Fukushima Prefecture is a popular tourist destination where you can enjoy the changing seasons, history and hot springs! In this article, we will introduce model day trip courses for each of the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. We have prepared plans that can be enjoyed with or without a car, and we will propose routes where you can fully enjoy the best scenic spots, gourmet food and activities. Let’s tour around efficiently and fully enjoy the charms of Fukushima!
- 【No Car】One-day Spring Sightseeing Model Course|Tour of cherry blossoms and history
- 【With a car】Summer One-day Sightseeing Model Course|Lake and Plateau Resort
- 【With a car】Autumn day trip model course|Touring famous spots and enjoying the autumn leaves
- 【Without a car】One-day winter sightseeing model course|Snowscapes and hot spring tour
- Summary
【No Car】One-day Spring Sightseeing Model Course|Tour of cherry blossoms and history
Spring in Fukushima is a beautiful season when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Here we introduce a model course that allows you to efficiently tour the sightseeing spots and enjoy the nature and history of the area even without a car. First, enjoy a morning stroll in Hanamiyama Park and take in the spectacular view of the colorful flowers as you walk through the cherry blossom tunnel. Next, move on to Tsurugajo Castle (Aizu Wakamatsu Castle) and enjoy the beautiful scenery created by the history and cherry blossoms. In the afternoon, take a stroll along Nanoka-machi Street, relax in the retro-style streets and cafes, and finally, relax while looking out over the mountains in spring at Higashiyama Onsen.
9:00|Hanamiyama Park|Walking through the Cherry Blossom Tunnel
At 9:00, when you can feel the arrival of spring, head first to Hanamiyama Park. Located in Fukushima City, it is also known as “Peach Blossom Paradise” and is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot that attracts many tourists every year. There are around 1,000 cherry blossom trees planted in the park, and in particular, the area known as the “Cherry Blossom Tunnel” offers a fantastic view that makes you feel as if you are walking under an arch of cherry blossoms. Depending on when you visit, the state of the cherry blossoms will differ, so it’s a good idea to check the information beforehand.
While strolling through the park, you can not only enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms, but also the surrounding nature. In particular, from the hill in Hanamiyama Park, you can see a beautiful panoramic view of the Fukushima city area and the Abukuma mountain range, and it’s a moment that will soothe your heart. Along the way, there are also shops selling local specialties, so you can enjoy a light meal while looking at the cherry blossoms.
After your time at Hanamiyama Park, head to your next destination, Tsurugajo Castle. This will be the starting point for you to fully experience the charms of Fukushima, where you can enjoy both the cherry blossoms of spring and historical landmarks at the same time.
Hanamiyama, where the whole mountain is dyed pink, is truly like a paradise on earth!
12:00|Tsurugajo Castle (Aizu Wakamatsu Castle)|Enjoy history and cherry blossoms at the same time
With the arrival of spring, Tsurugajo Castle is surrounded by beautiful cherry blossoms, captivating visitors. This castle, which is the symbol of Aizu Wakamatsu City, has a rich historical background and is also known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. When you step inside the castle, the first thing that catches your eye is the cherry trees in full bloom against the backdrop of the castle tower. In particular, the cherry blossom tunnel that spreads out around the castle provides a fantastic view that is like being in a dream.
Climbing to the top of Tsurugajo Castle’s keep is the perfect spot to take in the surrounding scenery. As the cherry blossoms bloom, you can look out over the beautiful streets and mountains of Aizu, and feel as if your heart is being washed clean. There are also historical documents and exhibits in the castle, so you can learn about the history of the Aizu clan, allowing you to enjoy sightseeing and learning at the same time.
For lunch, we recommend trying some of the local specialties at one of the nearby restaurants. Enjoy the local cuisine of Aizu while you experience the arrival of spring. The combination of history and cherry blossoms at Tsurugajo Castle is sure to be the highlight of your spring day trip.
The cherry blossoms in full bloom against the backdrop of the castle keep you company.
14:30|Nanoka-machi Street|Stroll through the retro streets
After you’ve felt the arrival of spring, why not visit Nanoka-machi Street in Aizu Wakamatsu? This street has a historic townscape that dates back to the Edo period, and you can enjoy the retro atmosphere. The old merchant houses and storehouses that line the street create a charming scene that gives you a sense of what it was like back then.
