About Fukushima [Tourism Information Of Fukushima Prefecture]

Fukushima is

The third biggest prefecture in Japan situated in the south of the "Tohoku" region in the Northern part of the Japanese main island of Honshu.

Around 90 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen or 3 hours by car.

A modern prefecture that embraces educational school trips which many students want to experience.

The biggest power generating prefecture with 95 power plants producing 1/3 of all energy for Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba.

Population	2,043,663 (2009)
Area	13,782km²
Flower of Fukushima	Rhododendron Brachycarpum (Nemoto Shakunage)
Tree of Fukushima	Zelkova Serrata (Keyaki)
Bird of Fukushima	Narcissus Flycatcher (Kibitaki)

Four seasons

[ Spring ]

Hama-dori	Enjoy the arcade of cherry blossoms in “Yonomori Park”, a registered national heritage.
Naka-dori	“Miharuno-Takizakura” one of the famous cherry trees in Japan. “Hanamiyama”park is covered by 60 different kinds of flowers.
Aizu	Surrounded by cherry blossoms, Tsuruga castle is the most beautiful in Aizu.

[ Summer ]

Hama-dori	Enjoy marine sports such as swimming and surfing.
Naka-dori	Famous for cherries and peaches and is the second largest peach producer in Japan making it popular for fruit picking.
Aizu	Enjoy trekking and mountain climbing in Urabandai surrounded by unprecedented scenic landscape.

[ Autumn ]

Hama-dori	Enjoy vibrant colours of autumn foliage around the national treasure of “Shiramizu Amidado”
Naka-dori	Coloured leaves along “Bandai Azuma Skyline”. “Nihonmatsu-no-Chochin festival” is one of the biggest lantern festivals, as well as “Taimatsu-Akashi”, one of the largest fire festivals in the nation, attracting many visitors from overseas and Japan.
Aizu	The “Aizu festival” involves 500 people dressed as Samurai parading through the streets. Aizu is also popular for autumn foliage at Urabandai and Inawashiro Lake.

[ Winter ]

Hama-dori	Enjoy seasonal fish such as goosefish, blowfish, and crab.
Naka-dori	Enjoy an open-air bath with snow views dotted across the area .
Aizu	Rich powdery snow fall and world class ski resorts are popular with skiers and snowboarders.

Recommendation

Sightseeing

Tsuruga castle Having 600 years of Samurai history high lights the magnificence of Japans castles.	Ouchi-juku Walk along 400 year old streets soaking up its cultural heritage.	Spa Resort Hawaiians The hot spring theme park holds the Guinness Book of Records for the biggest open-air bath in the world.

Foods

Fruit Well known as the “Kingdom of Fruit”. Enjoy fruit such as cherries, peaches, pears, apples, persimmons and strawberries.	Ramen “Kitakata-Ramen” is an iconic noodle in Japan which sees 120 restaurants competing for the best tasting ramen in Kitakata city.	Kozuyu Considered as local food in Aizu, is well known as a traditional dish.

Local products

Akabeko Known as the “Red cow” in Fukushima dialect, the popular lucky charm is cherished for protecting against evil and bringing good luck.	Aizunuri Designated a traditional folk craft of Japan, it is popular with tourists due to its uniqueness and exquisite craftsmanship.	Sake Enjoy a tour of sake making and tasting in the “Saka-Gura” , olden time sake storage facility.

Nature

Oze Popular for its magnificent heritage listed national park.	Bandai-Asahi-National Park “Bandai mountain” also known as “treasure mountain” in Aizu..

Hot springs

130 hot springs are dotted around the area. These baths are not only used for leisure and relaxation, but possess medicinal properties improving overall health and vitality.