A 2-day, 1-night model course for sightseeing in Fukushima! Enjoy it to the fullest with a plan with a car and a plan without a car!

Fukushima Prefecture is packed with historic townscapes, spectacular scenery and delicious local cuisine! We will introduce two recommended sightseeing model courses that you can enjoy in one night and two days, one with a car and one without. There are also plans that take in popular spots such as Ouchi-juku and Tsuruga Castle, as well as plans that allow you to enjoy the sights at a leisurely pace using public transport. Check out these courses, which are packed with the charms of Fukushima, perfect for winter sightseeing, and enjoy a fulfilling trip!

A 2-day, 1-night model course for touring Fukushima by car

This 2-day, 1-night model course for touring Fukushima by car offers a high degree of freedom, allowing you to enjoy the tourist spots efficiently. On the first day, check out the local specialties at Michi-no-Eki Fukushima, and enjoy the spectacular view from the Takino Tsuribashi suspension bridge. At lunch, try the Takato soba, a specialty of Fukushima, at Misawaya, and in the afternoon, spend some time at the Aizu Buke Yashiki samurai residences to get a feel for the history of the area. Stay overnight at Kikkawa-ya and refresh your body and mind. On the second day, you can enjoy a quiet morning at the Miyakuen Garden and then enjoy the specialty of Ouchi-juku, negi soba (green onion soba noodles), in a luxurious plan.

10:00|Michi-no-Eki Fukushima|Start your trip! Check out the local specialties

Let’s start your trip to Fukushima sightseeing at Michi-no-Eki Fukushima. This is the perfect place to start your sightseeing, with a selection of local specialties and fresh produce. One of the joys of traveling is browsing through the local produce and souvenirs that the locals love, in the fresh morning air.

We particularly recommend the peaches and apples that are famous products of Fukushima, as well as the Aizu sake. You can also sample and try out the food, so if you find something you like, you can buy it there and then. There is also a wide selection of local handicrafts and sweets, so you might be able to find the perfect item to remember your trip by.

After you leave the roadside station, please enjoy your time here before heading off to your next destination. Let’s start your trip with a wonderful experience of the charms of Fukushima!

11:30|Takino Tsuribashi|Refresh yourself at this scenic spot

Takino Tsuribashi is a scenic spot where you can enjoy the natural beauty of Fukushima Prefecture to the full. The powerful sight of the waterfall spreading out beneath the bridge will refresh your heart. The area is surrounded by lush greenery, and you can enjoy the scenery of each season, so you’ll discover new charms every time you visit.

When crossing the suspension bridge, you’ll feel a slight swaying sensation, and while enjoying the thrill, you can also listen to the sounds of nature. The sound of the waterfall and the birdsong are pleasant, and it’s a place where you can forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are also many photo spots, and in particular, photos with the waterfall in the background will make wonderful memories of your trip.

There is also a walking path around the suspension bridge over the waterfall, so you can enjoy a short hike. After you’ve refreshed yourself in nature, get ready to head to your next destination. This spot, where you can feel the great outdoors of Fukushima, will be an important part of your trip.

13:30|Misawaya|Enjoy Fukushima’s famous Takato soba

On your way around Fukushima, be sure to stop by Misawaya. Here you can enjoy Fukushima’s famous Takato soba. Takato soba is characterized by its thin, chewy noodles, which are made using fresh local water and carefully selected buckwheat flour. The noodles are served with green onions used as chopsticks and condiments.

The interior of the restaurant has a calm atmosphere and is decorated with attractive Japanese-style furnishings. The natural scenery visible through the windows makes for a relaxing dining experience. The recommended way to eat the soba is to dip it in the soba sauce. The sauce has a light flavor that complements the soba. You can also enjoy tempura made with local vegetables and wild plants, which will make your meal even more satisfying.

In between sightseeing, be sure to stop by Misawaya and enjoy Takato soba to your heart’s content. After you’ve had your fill, get ready to head to your next sightseeing spot

15:30|Aizu Samurai Residences|A tourist spot where you can experience the history of Aizu

Aizu Buke Yashiki is a historical tourist attraction located in Aizu Wakamatsu City, and is a valuable spot where you can experience the lifestyle of samurai from the Edo period. Here, you can visit the houses where the samurai actually lived, and learn about the lifestyle and culture of the time. There is also a garden and a museum on the grounds, where you can reflect on history in a quiet environment.

Of particular note are the weapons and furnishings on display inside the samurai residences. These items speak of the pride and lifestyle of the samurai of the time, and are sure to move visitors deeply. In addition, guided tours are also available, so visitors can enjoy a more in-depth experience while listening to detailed explanations.

By visiting the Aizu Samurai Residences, you can experience the history and culture of Fukushima and rediscover the charm of the region. Be sure to stop by during your sightseeing.

