Fukushima
Tohoku
Offers Bandai-Asahi National Park, Aizu-Wakamatsu castle town, and hot spring retreats.
Capital
Fukushima
Best Time to Visit
Spring (late April to May) for cherry blossoms; autumn (October–November) for Bandai highland foliage. The Aizu region is beautiful in any season.
Getting There
Shinkansen from Tokyo to Fukushima (1h 30min, ~¥9,000) or to Koriyama (1h 20min). Local trains reach Aizu-Wakamatsu (about 1h 20min from Koriyama).
Top Highlights
Tsurugajo Castle
Iconic castle of Aizu-Wakamatsu with distinctive red-tiled roof, famous for the Byakkotai youth corps' tragic last stand in 1868.
Goshikinuma Ponds
Five volcanic ponds in Bandai highlands glowing in different hues of emerald, cobalt, and turquoise due to mineral content.
Higashiyama Onsen
Traditional hot spring town just 3km from Aizu-Wakamatsu, with multi-story ryokan along a willow-lined river.
Ouchi-juku
Beautifully preserved Edo-period post town with thatched-roof buildings serving as restaurants and shops along a mountain road.
Local Cuisine
Kozuyu
Aizu's traditional ceremonial soup with scallop broth, mountain vegetables, and konyaku — served at festivals and celebrations.
Negi Soba
A local Ouchi-juku specialty: buckwheat noodles eaten using a single green onion as the chopstick, a quirky but delicious tradition.
Aizu Kitakata Ramen
One of Japan's top three ramen styles — flat, curly noodles in a clear soy-and-niboshi broth, surprisingly delicate.
Stay Connected in Fukushima
Yesim eSIMs activate on arrival — no SIM swap needed. Japan data plans from $5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to visit Fukushima prefecture?+
Yes, absolutely. The vast majority of Fukushima prefecture is completely safe. The exclusion zone around the Daiichi plant is a small and restricted area. Tourism to Fukushima city, Aizu-Wakamatsu, and Bandai is entirely safe and strongly encouraged to support the region.
No experiences listed yet for Fukushima.
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