Fukushima Prefecture is far more than the story the world knows. This vast, beautiful region — Japan’s third largest prefecture — is home to stunning national parks, award-winning sake, the sweetest peaches in Japan, and a warm, proud people rebuilding and thriving.
Top Attractions
1. Urabandai & Lake Hibara
The Urabandai plateau is one of Tohoku’s natural treasures — a landscape of over 300 lakes and marshes created by a volcanic eruption in 1888. In autumn, the reflections of crimson maples in the still lakes are simply breathtaking.
2. Tsurugajo Castle
The iconic white castle of Aizu-Wakamatsu is one of Japan’s most historically significant. The Aizu region has a proud samurai heritage, and the castle town tells the dramatic story of the Boshin War with passion and detail.
3. Ouchi-juku
A remarkably preserved post town from the Edo period, Ouchi-juku looks frozen in time — a single thatched-roof road through a mountain valley. It’s one of Japan’s most photogenic historic villages.
Food & Drink
Fukushima’s peaches are considered the finest in Japan. The region also produces outstanding sake, and Kitakata Ramen — flat, wavy noodles in a soy-pork broth — is one of Japan’s three great ramen styles.
Getting There
From Tokyo, the Tohoku Shinkansen reaches Fukushima City in about 90 minutes.