18:00|Kikkawa-ya|A hotel that pampers your body and soul

To recover from the fatigue of sightseeing in Fukushima, choose Kikkawa-ya as your accommodation. This hotel is located in a quiet environment surrounded by nature, and you can enjoy a relaxing hot spring bath and delicious cuisine made with local ingredients. In particular, the hot spring water, which is directly piped from the source, is gentle on the skin and has a great relaxing effect. It will surely help you to recover from the fatigue of your travels.

For dinner, you can enjoy Aizu’s local cuisine, which uses fresh local ingredients, and it will provide you with a heart-warming experience. In particular, the dishes made with Aizu rice and vegetables are prepared in a way that brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients, and you can feel the charm of Fukushima through the food.

In addition, the staff at the inn are friendly and happy to give you advice on sightseeing information and recommended spots, so they are a great help when you are planning your next day’s activities. Staying at Kikkaway will make your trip to Fukushima even more special. Refresh your mind and body and get ready for tomorrow’s sightseeing!

10:00|Ouchi-juku|A thatched-roof post town

Ouchi-juku is a place that still retains the atmosphere of a post town from the Edo period, and the sight of the thatched-roof houses lined up together gives you the feeling that you have slipped back in time. Be sure to try the specialty “negi soba” here. Negi soba is characterized by its unique style of using a long green onion as a substitute for chopsticks and dipping the soba into the soup. The soba noodles, made from fresh local buckwheat flour, are fragrant, chewy and very filling.

In Ouchi-juku, as well as enjoying the soba, we also recommend taking a stroll around the surrounding scenery and historic buildings. In the center of the post town, old-fashioned merchant houses and private homes stand side by side, providing plenty of photo opportunities for tourists. In particular, the beautiful scenery created by the changing seasons soothes the hearts of visitors.

In between sightseeing, there are also many shops selling local crafts and souvenirs, so it’s also fun to look around at the handmade items. After enjoying lunch at Ouchi-juku, be sure to take in the atmosphere of this historic town to the fullest before heading to your next destination.

12:30|Omachi Okameya|Take a breather

While sightseeing, be sure to drop by “Omachi Okameya”. Here you can enjoy carefully selected soba noodles and sake. The limited-time-only seasonal menus and carefully selected soba noodles that make the most of the ingredients are also popular.

The interior has a calm atmosphere and the Japanese-style interior will soothe your heart. In between sightseeing, you can enjoy the food prepared by the chefs while spending a relaxing time.

Your time at Omachi Okameya will surely make your trip to Fukushima even more special. Be sure to drop by while touring the tourist attractions.

14:30|Ono Kannon-do|Feel the history in the silence

Ono Kannon-do is located in a quiet spot surrounded by nature in Fukushima Prefecture, and is a spot that provides peace of mind to visitors. This Kannon-do, which has a historical background, is known as a place of worship that has continued since the Edo period, and is visited by many worshippers. When you step into the precincts, a space enveloped in silence spreads out, and you can forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The area around the Kannon-do is surrounded by beautiful nature, and you can enjoy the scenery of each season. In spring, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and in autumn the changing leaves are particularly beautiful. When you visit, be sure to take a stroll and enjoy the charms of each season.

At Ono Kannon-do, you can also meditate to calm your mind, and there are also traditional events held by the local people. You can spend some time seeking inner peace while feeling the history of the area. This is one spot you definitely want to visit when sightseeing in Fukushima.

16:00|Ojima Bread|Take home some of the locally popular bread as a souvenir

To round off your sightseeing in Fukushima, why not visit the locally popular Ojima Bread? This is a popular bakery with a wide range of handmade bread, and it is loved not only by tourists but also by the locals. Inside the shop, you’ll find a dazzling array of choices, including fluffy loaves of bread, savory croissants, and seasonal sweet breads.

We especially recommend the bread made with locally-grown wheat. It has a firm texture and a subtle sweetness, and it’s worth trying one of each. In addition to bread, Ojima Bread also sells handmade jams and sweets, so it’s a great place to pick up souvenirs.

To take home a souvenir of your trip, why not choose your favorite bread? It’s sure to be a hit as a gift. After enjoying your time at Ojima Bread, look back on your trip to Fukushima as you head off to your next destination.

2-day, 1-night model course for touring Fukushima without a car (using trains and buses)

Here we will introduce a 2-day, 1-night model course for enjoying Fukushima Prefecture without a car. First, arrive at Aizu Wakamatsu Station and get your trip started. The area around the station has a retro atmosphere, with Nanoka-machi Street where you can enjoy eating and shopping. Next, visit the historic Aizu Samurai Residences to experience Aizu culture, and then visit Tsurugajo Castle to enjoy the symbol of the castle town. After refreshing yourself at a hotel where you can enjoy hot springs and local cuisine, why not take a stroll through Ouchi-juku, a village that still retains the appearance of an Edo-period town, and finish off by looking for souvenirs at one of the stylish general goods stores? Enjoy a fulfilling trip!

