Fukushima Prefecture Tourism & Local Products Association

Goshiki-numa Ponds (Kitashiobara Village)

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Fukushima

Sendai

Sapporo

Tokyo

FASCINATING FUKUSHIMAJAPAN Photos of Fukushima

In Japan’s third largest prefecture, Fukushima, you can find an abundance of natural scenery, delicious bounty from the mountains and sea, and cultural traditions nurtured over hundreds of years. There are endless possibilities for enjoyment here with picturesque views to enjoy to the fullest, exciting outdoor activities, onsen to soothe your body and soul, and traditional festivals to revel in. We hope you’ll enjoy your trip to fascinating Fukushima.

Welcome to the fascinating prefecture of Fukushima! AKABEKO

2 Mt. Bandai and Tsurugajo Castle　 (Aizu-Wakamatsu City) MAP C-3Mt. Bandai and Tsurugajo Castle serve as symbols of the Aizu region. The predecessor to the current Tsurugajo Castle was built about 630 years ago and lauded as the “invincible castle”. It suffered damage due to war, but was rebuilt and now acts as a museum that allows a closer look at the history of Aizu.

JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station Approx. 20 min by bus

Access (to Tsugarujo Castle)

Please see page 10

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Spring brings the budding of trees and blooming of flowers all at once. Fukushima is home to numerous locations famous throughout Japan for its symbolic flower, the cherry blossoms. The pink cherry blossom trees blooming against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains is one of Japan’s most breathtaking landscapes, which perfectly embodies the coming of spring.

Spring

3 Hanamiyama (Fukushima City) MAP E-2Famous for plum, cherry, and peach blossoms, as well as magnolia, forsythia, and other flowers that bloom here. It is also known for being praised as “Togenkyo” (Peach Blossom Utopia) by one of Japan’s most famous photographers.

JR Fukushima Station Approx. 15 min by bus or taxi

Access

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4 Miharu Takizakura (Miharu Town) MAP E-3The Miharu Takizakura in Miharu is said to be one of Japan’s three greatest cherry blossom trees. This giant tree is estimated to be more than 1000 years old, and its weeping waterfall-like branches are an amazing spectacle. The illuminations at night should not be missed either.

JR Miharu Station Approx. 20 min by bus or taxi

Access

5 6 5 Kasumigajo Park (Nihonmatsu City) MAP E-3This ancient castle site is located inside a park, which has been well-maintained with footpaths and a tea house which is open seasonally, is known for its bountiful natural scenery. It is also a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring with approximately 4,500 cherry blossom trees.

6 Kannonji-gawa River　 (Inawashiro Town) MAP D-3The Kannonji-gawa River boasts a kilometer of cherry blossom trees lining both sides of its banks. Enjoy the murmur of the stream as you take a stroll through the tunnel created by the cherry blossom tree branches.Access

AccessJR Nihonmatsu Station Approx. 5 min by taxi

JR Kawageta Station Approx. 1 min on foot

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7 Nicchu Railway Line Weeping Cherry Blossom (Kitakata City) MAP C-2The former Nicchu Railway Line has been transformed into a footpath that boasts 1000 beautiful weeping cherry trees, which line the path for 3 km.

JR Kitakata Station Approx. 5 min on foot

Access

8 Ogawasuwa Shrine (Iwaki City) MAP G-5The weeping cherry tree blooming at Ogawasuwa Shrine dates back approximately 500 years. It is illuminated when in full bloom, and large numbers of people come to catch a glimpse of its elegant appearance.

JR Ogawago Station Approx. 20 min on foot

Access

9 Baryo Park (Soma City) MAP G-2The ruins of Nakamura Castle are located within this park. In springtime, more than 600 cherry blossom trees flower in the park. Take a stroll among the cherry blossoms to full enjoy the coming of spring.

JR Soma Station Approx. 15 min on foot

Access

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Plants and flowers flourish in Fukushima during summer. Summers in Fukushima welcome visitors coming to enjoy outdoor activities such as a trips to the beaches and trekking in the prefecture’s mountains.

Summer10 Sannokura Plateau Sunflower Field　 (Kitakata City) MAP C-2In summer, one of the largest sunflower fields in the Tohoku region spreads across the ski slopes of Sannokura ski resort. Overlooking the Aizu basin, the beauty of the sea of sunflowers against the beautiful landscape below is breathtaking.

