Aizu Railway runs through Fukushima Prefecture and is the perfect choice for a sightseeing train journey, offering breathtaking views of nature and glimpses into the region’s rich history from the train window. Along the line, you’ll find a variety of attractions where you can experience the beauty of each season and immerse yourself in local culture.
In this article, we’ve selected 9 must-visit destinations along the Aizu Railway. Why not take a slow and scenic train ride and discover the hidden charms of Fukushima?
- What is the Aizu Railway?｜ Must-See Attractions!
- Top 9 Must-Visit Stops on the Aizu Railway Route
- To-no-Hetsuri | Amazing Rock Cliffs and Gorge
- Aizu Bukeyashiki | Travel Back to Japan’s Samurai Past
- Yunokami Onsen | Scenic Thatched-Roof Train Station
- Ouchi-juku | Step into a Movie-Like Edo Period Town
- First Tadami River Bridge | A Must-See Scenic Photo Spot
- Aizu Sazaedo | Unique Spiral Structure
- Tsuruga Castle | A Famous Castle Known for Its Beautiful Red Tiles
- Suehiro Sake Brewery | Taste Local Sake at a Historic Brewery
- Ponshukan, Echigo-Yuzawa Station | The Ultimate Sake Tasting Spot
- Aizu Railway Journey Wrap-Up | Discover the Beauty All Over Again
What is the Aizu Railway?｜ Must-See Attractions!
The Aizu Railway is a sightseeing train that runs through the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, offering a special journey where stunning natural landscapes and historical charm come together. Covering about 60 kilometers, the line connects Aizu-Wakamatsu with Aizu-Tajima, passing through a variety of scenic and culturally rich spots along the way. One of the highlights of the Aizu Railway is the breathtaking view from the train windows—majestic mountains, winding rivers, and the changing beauty of the four seasons will leave you with unforgettable memories.
What makes this journey truly unique is the relaxed pace of travel. The train moves slowly, allowing passengers to sit back, unwind, and fully take in the surrounding scenery. Inside the train, you’ll also find displays of local specialties and tourist information, adding a sense of discovery as you travel.
The Aizu Railway also runs through regions steeped in history, with many cultural heritage sites and sightseeing spots located along the route. From traditional towns that preserve the atmosphere of the Edo period to scenic wonders shaped by nature, every stop offers something new and exciting to explore.
In the next section, we’ll introduce some of the best spots to visit along the Aizu Railway—perfect for making the most of your scenic rail adventure!
Top 9 Must-Visit Stops on the Aizu Railway Route
There are many worthwhile attractions along the Aizu Railway, each offering a unique glimpse into the region’s natural beauty and historical heritage. From breathtaking scenery to culturally rich destinations, traveling by train allows you to fully immerse yourself in the essence of Aizu. Here are 9 great places to visit along the Aizu Railway. Each spot has something special to offer and is sure to make your trip even more memorable.
To-no-Hetsuri | Amazing Rock Cliffs and Gorge
Located in Aizu-Wakamatsu City, Tō-no-Hetsuri is a stunning gorge famous for its unique rock formations created by nature. The towering rocks, resembling tall towers, create a breathtaking landscape that captivates every visitor.
You can enjoy Tō-no-Hetsuri in any season. In spring, fresh green leaves appear. Summer brings lush trees. In autumn, the colorful fall leaves make the gorge even more beautiful. In winter, snow covers the area and creates a magical scene. This natural beauty makes visitors feel calm and relaxed.
There are walking paths around the gorge, so you can explore close to the rocks and take great photos. It’s a perfect place for people who love nature and photography. Nearby, you can also find shops selling local products and souvenirs.
Tō-no-Hetsuri offers a different view from what you see from the Aizu Railway train. The beautiful scenery made by nature will become a special memory of your trip.
The towering rocks are even more impressive than you can imagine!
Aizu Bukeyashiki | Travel Back to Japan’s Samurai Past
Located in Aizu-Wakamatsu City, the Aizu Samurai Residence is a historic site where visitors can experience the lifestyle of samurai from the Edo period. The preserved samurai houses and gardens give you a feeling of stepping back in time. Inside the residence, you can see furniture and tools used by samurai, offering a fascinating glimpse into their daily life and culture—making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
The beautiful gardens around the residence change with the seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom; summer brings lush greenery; autumn colors the gardens with vibrant fall leaves; and winter covers the area in a peaceful blanket of snow, creating a serene atmosphere where you can truly feel the past.