10:00|Arrival at Aizu Wakamatsu Station|The starting point for your trip to Fukushima!

Your trip to Fukushima begins at Aizu Wakamatsu Station. This station has excellent access to tourist attractions, and you can easily get to various spots by train or bus. When you arrive at the station, be sure to pick up a map and pamphlets at the tourist information center. The local staff will kindly provide you with tourist information, so even first-timers need not worry.

The area around the station is home to the retro-style Nanoka-machi Street and an area lined with historic buildings. Before you start sightseeing, we recommend taking a short stroll to get a feel for the local atmosphere. In particular, Nanoka-machi Street is dotted with stylish cafes and shops, where you can enjoy eating and shopping.

Starting from Aizu-wakamatsu Station, your journey to fully experience the charms of Fukushima begins. Before heading to your next destination, be sure to experience the charms of this area.

10:30|Nanoka-machi Street|Eat and shop in a retro townscape

Nanoka-machi Street is a spot in the center of Aizu Wakamatsu with a charming historical townscape. Here, you can see buildings that still retain the appearance of the Edo period, and just walking around is enough to soothe the soul. In particular, there are many stylish cafes and shops that have been renovated from old merchant houses and warehouses, making it the perfect place for tourists to eat and shop.

As you walk along the street, you can enjoy local specialties and handmade crafts. For example, there are many shops that serve Aizu specialties such as Kozuyu and Aizu Wakamatsu sake, so you can sample the food and find your favorite. You can also buy pottery and other goods made by local artisans, so it’s a great place to pick up souvenirs.

In addition, there are seasonal events held on Nanoka-machi Street, so you can enjoy the lively atmosphere. Be sure to drop by here in between sightseeing. You’ll be able to make wonderful memories against the backdrop of the retro streets.

12:30|Aizu Samurai Residences|Visit the historic samurai residences

Aizu Samurai Residences is a popular tourist spot in Aizu Wakamatsu, and is a valuable place where you can experience the lifestyle of the samurai of the Edo period. Here, you can visit the houses where the samurai actually lived, and learn about the lifestyle and culture of the time. The museum displays samurai costumes and weapons, making it a must-see spot for anyone interested in history.

In addition, the gardens of the samurai residences are beautiful in every season, so just taking a stroll through them is a relaxing experience. In spring, the cherry blossoms are particularly spectacular, and they attract many visitors. After your tour, why not take a break at a nearby cafe and reflect on the history of Aizu?

This place is not only a place where you can feel the history of Fukushima, but also a place where you can refresh yourself in between sightseeing. Be sure to stop by before heading to your next destination.

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It’s about a 15-minute bus ride from Aizu Wakamatsu Station to the Aizu Samurai Residences!

14:30|Aizu Wakamatsu Castle (Tsurugajo)|Visit the symbol of the castle town

Aizu Wakamatsu Castle, also known as Tsuruga Castle, is a historic castle located in the center of Aizu Wakamatsu City in Fukushima Prefecture. The castle is characterized by its beautiful white walls and red roof, and in spring, the cherry blossoms in full bloom are a sight to behold. Inside the castle, there are many historical documents and exhibits, and you can learn about the history of the Aizu clan. From the castle tower, you can see the beautiful scenery all around, and it is a great spot to feel the nature of Aizu.

In addition, the area around Tsurugajo Castle is full of streets that give you a feel for the atmosphere of the castle town, and it’s a fun place to take a stroll. There are also shops selling local specialties and cafes where you can enjoy traditional Japanese sweets, so we recommend stopping by in between sightseeing. Let’s fully enjoy the charm of Aizu in this place where history and nature come together.

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It’s about a 10-minute bus ride from Aizu-Buke-Yashiki-Mae Station to Tsurugajo-San-no-Maru-Guchi Station!

15:30|Goyakuen|A healing spot where you can feel the silence

<Source:Aizu Wakamatsu Tourism Navi>

This medicinal herb garden was established in the Edo period, and its vast grounds are planted with a wide variety of medicinal herbs and plants. It is a healing spot where you can spend a relaxing time in the silence.

At the garden, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of each season, and in particular, the cherry blossoms in spring, the lush greenery in summer, and the autumn leaves in autumn will captivate visitors. There are also historical buildings scattered throughout the garden, and you can feel the history as you stroll around. It is the perfect place to refresh your mind in a quiet environment.

In addition, there is a cafe in the garden where you can enjoy herbal teas and sweets, making it the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing. Enjoy a fulfilling time while feeling the nature and history of Fukushima.

