Enjoy all the charm of sightseeing in Fukushima Prefecture! A complete guide to history and gastronomy

Thorough explanation of the charm of Fukushima Prefecture! Kasumi, a Japanese national travel writer, passionately talks about 5 must-see spots

Atmosphere of Fukushima Prefecture – Unforgettable scenery and encounters

The beauty of nature in Fukushima

I often travel all over Japan, but the natural beauty of Fukushima Prefecture left a particularly strong impression on me. In autumn, the mountains are colored with autumn leaves, and in spring, cherry blossoms dye the roads pink. In particular, the scenery of Lake Hibara is breathtakingly beautiful, making it one of the most unforgettable places to visit.

traditional culture and history

Fukushima Prefecture has a long history. When I visited Tsuruga Castle in Aizuwakamatsu City, I was deeply moved by its deep history and tradition. You can learn more about the history of the Boshin War and the culture of the area through the exhibits at the castle museum and listening to the stories of the guides. Aizu is also rich in traditional handicrafts and food culture, and you can have experiences that can only be tasted locally.

Healed by hot springs

Speaking of Fukushima Prefecture, you can’t miss hot springs. When I visited Iizaka Onsen, I was healed by the quality of the hot springs and the beauty of the surrounding nature. Iizaka Onsen is easily accessible from the Kanto region and can be reached in a few hours from the city center, so you can easily refresh yourself. In particular, the atmosphere of the hot spring town has the charm of being able to feel the atmosphere of old Japan, and once you go there, you will want to come back again.

Local production for local consumption in Fukushima Prefecture

The trend of “local production for local consumption” is gaining momentum throughout Japan, and Fukushima Prefecture also values this trend. I was able to purchase fresh vegetables and fruits at a farmer’s market in Fukushima City. I was surprised by its taste and freshness. Locally produced ingredients reflect the climate and climate of the land, and many of them have a deep flavor.

Average length of stay and charm of Fukushima Prefecture

The average length of stay for travelers visiting Fukushima Prefecture is said to be about 3.5 days. This number also suggests that it is difficult to fully enjoy the many attractions Fukushima has to offer in a short stay. In addition to sightseeing spots, you can feel the charm of the area more deeply by interacting with local people and coming into contact with everyday scenery.

Fukushima’s Local Gourmet Food – Satisfy Your Mind and Body

Taste of Aizu Jidori

“Aizu free-range chicken” is famous as a special product of the Aizu region. This chicken has firm meat and a juicy taste. I have eaten “Aizu chicken yakitori” in Fukushima prefecture, and I was deeply moved by its deep flavor. In particular, it goes perfectly with the local sauce, and we recommend pairing it with sake.

Fukushima white peach – sweet and juicy

Speaking of fruit that represents Fukushima in summer, it is still “Fukushima white peach”. I have tasted peaches in many prefectures in the past, but the ones from Fukushima are particularly sweet and filling. It contains plenty of fruit juice, so when you take a bite, the juice spreads in your mouth.

Negi Soba – Soul Food of Fukushima

“Negi soba” is very popular in Fukushima prefecture, and its simple yet unique flavor is attractive. I repeat the soba with a large amount of green onions on it. In particular, the green onion soba at Yamagataya, a long-established store loved by locals, is exquisite. Please stop by when you travel.

Aizu Sake – Deep flavor and tradition

Fukushima Prefecture is also known as a production area of Japanese sake. Especially in the Aizu region, the tradition of sake brewing has been handed down from ancient times. I have tried a brand of sake called “Aizu Musume” and was surprised by its delicate flavor and depth.

Bonding with Locals – Best Memories of Your Trip

warmth of the locals

Traveling all over Japan, I was particularly struck by the warmth of the people of Fukushima Prefecture. When I get lost or when I ask for recommended sightseeing spots, the locals are always kind enough to tell me. Meeting them was the best memory of my trip.

Participate in local events

Fukushima Prefecture has many local events and festivals. When I participated in the Fukushima Waraji Festival, I had the experience of dancing and eating together with the local people. This was the moment when I felt the true charm of Fukushima, which is not found in travel guidebooks.

local hospitality

I felt that the hospitality of the accommodations and restaurants in Fukushima Prefecture is particularly high. Especially at “Fukushima Hotel”, everything from the cuisine using local ingredients, the comfort of the room, to the staff’s hospitality, was the best. I realized that the warmth of the local people is reflected in the service.