Fruit-pickingYou can experience harvesting a variety of fruit, including peaches, pears, grapes, and apples throughout the year in Fukushima. In particular, Prefectural Route 5, running through Fukushima City and familiarly known as the “Fruit Line,” is a popular area among visitors for picking a variety of fruit.

12 Enzoji Temple 　 (Yanaizu Town) MAP C-3This ancient temple was built approximately 1200 years ago by the noted high priest Tokuichi Daishi. According to legend, when the temple was being built, a red cow appeared out of nowhere to help carry construction materials. This became the origin of the Aizu region’s folk toy, “Akabeko.”

11 Hinoemata Kabuki (Hinoemata Village) MAP A-5

This traditional kabuki play has been passed down through generations in Hinoemata Village for more than 270 years. The stage stands within the grounds of the area’s tutelary shrine, and the actors in this precious rustic performing art are all local villagers.

JR Kitakata Station Approx. 30 min by bus or taxi

Access

JR Aizu-Yanaizu Station Approx. 10 min on foot

Access Aizu Railway Line

Aizukogen-Ozeguchi Station Approx. 1 hour and

10 min by bus

Access

AKABEKO

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13 Soma Nomaoi Festival (Soma City, Minamisoma City) MAP G-2Horsemen clad in samurai armor participate in horse races, flag-catching competitions, and other performances at this festival. Local samurai culture has been passed down through generations for over a millennium thanks to Soma Nomaoi Festival.

14 Samurai Armor Experience　 (Minamisoma City) MAP G-2At the Nomaoi-dori Meijokan, which displays Soma Nomaoi artifacts and offers sightseeing information, you can also experience wearing a suit of samurai armor. Transform into a fierce samurai warrior and get an up-close feel for the history of Soma Nomaoi. (Fee and reservation required)

15 Aquamarine Fukushima 　 (Iwaki City) MAP G-6This experience-centered environmental aquarium offers engaging and fun ways to learn about the oceans. It houses a large tank themed on the currents of the Pacific Ocean, and also includes one of the world’s largest touch pools, where you can get up-close and personal with sea creatures.

JR Izumi Station Approx. 15 min by bus

Access

16 Oze National Park (Hinoemata Village) MAP A-6

Lake Ozenuma, Ozegahara Marshland, and Mt. Hiuchigatake can all be found here in one of Japan’s largest high-altitude moors where natural scenery spreads bountifully. Enjoy the spectacular views of rolling fields of Nikko day lillies and other flowers.

Aizu Railway Line Aizukogen-Ozeguchi Station Approx. 2 hours by bus

Access (to Numayama Pass)

JR Haranomachi Station Approx. 10 min by bus or taxi

Access (to the Hibarigahara festival grounds)

AccessJR Haranomachi Station Approx. 20 min on foot

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Fall is the season to enjoy sights of leaves tinted with red and yellow, blowing in the crisp breeze as you breathe in the fresh air. With its comfortable climate and seasonally clear skies, Fukushima is the perfect place to enjoy the mountains, temples, and shrines adorned in beautiful autumnal leaves.

17 Bandai-Azuma Skyline (Fukushima City) MAP D-2

The Bandai-Azuma Skyline is a sightseeing road that passes through the Azuma mountain range, at an average elevation of 1350 m. There are numerous spectacular views along the road, and the autumnal leaves are particularly breathtaking.Fall

JR Fukushima Station Approx. 45 min by rental car

Access (to Jododaira)

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20 Shingu Kumano Shrine Nagatoko　 (Kitakata City) MAP C-2The hall of worship at Shingu Kumano Shrine Nagatoko, which dates back to the 11th century, is a nationally-designated Important Cultural Property. In fall, the leaves of the ginkgo trees color the entire grounds in a yellow carpet.

JR Kitakata Station Approx. 15 min by taxi

Access

18 Nakakamado Weeping Maple Tree　 (Iwaki City) MAP F-6The twists and turns of the trunk of this giant Japanese maple tree create this botanically-rare shape. This tree has been nationally designated as a Natural Monument.

