The Charms of Fukushima Discovered by Influencers

Address

1 Shinsekimukai, Shimonogo, Iwanuma City, Miyagi Prefecture

Google Maps

URL

http://tantoro.jp/

Business Hours

11:00am - 3:00pm, 5:00 - 8:00pm

A specialty restaurant serving beef tongue, a Sendai specialty, grilled to perfection over a charcoal fire

This specialty grilled beef tongue restaurant is located around 1km from Sendai Airport, making it an easy spot to stop for a meal when you're visiting for vacation or business. Opened in 1995, this restaurant prepares the meat with the utmost care and then grills each piece to perfection over a charcoal fire.

Address

1 Nikka, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture

Google Maps

URL

https://www.nikka.com/distilleries/miyagikyo/

Business Hours

Visitor Center／9:00am - 4:00pm

gift shop／9:15am - 4:15pm (no entry after 4:00pm)

warehouse／9:15am - 4:00pm

A whisky distillery in Miyagi Gorge

Miyagikyo Distillery was built by Nikka Whisky founder Masataka Taketsuru near two streams in a greenery-rich gorge. Here you can peer behind the scenes and enjoy the bold, fruity taste of the distillery's malt whisky. With a variety of other features such as a gift shop and seminars (charge applies), there's always something new to learn. And the gorgeous seasonal scenery all around the distillery makes your experience all the more special.

Address

1 Sugaya Higashikamayama, Takine-machi, Tamura City, Fukushima Prefecture

Google Maps

URL

https://abukumado.com/

Business Hours

8:30am - 5:00pm (closes at 4:30pm in winter)

Explore a magical world underground

Located in Tamura City, Fukushima Prefecture, Abukuma Cave is one of Japan's largest limestone caves with a total length of 4218.3m, 600m of which is open to the public, and a variety of stalactites inside. There's one amazing sight after another, including the Takine Hall, the largest chamber of the cave, and Moon World, where a theatrical light system has been set up. Choose from a standard tour and an Adventure Tour for the daring.

Address

50 Tatsumi-cho, Onahama, Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture

Google Maps

URL

https://www.aquamarine.or.jp/

Business Hours

March 21 - November 30／9:00am - 5:30pm (no entry after 4:30pm)

December 1 - March 20／9:00am - 5:00pm (no entry after 4:00pm)

An environmental aquarium with 800 species

Located in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, Aquamarine Fukushima is an environmental aquarium with around 800 species. The key theme is the confluence of the Kuroshio and Oyashio Currents. The Shiome no Umi (Sea of Converging Currents) tank, holding 2,050 tons of water in total, allows you to watch species such as sardines and bonito swimming up close. There are also a variety of interactive exhibits, including Janome Beach, which recreates a beach and tidal mudflats, and Aquamarine Egg, where you can try fishing. Various events and special exhibitions are held, providing endless fascination for kids and adults alike.

Address

12-38 Nisshin-machi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture

Google Maps

URL

https://sake-suehiro.co.jp/

Business hours and closed days

Brewery store／open 9:30am - 4:30pm, closed second Wednesday of each month

Brewery Café Kyo／open 10:00am - 4:30pm (last order 4:00pm), closed Wednesdays and the first and third Thursday of each month (open on public holidays)

Kaeigura tours／March - November: (1) 10:00am, (2) 11:00am, (3) 1:00pm, (4) 2:00pm, (5) 3:00pm, (6) 4:00pm.

December - February: (1) 11:00am, (2) 1:00pm, (3) 3:00pm. Closed second Wednesday of each month.

Brewing highly renowned Aizu sake since 1850

Suehiro Sake Brewery is a historic sake brewery in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture that was founded in 1850. Brewed with high quality local rice and water from the Aizu area, Suehiro's sake is a product of Aizu's culture and is cherished by locals. Suehiro produces a wide range of sakes, most notably Gensai and Junmai Daiginjo Kyo, which can also be purchased from the brewery's online store. You can tour Kaeigura, the building where the sake is brewed, and then stop at the brewery's café and enjoy the kind of menu only a sake brewery can offer, including coffee made with the same water used in Suehiro sake and chiffon cake flavored with high-quality daiginjo sake.

Address

5-31 Sakae-machi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture

Google Maps

URL

http://www.takino.jp/

Business Hours

Monday - Saturday／11:00am - 8:00pm (last order 6:30pm)

Sunday／11:00am - 7:00pm (last order 5:30pm)

The place to enjoy traditional wappa-meshi

Located in Aizuwakamatsu City, this historic restaurant serves Aizu cuisine. It was the inventor of wappa-meshi, a dish served in a traditional cypress bowl called a wappa. The restaurant is a journey back in time, housed in the grand Itozawa Jinya, which used to stand in a post town on theon the Shimotsuke Kaido road connecting the Aizuwakamatsu castle town and Nikko. Here you can enjoy a wide range of set meals such as wappa-meshi and kaiseki-ryori (a formal Japanese dinner), made with local ingredients. Rooms of various sizes are available to suit a variety of situations from business functions to a meal with the family.