At Aizu Samurai Residence, visitors can also dress up in samurai costumes for memorable photos, making it a great spot for families and friends. This combination of history and fun makes the residence an essential stop on your Aizu Railway journey.
You can clearly understand what their daily life was like!
Yunokami Onsen | Scenic Thatched-Roof Train Station
Yunokami Onsen is a beautiful hot spring town along the Aizu Railway. One of its special features is the old-fashioned thatched-roof train station, which feels like stepping back into old Japan. The station fits perfectly with the natural surroundings and welcomes visitors warmly.
The town is surrounded by nature and offers lovely views all year round. In spring, you can enjoy cherry blossoms; in summer, green mountains; in autumn, colorful fall leaves; and in winter, peaceful snow-covered scenery. There are also charming inns and restaurants where you can taste local food made with fresh ingredients.
The hot springs here are gentle on the skin and great for relaxing. You can soak in the warm water while enjoying the beautiful nature around you. Yunokami Onsen is a perfect stop to relax and refresh during your trip on the Aizu Railway!
A perfect spot to take a break during your train journey!
Ouchi-juku | Step into a Movie-Like Edo Period Town
Ouchi-juku is one of the essential sightseeing spots on the Aizu Railway route. This historic post town from the Edo period feels like stepping back in time. Traditional thatched-roof houses line the streets, preserving the atmosphere of the past and captivating all who visit.
The charm of Ouchi-juku is not just its beautiful scenery. Visitors can also enjoy local specialty dishes while feeling the history of the town. One famous dish is “Negi Soba,” where long green onions are used as chopsticks to eat soba noodles — a unique and popular experience among tourists. Eating while enjoying the surrounding views makes this spot even more special.
Ouchi-juku also offers different natural beauty in every season. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, lush green mountains appear in summer, colorful autumn leaves decorate the town in fall, and snow blankets the area in winter. Spending a relaxing time in this movie-like setting makes Ouchi-juku a must-stop on your Aizu Railway adventure.
It feels like you’ve traveled back in time!
First Tadami River Bridge | A Must-See Scenic Photo Spot
The First Tadami River Bridge is one of the unmissable scenic spots along the Aizu Railway. This beautiful arched iron bridge spans the Tadami River, blending harmoniously with the surrounding nature. Especially during the cherry blossom season in spring and the colorful autumn foliage, the vibrant landscape captivates visitors.
The view from the bridge is breathtaking, offering a panoramic sight of the flowing river and nearby mountains. It’s a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts, especially if you can capture the moment a train crosses the bridge—a truly memorable shot. There are also hiking trails nearby, allowing visitors to enjoy a stroll surrounded by nature.
The First Tadami River Bridge offers a special moment during your Aizu Railway trip! Don’t forget to bring your camera and fully enjoy the beautiful scenery throughout the seasons.
The photo spot is about a 15-minute walk from the roadside station!
Aizu Sazaedo | Unique Spiral Structure
Aizu Sazaedo is one of the essential sightseeing spots on the Aizu Railway route. This unique building features a distinctive spiral structure, with an interior space more beautiful than you might expect from its exterior. Built during the Edo period, the hall was used to spread Buddhist teachings, and its design is truly one of a kind.
A particularly notable feature is the spiral staircase inside. Visitors enter through a single entrance visible from outside and naturally approach the Buddha statues as they ascend the stairs. This design offers a sacred and almost otherworldly experience, making visitors feel as if they have traveled through time and space.
In addition to its unique architecture, Aizu Sazaedo is admired for its beautiful wooden construction and harmony with the surrounding nature. You can enjoy changing seasonal views—cherry blossoms in spring and colorful autumn leaves in fall—each visit offering a different atmosphere. Be sure to stop by during your trip to experience this special place. Aizu Sazaedo will surely make your journey on the Aizu Railway even more memorable.
This is a truly fascinating building. Don’t miss the chance to see it!
