Explore Fukushima: 23 Popular Sightseeing Spots

Ouchi-juku is a historic post town located along the 130-kilometer Shimotsuke Highway, which once connected Aizu Castle Town and Imaichi in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. This town, the third post station from Aizu Castle, preserves the charming streetscape of the Edo period and has been designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Visitors can step back in time and experience the atmosphere of old Japan. One of the highlights is the Hangetsu Festival held annually on July 2nd, featuring a procession led by a Tengu (a mythical creature) followed by men in white robes and traditional headgear.

To-no-Hetsuri is a stunning natural scenic spot surrounded by majestic landscapes. This 200-meter-long gorge features a series of striking rock formations sculpted over centuries by nature's forces. Designated as a National Natural Monument, it is particularly popular in autumn when the vibrant fall foliage attracts many visitors. The area is equipped with well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of nature. A suspension bridge spanning the cliffs adds an exciting thrill to your visit!

The Goshikinuma Ponds are a stunning cluster of lakes and ponds located in the Urabandai area, formed by the eruption of Mount Bandai in the late 19th century. Each pond displays unique colors caused by underwater minerals and particles. Highlights include the emerald-green Bishamon Pond, the rust-red Aka Pond, the multi-colored Midoro Pond, as well as Benten Pond, Ruri Pond, and Ao Pond. The view of Mount Bandai from Bishamon Pond is particularly iconic and represents the beauty of the Urabandai region. Visitors are captivated by the vibrant and enchanting colors of these ponds.

Hanamiyama Park, located in Fukushima City, has a history dating back to the Taisho era when the Abe family, local sericulture farmers, transformed a hillside near their home by planting various flowering trees. This beautiful park is often referred to as a "paradise" by the renowned Japanese photographer, the late Shotaro Akiyama, who visited it yearly. From March to May, the park is adorned with a vibrant array of blossoms, including plum, cherry, forsythia, flowering quince, Cornus officinalis, magnolia, and peach trees. The entire hill comes alive with colors, making it a must-visit destination. Be prepared for crowds as it’s a highly popular spot!

Tsurugajo Castle, also known as Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle, traces its origins back to 1384 when Ashina Naomori constructed the Higashi-Kurokawa Hall. Renowned as an "impregnable castle," it withstood fierce battles during the Boshin War, including a month-long siege. Though dismantled in 1874, the castle was reconstructed in 1965. In 2011, its distinctive red-tile roof was restored to reflect its appearance during the late Edo period, making it the only castle in Japan with such a feature. The castle now houses a regional history museum, offering a glimpse into the Boshin War and the rich history of Aizu.

Spa Resort Hawaiians is a year-round tropical-themed leisure park featuring six distinct theme zones and utilizing the abundant hot spring waters of Iwaki Yumoto Onsen. Enjoy Japan's first aquarium pool, the nation's longest and steepest body slide, and 11 exciting water slides suitable for both kids and adults. Don’t miss the world’s largest open-air bath and captivating entertainment shows, including performances by the famous "Hula Girls." Perfect for families, this resort promises fun and relaxation in a tropical paradise!

Aqua Marine Fukushima is an environmental aquarium themed around the unique "meeting of currents" where the Kuroshio and Oyashio currents converge off the coast of Fukushima. Its centerpiece is the "Tidal Tank," replicating the natural environments of the Oyashio current from the Sea of Okhotsk and the Kuroshio current from tropical Asia. Visitors can enjoy workshops, behind-the-scenes tours, and interactive programs. At the "Aqua Marine Egg" kids' experience center, you can even fish and cook your own catch! A visit here offers a fun and educational way to learn about the importance of nature and the value of life.

The Abukuma Cave is a stunning limestone cave formed over an incredible 80 million years. Stretching 600 meters in total length, the cave is home to an array of stalactites, considered some of the most varied and abundant in Asia. Highlights include the grand "Takine Palace," the cave's largest chamber spanning three levels, and the enchanting "World of the Moon," the first limestone cave in Japan to feature a theatrical lighting system. Recognized as the first "Lovers' Sanctuary" in the prefecture, the cave is a popular destination for couples, making it a perfect spot for a romantic date.