Address

6838-68 Sarashina-shimizu-daira, Bandai-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture

Google Maps

URL

https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/bandai/

Enjoy Aizu Culture at the Foot of Mt. Bandai at "Hoshino Resorts Bandaisan Onsen Hotel"

”Hoshino Resorts Bandaisan Onsen Hotel” is located at the foot of Bandaisan Mountain in Bandai-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture. In winter, guests can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at ”Hoshino Resorts NEKOMA Mountain”, a ski resort directly connected to the hotel.The hot spring water is sourced from the base of Mt. Bandai, allowing guests to relax in modern baths inspired by Aizu lacquerware. The hotel also offers a variety of cultural experiences, including cuisine that highlights local food culture, as well as akabeko crafting and Aizu minyo (folk songs). Guests can fully enjoy the natural beauty of all four seasons and the unique charms of Aizu during their stay.

Address

South area／6838-68 Sarashina Shimizudaira, Bandai Town, Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture

North area／1163 Hibara Nekomayama, Kitashiobara Village, Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture

Google Maps(South area) Google Maps(North area)

URL

https://www.nekoma.co.jp/

Business Hours

Vary depending on snow conditions and season

Vast ski grounds to the north and south of Mt. Nekomadake

Located in Fukushima Prefecture, Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain boasts vast ski fields to the north and south of Mt. Nekomadake. Combining what used to be Alts Bandai and Nekoma Ski Resort, this ski ground encompasses 33 different courses and 13 lifts, offering great experiences for everyone from beginners to experts. The northern area has particularly good snow: with a high altitude and a north-facing slope, the snow is soft and does not melt easily, allowing the ski ground to stay open for around five months from late November to the Golden Week holidays in late April/early May. Ideal for a ski break with your family or friends.

Address

Otaki, Akiumachibaba, Taihaku Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture

Google Maps

URL

https://www.sentabi.jp/guidebook/attractions/116/

One of Japan's three most spectacular waterfalls

Located in the Taihaku area of Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Akiu Great Falls runs straight down a 55m high, 6m wide rock face. It was selected as one of Japan's Best 100 Waterfalls and as one of the best views in Japan. The mightiness of this waterfall has earned it a spot as one of Japan's three most famous waterfalls, together with Kegon Falls in Tochigi Prefecture and Nachi Falls in Wakayama Prefecture. Akiu Great Falls is surrounded by trees such maples and oaks, which draw crowds from mid-October to early November with their colorful leaves. You can take in a panoramic view from the Takimidai viewpoint. The waterfall is a 5-10 minute walk along the walking path next to Fudotaki Bridge. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as there is a steep slope.

Address

3-5-1 Higashi, Yuriage, Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan

Google Maps

URL

https://www.yuriageasaichi.jp/

Business Hours

Yuriage Harbor Morning Market／Every Sunday & Public Holiday, 6:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Maple Hall／Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Sunday & Public Holiday, 6:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Closed days

Thursdays

Fresh Seafood Delights at Yuriage Morning Market

The Yuriage Harbor Morning Market is a vibrant market held every Sunday and public holiday from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM in Yuriage, Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture. With around 50 stalls, the market offers a wide selection of fresh seafood, locally grown vegetables, and prepared dishes. Visitors can enjoy freshly purchased seafood by grilling it on the spot at the adjacent robatayaki (charcoal grill) area. Additionally, a lively auction, open to the public, takes place every Sunday at 10:00 AM, providing an exciting experience for attendees.　During weekdays and Saturdays, the attached Yuriage Kitchen & Gallery Maple Hall is open, offering lunch and brunch options.

Address

222 Kawamukai, Yumoto, Higashiyama-machi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture

Google Maps

URL

http://www.shintaki.kutsurogijuku.jp/

A traditional hot spring inn embodying the history and present of the Aizu area

Surrounded by the beautiful nature of the Aizuwakamatsu area, this hot spring inn offers a captivating glimpse into local history and traditions.Natural water flows directly from the spring to four baths: Watari-yu, a bath that dates back 1,300 years and has a cypress fragrance reminiscent of traditional spas, Saru-no-Yu, which was patronized by Vice-Commander Hijikata Toshizo, and two baths called Sennen-no-Yu, an open-air bath made of marble and a natural rock bath. The inn's restaurant serves modern takes on Aizu's local cuisine, made from local seasonal ingredients.

