A Special Journey to Fukushima
Message from a seafood restaurant chef
Come and enjoy joban-mono,delicious seafood nurtured by Fukushima’s bountiful sea!
Have you ever heard of seafood called joban-mono?
The waters off Fukushima are some of the richest fishing grounds in Japan, where the warm Kuroshio Current from the south meets the cold Oyashio Current from the north. Many fish travel northward with the Kuroshio Current, and grow up eating lots of plankton generated by the Oyashio Current. These are joban-mono, and are highly regarded across Japan as Fukushima’s brand of fish. Joban-mono encompasses a diverse range of fish species. Throughout the year, Fukushima’s fishing ports are abundant with catches like olive flounder, greeneye, and goosefish. These fish are known for their thick, firm flesh and excellent fat content.
Our restaurant, is located right in front of the ocean, and every morning I go to the nearby fish market to purchase the best live joban-mono. The things to look out for when shopping for delicious fish at the market include the size and thickness of the fish and the color of the gills. We carefully prepare the fish in the kitchen and serve it in a variety of dishes such as sashimi, simmered fish, grilled fish, and fried fish, giving our customers the chance to enjoy it while it’s still fresh. We also make our own dried fish from seasonal fish, which is full of flavor and very popular.
It has been just over 15 years since the restaurant opened. While we have regular customers from the local area, we also welcome many tourists who come from far and wide. The thing that encourages us the most is hearing our customers say “that’s delicious!” I hope everyone who visits Fukushima will enjoy the beautiful, clear blue sea, and the wonderful local seafood delights born from it.
Message from a peach farmer
The pride of the region: Carefully cultivated peaches
Fukushima peaches are first-class both in aroma and flavor!
I come from a family of peach farmers, dating back to my grandfather's generation. Currently, together with my father and younger brother, we grow more than 10 varieties of peaches, including Fukushima's original Fukuakari variety and the juicy Akatsuki variety. We have about 630 trees. Koori Town peaches have been selected as a gift for the Imperial Household of Japan, and I am proud to be involved in peach growing in this town.
Peach cultivation is a continuous process throughout the year, including pruning in winter, bud pruning in early spring, bud and flower picking in late spring, and pollination. The most important thing is to harvest the peaches when they are sweet and ripe. Even on the same tree, the fruit grows at different speeds, so we go to the fields early each morning to harvest the peaches one by one, checking their size, color, and aroma.
I have been growing peaches for 21 years now. Although, I have learned a lot from my father, I continue studying every day, so we can produce even tastier peaches. The best part of this line of work is when we get happy feedback from our customers thanking us for the delicious peaches.
Fukushima is also known as the Fruit Kingdom, because it’s a producer of a large variety of fruit, including strawberries, grapes, cherries, nashi pears, and apples. Various varieties of peaches are available from July to early October, so I hope everyone can come to Fukushima to discover their favorite flavor.
Message from a tour guide
Visit Fukushima,where nature and historical wonder abounds
My hometown, the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, is filled with the charm of the good old days in Japan. Aizu-Wakamatsu City once prospered as a jokamachi (feudal town surrounding a castle) and you can still feel the samurai spirit in all corners of the city with its many historic buildings that retain traces of samurai society.
Tsurugajo Castle with its impressive white walls and red roof tiles is a symbol of Aizu and famed as an impregnable fortress. From the castle tower, you can enjoy sweeping views of the breathtaking Mount Bandai, which has been recognized as one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains. Another attraction of Tsurugajo Castle is admiring the different faces it shows with each changing season. In spring, the grounds are decorated in pink cherry blossoms, and in winter, the castle takes on a mystical air, covered in a blanket of white snow.
The Aizu region boasts a rich variety of traditional handicrafts including Aizu lacquerware, Aizu cotton, and Aizuhongo-ware (a type of pottery). The adorable Akabeko (toy red bull) with its bobbing head is one of the regions popular folk crafts, harking back to the Edo Period (1603-1868). Not only can you find many great souvenirs, but you can also enjoy a variety of activities such as touring a workshop or trying your hand at some handicraft.
The Aizu region is also a rice-producing region gifted with fertile lands and pristine water. You can enjoy a range of distinctive local sake (Japanese rice wine) and cuisine.
Fukushima can be divided into three areas—Hamadori, Nakadori, and the Aizu region—each with their own deep-rooted and unique history and culture. With so many things to see and do in Fukushima, I recommend coming for a long vacation as if you were living here. That way you can take your time and experience the depths of Fukushima while interacting with the locals.
Message from a ryokan proprietor
Soothe your body and soul at Fukushima, a hot spring heaven
Ashinomaki Onsen is a hot spring resort that has a history of over 1,000 years. Nestled in the deep mountains of the Aizu region, it was once called a phantom hot spring village because it was extremely difficult to reach. The hot springs have a luxurious consistency, leaving your skin feeling hydrated and silky smooth. Our hot spring inn is equipped with an open-air bath where you can bathe while admiring the beauty of the valley spreading out before you. There’s also a spacious indoor bath and sauna to refresh your body and soul.
There are approximately 130 hot spring resorts in Fukushima, which is one of the largest numbers for an area in Japan. Each region boasts its own unique geology and climate, leading to a diverse range of spring qualities and benefits. The scenery from the baths is equally varied, featuring views of the sea, rivers, ravines, and gardens. Exploring this hot spring region in all its diversity is one of the many ways to enjoy Fukushima.
Staying at one of Fukushima’s hot spring inns allows you to experience the culture of the region and savor local cuisine made from seasonal ingredients. With the inn as your base, you can also enjoy hiking, skiing, and other activities. As the proprietress of a long-established ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), I welcome each guest as if they were my own family and strive to provide warm and attentive hospitality. What makes me the most happy is when guests tell me with a smile that they had fun and that they will come back again. I hope you will enjoy a memorable and wonderful trip as you spend a relaxing time in Fukushima.