Miharu Takizakura is a stunning weeping cherry tree over 1,000 years old, designated as a National Natural Monument of Japan. It is one of the "Three Great Cherry Trees of Japan," alongside Neodani Usuzumi Zakura and Yamataka Jindai Zakura. The tree belongs to the Edohigan species with cascading pink branches, standing 13.5 meters tall and having a root circumference of 11.3 meters. Every year from mid to late April, visitors from all over Japan come to admire its breathtaking beauty during the cherry blossom season. Remarkably, this magnificent tree withstood the Great East Japan Earthquake without falling.

Located at the southern base of Mount Bandai, Lake Inawashiro is one of the iconic landmarks of Fukushima Prefecture. It is Japan's fourth-largest lake, following Lake Biwa, Lake Kasumigaura, and Lake Saroma, with a distinctive oval shape and a maximum depth of approximately 94 meters. Known as "Heaven’s Mirror Lake" due to its exceptional water clarity, the lake offers various recreational activities such as swimming and camping at its shores. In winter, visitors can witness around 2,000 swans migrating to the lake and enjoy the natural ice formations known as "splash ice," a spectacular natural phenomenon.

Shiki no Sato is a vast rural park spanning approximately 6 hectares, offering an immersive experience of nature's beauty throughout the seasons. The park features a French formal geometric garden-style circular flower bed, a rose garden with around 200 varieties and 400 rose bushes, and a charming herb garden—perfect for stunning photos to share on social media. Visitors can take a relaxing stroll and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Don’t miss the unique "Sake Lees Gelato" available at the on-site shop!

Experience the charm of medieval England at British Hills, a sprawling 73,000-tsubo (approx. 24 hectares) estate that recreates an authentic British town. The centerpiece is a stately Manor House, surrounded by attractions such as tea rooms, pubs, and 12th to 18th-century-style buildings, offering dining and shopping experiences. For an overnight stay, enjoy the classic guest rooms featuring clawfoot bathtubs, and savor chef-prepared roast beef for dinner. A slice of England, no passport required!

Shingu Kumano Shrine boasts a history of approximately 1,000 years. Its main feature, the Nagatoshi Hall, is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. Built as the worship hall of Kumano Shrine, it showcases the architectural style of aristocratic residences from the Heian period, supported by 44 thick wooden pillars. The open structure, with no walls or doors, creates a breathtakingly spacious atmosphere. The shrine grounds are home to an 800-year-old sacred ginkgo tree. During the autumn foliage season, its golden leaves form a spectacular carpet-like scene, offering a truly unforgettable view.

Built in 1160 (Eiryaku 1), Shiramizu Amida-do is a historic Amida Hall constructed by Tokuhime, the daughter of Fujiwara no Kiyohira, to honor her late husband, Iwaki Norimichi. This elegant building, characterized by its beautifully curved roof, is regarded as one of the finest examples of late Heian-period Amida Hall architecture. It is designated as the only National Treasure building in Fukushima Prefecture. Visitors can enjoy ancient lotus flowers blooming in the Jodo-style garden from mid-July to early September and stunning autumn foliage in the fall.

Located in Misaki Park, which spans approximately 700,000 square meters on the east side of Onahama Port, the Iwaki Marine Tower is a 59.99-meter-tall observation tower. The glass-walled observation room, combined with its striking contrast of blue and white walls, serves as a prominent landmark. Opened on August 1, 1985, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Iwaki City’s incorporation, the tower offers a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view from its rooftop Sky Deck, at an altitude of about 106 meters. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking sights of the Pacific Ocean and the townscape of Onahama.

Built in 1796 (Kansei 8), Aizu Sazae-do is a unique 16.5-meter-tall hexagonal, triple-story temple located on Iimoriyama Hill. It features a rare double-helix slope with statues of the Thirty-Three Kannon (Bodhisattva of Compassion) placed along the path. In the past, visiting this temple was said to fulfill the equivalent of a pilgrimage to all thirty-three Kannon sites. The architecture is also remarkable for its one-way design, where the ascending and descending paths never overlap. Aizu Sazae-do has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Don’t miss the chance to experience its fascinating double-helix staircase!

The Shioyasaki Lighthouse stands proudly on a 73-meter cliff along the Usuiso Coast. Opened in 1899, this white beacon still casts its light up to 40 kilometers offshore, ensuring the safety of passing ships. It is one of only 16 lighthouses in Japan that visitors can climb, and it has been selected as one of the "50 Best Lighthouses in Japan." The lighthouse gained fame through the lyrics of the classic Japanese song Midare Gami, which mentions "Shioya no Misaki." A monument dedicated to the song is located in the square at the lighthouse's entrance, affectionately earning it the nickname "Hibari Lighthouse."

