Kitakata ramen喜多方ラーメン
Flat, curly noodles in a light soy broth; Kitakata locals famously eat it for breakfast.
Tohoku
Fukushima Travel Guide
Local tips, regional food and places off the tourist trail
Tohoku’s southernmost prefecture, with the samurai city of Aizu-Wakamatsu, the thatched post town of Ouchi-juku, and the lakes and ponds of Urabandai around Mount Bandai.
Open Fukushima on the map44 places on the map · 12 local favourites
Local tips
- TipFukushima has three distinct areas: the coast (Hamadori), the shinkansen corridor (Nakadori) and the mountainous Aizu region.
- TipReach Aizu from Koriyama on the JR Ban’etsu West Line; Ouchi-juku needs the Aizu Railway plus a bus or taxi.
- Heads upAizu gets heavy snow, and scenic mountain roads like the Bandai-Azuma Skyline close in winter.
- DoWalk the short trail around Goshikinuma, a group of ponds in shades of blue and green at Urabandai.
- TipHidden gem: the JR Tadami Line, whose riverside bridges and snowy valleys are loved by photographers.
What to eat
Negi soba (leek soba)ねぎそば
Ouchi-juku’s soba, eaten with a whole green onion instead of chopsticks.
Momo (peaches)桃
Fukushima is known for sweet, juicy peaches in summer, sold fresh at farm stands.
Local favourites
Places mostly visited by people who live here — quieter, and often the highlight of a trip.
Fukushima Inari Shrine
福島稲荷神社 Temples & GoshuinchoNeighbourhood shrine in central Fukushima city with a lively autumn festival and many seasonal goshuin designs.
● Mostly localsKaiseizan Shrine
Temples & GoshuinchoKaiseizan Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, known as a lesser-known gem worth visiting in the region. It offers a peaceful…
● Mostly localsKaiseizan Daijingu
開成山大神宮 Temples & GoshuinchoKoriyama shrine linked to Ise Jingu, set in Kaiseizan Park among cherry trees.
● Mostly localsNozawa Mingei
野沢民芸品製作所 ExperiencesShoppingWorkshop in Aizubange making akabeko, Aizu's red nodding-cow toy said to ward off illness; you can paint your own.
● Mostly localsShioyasaki Lighthouse
塩屋埼灯台 Nature & ScenerySights & HistoryWhite lighthouse on a cliff above the Iwaki coast; you can climb it for wide Pacific views, and the beach below is a pleasant walk.
● Mostly localsIsasumi Shrine
伊佐須美神社 Temples & GoshuinchoAncient head shrine of the Aizu region in Aizumisato, known for its early-summer iris and lotus garden.
● Mostly localsSuzuzen Lacquerware
鈴善漆器店 ShoppingLong-established Aizu lacquerware shop in a historic merchant building, with a gallery of bowls, trays and chopsticks.
● Mostly localsKomine Castle
小峰城 Sights & HistoryShirakawa's castle, with a wooden keep and tall stone walls; beautiful in cherry blossom season.
● Mostly localsIwaki Coal and Fossil Museum Horuru
いわき市石炭・化石館 ほるる ExperiencesIwaki museum with dinosaur and marine-reptile fossils plus a recreated coal mine that tells the story of the Joban coalfield.
● Mostly localsShiramizu Amidado
白水阿弥陀堂 Temples & GoshuinchoNature & SceneryElegant Heian-period Amida hall in Iwaki, a National Treasure standing on an island in a lotus pond.
● Mostly localsEnban Gyoza Manpuku
円盤餃子 満腹 Local FoodFukushima city shop that serves gyoza pan-fried in a big circle like a disc.
● Mostly localsTenkyokaku
天鏡閣 Sights & HistoryWestern-style villa built for an imperial prince on the shore of Lake Inawashiro.
● Mostly localsThe famous sights
The places most visitors come for. Worth it — just go early.
Misawaya, Ouchijuku
三澤屋 Local FoodThatched restaurant in Ouchijuku famous for negi soba, eaten using a long spring onion instead of chopsticks.
Tsurugajo Castle
Sights & HistoryTsurugajo Castle is a iconic castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, known for its striking red-tiled roof and deep samurai history. It stands as one of the…
Takayu Onsen
Hot SpringsNature & SceneryTakayu Onsen is a historic hot spring resort nestled in the mountains of Fukushima Prefecture, renowned for its highly acidic sulfuric waters and scenic forested…
Tsuchiyu Onsen
Hot SpringsTsuchiyu Onsen is a historic hot spring resort town located in Fukushima City, known for its traditional onsen bathing culture and scenic mountain setting. It is one of…
Tsuruga Castle
鶴ヶ城 Sights & HistoryAizu-Wakamatsu's rebuilt castle with red-glazed roof tiles, famous for its siege in the Boshin War.
Souvenirs to bring home
Akabeko red cow toys, Mamador milk-bean sweets and Aizu lacquerware are classic souvenirs.
When to go
October for Urabandai’s autumn colour, summer for peaches, and winter for snowy Ouchi-juku and the Tadami Line if you’re ready for heavy snow.