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.
A world of mystical beauty created over millions of years, Abukuma Cave is said to have the greatest variety and the largest number of stalactites in the whole of Asia. It takes about an hour to explore the inner world of the cave and the terrain is easy to navigate on foot. Abukuma Cave is a ...
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 appreciation for the work that is needed to make every ...
With a history stretching back over 400 years, the Taimatsu Akashi is one of the three major fire festivals in Japan. As the night grows darker and the bonfires flare brightly here and there around the venue, groups of local junior high and senior high school students march through the town carry...
The annual Kohata Hata Matsuri (Kohata Flag Festival) is 1 of the 3 main festivals in Japan centered on a dramatic procession of large flags, and has been held for over 960 years. The five hues of the brightly-colored flags rising up towards the sky makes for some fantastic views. Kohata Flag Fes...
Every year on January 7, the Naked Man Festival (Nanokado Hadaka Mairi) is held at Enzoji Temple, Yanaizu Town. During this traditional event - which draws many tourists every year - local men clad in loincloths make the challenging climb to the top of Enzoji Temple, in the hopes of ensuring happ...
Mishima no Sainokami, which takes place annually on January 15, is held in order to bring prosperity to local people, and to give locals the opportunity to pray for a good harvest and the safety of their family. This festival has been designated as a nationally-recognised Important Cultural Prope...
Shirakawa Daruma Market is held annually on February 11. On this date, the streets become lined for 1.5 km with stalls selling Daruma of all shapes and sizes. This lively, exciting market celebrates the culture and history of Shirakawa Daruma – a traditional doll which is characterised by h...
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 appreciation for the work that is needed to make every ...
Snow sculptures big and small take center stage at this exciting, local snow festival. Try out local cuisine and browse traditional locally-made crafts at the Tadami Furusato Snow Festival. As night closes in, the snow sculptures are dramatically lit up. They look even more fantastic when surroun...
Ouchi-juku’s rows of thatched-roof houses (which date back to the Edo Period) are transformed into a winter wonderland during Ouchi-juku Snow Festival, which takes place every February. Bright white snow falls and slowly builds up, as candles burn bright in snow lanterns, bathing the old po...
Nakayama Setsugekka Snow Festival is held every year on the third Saturday of February. The contrast between the snow, moon and candlelight, which becomes greater as the dark of the night deepens, creates a radiant and magical atmosphere. The views to be enjoyed at Nakayama during festival time a...
Spend a day in Nihonmatsu City in Northern Fukushima, an area known for rich cultural traditions and specialties in sake, lacquerware, and fruits. 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 L...
This two-day trip highlights some of the best Fukushima has to offer and is perfect for those looking to get the most out of the prefecture in a limited time. Take in castles, nature, traditional villages, and more as you treat yourself to local styles of soba and ramen along the way. Renting a c...
Spend a day traveling to the most famous sights of the Aizu region of Fukushima. On this 1-day tour of the area, you will visit some of the best spots in Aizu by train. Begin your trip in Kitakata City, famous for its delicious ramen, strong sake, and traditional Japanese crafts. Specializing ...
This two-day trip by train will take visitors through the best of the Aizu-Wakamatsu and Higashiyama areas. Prepare yourself to experience the majesty of nature, history, and culture. You will be delighted on your tour in the heart of Aizu. Start the first day of your trip at Lake Inawashiro i...
Have a gourmet adventure in the Ouchi-juku area of Fukushima Prefecture. The Aizu area of Fukushima is known for its eclectic and delicious foods, not to mention the absolutely fantastic scenery. Enjoy this one-day tour that you can take any time of the year by train and then walk your way throug...
Appreciate the brisk cold of Fukushima’s winter with this 2-day winter sports and hot springs extravaganza. You will get your fill of active winter sports and then be able to spend a relaxing time in a hot spring on this winter trip. Leave from Koriyama Station and head for Urabandai Nek...
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 y...
Discover the spirit of the Japanese samurai on this one-day tour of samurai history in the beautiful Aizu region of Fukushima. Feel the history of the past come to life all around you as you experience the places where samurai once walked. This tour can be enjoyed any time of the year and with th...
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...
Enjoy this one-day bus tour in the area of Aizu-Wakamatsu thanks to the ease of the local city tour buses driving between each major destination in the locale of Aizu-Wakamatsu Station. No matter what time of the year you decide to visit Fukushima, the Aizu-Wakamatsu area is sure to entrance y...
Jump start your vacation of Fukushima’s Aizu region with this multi-day tour. You can be sure to enjoy the sights any time of year, so these make for great additions to your already existing plans or a tour of their own. No matter how you decide to use them, you won’t be disappointed....
Bring an empty stomach to this one-day tour of Aizu cuisine and drink! This wonderful tour can be enjoyed any time of the year, making it an exceptional choice to add into your existing plans of the area. Travel by train, local bus, and taxi to reach your destinations and let your appetite lead y...
It’s time to be refreshed by the fresh fruits and hot waters of Fukushima Prefecture. On this one-day tour that you can experience any time of the year. Catch a taxi from Fukushima Station and head out to Marusei Orchard. Here you’ll be able to pick fresh, juicy fruit already ripe for...
See the sights of the Aizu region of Fukushima on this one-day train tour of the area. It’s a tour you can enjoy any time of the year. You’re sure to love every one of the beautiful vistas along the way on this “views of Aizu” trip. Start from Aizu-Miyashita Station and...
Refresh yourself along the coasts of Fukushima with this one-day plan of three of the best spots. You can enjoy these places any time of the year, so it’s perfect to fit into your pre-existing plans for the area. Start out at Iwaki Station and make your way down to Aquamarine Fukushima. Th...
Have you ever wanted to take a cross-prefecture tour of Japan, from Tokyo to the impeccable countryside of Fukushima? Well, now is your chance to travel from the international hub of Tokyo and see what else Japan and—especially—Fukushima have to offer. Enjoy this cross-country tour of...
It is time for a taste of Kitakata like never before. Add in these stops to your day tour of the area and be satisfied by the many tastes of the region. The best part? This tour can be taken at any time of the year, by bus or by taxi. You’re in for a treat when you visit these stops. Start...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
INTRODUCTION The silvery world of snow-covered ski slopes and mountains sparkling in reflected light is a typical sight in Fukushima Prefecture during winter. The altitude is high in the western part of Fukushima, which includes the areas of Inawashiro, Aizu, and Adatara Kogen, and the snow is...
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 people of Aizu, thems...
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 magnets for the snow c...