Address

6841-11 Nakasonedaira, Sarashina, Bandai-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan

Google Maps

URL

https://www.tenkyo.jp/

Tour Details

November to April／Brewing and bottling

May to October／Bottling only

Business Hours

10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Closed days

Year-end and New Year holidays; open on weekdays only in December

Learn the Traditions of Sake Brewing at Eisen Shuzo

At "Eisen Shuzo," nestled in the beautiful natural surroundings and the cultural environment of Fukushima, visitors are offered a rare chance to tour the sake brewing facilities. This tour provides not only an in-depth understanding of the sake production process but also an opportunity to experience the craftsmanship of skilled brewers. After the tour, guests can enjoy sake tasting and purchase products. For groups of 15 or more, reservations must be made at least one week in advance.

Address

Horse Value

256-2 Karasuzaki Ushijima, Kashima-ku, Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture

Google Maps

URL

https://www.horsevalue.jp/trekking

A beach tour with something extra

Horse Value, a local company in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, is offering a beach tour with something extra. Saddle up and ride along the beautiful Karasuzaki Beach. The session, which lasts around an hour, includes an explanation, so don't worry if you're a beginner! The tour costs 15,000 yen including tax, which can be paid by various methods including QR code payment or credit cards. Long pants and sneakers are recommended (avoid wearing shorts or sandals).Tours may be canceled due to poor weather or the needs of the horses. Check with the operator first.

Address

109 Tairamae, Obama, Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture

Google Maps

URL

https://ryokan-isamiya.com/higaeri.htm

Business Hours

10:00am - 4:00pm

On weekends you can enjoy hama-yaki, a Matsukawaura specialty!

Located in the Matsukawaura area of Soma City in Fukushima Prefecture, Yugaku no Yado Isamiya serves hama-yaki (barbecued seafood), a Matsukawaura specialty.Open only on weekends and public holidays in winter (November to March). Open 10:00am - 4:00pm. Sit in one of 40 all-weather seats and enjoy a wide-ranging menu from grilled stuffed squid to local seasonal fish, grilled flounder, and Sakhalin surf clams on rice. On weekdays, you can book a session to grill seafood by yourself for even more fun!

Meeting place

1171-1 Hibara Yuhirayama, Kitashiobara-mura, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture

URL

Japanese Tour)

https://moku2-outdoor.com/general/385/

English Tour)

https://moku2-outdoor.com/general/2487/

Event period

December 23, 2024 (Monday) - February 14, 2025, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

Hours of Operation

Morning Program／Meet at 9:20 AM (Disband at 11:50 AM)

Afternoon Program／Meet at 1:20 PM (Disband at 3:50 PM)

Mystical Snowshoe Tour of the Goshikinuma Lakes in Winter

The "Mystical Glow:Blue Goshikinuma Tour" hosted by Haregasaya Activities is a limited-time winter snowshoe tour. With the snow opening up the views, guests can fully enjoy the beauty of the blue Goshikinuma Lakes, which stand out against the pristine white snowfields. The tour includes special winter routes that are typically inaccessible, such as the "Kuro-numa" (Black Pond) and the "spot where the blue lake looks most beautiful." Experienced guides will lead the way. This tour is open to participants aged middle school and above, and includes rental of snowshoes and trekking poles, making it accessible even for beginners.

Address

1 Innai, Ishiyama, Higashiyama-machi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture

Google Maps

URL

https://bukeyashiki.com/

Business Hours

April - November／8:30am - 5:30pm (no entry after 5:00pm)

December - March／9:00am - 5:00pm (no entry after 4:30pm)

Explore Aizu's history at a museum park full of Important Cultural Properties

Aizu Bukeyashiki is a museum park featuring exhibits such as the residence of Saigo Tanomo, chief retainer of the Aizu clan, Jinya (an Important Cultural Property), and various museums. In the vast grounds, measuring around 23,000m2, you'll find restored buildings such as the senior retainer's home and tearoom, offering a glimpse into the way of life and culture of the era. You can tour the inside of these historic buildings and enjoy the variety of facilities that have been opened there today, from traditional craft workshops to Kuyotei, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and Satokobo Kokon, which sells a range of souvenirs. Events are held throughout the year, drawing a wide range of visitors from history buffs to families.

Address

1-1 Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture

Google Maps

URL

https://www.tsurugajo.com/tsurugajo/

Business Hours

Donjon Entrance／8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)

Tsurugajo Castle, a Historic Landmark of Aizu

Tsurugajo Castle, located in Aizuwakamatsu City, is a symbol of the region and was originally built about 430 years ago by Gamou Ujisato, who constructed the first true donjon (castle tower) in eastern Japan. During the Boshin War, the castle endured a fierce month-long siege and became famous as the "impregnable castle." Though the castle was demolished in 1874, the donjon was rebuilt in 1965, and in 2011, the roof was re-covered with red tiles to restore the appearance of the castle to its late Edo period form. Inside the donjon is a museum where visitors can learn about the history of Aizu. Additionally, Tsurugajo Castle Park, which spans approximately 69,000 tsubo (about 22.8 hectares), offers beautiful views of the changing seasons.

