Located in the Tohoku region, Fukushima Prefecture boasts a wealth of natural beauty, including ocean, mountains, and lakes, as well as historical architecture, hot springs, and local specialties. It’s packed with lots of attractions! With just a 1.5-hour Shinkansen train ride from Tokyo, access is remarkably convenient.
Here are some scenic spots and popular tourist destinations along the Tadami Line railway, which runs through Fukushima Prefecture, and highlights around the city of Aizuwakamatsu, one of Fukushima’s must-visit areas.
Historic Castle Town of Aizuwakamatsu Aizuwakamatsu Area As one of Fukushima Prefecture’s most iconic tourist destinations, this historic castle town is rich in tradition. Wander through its streets and experience the charm of its centuries-old buildings and authentic atmosphere.
Tsurugajo Castle
As a symbol of Aizuwakamatsu City, this white-walled castle with its striking red-tiled roof is stunning. Take in the panoramic views of the city from the castle tower, while the folk museum inside the tower unveils the region’s history. The surrounding park hosts seasonal events and provides fine views, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
Access
Aizu-Wakamatsu Sta. → 20 min by bus → Tsurugajo Nishiguchi bus stop → 7 min walk
This street is lined with traditional warehouses and western-style buildings, preserving the charm of the past. Here, you can discover unique Aizuwakamatsu souvenirs and try delicious local cuisine.
Access
Nanukamachi Sta. → 5 min walk
Suehiro Sake Brewery Kaeikura
Using Aizu’s pure water and rice, this brewery continues to craft sake by hand, known for its deep flavor and rich aroma.
The brewery hosts free guided tours every hour (10AM–last tour at 4PM).
Relax at the Brewery Café Rest and relax at a unique café with a charming space where you can sip coffee brewed with sake-making water or indulge in cakes made with daiginjo sake.
Sake Brewery Café Kyo https://suehiro-kyo.com/
Business hours
9:30–16:30
Regular holiday
Second Wednesday of the month, December 31, January 1
Founded in 1772, this long-established candle shop is renowned for its intricately designed candles, crafted using traditional techniques passed down since its founding and featuring motifs such as chrysanthemums and peonies. Visitors can purchase these candles and also try their hand at candle painting (reservations required).
A long-established miso specialty shop.
Try the local delicacy “Miso Dengaku,” where ingredients like konjac, mochi rice cake, or taro are coated in a secret miso sauce and grilled over an irori sunken hearth. The combination of the miso’s aroma and the ingredients’ natural flavors is truly mouthwatering!
Aizu’s local specialty, “Sauce Katsudon,” gets a unique twist here with an original recipe that simmers the pork cutlet in a flavorful sauce and finishes it with egg. This dish was invented by the founder of Nakajima and is a must-try!
Business hours
Weekdays: 11:00–14:30, 17:30–20:30
Weekends and Holidays: 11:00–15:00, 17:30–20:30
With over 140 years of history, this restaurant specializes in authentic Aizu regional cuisine. Dine in a traditional setting and savor local delicacies such as kozuyu soup, herring dishes, and the rare Aizu beef.
A nostalgic village featuring traditional thatched-roof houses. The view from the observation deck is stunning, especially in winter when the snow blankets the area. Don’t miss trying the unique “Negi Soba,” where you eat soba noodles using a leek as chopsticks!
Access
Aizu-Wakamatsu Sta. → 35 min by train → Yunokami Onsen Sta. → 20 min by bus
Learn about the traditional red Akabeko figurine, a wooden craft symbolizing health in Aizu. This facility offers Akabeko painting workshops and souvenirs.
Access
JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Sta. → 5 min by “Haikara-san” or “Akabe” bus → Iimoriyama-shita → 5 min walk
Built in 1796, this nationally designated Important Cultural Property is a unique wooden temple resembling a spiral seashell. Its double-helix structure allows visitors to ascend and descend without crossing paths. It’s considered one of the world’s rare architectural marvels!
Access
R Aizu-Wakamatsu Sta. → the “Haikara-san” or “Akabe” bus (5 min) → Iimoriyama-shita → 5 min walk
At the heart of this village stands the 57-meter-tall pink Aizu Jibo Kannon statue, surrounded by a 20-hectare garden. Visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers, a three-story pagoda, and serene ponds, creating a quintessentially Japanese scenery.
Access
Aizu-Wakamatsu Sta. → 5 min walk → Wakamatsu Sta. Bus Terminal → 30 min by bus → Aizumura → 1 min walk
I am Sana, born in Tokyo. I love travelling, dancing, drinking, very spicy food, sauna, thrill rides at amusement parks, camera, and monozukuri(handcraft), which tells me that I am curious about many things. There are more than 1,500 spots/places on my travel bucket list. I am going to provide information while enjoying myself!
The surrounding park hosts seasonal events and provides fine views, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
