Fukushima’s position in southern Tohoku sees that it gets a good amount of snowfall each winter, transforming many sightseeing locations into glistening winterscapes. Recommended spots like Ouchi-juku look extra picturesque with its snow-capped thatched-roof houses, while outdoor hot springs take on extra appeal as they promise views of wintry landscapes. Fukushima Prefecture is also home to world-class ski resorts thanks to its rich, powdery snowfall—popular with skiers and snowboarders.
Aizu Painted Candles are one of Aizu’s most well-loved traditional crafts. Aizu Painted Candle Festival was started in order to let people all over Japan (and all over the world!) know about this traditional craft, and to give people an appreciate for the work that is needed to make every s...
From late July to late September, a magical world of illumination is created at the Adatara Kogen Ski Area using 2 billion light bulbs. Numerous romantic locations amidst the illumination are created through ingenious creativity, such as the "Tunnel of Light" surrounding the ropeway, th...
INTRODUCTION The number one reason why the ski resorts of Fukushima are popular with skiers throughout the world is, without a doubt, the quality of the snow itself. The ski resorts featuring Fukushima’s quality powder snow, which is silky and dry due to the low water content, are magnet...
INTRODUCTION 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 peopl...
INTRODUCTION The silvery world of snow covered ski slopes and mountains sparkling in reflected light is a typical sight in winter that captures the fascination of the Japanese people. The altitude is high in the western part of Fukushima, covering the areas of Inawashiro, Aizu, and Adatara Kog...
Bandai-Azuma Skyline, the stunning sightseeing road that runs through the Azuma mountain range, is closed for almost 5 months of every year, from mid-November to early-April. The road reopened last Saturday, on April 8th 2017, so I took a drive through the area to take in my first views from S...
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...
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&rsquo...
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...
Ouchi-juku’s breathtaking snow festival is held on the 2nd weekend of February every year in Ouchi-juku, Minamiaizu. Ouchi-juku 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 ...
Although I have lived in Fukushima for 1.5 years now, I am constantly finding new places that I want to visit or festivals I want to go to. So I decided to write a bucket list of things to try out in Fukushima during the winter months! (This list includes a couple of places I have been to, but...