When you start walking around, the first thing you’ll see are the colorful signs and quaint buildings. There are many shops selling traditional Aizu crafts and local specialities, so it’s also a great place for shopping. You can also take your time walking around, looking for handmade crafts and souvenirs.
There are also cafes and sweet shops dotted along Nanoka-machi Dori, so it’s a good idea to stop off and try some local sweets. There are also shops selling Aizu specialties such as Kozuyu and Aizu soba, so you can enjoy a delicious meal in between sightseeing.
At the end of your walk, why not visit the Aizu Wakamatsu City History and Cultural Properties Center, which is a symbol of the street? Here you can learn about the history and culture of Aizu, making it the perfect place to end your sightseeing. Enjoy the retro streets and spend some time getting to know the history of Aizu.
While walking through the old streets, you can enjoy local specialties and handmade crafts.
17:00|Higashiyama Onsen|Relax in the open-air bath with a spectacular view
To finish off your spring day trip sightseeing model course, we recommend some relaxing time at the Higashiyama Onsen hot spring resort. Located in Aizu Wakamatsu City, this hot spring resort is surrounded by rich nature and has a quiet, attractive atmosphere. In particular, the view from the open-air bath is exceptional, and you can enjoy the scenery of each season. The charm of this place is that you can enjoy a different kind of beauty each time you visit: the fresh green of spring and the cherry blossoms, the lush green of the mountains in summer, the changing colors of the leaves in autumn, and the snowy landscape in winter.
Soaking in the hot spring, feeling the pleasant breeze and looking at the surrounding nature will help you to relax and forget about your daily worries. Higashiyama Onsen also has many accommodation facilities and hot springs where you can bathe for the day, so you can drop in at your leisure. After the hot spring, you can also enjoy dishes made with local ingredients, and you’ll be able to spend a moment that will satisfy both your mind and body.
In this way, by visiting Higashiyama Onsen at the end of a spring sightseeing model course, you can refresh yourself while experiencing the nature and history of Fukushima. By all means, when you visit, please enjoy the moment in the spectacular open-air bath.
You can enjoy local cuisine and relax in the hot spring that we are proud of.
【With a car】Summer One-day Sightseeing Model Course|Lake and Plateau Resort
Summer in Fukushima Prefecture is the perfect season for enjoying the beautiful nature of the lakes and highlands. This model one-day sightseeing course by car takes you to Lake Inawashiro, where you can enjoy a refreshing stroll, go hiking around the colorful lakes and marshes, and enjoy delicious local cuisine. In addition, the Grandeco Resort offers a plan where you can enjoy activities and the spectacular scenery, and refresh your body and mind. Please use this route as a reference for enjoying Fukushima in summer to the fullest.
8:00|Lake Inawashiro, Shidahama|A refreshing stroll by the lake
The starting point for a day trip in summer is the beautiful Lake Inawashiro in Fukushima Prefecture. If you arrive at 8:00 in the morning, you will be greeted by a spectacular view of the blue sky reflected on the lake surface and the surrounding greenery. Shidahama is a particularly popular spot, where you can feel the pleasant breeze while strolling along the lakeside. The walking path is well maintained, making it a great place for families and couples.
There are also a variety of facilities around the lake where you can enjoy a range of activities. You can rent canoes and boats and enjoy the scenery from the water. There are also picnic areas around the lake, so why not spread out your packed lunch and spend a relaxing time there?
At Shidahama, you can spend a relaxing time in the fresh air of a summer morning. After your stroll around the lake, be sure to capture the beautiful scenery of the lake on camera before heading to your next destination. After fully enjoying the charms of Lake Inawashiro, head to the Goshikinuma Nature Trail and enjoy a hike around the colorful lakes and marshes.
The breeze by the lakeside is pleasant, making it the perfect place for a morning stroll.
10:30|Goshikinuma Nature Trail|Hike around the colorful lakes and marshes
The Goshikinuma Nature Trail is a hiking course where you can enjoy the beautiful nature of Fukushima Prefecture. Here, you will find a variety of lakes and marshes of different colors, each showing a different face in each season. In particular, during the summer, the surface of the lakes surrounded by lush green trees reflects vivid colors such as blue, green, red and yellow, and this attracts visitors.
The hiking trails are well maintained so that even beginners can enjoy them, and the approximately 1.5 hour course allows you to take your time and fully appreciate the beauty of nature as you walk. Along the way, you will pass by various lakes and marshes, including the “Goshikinuma” that gave the area its name, and you can enjoy the different colors of each lake. In particular, the “Aonuma” and “Akanuma” lakes are just as their names suggest, with their vivid colors making them ideal for photography.