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It’s about a 10-minute bus ride from Tsurugajo San-no-maru-guchi Station to Aizu-wakamatsu Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mae Station!

18:00|Magokoro no Yado Hoshinoi|A stay where you can be healed by hot spring baths and local cuisine

Magokoro no Yado Hoshinoi is proud of its hot spring water from Yunokami Onsen and its heartfelt hospitality. The warm smiles and heartfelt service of the staff give you a sense of security, as if you were part of the family.

The inn boasts a 24-hour hot spring with natural hot spring water from Yunokami Onsen. The large public bath has an indoor bath and an open-air bath, and the genders are switched at different times of the day, so you can enjoy a different atmosphere. Surrounded by nature, you can spend a luxurious time being healed to your heart’s content. For meals, you can enjoy Japanese food made with plenty of local seasonal ingredients.

In addition, as an experience unique to Hoshinoi, which values its connections with the local community, there is a night tour led by the owner himself. Ouchi-juku at night is enveloped in a different kind of quiet and magical atmosphere to the daytime, and you can really feel the charm of Minamiaizu. Magokoro no Yado Hoshinoi offers heart-warming hospitality, beautiful skin-soothing hot spring water, and local delicacies. Please spend a special time here that will make you want to come back again and again.

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About 1.5 hours by bus and train!

11:00|Tower of the Heats|Be moved by the beauty of nature’s formations

<Source: Ultimate Aizu>

Tower of the Heats is a spot where you can enjoy the amazing beauty of nature’s formations in Fukushima Prefecture. The distinctive feature of this place is the towering rock formations that have been eroded over many years, and they are a sight that never fails to captivate visitors. It is also a popular spot for taking photos, especially when combined with the beautiful scenery around it.

As you walk along the walking path, you can feel the changes in nature as the seasons change, and in the autumn, when the leaves are changing color, the rocks are covered in a variety of colors, creating a fantastic landscape. There is also an observation deck nearby, and the view from there is breathtaking. You can spend some time here feeling the power of nature and refreshing your mind.

Tō no Hetsuri is a particularly recommended spot for sightseeing in Fukushima. While being moved by the beauty of nature’s forms, let’s get ready to head to our next destination.

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About 20 minutes by bus from Hoshinoi!

14:00|Ouchi-juku|Walking through the streets of the Edo period

Ouchi-juku is a historic post town located in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, and it retains a strong sense of the Edo period. Here, you can enjoy the feeling of stepping back in time as you walk among the thatched-roof houses. Tourists can experience the lives of people from that time as they stroll through the old streets.

One thing we particularly recommend is the specialty “negi soba” (noodles with leeks). The style of eating the noodles using the leeks as chopsticks is a unique experience that you can only have here. Another attraction is that you can enjoy the scenery while enjoying the local cuisine.

In addition, there are also many shops in Ouchi-juku that sell traditional crafts and local specialties, so you can also enjoy shopping. You can spend a relaxing time looking for handmade crafts and souvenirs. Please spend a heart-warming moment while feeling the atmosphere of the Edo period.

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You can also enjoy it on the Hoshinoi night tour!

17:00|Return to Aizu Wakamatsu Station and head home

The time has finally come to end our 2-day, 1-night model course for sightseeing in Fukushima. Returning to Aizu Wakamatsu Station will allow you to reflect on the memories of your trip and soak up the pleasant afterglow. There are many tourist attractions and souvenir shops dotted around the station area, so we recommend stopping by again on your way home.

Also, from Aizu-wakamatsu Station, you can use the Shinkansen or conventional lines to move smoothly to your next destination. After visiting the beautiful scenery and historical sites of Fukushima, be sure to buy some souvenirs and share your travel memories with your family and friends. Local specialties and sweets are sure to be appreciated.

Before you head home, it’s fun to plan your next visit to Fukushima while reminiscing about your trip and your favorite spots. Make your 2-day, 1-night trip to Fukushima a wonderful experience that will make you want to come back for more.

Summary of the 2-day, 1-night model course for sightseeing in Fukushima

We have introduced a 2-day, 1-night model course for enjoying the charms of Fukushima Prefecture to the full. The car-owning plan starts at Michi-no-Eki Fukushima and takes in spots where you can enjoy the history and nature of the area, such as the Takino Tsuribashi suspension bridge and Aizu samurai residences. On the other hand, the car-free plan, which uses Aizu Wakamatsu Station as a base, takes in the retro streets and the famous Tsurugajo Castle, and is also enjoyable even if you use public transport.

Both plans have been designed to allow you to experience the delicious local cuisine of Fukushima and the healing power of hot spring resorts. In particular, the local specialties of Takato soba and negi soba are dishes you should definitely try when you visit. Enjoy a heart-warming trip while experiencing the history, culture and natural beauty of Fukushima. Please use this as a reference for your next trip planning.