Fukushima

Fukushima Prefecture is a hidden-gem destination in Japan, ideal for in-depth travel, with rich history, stunning natural scenery, and authentic local cuisine. Here is a Fukushima travel guide prepared for you:

Classic 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary

• ​​Day 1: Edo Atmosphere and Healing Hot Springs​​
  • ​​Morning​​: Head to Ouchi-juku and stroll along the well-preserved old street of thatched-roof houses from the Edo period. Climb up to the viewpoint for a panoramic view of the entire village.

• ​​Lunch​​: Taste the local specialty green onion soba at a traditional teahouse along the street, and experience the unique way of eating with a 30-centimeter-long green onion as your chopsticks.

• ​​Afternoon​​: Visit Tō-no-Hetsuri and admire the geological wonder of columnar rock cliffs carved by wind and rain over millions of years.

• ​​Evening​​: Go to Aizu Ashinomaki Onsen or Iizaka Onsen to relax in the hot springs. A Japanese-style ryokan with an open-air bath is recommended.

• ​​Day 2: Historic Castle Town and Natural Lakes​​
  • ​​Morning​​: Tour Tsuruga Castle (Aizuwakamatsu Castle), check in at Japan’s only red-tiled castle keep, climb to the top for views over the city, then stroll through Kaiseizan Park.

• ​​Lunch​​: In downtown Aizuwakamatsu, taste authentic sauce katsudon or horse meat sashimi.
  • ​​Afternoon​​: Head to Lake Inawashiro for a cycling trip around the lake, or take a sightseeing boat to admire the reflection of Mount Bandai; if you enjoy hiking, you can walk around nearby Goshikinuma.

• ​​Dusk​​: Return home with wonderful memories.

Must-Visit Attractions

Fukushima’s attractions are relatively spread out, with natural and cultural landscapes complementing one another. Here are several key must-visit places:

• ​​Ouchi-juku​​: One of Japan’s three major thatched-roof settlements. The entire street is lined with traditional houses over 300 years old, making it feel as if you have traveled back to the Edo period.

• ​​Goshikinuma​​: A group of lakes and marshes formed by the eruption of Mount Bandai. Depending on the light and viewing angle, the water appears in fantastical colors such as emerald green and cobalt blue, and the walking trails are excellent for hiking.

• ​​Tsuruga Castle​​: The landmark of Aizuwakamatsu and Japan’s only red-tiled castle keep. The scenery is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season in spring and autumn foliage season.
• ​​Lake Inawashiro​​: Japan’s fourth-largest lake, with clear water. In summer, you can go boating and cycling; in winter, thousands of white swans come here to spend the season.

Authentic Food Guide

Fukushima’s local dishes and specialty ingredients are well worth trying. Here are the local delicacies you should not miss:

• ​​Green Onion Soba​​: A specialty unique to Ouchi-juku, eaten by using a whole green onion as chopsticks to pick up the noodles. The sharpness of the onion blends perfectly with the delicate aroma of the soba.
• ​​Sauce Katsudon​​: A traditional dish from the Aizu region. The pork cutlet is coated in a rich sweet-savory sauce and served over a full bowl of rice, making it deeply satisfying.

• ​​Horse Meat Sashimi​​: A well-known Aizu specialty. Raw horse meat has a fresh, sweet, smooth, and tender texture. Eaten with local miso, it is a refined gourmet experience.

• ​​Kitakata Ramen​​: One of Japan’s three great ramen styles, with a soy-sauce-based broth of balanced richness, served with cabbage and marbled chashu pork for a lingering flavor.

Practical Transport and Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

• ​​Transport​​: Fukushima’s attractions are fairly spread out, so ​​driving​​ is the most convenient option. If you are not driving, it is recommended to use JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station or Inawashiro Station as a hub and combine buses and taxis for sightseeing.
• ​​Best Seasons​​: Summer (June-August) is suitable for escaping the heat, lake fireworks festivals, and hiking; autumn (October-November) is ideal for viewing the fall foliage at Mount Bandai and Goshikinuma; winter (December-February) is very romantic, with snowy scenery at Ouchi-juku and swans on Lake Inawashiro.
• ​​Things to Note​​: Goshikinuma and Mount Bandai are at relatively high elevations, so even in summer it is recommended to bring a light jacket; some mountain-area buses run infrequently, so be sure to check the timetable in advance.