Fukushima

Fukushima is a good summer destination for escaping the heat, though mornings and evenings in the mountains can be cool.

Fukushima Prefecture combines historic streets, mountain-and-lake scenery, and local cuisine, making it well suited to a slower, more in-depth trip. Below is a sample 2-day, 1-night itinerary for Fukushima.

Classic 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Edo Atmosphere and a Relaxing Hot Spring Stay
  • Morning: Head to Ouchi-juku, stroll through its thatched-roof street district that preserves the look of the Edo period, and climb to the viewpoint for a full view of the village.

• Lunch: Try negi soba at a traditional teahouse along the street, and experience the local way of eating it with a 30-centimeter-long green onion instead of chopsticks.

• Afternoon: Visit Tonohetsuri to see column-like rock cliffs formed by long-term weathering and erosion.

• Evening: Go to Aizu Ashinomaki Onsen or Iizaka Onsen for a restorative hot spring soak. You can choose a Japanese-style ryokan with an open-air bath.

• Day 2: Historic Castle and Lake Scenery
  • Morning: Visit Tsurugajo Castle (Aizuwakamatsu Castle), see Japan’s only castle keep with red roof tiles, climb up for views over the city, then go for a walk in Kaiseizan Park.

• Lunch: In central Aizuwakamatsu, try sauce katsudon or horse-meat sashimi.
  • Afternoon: Head to Lake Inawashiro. You can cycle around the lake or take a sightseeing boat to enjoy views of Mount Bandai reflected on the water. If you prefer walking, visit nearby Goshikinuma for an easy hike.

• Evening: Finish the trip and return.

Main Sightseeing Highlights

Fukushima’s attractions are spread out, with both natural scenery and historic-cultural sites. The following places are good focal points for an itinerary:

• Ouchi-juku: One of Japan’s three major thatched-roof settlements. The street is lined with old houses more than 300 years old, and its Edo-period atmosphere is well preserved.

• Goshikinuma: A group of ponds formed by an eruption of Mount Bandai. Depending on the light and viewing angle, the water appears in different colors such as emerald green and cobalt blue. The walking trail is suitable for an easy hike.

• Tsurugajo Castle: A representative landmark of Aizuwakamatsu, with Japan’s only red-tiled castle keep. It is a good spot for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in fall.
• Lake Inawashiro: Japan’s fourth-largest lake, known for its clear water. In summer, it is suitable for boating and cycling; in winter, thousands of swans come here to spend the season.

Local Food Guide

Fukushima’s regional dishes have a distinctive local character. The following are worth considering for meals:

• Negi Soba: A specialty of Ouchi-juku, eaten by using a whole green onion to pick up the soba noodles. The onion’s sharpness complements the aroma of the buckwheat noodles.
• Sauce Katsudon: A traditional dish from the Aizu area. Fried pork cutlet is coated in a sweet-savory sauce and served over rice, making for a hearty meal.

• Horse-Meat Sashimi: A well-known specialty of the Aizu area. Raw horse meat has a tender, mildly sweet taste and is often eaten with local miso.

• Kitakata Ramen: One of Japan’s three major ramen styles, usually made with a soy-sauce-based broth and served with cabbage and well-marbled chashu pork.

Practical Transport and Travel Tips

• Transport: Fukushima’s attractions are fairly spread out, so driving is relatively convenient. If you are not driving, use JR Aizuwakamatsu Station or Inawashiro Station as a transfer point, then combine buses and taxis to reach each sight.
• Best seasons: Summer (June–August) is good for escaping the heat, lakeside fireworks festivals, and hiking; autumn (October–November) is ideal for foliage around Mount Bandai and Goshikinuma; winter (December–February) offers snowy scenery in Ouchi-juku and swans on Lake Inawashiro.
• Notes: Goshikinuma and Mount Bandai are at relatively high elevations, so even in summer it is best to bring a light jacket. Some mountain bus services are limited, so check timetables in advance before setting out.