In addition, there are many spots around the nature trail where you can enjoy the rich natural environment and observe wildlife and a variety of plants. You can feel refreshed in nature and enjoy the pleasant breeze. After hiking, we recommend enjoying local specialties at a nearby roadside station. Hiking along the Goshikinuma Nature Trail is a valuable experience that allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of Fukushima’s nature.
Hiking around the colorful lakes and marshes is a great way to experience the beauty of nature.
12:45|Roadside Station Urabandai|Lunch time with local gourmet food
<Source:https://michinoeki-urabandai.com/>
Michi-no-eki Urabandai is a spot where you can enjoy local specialties and gourmet food in a rich natural environment. Here, there is a wide selection of dishes made with fresh ingredients from Fukushima, and the “Urabandai soba” is particularly recommended. The handmade soba noodles, made with local buckwheat flour, are fragrant and have a chewy texture. You can also enjoy dishes made with local vegetables and fruit that change with the seasons.
At lunchtime, set meals made with plenty of local ingredients and hearty rice bowls are also popular. In particular, the “Inawashiro Lake fish dishes” that are a specialty of Urabandai are very popular with tourists because they can enjoy dishes made with fresh fish. In addition, there is also a souvenir corner in the roadside station, where you can buy Fukushima’s famous products and handmade sweets.
After enjoying your meal, we also recommend taking a walk in the nature around the roadside station. While enjoying the beautiful scenery, you can prepare yourself for your next sightseeing spot with a refreshed mind. Lunch time at the Roadside Station Urabandai is a precious moment where you can fully enjoy the charms of Fukushima.
The Urabandai soba is truly exquisite.
14:00|Grandeco Resort|Enjoy the activities and the spectacular view
<Source:https://resort.en-hotel.com/grandeco/mountain/ja/>
The Grandeco Resort is a highland resort surrounded by the beautiful nature of Fukushima Prefecture, and is a particularly attractive spot for visitors in summer. If you arrive at 2pm, we recommend that you first enjoy the activities on offer at the resort. Here, there is a wide range of outdoor activities on offer, including mountain biking, trekking and even zip-lining. In particular, zip-lining is an experience that adventure lovers will love, as you can enjoy the thrill of being high up in the air while enjoying the spectacular views.
The Grande Resort is not just about activities. You can also spend a relaxing time while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the surrounding mountains and lakes. In particular, the view from the observatory is breathtakingly beautiful, so don’t forget to bring your camera. In the evening, you can see the sun setting and coloring the mountains, so if you have time, be sure to enjoy the moment.
There are also cafes and restaurants in the resort where you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients. Why not take a break from your activities and enjoy some delicious Fukushima cuisine? You can enjoy the nature and culture of Fukushima to the full through your time at the Grandeco Resort.
I was very satisfied with the wide range of activities and beautiful scenery.
【With a car】Autumn day trip model course|Touring famous spots and enjoying the autumn leaves
Autumn in Fukushima is the perfect season to enjoy the colorful autumn leaves. This one-day car tour takes you to spots where you can enjoy spectacular drives and the beauty of nature. First, drive along the Bandai Azuma Skyline and enjoy a refreshing drive while looking at the mountains surrounded by autumn leaves. Next, at Tatsusawa Fudo Waterfall, you can enjoy the fantastic scenery created by the clear water falling from the waterfall and the autumn leaves. For lunch, we will visit Ouchi-juku, where you can stroll through the streets lined with thatched-roof houses and enjoy the specialty of the area, negi soba (noodles with leeks). Finally, we will visit Tō no Hetsuri, where you can enjoy the spectacular view of the strange-shaped rocks and the autumn leaves, and fully appreciate the beauty of nature in autumn.
8:00|Bandai Azuma Skyline|Scenic drive and autumn leaf viewing
At 8:00 in the morning, you will arrive at the starting point of the Bandai Azuma Skyline. This road is known as a scenic drive course where you can fully enjoy the beautiful nature of Fukushima Prefecture. In autumn in particular, the surrounding mountains turn red and yellow, creating a landscape that looks like a painting. While driving, we recommend opening the window and feeling the fresh air.
There are several observation decks along the way, so you can stop the car and enjoy the spectacular views. The view from Jōdōdaira is particularly impressive, and the sight of the mountains in the distance and the colorful autumn leaves is sure to captivate visitors. It’s also a great spot for taking photos, so don’t forget to bring your camera!
