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.
Things to Do in Fukushima
12 sustainable experiences
Kitakata Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced English speaking tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Kitakata! Blessed with an abundance of water and rice, Kitakata is known for its love of ramen and, also, for its most excellent sake. Walk around the town cente
From US$135.68
Kitakata Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Kitakata! Blessed with an abundance of water and rice, Kitakata is known for its love of ramen and, also, for its most excellent sake. Walk around the town center an
From US$90.45
Fukushima Font Tour
The Great East Japan Earthquake and Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster occurred on March 11, 2011. The FONT (Futaba, Okuma, Namie, Tomioka) area, which was at the center of the disaster, can be seen as testimony to how communities work towards rebuilding. This tour is a guided tour by residents wh
From US$161.53
Shared Boat Trip in Mugenkyo River Mist
・Fantastic river mist: The most appealing aspect is undoubtedly the moment when the river is enveloped in mist. This phenomenon is particularly likely to occur during the early mornings and evenings of June to August when there is no wind. ・Boatman's guidance: The boatman, who is very knowledgeable
From US$30.04
Shared Boat Trip in Mugenkyo River Mist
・Fantastic river mist: The most appealing aspect is undoubtedly the moment when the river is enveloped in mist. This phenomenon is particularly likely to occur during the early mornings and evenings of June to August when there is no wind. ・Boatman's guidance: The boatman, who is very knowledgeable
From US$29.85
Ouchi juku and Tadami Rail Fukusima Bus Tour
You can fully enjoy winter in Fukushima in just one day. Ouchijuku offers a nostalgic view of thatched-roof houses covered with snow. Then, the Tadami Line runs through the snowy mountains. After that, We will having a lunch called "sauce Katsu Don"with miso soup.
From US$155.12
Ouchi juku and Tadami Rail Fukusima Bus Tour
You can fully enjoy winter in Fukushima in just one day. Ouchijuku offers a nostalgic view of thatched-roof houses covered with snow. Then, the Tadami Line runs through the snowy mountains. After that, We will having a lunch called "sauce Katsu Don"with miso soup.
From US$155.07
Shared 2 Hour Lake Hibara Canoe Experience in Yama Gun Fukushima
Enjoy water trekking at Lake Hibara, which is awarded the largest and most beautiful "Bandai Matsushima" in Urabandai, while gazing at Mt. Bandai, where the eruption traces of about 100 years ago are majestic. Since it is guided, even completely inexperienced people can enjoy canoe touring immediate
From US$38.72
Shared 2 Hour Lake Hibara Canoe Experience in Yama Gun Fukushima
Enjoy water trekking at Lake Hibara, which is awarded the largest and most beautiful "Bandai Matsushima" in Urabandai, while gazing at Mt. Bandai, where the eruption traces of about 100 years ago are majestic. Since it is guided, even completely inexperienced people can enjoy canoe touring immediate
From US$38.74
Tsuchiyu Onsen Menuma - SUP/Kayak Experience
First, we will give you a brief lecture on SUP or Kayak (i.e. names of equipments used and how to handle them). Of course, a lecture will be given on how to ride SUP or Kayak. A local guide will take you on a trip around Menuma. There will be spots where fishes live, as well as surreal spots surrou
From US$45.24
Tsuchiyu Onsen Menuma - SUP/Kayak Experience
First, we will give you a brief lecture on SUP or Kayak (i.e. names of equipments used and how to handle them). Of course, a lecture will be given on how to ride SUP or Kayak. A local guide will take you on a trip around Menuma. There will be spots where fishes live, as well as surreal spots surrou
From US$45.23
Sukagawa Tatami Coaster Making Workshop and Factory Tour
The only hands-on, multi-purpose facility in Japan dedicated to tatami! Here, you can experience a rare opportunity to visit a tatami manufacturing workshop where you can closely observe the skills of artisans, as well as try your hand at making tatami yourself. It’s a special chance to immerse your
From US$30.38