Fukushima Travel Guide for Japanese Learners
Samurai history, hot springs, and fruit orchards in a large, scenic prefecture.
Fukushima offers the well-preserved samurai town of Aizu-Wakamatsu, thatched post-town villages, and excellent peaches and sake. The Aizu region is especially rich in history.
History & background
Fukushima's (福島) Aizu (会津) region was a loyal samurai stronghold; the Byakkotai (白虎隊) young warriors and Tsuruga Castle (鶴ヶ城) are central to its Boshin War history.
What to see
- Tsuruga Castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu
- Ouchi-juku — thatched-roof post town
- Goshiki-numa volcanic lakes
- Spa Resort Hawaiians
What to eat
Kitakata ramen and local sake are regional stars.
Getting there & when to go
Getting there: Kōriyama/Fukushima are ~1h20m–1h40m from Tokyo by Tōhoku Shinkansen.
Best time: Summer for peaches; autumn for foliage around the Aizu lakes.
When to go — season by season
Summer is peach season; autumn turns the Bandai (磐梯) highlands and Goshiki-numa (五色沼) lakes vivid. Winter is for Aizu's sake and snow, and spring is gentle and blossom-filled.
A suggested visit
Base in Aizu-Wakamatsu (会津若松) for the castle and samurai sites, then ride the scenic line to the thatched post town of Ouchi-juku (大内宿) for negi-soba eaten with a leek.
At Ouchi-juku, try the negi-soba — eaten using a whole leek as a 'chopstick'.
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