19 Byobuiwa Crags (Minamiaizu Town) MAP B-5This uniquely shaped rock was shaped over many years by the rapid flow of the river. The white of the steep cliff-face and the blue of the water are contrasted beautifully by the autumnal leaves, which offer impressive views for your enjoyment.

JR Izumi Station Approx. 10 min by taxi

Access

Aizu Railway Line Aizukogen-Ozeguchi Station Approx. 1 hour by bus

Access

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21 Mt. Adatara (Nihonmatsu City) MAP E-2This 1700 m mountain sits within Bandai-Asahi National Park. Its gentle slopes put even novice mountain climbers at ease. The mountain is home to a bounty of alpine plants and its autumnal leaves are spectacular.

JR Nihonmatsu Station Approx. 50 min by bus

Access (to the Okudake climbing entrance)

22 Shiramizu Amidado Temple (Iwaki City) MAP G-5This Buddhist temple built in 1160 has been designated as a National Treasure. Surrounded by an elegant garden, the ginkgo and Japanese maples offer stunning views of autumnal leaves in the fall.

23 Nanko Park (Shirakawa City) MAP D-5This park, established in 1801, is said to be Japan’s oldest park. Cherry blossom, pines, and maple trees have been planted along the lakeside offering beautiful scenery that can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons.

JR Shin-Shirakawa Station Approx. 10 min by bus

Access

JR Uchigo Station Approx. 25 min by bus

Access

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SkiingIn Fukushima Prefecture, there are 22 ski resorts, mainly in the Aizu area. The slopes, which boast fluffy powder snow, offer a variety of courses and skill levels to suit everyone from beginner to advanced skiers and even those who come as a family.

Snowshoe TrekkingWalk on frozen lakes, deep into the forest, and other locations that can only be reached in the winter while wearing snowshoes and take in the picturesque scenery.

24 Takayu Onsen (Fukushima City) MAP E-2The milky white water with a sulfuric aroma has been used as an onsen since ancient times for its medicinal properties. There is a constant water flow directly from the hot spring source to the onsen, and no water is added.

Fukushima’s winters can be harsh, but have their own unique charms. Enjoy the beauty of the land blanketed with white, and make the most of the snowy weather by trying out snow-related activities in Fukushima, such as skiing and snowshoe trekking.

Winter

JR Fukushima Station Approx. 40 min by bus

Access

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25 Ouchi-juku (Shimogo Town) MAP C-4The traditional townscape of this post town has been preserved as it would have been in the Edo period. More than 30 buildings, complete with thatched rooves, stand, line the street. They house souvenir shops and restaurants.

Aizu Railway Line Yunokami Onsen Station Approx. 15 min by bus or taxi

Access

27 Shirakawa Komine Castle (Shirakawa City) MAP D-5This castle, with its beautiful rock wall and sanju-yagura (three-story turret) construction, was almost entirely destroyed by wars, but it has been restored to its former glory thanks to the existence of the castle’s original blueprints. It is one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles.

26 Tadami River Bridge No. 1 Viewpoint (Mishima Town) MAP B-3The local train line running through the pure white mountains covered in snow is famous as a magnificent sight attracting tourists from around the world.

Access

JR Shirakawa Station Approx. 7 min on foot

JR Aizu-Miyashita Station Approx. 5 min by taxi

Access

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To Sendai

To Yonezawa

To Niigata

To Koide

To Niigata

To Asakusa To Tokyo To Mito To Mito

Tamakawa I.C.Tamakawa I.C.

Tohoku-chuo ExpresswayTohoku-chuo Expressway

Minamisoma I.C.

Fukushima-nishi I.C.

Soma I.C.

Iwaki-Yumoto I.C.

Nihonmatsu I.C.

Koriyama J.C.T.Koriyama J.C.T.

Shirakawa I.C.Shirakawa I.C.

Koriyama I.C.Koriyama I.C.

Iwaki J.C.T.

Funehiki-Miharu I.C.Funehiki-Miharu I.C.

Ono I.C.

InawashiroBandaikogen I.C.

Lake Hibara

Lake Inawashiro

Aizuwakamatsu I.C.Aizuwakamatsu I.C.

Fukushima J.C.T.