Kasumigajo Park is located within the historic ruins of Nihonmatsu Castle, once the main stronghold of the Nihonmatsu Domain. The park's iconic Minowa Gate, reconstructed in 1982, serves as its symbol. The park is renowned for its approximately 2,500 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, which create a breathtaking "mist-like" scenery when in full bloom. It has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites. During peak bloom, the Kasumigajo Park Cherry Blossom Festival is held, featuring spectacular night illuminations. In autumn, the park hosts one of Japan's largest chrysanthemum festivals, the "Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Figures Festival." Visitors can enjoy vibrant chrysanthemum displays, including the world's largest "Senrinzaki" (a thousand blooms on a single plant) and the world's first "Three-Color Senrinzaki," amid the fragrant atmosphere.

Located at an altitude of about 1,000 meters, 'KORIYAMA NUNOBIKI wind plateau sunflower field' offers breathtaking views of Mount Bandai and Lake Inawashiro. The area is known for its 33 majestic wind turbines standing tall across the hilltops. A must-visit season is summer, especially from mid-August to early September, when the sunflower fields are in full bloom. The sight of approximately 200,000 vibrant yellow sunflowers creates a mesmerizing landscape you won’t forget! Thanks to its elevated location, the panoramic views and the contrast between the bright blue sky, the wind turbines, and the sunflowers are perfect for photography. This is one of Tohoku’s most iconic sunflower fields.

The Sukagawa Peony Garden is the only nationally designated scenic spot in Japan exclusively dedicated to peonies. With a history of over 250 years, it was first established in 1766 by Yurin Ito, a pharmacist, who cultivated peony roots for medicinal purposes. In May, the garden’s 10-hectare grounds come alive with 290 varieties and 7,000 peony plants in full bloom. Highlights include trees over 200 years old and unique peony varieties developed in the garden, such as Dream of Showa, Smile of Sukagawa, and Light of Hope. Beyond peonies, the Japanese-style garden features a variety of seasonal flowers and plants, including cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, water lilies, autumn leaves, and maples, offering breathtaking scenery throughout the year.

Known as a "famous gateway castle of Oshu," Komine Castle has a rich history dating back to the Nanboku-cho Period when it was built by Chikatomo Yuki on Komine Hill. During the Edo period, it was extensively renovated into a hilltop castle with a multi-layered defensive layout by Nagashige Niwa. Unique to northeastern Japan, Komine Castle is one of the "Three Great Castles of Tohoku," along with Morioka Castle and Wakamatsu Castle, thanks to its extensive stone wall construction. Although the castle was destroyed in the Boshin War of 1868, it was faithfully restored in wood based on Edo-period drawings. The three-story yagura was rebuilt in 1991, followed by the front gate in 1994. Today, it stands as a symbol of Shirakawa City. Visitors can enjoy the fragrant plum blossoms in March and the stunning sight of about 180 cherry trees in full bloom during April, coinciding with the Sakura Festival.

The Aizu Samurai Residence (Aizu Bukeyashiki) offers a glimpse into the lifestyle and history of the late Edo period in Japan. Centered around the home of Saigo Tanomo, a chief retainer of the Aizu domain, the site features a collection of historical buildings, including the Old Nakahata Jin'ya (designated as an Important Cultural Property of Fukushima Prefecture), a tea house, and a rice milling facility. Spanning a vast area of approximately 8,000 square meters, visitors can leisurely explore and immerse themselves in the history of Aizu during the tumultuous Bakumatsu period. In addition to the historical attractions, the site features a restaurant serving local Aizu cuisine and shops offering a wide range of specialty products, such as traditional crafts, sweets, and agricultural goods. Visitors can also enjoy hands-on experiences like painting the "Akabeko", a lucky cow figurine, or the "Okiagari Koboshi", a traditional Aizu talisman for good fortune (reservations required).

On March 11, 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake struck, causing significant damage in Fukushima Prefecture due to a magnitude 6.6 earthquake and a massive tsunami. Additionally, the nuclear disaster at the Tokyo Electric Power Company's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant made this an unprecedented compound disaster. This museum offers exhibitions, survivor storytelling sessions, and training programs, helping visitors understand what happened in Fukushima and how the region has worked to recover. We hope that learning about the magnitude of this compound disaster will inspire preparedness for future emergencies.