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History & Culture

Isasumi Shrine

Isasumi Shrine's history is thought to be connected to how the Aizu region got its name - a story that has been recorded in two of Japan’s most legendary books of folklore. According to the tale, around 2000 years ago, four shogun were entrusted with uniting the four areas of land which would become Japan. Two of these shogun happened to be father and son. One was sent to the northeast, and the other to the northwest.When the father and son had completed their work uniting the towns in their respective areas, they met in the middle. They named the area “Aizu” (会津), which can be translated as “The riverbank (津) where we met (会)”. The father and son travelled to Mt. Mikagura-dake, a mountain that borders Niigata Prefecture and Aizu, and prayed to the Shinto god of pioneering new lands to protect Aizu, and the rest of Japan. Isasumi Shrine is thought to be built where they met.In spring, the shrine grounds become decorated with the blossoms of one of the most prized cherry trees in Aizu. It is said that this tree, which is named Usuzumi Sakura (“Diluted-Ink Sakura”), has been the sacred tree of Isasumi Shrine since it was brought down from Mt. Mikagura-dake and planted in the shrine grounds as a way of commemorating the efforts of the father and son. The lovely, light scent of the cherry blossom welcomes visitors each spring.Aizu Misato Town’s historic Isasumi Shrine, known as a great spot for viewing beautiful irises, holds a festival to celebrate the splendor of these flowers every year.

Isasumi Shrine
Itineraries(Food)

Ouchi-juku Gourmet Trip

Have a gourmet adventure in Ouchi-juku, Aizu. The Aizu area of Fukushima Prefecture is known for its eclectic and delicious foods, not to mention the absolutely fantastic scenery. Enjoy this one-day itinerary that you can do at any time of year by public transport. Walk your way through Ouchi-juku and admire the local sights and cuisine. You’ll arrive at Ouchi-juku by bus from Yunokami Onsen Station. The unique architecture will be a feast for your eyes but the real feasting will begin once you arrive at Misawaya. At Misawaya, you can experience any of the three amazing shops; take a lunch of authentic buckwheat noodles, called soba, or try some of the local Japanese sake, or if alcohol isn’t your thing, why not enjoy a refreshing cup of hot green tea? Refresh yourself at Misawaya and then venture out to Honke Kanouya. While there might not be much to munch on at Honke Kanouya, you can instead please your other senses with the local handicrafts of the area. Find some delightful souvenirs to take home. Finish off your visit just around the corner from Honke Kanouya; here you’ll find Sabo Yamadaya Café, a lovely café that fully displays the charms of the Aizu region in their décor and food. You should definitely try some of their snow-cured coffee (yukimuro coffee) while you’re there!

Ouchi-juku Gourmet Trip
Nature & Scenery

Kashi-Ohashi Bridge

Nishigo Village is truly blessed with breathtaking scenery and view spots, such as Kashi-Ohashi Bridge.Kashi-Ohashi Bridge stretches for 199 m against a backdrop of mountains, colored with fresh spring greenery or bright red leaves, depending on the season. Home to the water source of the Abukuma River, and filled with primeval forest trees, the beauty of Nishigo Village area was even praised by the feudal lord Matsudaira Sadanobu in centuries gone by. A bridle path has been constructed near Kashi-Ohashi Bridge, and lots of hikers come to visit every summer and autumn.

Kashi-Ohashi Bridge
History & Culture

Soma Nakamura Shrine

Soma Nakamura Shrine, long revered for enshrining the patron deity of the Soma clan, is built on a small hill in the western area of the Nakamura Castle grounds by Baryo Park. The shrine was erected in 1643 by Soma Yoshitsune, the 18th head of the Soma family. The main shrine is a an example of Gongen Shinto architecture, in which the main hall and worship hall are connected by a passageway, and the lacquer, painting, and metal fixtures are authentic representations of its Kan'ei era construction. The shrine was designated as a national important cultural property in 1984.

Soma Nakamura Shrine
Nature & Scenery

Nakatsugawa Valley

Nakatsugawa Valley is famous for its beautiful fall foliage. The Nakatsugawa River is a clear stream flowing down from Bandai Kogen (Bandai Highland) to Lake Akimoto. In autumn, the leaves of the many trees, such as maples, alders, and wild cherry trees, turn brilliant and bold colors. The valley can be reached via the lakeside cycling road or by following the trail from the Nakatsugawa Valley Rest House Lake Line Parking Area. Take a relaxing stroll along the ravine while breathing in the mountain air full of healthy negative ions. Many people park on the road closest to the bridge, but for most people it's easier to park at the Rest House and walk the short trail (less than 5 minutes) down to the bridge. There is also a shop and a canteen-style restaurant at the Rest House.