JR To

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JR To

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Toho

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Abuku

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Abuku

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Fukushima Airport

Abukum a Kog

en Road

Tohoku-chuo Expressway

JR Tadami Line

JR Ban'etsu East Line

JR Joban Line

Joban Expressway

JR Suigun Line

Ban'etsu Expressway

Aizu Railway Line

Yagan Railway Aizu-Kinugawa Line

Fukushima Kotsu Iizaka Line

JR Yamagata Shinkansen Line

Ban'etsu Expressway

JR Ban'etsu West Line

JR Ou Line

Ashinomaki Onsen Station

Yunokami Onsen Station

Aizukogen-Ozeguchi Station

Aizukogen-Ozeguchi Station

Iwaki StationIwaki Station

Ogawago StationOgawago Station

Natsui StationNatsui Station

Shin-Shirakawa StationShin-Shirakawa Station

Yumoto StationYumoto Station

Izumi StationIzumi Station

Uchigo StationUchigo Station

Fukushima Station

Koriyama Station

Shirakawa Station

Inawashiro Station

Kawageta Station

Kawageta Station

Tadami StationTadami Station

Aizu-Kawaguchi StationAizu-Kawaguchi Station

Aizu-Wakamatsu StationAizu-Wakamatsu Station

Soma StationSoma Station

Haranomachi StationHaranomachi Station

Namie StationNamie Station

Tomioka StationTomioka Station

Nihonmatsu StationNihonmatsu Station

Aizu-Yanaizu StationAizu-Yanaizu Station

Aizu-Miyashita StationAizu-Miyashita Station

Kitakata StationKitakata Station

Miharu Station

Closed sectionRail replacement bus service section

*As of March 2019*As of March 2019Traveling in Fukushima Prefecture

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*The positions, scale, and required times listed on the map are estimations.

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Access to Fukushima Prefecture

Sendai

Soma

Iwaki

Koriyama

Shirakawa

Niigata

Yamagata

FukushimaAizu-Wakamatsu

JR Tadami Line

Yagan Railway (Aizu-Kinugawa Line)

JR Tohoku Line

JR Joban Line

JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line

Tobu Railway

Sendai

Ashinomaki Onsen

Yunokami Onsen

Aizu-Tajima

Aizukogen-Ozeguchi

Kinugawa Onsen

Kasukabe

Shin-Shirakawa

Tokyo

Tobu Nikko

Iizaka Onsen

Miharu

Inawashiro

Mito

Kitasenju

AsakusaUeno

Iwaki

Koriyama

Yonezawa

Yamagata

Fukushima

Nishi-Wakamatsu

Aizu-Wakamatsu

Kitakata

Aizu-Kawaguchi

JR Ban'etsu West Line

Closed Sections

*Rail replacement bus service in operation between Aizu-Kawaguchi Station and Tadami Station

Watari

Tadami

Niigata

Omiya

JR Tadami Line between Aizu-Kawaguchi Station and Tadami Station

JR Joban Line between Tomioka Station and Namie Station

Tomioka

Namie

Haranomachi

Soma

*Rail replacement bus service operates over a portion of the closed section of the JR Joban Line

*As of March 2019

Railway

Expressway

JR Tohoku Shinkansen LineApprox. 20 min

JR Tohoku Shinkansen LineApprox. 1.5 hours

Tohoku ExpresswayApprox. 1 hour

Tohoku ExpresswayApprox. 3 hours

AirplaneApprox. 10 hours

Approx. 11 hours

Sydney,Australia

Los Angeles, USA

Approx. 11 hoursLondon,UK

Tokyo

TokyoFukushima

JR RailwayShinkansen LineExpressway

Sendai

Tokyo

Sendai

Tokyo

Fukushima Prefecture Tourism & Local Products Association https://www.tif.ne.jp/lang/en/

TEL: (+81) 24-525-4024 E-mail: i-info@tif.ne.jpCorasse Fukushima 7th Fl. 1-20 Mikawaminami-machi, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, 960-8053

Rail LineMap JR Yamagata

Shinkansen LineFukushima

Kotsu (Iizaka Line)

Abukuma Express Line

Aizu Railway (Aizu Line)

JR Ban'estu East Line

JR Ou Line

Tokyo

London,UK

Los Angeles,USA

Sydney,Australia

JR Suigun Line

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