Introduction to Fukushima Prefecture
Fukushima Prefecture, the third-largest prefecture in Japan, encompasses an extraordinary diversity of landscapes and experiences within its boundaries. From the rugged mountains along its western border to the fertile plains of the Aizu Basin and the coastal hills of Hamadori, Fukushima is a region of remarkable contrasts. It is also a region in the process of writing a powerful story of recovery and renewal following the natural disasters of 2011.
For travelers who take the time to explore, Fukushima reveals itself as one of the most historically rich and naturally beautiful regions in Japan — a place where samurai castles, preserved Edo-period post towns, magnificent mountain landscapes, and the warmest local hospitality combine to create a genuinely compelling destination.
Aizu-Wakamatsu: Samurai City of the North
The city of Aizu-Wakamatsu is the cultural heart of Fukushima Prefecture and one of the finest samurai cities in Japan. The city was the domain of the Aizu clan, one of the most powerful and loyal domains of the Edo period, and its history is deeply intertwined with the turbulent events of the Boshin War (1868-1869) that accompanied the Meiji Restoration.
The tragic story of the Byakkotai (White Tiger Force), a group of teenage samurai who perished defending the domain during the Boshin War, is one of the most poignant tales in Japanese history and is still commemorated with deep emotion in the city. A hilltop monument at Iimori-yama, where the young warriors made their last stand, draws visitors from across Japan who come to pay their respects.
The city’s samurai heritage is best experienced through its neighborhood of preserved samurai residences, traditional crafts, and cultural museums that tell the story of Aizu domain life during the Edo period. The local lacquerware (Aizu-nuri) and cotton weaving traditions continue to this day.
Tsuruga-jo Castle: The Red-Roofed Fortress
Tsuruga-jo (also known as Aizu Wakamatsu Castle) is one of the most distinctive castles in Japan, instantly recognizable by its beautiful red-tiled roof — the only castle in Japan with red roof tiles. The original castle was built in 1384 and expanded over the centuries, becoming one of the most formidable fortresses in the Tohoku region.
The castle endured a month-long bombardment during the Boshin War, demonstrating remarkable structural resilience even under sustained cannon fire. Though the castle was ultimately demolished after the Meiji Restoration, it was faithfully reconstructed in 1965 and today serves as a comprehensive museum of Aizu history and culture.
The castle grounds are particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season, when hundreds of cherry trees in the surrounding Tsuruga-jo Park burst into bloom, framing the distinctive red-roofed keep against a sky of pink and white blossoms. It ranks among Fukushima’s most photographed seasonal scenes.
Ouchi-juku: The Edo-Period Post Town
Ouchi-juku is one of Japan’s most perfectly preserved post towns and a truly extraordinary time capsule of the Edo period (1603-1868). Designated a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, this former post station on the Aizu-Nishi Kaido road retains its original appearance to a remarkable degree.
The town’s main street is lined on both sides with approximately 38 traditional thatched-roof inns (hatago) and farmhouses, their steep grass roofs hanging low over the facades. Walking along this street today feels genuinely like stepping into the 18th century — particularly in winter when deep snow blankets the thatched roofs and the street fills with a hushed, peaceful atmosphere.
Ouchi-juku is famous for its unique negi soba — buckwheat noodles eaten using a green onion (negi) as the chopstick. Local restaurants lining the street serve this distinctive dish alongside other traditional foods. The spring snow lantern festival in February, when hundreds of lanterns illuminate the snowy streetscape at dusk, is one of the most magical seasonal events in the Tohoku region.
Recovery Tourism: Fukushima’s Story of Renewal
The events of March 2011 — the Great East Japan Earthquake, the subsequent tsunami, and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant incident — transformed how the world viewed this prefecture. However, more than a decade of dedicated recovery effort has fundamentally changed the situation on the ground.
The vast majority of Fukushima Prefecture — more than 99% by area — was never subject to evacuation orders and was safe to visit throughout the post-disaster period. Today, recovery efforts have progressed substantially, and authorities have confirmed that radiation levels throughout the tourist areas are at or below background levels found in many cities around the world, including parts of Europe.
Visiting Fukushima today is an act of solidarity with local communities who have worked tirelessly to rebuild their livelihoods and share their beautiful region with the world. Many tourism initiatives actively encourage visitors to experience the prefecture’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, and the warm welcome from locals who appreciate visitors choosing Fukushima is itself one of the most memorable parts of any trip.
Natural Beauty: Lakes, Mountains, and Onsen
Beyond its historical sites, Fukushima Prefecture possesses magnificent natural scenery. Lake Inawashiro, the fourth-largest lake in Japan, offers stunning views of surrounding mountains and is known as the “Sky Mirror” for its remarkable reflections. The Urabandai area features dozens of small emerald lakes and ponds formed by the volcanic eruption of Mt. Bandai in 1888.
The Nishi-Aizu area is celebrated for its autumn foliage, which rivals anywhere in Japan for intensity and color. Hot spring towns dot the prefecture, from the traditional resort of Higashiyama Onsen near Aizu-Wakamatsu to the mineral-rich waters of Tsuchiyu Onsen in the mountains above Fukushima City.
Getting to Fukushima
Fukushima City is served by the Tohoku Shinkansen, with travel times of approximately 1.5 hours from Tokyo and 30 minutes from Sendai. From Fukushima City, limited express trains connect to Aizu-Wakamatsu in about 2 hours. A rental car is highly recommended for exploring the more remote areas of the prefecture, including Ouchi-juku and the Urabandai lakes.
Where to Stay in Fukushima
Aizu-Wakamatsu offers the widest range of accommodations, from traditional ryokan to modern business hotels. Several historic inns in Ouchi-juku provide an unforgettable overnight experience in a preserved Edo-period setting. Hot spring ryokan are available at Higashiyama Onsen and several other spa towns throughout the prefecture.
Final Thoughts
Fukushima Prefecture is a place of resilience, beauty, and profound historical depth. Its samurai castles, perfectly preserved post towns, volcanic lakes, and warm-hearted communities combine to create a destination that richly rewards those who choose to explore it. Visiting Fukushima is not only a wonderful travel experience — it is also a meaningful expression of support for a community that has demonstrated extraordinary strength in the face of adversity.