Also, as the Bandai Azuma Skyline is a popular destination for tourists during the autumn foliage season, we recommend that you leave early. By avoiding the crowds and taking your time, you will be able to enjoy the scenery even more. After enjoying the drive, be sure to take in the beauty of this natural landscape before heading off to your next destination.
A drive while looking at the mountains dyed red by the autumn foliage is the best.
10:30|Tatsusawa Fudo Waterfall|A collaboration of autumn leaves and clear streams
Tatsusawa Fudo Waterfall is one of the most beautiful spots in Fukushima Prefecture. In autumn, the surrounding trees turn into a variety of autumn colors, and when combined with the flow of the waterfall, it creates a fantastic landscape. Here, you can spend a relaxing time listening to the sound of the waterfall.
The access to the waterfall is via a well-maintained walking trail, so it is a safe place to visit with family or friends. Along the way, there are also spots where you can enjoy the changing colors of the leaves as you walk, making it perfect for taking photos. In particular, near the waterfall, the spray of water rising up creates a beautiful contrast with the changing leaves.
In addition, Tatsusawa Fudo Waterfall is known as a sacred place, as its name suggests. There is a shrine around the waterfall that enshrines Fudo Myo-o, and visitors can calm their hearts and feel the power of nature. Please enjoy a moment of refreshment for both body and mind, surrounded by the beauty of the autumn leaves and the sound of the clear stream.
You can spend a moment where your heart is refreshed by the sound of the waterfall and the beauty of the autumn leaves!
12:30|Ouchi-juku|Strolling around the thatched-roof inn town
Ouchi-juku is a place that still retains the atmosphere of an Edo-era post town, and the sight of the thatched-roof houses lined up together gives you the feeling that you have slipped back in time. Here, you can experience the lives of people from that time while touring the historic buildings. In particular, the thatched-roof houses, combined with the scenery of the four seasons, are sure to captivate visitors.
When you start walking around, the first thing you’ll see is the beautiful scenery with the old townscape in the background. On both sides of the road, you’ll find traditional inns and souvenir shops, where you can buy local specialties and handmade crafts. There are also many restaurants where you can try the specialty “negi soba” (green onion soba), so this is a spot you definitely want to stop by during your sightseeing.
The charm of Ouchi-juku is that it is not just a tourist spot, but a place where you can spend a relaxing time while feeling the history. While strolling around, enjoy the thatched-roof houses and the quaint streets, and make memories that will stay with you. Ouchi-juku is a spot that we especially recommend for sightseeing in Fukushima, where you can forget about time and spend a relaxing time.
You can experience the beauty of autumn together with the traditional buildings.
15:30|Tō no Hetsuri|A tour of the spectacular scenery of the strange rocks and autumn leaves
The perfect place to end your autumn sightseeing in Fukushima is Tō no Hetsuri. Here, the strange rock formations created by nature form a beautiful landscape, and the charm of the area is especially enhanced during the autumn leaf-viewing season. Tō no Hetsuri is known as a scenic spot in the Aizu region, and is a spot that captivates visitors.
First, if you walk a little way from the car park, you will see a landscape that looks like a painting. The trees, which have turned red and yellow, combined with the strange-shaped rocks, make for a truly spectacular sight. In particular, the autumn leaves that can be seen peeping out from between the rocks are sure to look great in photographs. If you have a camera with you, be sure to capture this moment.
The walking trail is well maintained, so even beginners can walk along it with peace of mind. There is also an observation deck along the way, and the view from there is breathtaking. During the autumn foliage season, the area is particularly popular with tourists, so we recommend going early.
In addition, there are also shops selling local specialties dotted around the area around Tōnohetsuri, so you can take a short break during your walk. After enjoying the autumn foliage, why not try some of the local delicacies?
As you can see, Tō no Hetsuri is a spot where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and history, and it is the perfect place to fully enjoy the autumn in Fukushima. Before heading to your next destination, be sure to take in this magnificent view.
The scenery created by the strange-shaped rocks and the autumn leaves is sure to make for a great photo!