Nakatsugawa Valley
Blog(Useful Information)

Japanese Onsen Bath Experience

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 those in other prefectures. Getting away from the city and visiting a hot spring to relax for a few days is a popular activity among Japanese people. If you go on a trip to one or more hot springs for a week, you will see why they are in such high demand. Japan has four distinct seasons, changing every three months. You will experience something different depending on the season, even if you visit the same hot spring resort or hotel. Hotel Sansuiso (Tsuchiyu Onsen) Tsuchiyu Onsen, is located in the northern part of Fukushima Prefecture, about 16 km from Fukushima Station. Tsuchiyu Onsen is a hot spring resort with a long history, and is also known as the birthplace of the Tsuchiyu Kokeshi traditional craft. This hot spring town is home to over 10 types of onsen. Hot spring ryokan and hotels of various sizes line the river, each with baths that can be enjoyed through every season. At Hotel Sansuiso, you can enjoy a wonderful variety of baths. Highlights include an outdoor baths situated right across from a two-tier powerful waterfall, a two-story large hot spring area with various sizes of bathtubs and water types, a bath with a majestic ravine view, and a luxury private bath suitable for families. In particular, using the outdoor bath with a view of the Arakawa River in a snowy landscape in winter is breathtaking. Toryukan (Yunokami Onsen) Yunokami Onsen is a hot spring tow well-known for its abundant spring water and magnificent ravine view. Take a walk along the Okawa River from a simple thatched station and you will see a number of hot spring hotels. This hot spring town is not flashy, but is a wonderful spot for experiencing Fukushima’s breathtaking nature. Toryukan is a family-run hot spring inn which has been in business for generations. Each room is very spacious, and has a private bathroom with bathtubs made from cypress, so you can enjoy a hot spring bath in your own room any time of the day. Additionally, the inn's outdoor bath located along a mountain stream, you can spend time relaxing and listening to the murmuring of the Okawa River, which changes as the seasons go by. The Wonders of Onsen One of the joys of hot springs is relaxing in a bath, listening to the sound of a waterfall in the distance, all while heating yourself up in the warm water, with a refreshing cool breeze brushing gently against your face. Indeed, this feeling itself is often referred to in Japanese as 'onsen' and is the very reason why Japanese people often visit hot springs. It is an amazing feeling that everyone should experience. One of the attractions of onsen is that you can enjoy it all year round. We highly recommend you to try an outdoor bath, which is called 'rotenburo' in Japanese. See here for more information on private rotenburo. While you take a bath, you could be looking at cherry blossoms in spring, relaxing under the star-filled sky in summer, enjoying the colored leaves of fall, or reveling in your snowy surroundings in winter. Onsen is a special way for you can directly experience the seasonally changing nature of Japan. There are a large variety of hot springs, such as tranquil riverside hot springs and large hot spring facilities with more than thirty baths! In Fukushima, you can find the one that perfectly matches both you and your trip.

Japanese Onsen Bath Experience
Cultural Experiences

Makie Painting Lacquerware Experience at Suzuzen

Suzuzen was established in 1832 as a lacquerware wholesale shop. Not only can visitors see process of lacquerware being finished using gold and silver dusted designs called 'Makie', but visitors can also have the opportunity to design their own lacquered product using Makie design techniques, which is perfect to take home as a souvenir. Booking & More Information Suzuzen is made up of 6 kura (Japanese-style warehouses), which have been renovated. The Suzuzen warehouses include a gallery featuring pieces by contemporary artists who use lacquer in their work, and a cafe which is open for lunch. English-language signs also make the history of lacquer in Aizu accessible for overseas visitors.

Makie Painting Lacquerware Experience at Suzuzen
Itineraries(Culture)

Relaxation in Tsuchiyu

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.  

Relaxation in Tsuchiyu
Gourmet & Shopping

Fukushima Prefecture Souvenir Shop

Fukushima Prefecture Souvenir Shop (also known as the ‘Bussankan’) is a short walk from the west exit of Fukushima Station. Enjoy a delicious lunch, and even do a sake tasting, at the Fukushima Lounge. All food and sake has been grown and produced locally in Fukushima – a prefecture which is blessed with a wealth of natural beauty. Browse locally-made items – which have been designed over generations in response to Fukushima’s rich history and culture, and have become representative of various areas of Fukushima Prefecture – displayed and sold in the ‘Local Products’ section. Great food, dried goods, local products and traditional crafts – the best from all over the prefecture can all be found at Fukushima Prefecture Souvenir Shop. As well as displaying and selling delicious local produce and locally-made folk crafts from a wide-range of areas across the prefecture, Fukushima Prefecture Souvenir Shop also provides information on local products and sightseeing opportunities in Fukushima. Local artisans, farmers and performers also regularly visit the shop to display and sell their work, so definitely make sure to visit.

Fukushima Prefecture Souvenir Shop
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