Fukushima Prefecture is a hidden gem in Japan, and it is a place you don’t want to miss out on if you want to experience Japan outside of the main tourist spots such as Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto. With its scenic landscapes and rich culture, this prefecture is one of the best places to visit. There are many interesting and exciting things to do in Fukushima Prefecture. If you’re looking for a new place to visit in Japan, then this is it!
The most popular activity in Fukushima Prefecture is visiting the Aizu region for hot springs and onsen. The produce of the Aizu region, such as bamboo shoots, matsutake mushrooms, and chestnuts are also famous and easily enjoyed here, but there is so much more to found and enjoyed in this prefecture. We also have a list of 10 things you can do in Fukushima prefecture that range from eating delicious food or exploring the natural scenery to exploring old cities and visiting an onsen resort!
Table of Contents
1. Visit Fukushima Prefectural Museum of Art
The museum has an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures from the Edo period. The building itself is a piece of art as it showcases modern architecture on one side and traditional Japanese architecture on the other.
Address: 〒960-8003 Fukushima, Moriai, Nishiyozan, １番地
Website: https://art-museum.fcs.ed.jp/
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 9: 30-17: 00 (Last admission until 16:30)
2. Mt. Iwatsuno
Mt. Iwatsuno is a very old volcano. It last erupted 700 years ago, but is still considered active due to its age. Geologists are not sure if or when it will erupt again, but they are certain that Mt. Iwatsuno is the culprit behind the 1602 eruption of Miyakejima, which killed an estimated 10,000 people in just one night!
Mt. Iwatsuno is a mountain in the Kanto region of Japan. It is the second highest mountain in the Kanto region after Mt. Fuji, and it is located within the Okutama Mountains. Mt. Iwatsuno has an elevation of 1,253 meters above sea level and is a popular destination for hikers so if you enjoy the outdoors, Mt. Iwatsuno is a great destination!
Address: Higashiyaguchi 84, Wada, Motomiya City, Fukushima Pref. 969-1205
3. Visit Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle and learn more about the history of the Aizu domain
Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle is a tourist attraction that has been preserved from the time of the Aizu domain. It was built in 1627 and it has been designated as a national treasure. Visitors can admire the castle and learn more about the history of this domain. Aizu was an important castle town in the Edo period. The Aizu clan established the castle town in 1678, after they found gold in the area, and it became a thriving center for commerce and culture.
Address: Tsuruga-jō, 1-1 Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima 965-0873
Website: https://www.tsurugajo.com/turugajo/shiro-top.html
Hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (The deadline for entering the castle is 4:30)
4. Walk around the historic towns of Koriyama and Motomiya
Koriyama and Motomiya are two towns that are located in the Fukushima Prefecture. These towns are situated on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, which gives it a beautiful view. Make sure you visit Koriyama Castle, which is a must-see for anyone visiting this area!
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5. Visit Iwaki Yumoto Onsen and enjoy a relaxing dip
Iwaki Yumoto Onsen is the perfect place to take a dip in some hot water. This onsen can be found in Iwaki city, Fukushima Prefecture. It’s one of the oldest onsens in Japan and features a historic bath house with stunning scenery. Visitors can enjoy a traditional Japanese bath with high-quality natural spring water that flows from an old stone pipe.
Address: Tennozaki 92 Joban Yumoto-machi, Iwaki City, Fukushima Pref. 972-8321
Website: https://iwakiyumoto.or.jp/en/
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6. Shop for Souvenirs and Gifts at Nanokamachi-dori Street
Nanokamachi-dori Street is a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts. You can find everything from traditional Japanese items such as kimonos, to snacks and sweets, to all sorts of toys. After browsing through the many shops on Nanokamachi-dori Street, you’ll be sure to find something for everyone on your list including yourself!
Address: 2 Nanokamachi, Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima 965-0044
Website: https://nanuka-machi.jp/
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7. Go see the beautiful Sakura, Miharu Takizakura in Miharu
The cherry blossoms tree, Miharu Takizakura, is one of the most famous cherry blossom tree in Japan. Every year from March to April, people from all over the world come to see this beautiful sight. If you can visit during sakura hanami, it is not a sight to miss!
Address: Sakurakubo-115 Taki, Miharu, Tamura District, Fukushima 963-7714
Website: http://miharukoma.com/experience/183
Hours: 6:00 to 18:00
8. Tatsusawa Fudotaki Recreation Forest
Tatsusawa Fudotaki Recreation Forest is a 5,000 acre forest in the Tatsusawa Hot Spring village. It’s a great place to go hiking, see waterfalls, visit temples, or go skiing nearby with your family or friends you can even have a picnic or camp out. This is the perfect spot for an outdoor adventure in this rural setting.
Address: Kogai, Inawashiro Town, Fukushima Prefecture
Website: https://www.rinya.maff.go.jp/e/national_forest/recreation_forest/tatsusawa.html
9. Visit the memorial for victims of the 2011 disaster in Okuma
The disaster in Okuma, Japan is one of the most infamous nuclear disasters in recent history. On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9 earthquake caused a tsunami that resulted in the meltdown of three reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. In the aftermath of this disaster, a memorial was built to commemorate lost lives. The memorial commemorates not just the lives lost in the accident but also those who have been impacted by the effects of it.
Address: 〒979-1401 Fukushima, Futaba District, Futaba, Nakano, Takada−39
Website: https://www.fipo.or.jp/lore/en
Hours:Wednesday-Monday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (last entry: 4:30 pm)
10. Indulge in Kitakata Ramen
This is the specialty of Kitakata City, this ramen noodle ranks amongst Japan’s most famous types of noodles, alongside those from Sapporo and Hakata. Served in a refreshing soy sauce soup, this is a simple dish consisting of thick noodles with slices of pork, bamboo shoots, and spring onions. Kitakata is a ramen lovers’ paradise. The city offers some irresistibly hearty dishes to tantalize your taste buds. Look no further than Kitakata City’s 120 ramen establishments for some delightful noodle dishes!
Conclusion – The 10 Best Things to do in Fukushima Prefecture
Visiting Fukushima Prefecture in Japan is a place often overlooked when by travelers, but it has a lot to offer. It is a place with much to see and do. There are many temples, shrines, and other places of interest to visit. The people are kind and welcoming. It would be a shame to miss out on all the great things to enjoy in this wonderful region of Japan.
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Matt Heron
With an unending fascination for the nuances of Japanese culture, Matt is a Canadian who's been exploring the Japanese countryside and experiencing Japanese daily life. With long-term plans to stay in Japan he started SpringSakura.com and has taken particular interest in traditional craftworks and sharing real Japan with others. .
