Fukushima

Introduction

You will find Fukushima situated in the northern part of the Nakadōri, which serves as the central region of the prefecture. As the capital city of Fukushima Prefecture, it offers a sense of place within its expansive landscape.

Before you go

Before you arrive, you can consult the local tourist association's website to access a bilingual guide that helps you navigate your trip.

Getting there

You can reach Fukushima by train via the Tohoku Shinkansen line, which connects Tokyo and Sendai. While the Yamagata Shinkansen also branches off at this location, only the Shinkansen stops at Fukushima Main Station. Alternatively, you can travel from Tokyo to Fukushima by bus; several operators provide overnight services from cities including Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto, and Osaka. Some bus lines offer different seating classes with varying levels of comfort for your journey.

If you arrive via Fukushima Airport, you can take a bus to Koriyama station before continuing your journey to Fukushima station by either Shinkansen or local train. For those traveling from Tokyo, taking the Shinkansen directly from the capital may offer a more convenient route than connecting through other stations.

Getting around

You can navigate the compact downtown area on foot, where the terrain remains relatively flat. Walking is sufficient to explore the central shopping arcade as well as the nearby bars and restaurants. For longer excursions, you can enjoy scenic paths along the rivers located a short walk away. When exploring the city, look for underground pedestrian walkways; while some serve as essential long-distance connections like the one beneath JR Fukushima Station, others function as convenient shortcuts accessible via stairs or escalators.

For travel beyond the immediate center, trains and buses provide convenient transportation to surrounding hot spring areas. Taxis are plentiful near the station but may be harder to locate in other parts of the city. If you prefer cycling, motor-assisted bicycles with large baskets and automatic lights are available at various unmanned ports throughout the city. These bikes can be borrowed around the clock to help you explore the local area.

Where to stay

Since there is no specific information provided regarding accommodations or neighborhoods for your stay, you can plan your lodging based on your personal preferences once you have explored local options.

Food & drink

Explore a variety of dining options in the area east of the train station, where you can find restaurants, izakayas, and craft beer bars along Azuma dori. If you enjoy noodles, you can sample kitakata ramen at Akai. During the summer months, you can also try the local peaches for which Fukushima city is famous.

For your evening drinks, head to Passeo Dori and its branching roads to find numerous izakayas and beer gardens, including Yatta Iwamora and Jyuhachiban. If you are looking for a nightlife experience, Neo offers a smaller, smoky room with music and a younger crowd.

What to see and do

Explore the spiritual and natural landmarks of the city, starting with Iwaya-Kannon where you can view sixty Buddhas carved into the rock face of Mount Shinobu while looking down at the cityscape. For a peaceful experience, hike the steep trails of Kotori No Mori to enjoy quiet paths at the top of the mountain. If you prefer scenic views and nature, visit Hanamiyama Park to walk under light-pink canopies during the spring cherry blossom season or explore Mount Shinobu Park, which features three observation decks overlooking the city alongside several shrines and a temple.

Experience local culture at the Fukushima Inari Shrine, known for its striking red torii gates, or visit the Fukushima Prefectural Museum of Art to view local and international works. For those seeking relaxation, take a short train ride to the Iizaka hot springs in the northern part of the city to enjoy bath houses and public foot baths. You can also experience traditional activities at Shiki No Sato, which features an animal area, a watermill, and hot springs, or visit the Fukushima Racetrack to watch horse racing.

Day one, you arrive at Fukushima Main Station via the Tohoku Shinkansen or Yamagata Shinkansen. You can explore the local area or take a taxi to reach your destination.

Day two, you spend your time walking through Nakadōri and exploring the surrounding sights of the city.

Day three, you visit the nearby sites of Azuma, Akai, Passeo Dori, Yatta Iwamora, Jyuhachiban, Neo, Iwaya, Kannon, Buddhas, and Mount Shinobu.