What tourist spots in Fukushima Prefecture do locals recommend to foreigners? [Top 10 reader survey]
What tourist spots in Fukushima Prefecture do locals recommend to foreigners? [Top 10 reader survey]
We will introduce the top 10 from the large number of answers received from Style Koriyama readers. Nature, leisure spots, shopping spots, and restaurants; among a lot of famous places, which spots are drawing attention in particular (including multiple answers)?
No.1 Ouchi-juku (Shimogomachi, Minamiaizu)
During the Edo period, this village was a bustling post town on the Aizu Nishi Kaido road, and in 1981 it was designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Walking among the rows of thatched-roof houses will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. Local specialties such as homemade soba noodles and mochi rice cakes are popular.
No.2 Tsuruga Castle (Aizuwakamatsu)
The castle’s origins were in Higashikurokawa Castle, built by Ashina Naomori in 1384, and in 1593 Gamo Ujisato built the first full-scale castle tower in eastern Japan, and named it “Tsuruga Castle.” It is the symbol of Aizuwakamatsu, and is a public park where locals enjoy morning walks and jogging. It is also a famous spot for cherry blossom.
No.3 Goshiki-numa Ponds (Urabandai)
Goshiki-numa is a general term for the numerous lakes and ponds created by the eruption of Mt. Bandai. Located in the center of Bandai Asahi National Park, it was named after the different colors it appears to take on depending on the season, weather, viewing angle, and surrounding vegetation. Hiking can also be enjoyed in the surrounding area.
No.4 Lake Inawashiro
Located in the center of Fukushima Prefecture, this is the fourth largest lake in Japan. It is also known as “Tenkyo Lake” (Lake Mirror of Heaven) because the beautiful view of nearby Mt. Bandai is reflected on its surface. In the summer, the lake is crowded with people swimming, and in the winter, swans fly in from Siberia. You can also enjoy a cruise on the lake on a sightseeing boat.
No.5 Miharu Takizakura (Miharumachi, Tamura)
5th to 6th place (same number of votes)
The weeping cherry tree, a nationally designated natural monument, is estimated to be over 1,000 years old and is counted among Japan’s three most famous cherry trees. It is said that the name comes from the fact that the small pale pink flowers that bloom all over the branches look like a waterfall.
No.5 Urabandai
5th to 6th place (same number of votes)
Urabandai is a highland resort area at the northern foot of Mt. Bandai in Kitashiobara, Fukushima. Designated as part of Bandai Asahi National Park, the area is bustling with hikers from spring to autumn, and with skiers in winter. You can enjoy a variety of seasonal activities, including nature observation and outdoor sports.
No.7 Abukuma Cave (Takinemachi, Tamura)
This is a limestone cave located in Tamura, Fukushima. It is one of Japan’s leading limestone caves, said to be number one in the Orient in terms of the variety and number of stalactites and stalagmites, and was discovered during limestone mining in 1969. The two adventure courses allow you to explore an underground space that was created by nature over a period of 80 million years.
No.8 Kaiseizan (Koriyama)
The area includes Kaiseizan Park and is centered around Kaiseizan Daijingu Shrine, which was established as a spiritual home for people who worked on the national project “Asaka Development” run by the Meiji government. This development created the foundations of the current city of Koriyama. Kaiseizan Park is home to the “Lucky Park,” which is located in four cities and towns in Fukushima Prefecture, and visitors can enjoy playground equipment with a motif of “Lucky,” the Fukushima supporting Pokémon.
NO.9 Mt. Bandai Geopark
This is an area centered around Mt. Bandai in Fukushima Prefecture, and has been certified as a Japanese Geopark. It is a natural park where you can learn about the topography, geology, and precious flora and fauna of Mt. Bandai and its surrounding areas. Mt. Bandai is also known as Aizu Fuji, and is one of the 100 most famous mountains of Japan. You can enjoy the outdoors all year round.
No.10 To-no-hetsuri Crags (Shimogomachi, Minamiaizu)
A scenic spot in Shimogomachi, Minamiaizu, Fukushima. “Hetsuri” is a dialect word from the Aizu region that means “cliff” or “steep slope.” The sight of the strangely shaped rocks, formed through repeated erosion and weathering by the river, wind and rain, towering like towers is truly impressive.