Fukuyama
Introduction
Located in Hiroshima Prefecture, Fukuyama offers a charming atmosphere where you can experience local traditions. The city is known for its floral symbolism, specifically the rose, which serves as the official symbol and inspires a festive celebration held every May.
During your visit, you may encounter Rola, the official mascot of the city, depicted as an anthropomorphic rose child.
Before you go
Before you arrive in Fukuyama, you can consult the local tourist association's website to access a multilingual guide designed for international visitors. For additional information, the city government provides a tourism section on its official site which features an integrated machine translation tool.
Getting there
You can reach Fukuyama by train as it serves as an intermediate stop on the San-yo Shinkansen. Depending on your starting point, you can take a Hikari train from Hiroshima, Osaka, or Fukuoka. If you are traveling from Kyoto, Nagoya, or Tokyo, you can board Nozomi trains for one-seat rides; however, note that these specific trains cannot be used with a Japan Rail Pass, meaning you will need to change trains along the way if using one. Alternatively, early-morning Hikari trains from Nagoya and Kyoto offer one-seat rides directly to Fukuyama.
For those traveling by bus, several options connect you to the city. Nightly buses operate from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, while regional lines provide connections from Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. If you prefer a rail journey from nearby cities, you can also reach Fukuyama via the Sunliner train from Okayama.
Getting around
You can navigate the local area using the available transportation options to reach your destinations.
Where to stay
You can find accommodations in the city, including options such as the Oriental Hotel.
Food & drink
You can sample a traditional sweet liqueur known as Homishu, which translates to "Keep Life Liquor." Produced in the Tomo area for centuries, this local specialty is available for tasting at several nearby distilleries.
What to see and do
You can visit the historic grounds of Fukuyama Castle, which sits conveniently near the station. While the original structure was lost in the past, the current keep offers an attractive sight for a quick stop during your travels between Hiroshima and Okayama.
Travel south to the ancient port town of Tomonoura to enjoy scenic views of the Seto Inland Sea and its outlying islands. You can sample Homeishu, a sweet liqueur produced in the area for centuries, at one of several distilleries. Nearby, you might see traditional red sea bream fishing displays or relax at a harbor-side cafe near the lighthouse.
For a coastal escape, take a short ferry ride to Sensui Jima. You can stroll along a refurbished stone walkway by the sea, hike through the island's landscape, or soak your feet in a soothing bath at the beach. Other sites of interest include Myōō-in Temple, Bingo Kokubunji Temple, the Human Rights and Peace Museum, the Hiroshima Prefectural Museum of History, and the Fukuyama Municipal Zoo.
Three days in Fukuyama
Day one, you can begin your journey by exploring the historic atmosphere of Fukuyama Castle. You can then travel to the coastal area of Tomonoura to enjoy views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Day two, you can explore the local flavors and culture in the Homishu neighborhood. You might visit a nearby shop to sample Keep Life Liquor produced in the region.
Day three, you can prepare for your onward travel from Fukuyama. Depending on your destination, you can take the Shinkansen toward cities such as Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, or Tokyo.