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FUKUSHIMA

22℃

The three areas you should remember when visiting Fukushima are Hamadori, Nakadori, and Aizu. Fukushima is now the third largest prefecture in Japan, but in the past it was separated into these three areas, with their own very different climates and cultures. Hamadori, for example, faces the Pacific Ocean, and is a warm area. It has a bright and cheerful atmosphere with its minimal snowfall. Nakadori is an area rich in nature, sandwiched between the Abukuma highlands and the Ou mountain range. Aizu has prospered from olden times as a castle town with heavy snowfall. Even when Hamadori is sunny, it can be snowing in Aizu. Such contrast is possible in Fukushima.

As a northeast prefecture that is closest to Edo, Fukushima is sometimes found in the history books. Among this, many battles were fought in Aizu, and the Aizu feudal domain brought forth a high level of culture.

Each area has its own unique personality, and learning about the history of each place as you travel will surely give you the full flavor of Fukushima’s charm.

    • Spring: 5℃ to 10℃
      Aizu Lion Dance of the Equinox, Hanamiyama cherry blossoms, Miharu Takizakura cherry tree, Himekari fish
    • Summer: 15℃ to 29℃
      Peaches, Aizu buckwheat noodles, Soma Nomaoi wild horse chase, Iwaki fireworks
    • Autumn: 5℃ to 15℃
      Aizu Festival, Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Dolls, pears, grapes
    • Winter: 0℃ to 5℃
      Ouchi-juku Snow Festival, Shirakawa Daruma Doll Market, persimmons, dobu-jiru soup
    • Koriyama
      This area is in the center of Fukushima’s transportation network, with trains running to the east, west, north, and south. If you plan staying for several days to travel around Fukushima, this is a convenient place to find lodgings.
    • Kitakata
      This is in the northwest area of Fukushima, and it is famous for Kitakata ramen. The delicious water in this region means that there are still many miso and Japanese sake breweries here.
    • Ouchi-juku and Minamiaizu
      Ouchi-juku is a famous town surrounded by deep mountains and natural beauty. This is the place to visit if you want to get in touch with nostalgic rural Japanese scenery.
    • Inawashiro
      This area features wide, untouched nature. In the center you’ll find Mount Bandai. There are many lakes including Lake Inawashiro.
    • Aizuwakamatsu
      This was the seat of power in Tsuruga Castle. This town has over 600 years of history as a castle town. There are many attractions including folk crafts and local cuisine.
    • By car
      Fukushima is a large prefecture. Although it is the third largest in Japan, the Tohoku Expressway runs north-south, and the Ban-etsu Expressway runs east-west, making travel by car an efficient way to see the tourist spots.
    • By bus
      Highway buses run from the airport to the main train stations. From there you can catch a train and then take a local bus from the closest station to your destination. Aizuwakamatsu also has tour buses that circle around tourist sites.
    • By train
      The Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train runs north-south through Fukushima. For travel in east and west directions, you must switch to local train lines. The Aizu Gurutto Card is convenient for unlimited rides on JR trains, the Aizu Railway, and main bus routes.
    • By airplane
      There is one airport, Fukushima Airport in the center of the prefecture. After arriving at the airport, a shuttle bus will take you to the main train stations.
    • Fukushima Airport is a one hour flight from Itami Airport.
    • Fukushima Airport is a one hour 20 minute flight from New Chitose Airport.
  • Tsuruga Castle
    Tsuruga Castle

    Aizuwakamatsu

  • Lake Inawashiro
    Lake Inawashiro

    Aizu

  • Ouchi-juku
    Ouchi-juku

    Minamiaizu

  • Taimatsu Akashi Fire Festival
    Taimatsu Akashi Fire Festival

    Sukagawa

  • Fukushima Local Cuisine
    Fukushima Local Cuisine

    Aizuwakamatsu

  • Aizu coating
    Aizu coating

    Aizuwakamatsu

  • Sazaedo
    Sazaedo

    Aizuwakamatsu

  • Fukushima Airport
    Fukushima Airport

    Ishikawa County

  • Hoshino Resort Alts Bandai
    Hoshino Resort Alts Bandai

    Aizu-Bandai