Why Fukushima
Fukushima Prefecture is located in Japan's northern Tohoku region and is known for its abundant nature and regional cuisine.
Fukushima is considered Japan's third largest prefecture and is home to both the country's fourth largest lake of Lake Inawashiro as well as the Bandai-Asahi National Park. The prefecture is also home to 130 hot springs, making it Japan's fifth most prominent in terms of onsen escapes.
Plan your trip and travel to Fukushima with peace of mind by understanding the latest situation with regard to the 2011 earthquake — you'll quickly see how Fukushima as a whole has recovered over time and is thriving as a tourism destination in its own right.
At just 80 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen, Fukushima has immense appeal as a getaway destination from Japan’s capital that can handle all types of traveller — including large groups, luxury clientele and MICE visitors.
Quick Facts about Fukushima
202,660+14.91%
2019 nights spent by international guests (increase on previous year) Source: Japan Tourism Agency
3 out of 47
Fukushima is Japan’s 3rd largest prefecture.
305 tons+40%
Agricultural produce exported overseas in FY2019 (increase on previous year) Source: Fukushima Prefecture Trade Promotion Division
7 in a row
Consecutive years that Fukushima Prefecture won most Gold Medals at the Annual Japan Sake Awards.
Recommended Content
Please enjoy browsing our recommended tourism materials and resources about Fukushima Prefecture. Feel free to contact us with your enquiry.
Hope Tourism
Discover the real Fukushima by seeing, hearing and thinking about what you find during a trip here. Learn about the experiences and efforts of Fukushima's local people since 3/11 by travelling to the coastal Hamadori region. Hope Tourism aims to connect visitors with the reality of what is going on in Fukushima and the people dedicating themselves to reconstruction.
Fukushima Gastronomy Tourism
Join a gastronomy-themed trip that invites you to experience how local agricultural producers grow their crops. Learn about the various foods that Fukushima is most proud of, or join a sake brewery tour to understand why Fukushima has won seven consecutive Gold Medals at the Annual Japan Sake Awards.
Samurai Spirit Tourism
Experience the 'real samurai' on your Fukushima journey with elements of spiritual culture — these trips are particularly popular with Western tourists with an interest in samurai.
Reasons to love Fukushima
Don't miss these recommended attractions which should not be missed on any visit to Fukushima.
Ouchi-juku
Why not visit the thatched houses at the former post town of Ouchi-juku and take the opportunity to imagine an old Japan? Ouchi-juku's townscape has retained its traditional look since the Edo Period, with a view from the hilltop observatory recommended.
Tsurugajo Castle
Tsurugajo Castle is the symbolic castle of Aizu-Wakamatsu City, which played an active role as the center of the Aizu clan during the Boshin War. Experience traditional tea ceremony at the Rinkaku tea room inside the castle grounds.
Goshiki-numa Ponds & Bandai Area
Considered Japan's very own Lake District, the Goshiki-numa Ponds of the Bandai area were named after the various beautiful colors that can be seen depending on weather and lighting conditions.
Shiramizu Amidado Temple
Shiramizu Amidado Temple (Amitabha Hall) is a National Treasure built in 1160 by Princess Tokuhime of the Oushu Fujiwara clan. It is known for its beautiful scenery throughout the seasons, as well as a sad local tale.
Tadami Line
The viewpoint overlooking the Tadami Line's No. 1 Tadami River Bridge is one of Fukushima's most famous. This spectacular scene of a local train is something you can only find here, surrounded by the Oku-Aizu region's abundant nature that retains an untouched feel of Japan.
Get a flavour of Fukushima
Discover a few of the dishes that inspire travellers to keep coming back
Kitakata Ramen
With about 120 ramen shops located in Kitakata City, tourists flock to the Kitakata region in search of this local taste. It is considered one of Japan's three main ramen styles, alongside Kyushu's tonkotsu style.
Sauce Katsudon
This is a speciality of the Aizu region that is perfect for lunch. A bowl of rice is topped with shredded cabbage and crispy-fried pork tonkatsu cutlets and a sweet sauce. Some regional variations even include a fried egg hidden underneath.
Enban gyoza
These healthy, bite-sized gyoza are filled with plenty of vegetables and known for their lightly-fried crispy texture. A local speciality of Fukushima City, you can find them served at many restaurants open till late, including several with a classic izakaya-like atmosphere.
Need more travel inspiration?
Explore the official Fukushima tourism information website for more sightseeing discoveries or help on planning a trip.
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