Tsuruga Castle | A Famous Castle Known for Its Beautiful Red Tiles
Tsuruga Castle, located in Aizu-Wakamatsu City, is a famous historic site known for its distinctive red roof tiles. Originally built during the Edo period, the castle served as the political and cultural center of the Aizu Domain and played an important role in many historical events. Inside the castle, visitors can explore exhibits that showcase the life and culture of samurai from the Edo period. It’s a great place to learn about the region’s rich history and experience a bit of Japan’s past.
One of the highlights is the view from the top of the main tower. From there, you can see the surrounding city and natural landscapes. Each season brings something different—cherry blossoms in spring, colorful leaves in autumn—making every visit unique. The area around the castle also features historic buildings and cultural sites, perfect for a relaxing walk.
Tsuruga Castle is a must-visit stop on your Aizu Railway journey. Take a moment to enjoy the beautiful red tiles and feel the history all around you.
A must-visit spot when you’re in Aizu!
Suehiro Sake Brewery | Taste Local Sake at a Historic Brewery
Suehiro Sake Brewery is one of the must-visit spots on your Aizu Railway journey. With over 150 years of history, this traditional brewery is known for producing high-quality sake using the pure water and rich natural environment of the Aizu region. They take great pride in using locally grown rice and preserving time-honored brewing techniques.
Visitors can join a guided tour of the brewery to see the actual sake-making process up close. You’ll get to observe the skilled craftsmanship and passion of the brewers. After the tour, you can enjoy a sake tasting experience where you’ll sample several varieties and discover the unique flavors and aromas of each one. Whether you’re new to sake or a seasoned fan, it’s a fun and welcoming experience for everyone.
Suehiro’s appeal goes beyond its sake. There’s also a shop on-site where you can browse local specialties and take home your favorite bottles as souvenirs. Their beautifully labeled sake makes a great gift, too. If you’re looking to end your Aizu Railway adventure on a special note, be sure to stop by Suehiro Sake Brewery.
The pound cake made with Takada plums is also secretly popular!
Ponshukan, Echigo-Yuzawa Station | The Ultimate Sake Tasting Spot
If you’re a fan of sake—or even just curious—Ponshukan at Echigo-Yuzawa Station is the perfect place to end your Aizu Railway adventure. Often called a “sake theme park,” this spot brings together over 100 types of sake from all across Japan, offering visitors a chance to taste and discover their favorites.
One of the best experiences here is the sake tasting set. You can sample a variety of small pours and compare flavors to find what suits your taste. Friendly staff are on hand to explain each sake and recommend the best ways to enjoy them, making it a fun and accessible experience even for beginners. In addition to sake, the shop also offers local snacks and specialties that pair perfectly with your drinks. It’s a great way to explore the deeper connection between sake and regional food culture.
But Ponshukan is more than just a place to drink—it’s also a place to learn. Exhibits and displays teach you about how sake is made and how it differs from region to region. Whether you’re a longtime sake lover or just starting your journey, this is a fantastic way to experience Japan’s sake culture. Why not wrap up your Aizu trip with a memorable tasting session at Ponshukan?
A fun sake theme park with endless tasting options!
Aizu Railway Journey Wrap-Up | Discover the Beauty All Over Again
The Aizu Railway is more than just a means of transportation—it’s a memorable experience that stays with you long after the journey ends. Along the line, you’ll find scenic nature spots and places steeped in history, offering something new and exciting each time you visit. With each season, the landscape transforms: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn leaves, and peaceful snowy scenes in winter.
One of the most special features of the Aizu Railway is its character. With slow-moving trains and unique car designs, you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the view from your window. And at every stop, there’s something to discover—whether it’s local history, regional cuisine, or traditional crafts, each place adds something special to your trip.
All the destinations we’ve introduced in this article are full of charm and worth visiting. From the dramatic cliffs of Tō-no-Hetsuri and the timeless atmosphere of Aizu Bukeyashiki, to the nostalgic thatched-roof station at Yunokami Onsen, each stop lets you dive deeper into Aizu’s unique culture and beauty.
Next time you plan a trip, why not choose the Aizu Railway? Beautiful scenery, rich traditions, and warm hospitality are waiting for you. We hope your journey will be filled with unforgettable moments.