Address

235 Yumoto, Higashiyama-machi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture

Google Maps

URL

https://www.yumeguri.co.jp/index.php

Business Hours

Check-in／3:00 - 7:00pm

check-out／10:00am

A natural hot spring surrounded by a stunning gorge

Located in Aizu's around 1,300 year old Higashiyama hot spring village, this inn has its own natural spring. The open-air bath is the perfect place to get away from it all, with a stunning view of the surrounding gorge and no sounds except the rush of Harataki Falls and the breeze. You can even rent a private bath with a view all for yourself. The restaurant, Dining Takigawa, is half buffet and half a la carte, serving local cuisine with seasonal ingredients from the Aizu area. In the warmer months from spring to fall, you can enjoy a meal amid the abundant nature by the Yugawa Stream at Waterside Dining Kawadoko.

Address

Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture (Nakosonoseki Park to the green area for disaster prevention at Hisano Beach)

URL

https://www.city.iwaki.lg.jp/www/contents/1550456036416/index.html

Cycle along Iwaki's beautiful coastline

Iwaki Nanahama Kaido in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture is a 53km cycling road from Nakosonoseki Park to the green area for disaster prevention at Hisano Beach. The road follows pine-lined, white-sand beaches, and is cherished by many local cyclists as a symbol of the area's recovery. You'll pass breakwaters and the area's national, prefectural and municipal roads, with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. The road fully opened in March 2021 and has been a popular recreational area among locals and tourists ever since. So hop on a bike and see Iwaki's beautiful nature and the progress the city has made in its recovery.

Address

1 Nakajima Hiromachi, Yotsukura-machi, Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture

Google Maps

URL

http://www.wonder-farm.co.jp/

Business Hours

Market (Mori no Marche)／9:30am - 5:00pm

Restaurant (CROSS WONDER DINING)／11:00am - 8:00pm (last order 7:00pm, buffet open until 3:00pm). The open hours or the days on which the restaurant closes may change without advance notice.

A tomato theme park where you can try your hand at harvesting

WONDER FARM is a tomato theme park in the Yotsukura-machi area of Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture. Here you can try your hand at harvesting tomatoes all year round. Other features include Mori no Marche, a market selling fresh local vegetables and other specialties, and CROSS WONDER DINING, a restaurant serving dishes made with tomatoes grown in the park and other local ingredients. And with a fully equipped barbecue area and camp site and a vast dog park, this is the ideal place to bring your family or friends. The abundant nature and interactive food and farming experiences have made this park a hit.

Address

3-183 Araiyokozuka, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture

Google Maps

URL

https://anna-g.com/

Business Hours

Vary depending on the store

European-style buildings and quirky stores at the foot of the Azuma Mountain Range

Located at the foot of the Azuma Mountain Range, Anna Garden is a popular tourist spot featuring St. Anna's Church and various quirky stores. In the grounds you'll see a recreation of a European street featuring a wide range of stores, including Michinoku Fukushima Ji Beer, where you can enjoy true draft beer brewed with live yeast, MONJOUE, where you can enjoy freshly made gelato, and Kagu no Kobayashi, which sells antique furniture. Stroll through the beautiful seasonal scenery as you enjoy delicious food and drinks and great shopping.

Address

4 Aza-Shimoda, Oaza-Karata, Inawashiro-machi, Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture

Google Maps

URL

https://15aizufarm.com/

Business Hours

10:00 AM - 4:15 PM (Last Entry: 3:30 PM)

Closed days

None

Enjoy Strawberry Picking Year-Round at "Michi-no-Eki-Mae Inawashiro Strawberry Farm"

Located in Inawashiro-machi, Fukushima Prefecture, "Michi-no-Eki-Mae Inawashiro Strawberry Farm" is a new tourist destination where you can enjoy strawberry picking year-round. The farm is especially known for cultivating rare "four-season strawberries" mainly harvested from summer to autumn. You can taste the highly sweet new variety called "Highland Strawberry Inawashiro Premium®." Equipped with the latest automatic vertical farming shelves and a powerful air conditioning and mist cooling system, the farm ensures a comfortable environment for strawberry picking—cool in summer and warm in winter. Thanks to the high-rise cultivation system, the farm is kept clean, and both children and adults can safely enjoy the experience. Don’t forget to stop by while visiting Mount Bandai or Lake Inawashiro!