The appeal of Fukushima lies not only in its nature, gourmet food, and history, but also in its bonds with the local people. If you are reading this article, please visit Fukushima Prefecture and see its charms with your own eyes. I, Kasumi, felt that Fukushima was a very special place during my travels around the country.

Expectations for the Future – Eternal Bonds with Fukushima Prefecture

Future prospects for tourism in Fukushima Prefecture

The tourism industry in Fukushima Prefecture is growing year by year, and the number of visitors is also increasing. According to the latest statistics, the number of tourists to Fukushima Prefecture has increased by 5% year-on-year. This is probably the result of local efforts and the development of attractive tourism resources. It is expected that Fukushima Prefecture will continue to cherish its beautiful nature, history, and connections with the local people, leading to further tourism promotion.

My thoughts on Fukushima

While traveling around the country, I feel a special bond with Fukushima Prefecture. Beautiful scenery, delicious food, warm people… Fukushima has endless charms. No matter how many times I visit, there are new discoveries, and the land of Fukushima always gives me new inspiration.

Recommended ways to enjoy Fukushima

For those who are planning a trip to Fukushima Prefecture, I would like to deepen exchanges with the local people and enjoy the characteristics of each region. For example, you can experience nature with all five senses, such as having a picnic at Azuma Park in Fukushima City, boating on Lake Inawashiro, or hiking on Mt. Bandai. We also recommend enjoying regional menus at local restaurants.

Shout out to the future of Fukushima

Fukushima Prefecture has overcome the difficulties of the past and is showing a new brilliance today. Fukushima’s challenges for the future are also a great attraction for us travelers. I sincerely hope that Fukushima Prefecture will continue to spread its beautiful scenery, culture, and the warmth of its people to the world and achieve further development.

Expectations for the Future – Eternal Bonds with Fukushima Prefecture

Finally – cheers for the future of Fukushima

Fukushima Prefecture has overcome the difficulties of the past and is showing a new brilliance today. Fukushima’s challenges for the future are also a great attraction for us travelers. I sincerely hope that Fukushima Prefecture will continue to spread its beautiful scenery, culture, and the warmth of its people to the world and achieve further development.

This concludes our article on the charms of Fukushima Prefecture. As Kasumi, a travel web writer, I am happy that I was able to share with you the splendor of Fukushima, which I felt through my experiences traveling around Japan.

Please visit Fukushima Prefecture and experience its charm for yourself. Memories of a wonderful trip are surely waiting for you.

Stay tuned for the next article. We wish you a safe and enjoyable trip!

Historical building chosen by Kasumi

Fukushima Prefecture is a region that strongly reflects Japanese history and culture, and is dotted with many historical buildings. This time, we will pick up and introduce five historical buildings that we feel have particularly high “kasumi points”.

Aizu Bukeyashiki (Aizuwakamatsu City)

The Aizu Bukeyashiki, which reminds us of the life of the samurai in the past, is a building that still retains the beauty and atmosphere of an old-fashioned Japanese house.

Kasumi Point: In this mansion, you can learn about the lifestyle and historical background of those days. The seasonal garden is also one of the highlights.

Tsuruga Castle (Aizuwakamatsu City)

Tsuruga Castle, which is a symbol of Fukushima Prefecture, is also highly regarded as a Japanese castle.

Kasumi Point: It is known not only for its majestic stone walls and castle tower, but also for the beauty of the scenery from inside the castle and the four seasons.

Kurokawa Family Residence (Kitakata City)

Known as the former home of a wealthy merchant, this building is famous as the oldest wooden building in Fukushima Prefecture.

Kasumi Point: The interior of the house and the garden are places where you can feel the life and culture of that time.

Goshikizuka Tumulus (Ishikawa Town)

This burial mound, steeped in ancient history, is one of the largest in Fukushima Prefecture.

Kasumi Point: You can learn about the lifestyle and beliefs of the time from the shape of the burial mound, the stone chamber, and the excavated items.

Ohama Church (Iwaki City)

This church, which features European-style architecture, is a place where you can feel the history of Christianity in Fukushima Prefecture.

Kasumi Point: The beautiful stained glass and interior decorations of the church have a charm that draws the attention of the viewer.

These buildings are places where you can enjoy the history, background and beauty of each. When you visit Fukushima Prefecture, please visit these buildings and feel the deep history and culture.