Fukushima Travel Guide | Things to do in Fukushima

Explore the Resilient Spirit and Natural Wonders of Fukushima

Fukushima Prefecture (福島県), located in the Tohoku region, offers a diverse blend of scenic landscapes, cultural heritage, and heartfelt hospitality. The stunning Aizu region is home to Tsuruga Castle, a symbol of the area’s samurai history, and Ouchi-juku, a preserved Edo-period post town with charming thatched-roof houses. For nature enthusiasts, Goshikinuma, the Five Colored Lakes in Bandai-Asahi National Park, mesmerizes with its vivid hues that change with the seasons, offering an enchanting hiking experience.

Fukushima also takes pride in its agricultural bounty, particularly its award-winning peaches and sake crafted from pristine local water. Hot spring towns like Iizaka and Higashiyama offer traditional ryokan stays and rejuvenating onsen experiences. The prefecture’s festivals, such as the Aizu Samurai Parade and Soma Nomaoi, reflect its rich history and cultural pride. Despite past challenges, Fukushima has shown remarkable resilience, welcoming visitors to explore its beauty and traditions with open arms.

Top Attractions

Iizaka Onsen

Iizaka Onsen, an atmospheric, old onsen town believed to have been discovered around 2,000 years ago, offers therapeutic hot springs and scenic beauty. The town exudes a traditional charm, with ryokan inns offering peaceful retreats and picturesque views of the surrounding mountains, perfect for relaxation.

Nisshinkan

Nisshinkan, located in Aizu-Wakamatsu, was a samurai school during the Edo period. It offers a unique opportunity to step into the past and explore the culture and training of the samurai. With its preserved buildings and educational exhibits, visitors can learn about the feudal lifestyle and traditions.

Tsuchiyu Onsen

Tsuchiyu Onsen is a peaceful hot spring town in Fukushima, famous for its rejuvenating waters and scenic mountain surroundings. Visitors can enjoy soothing baths while surrounded by lush nature, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and wellness. Experience traditional ryokan hospitality here

Aquamarine Fukushima

Aquamarine Fukushima is an interactive marine museum that offers a deep dive into marine life with stunning exhibits and aquarium tanks. Visitors can learn about aquatic ecosystems through various educational programs, making it a family-friendly attraction and a great spot for science enthusiasts.

Goshikinuma Ponds

Goshikinuma Ponds in Fukushima are collection of lakes with 5 vibrant colors, from cobalt blue to emerald green. Surrounded by lush forests, they are renowned for their natural beauty and were awarded a 1-star rating in the 2016 Michelin Green Guide, making it a must-see destination.

Oze National Park

Discover Japan’s first national park, offering pristine wetlands, alpine flowers, and breathtaking hiking trails. Spanning Gunma, Fukushima, Tochigi and Niigata, it’s a haven for nature lovers with boardwalks through marshes, views of Mt. Hiuchigatake, and serene landscapes perfect for exploration.

Ouchi-Juku

Journey to the past at this Edo-era post town in Fukushima, where thatched-roof houses line a quaint street. Once a vital rest stop for travelers, it now enchants visitors with its historical ambiance, local crafts, and specialties like negi-soba. A timeless glimpse into Japan’s rich heritage.

Hanamiyama Park

A floral wonderland in Fukushima, this park transforms each spring with vibrant cherry blossoms, magnolias, and forsythias. Set against the backdrop of Mount Azuma, its scenic trails lead to panoramic views that captivate nature lovers and photographers alike. A serene escape for all seasons.

Tsuruga Castle

A symbol of resilience, this samurai-era fortress in Aizuwakamatsu features unique red roof tiles, lush gardens, and panoramic views. Explore its museum to uncover the region's feudal history, from the Boshin War to samurai culture. A must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.

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