobile is the real thrill of this experience. The snowmobile experience can also be enjoyed as a set including a stay at Washikura Onsen, and being able to enjoy a leisurely bath in the beautiful hot spring after a snowmobile ride in the frigid mountains is one of the exceptional appeals of this location. S.A.Y is one of the recommended spots for those who want to enjoy wakeboarding and jet skiing on Lake Inawashiro. All the necessary equipment for wakeboarding can be rented at S.A.Y. There are also activities for large groups, such as banana boats, allowing you to devote your entire day to marine fun. S.A.Y also offers BBQ facilities. Enjoying a barbeque in the cool lakeside breeze is an unforgettable summer experience.

Extreme Sports through the Four Seasons
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