【Without a car】One-day winter sightseeing model course|Snowscapes and hot spring tour
Fukushima in winter is a place of great charm, with beautiful snow-covered scenery and hot springs. First, enjoy the fantastic scenery of thatched-roof old private houses covered in snow at Ouchi-juku. You can spend a relaxing time strolling through the streets, which are full of historical atmosphere. Next, move on to Noji Onsen and experience the luxury of soaking in a hot bath in the cold air of a snow-viewing open-air bath. Finally, visit Tsurugajo Castle (Aizu Wakamatsu Castle) and spend the day enjoying the beauty and history of the snow-covered castle tower.
9:00|Ouchi-juku|Walking through a snow-covered post town
If you’re visiting Fukushima in winter, start off by visiting Ouchi-juku. This historic post town is covered in snow, creating a picturesque scene. Ouchi-juku prospered as a post town in the Edo period, and is characterized by its quaint streets lined with houses with thatched roofs. When you visit in winter, the snow-covered roofs and streets will give you the feeling that you have stepped back in time.
First, take a stroll through the center of the post town and visit the shops selling historical buildings and local specialties. In particular, the specialty “negi soba” is a dish you can’t miss. The style of eating it using the leeks as chopsticks is an experience you can only have here. Enjoying hot soba while looking at the snowy landscape is a luxury that can only be experienced in winter.
In addition, there are walking paths around the area for enjoying the snowy scenery, so you can take a leisurely walk while feeling the beauty of nature. The scenery of Ouchi-juku covered in snow is also great for photos, so this is a chance to take a memorable photo. Ouchi-juku in winter will provide you with a special experience where history and nature come together.
The thatched-roof houses covered in snow are truly beautiful.
12:30|Noji Onsen|Warm your body and soul in a snow-viewing open-air bath
<Source:https://www.nojionsen.com/>
Among the model day trip courses for winter, we recommend Noji Onsen as a spot where you can refresh your body and soul. You can enjoy a luxurious moment soaking in the hot spring while looking at the beautiful scenery covered in snow. In particular, the view from the open-air bath is spectacular, and the surrounding snowy landscape will surely soothe your heart.
Noji Onsen is a quiet hot spring inn nestled in the middle of nature, and it is reputed to have very good hot spring water. The hot spring water, which is directly piped from the source, is gentle on the skin and warms you right down to your core. At the open-air bath with a view of the snow, you can enjoy bathing while the snow falls, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, which is like a painting.
After taking a dip in the hot spring, we also recommend spending some time relaxing in the inn’s lounge area. With a warm drink in hand, you can enjoy the snowy scenery and forget about the fatigue of everyday life, refreshing your body and mind.
In this way, Noji Onsen is the perfect spot for winter sightseeing. Enjoy a special moment in the silence of the snow-covered surroundings, feeling the warmth of the hot spring.
You can spend a relaxing time in the open-air bath surrounded by snow and refresh your body and soul.
15:30|Tsurugajo Castle (Aizu Wakamatsu Castle)|A visit to the castle keep and a historical tour in winter
If you visit Tsurugajo Castle (Aizu Wakamatsu Castle) in the afternoon in winter, you will be greeted by its beautiful appearance, surrounded by a world of silver white. The snow-covered castle creates a landscape that looks like a painting, and it is sure to captivate visitors. If you climb to the top of the castle tower, you can see the surrounding snowy landscape in its entirety, and the view is especially spectacular in the clear winter air.
Tsurugajo Castle is an important cultural asset that tells the story of the history of the Aizu clan, and it is a valuable building that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period. Inside the castle, there are exhibitions where you can learn about the history and culture of the Aizu clan, and tourists are drawn in by its charm. In particular, during the winter, you can take a walk while feeling the historical background, along with the snowy landscape that spreads out around the castle.
After enjoying the view from the castle tower, we also recommend taking a stroll around the castle grounds. You can spend a quiet winter moment looking at the snow-covered gardens and historic buildings. Tsuruga Castle in winter is a place that offers a special experience where history and nature come together. Why not enjoy a heart-warming historical tour?
Tsuruga Castle covered in snow is like a painting.
Summary
Fukushima Prefecture is a tourist destination with seasonal charm, and it is full of spots that are perfect for day trips. In spring, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms while touring historic sites, and in summer you can enjoy refreshing activities at lakes and highlands. In autumn, you can enjoy driving and walking while admiring the beautiful autumn leaves, and in winter you can refresh your body and mind while soaking in a hot spring in a snowy landscape.
Please enjoy the nature, culture and cuisine of Fukushima to the full by following this model course, which can be enjoyed with or without a car. You will rediscover the appeal of Fukushima and create memories that will stay with you.
