In Aizu, Fukushima, you can enjoy a special experience called the Mugenkyo Boat Ride. On a traditional wooden boat, you’ll gently float along the river and pass by an abandoned village. These boats were once used by locals in daily life, but today they let visitors enjoy both beautiful scenery and a sense of history.
It’s a unique trip where you can enjoy nature, history, and something out of the ordinary—all at the same time.
In this article, we’ll share the story of the Mugenkyo Boat Ride, the best sights to see, and how to get there.
▷Learn more about the Mist Phantom Gorge and Tadami Line Photography Spots
Mugenkyo | A Magical Journey on a Little Boat
Located in Kaneyama Town, Fukushima, Mugenkyo is a hidden gem where you can cross the misty Tadami River on a small boat. About an hour and a half by car from Yunokami Onsen Station, the journey begins at Hayato Boat Pier—the highlight of today’s trip—where you can enjoy both the magical scenery and views of the Tadami Line trains at the same time.
The sight of white mist spreading across the mountains feels like stepping into another world. From the moment you board the boat, a special experience awaits, far removed from everyday life.
Writer’s Profile
Hello! My name is Aoi, born and raised in Fukushima, and I work at a travel company.
With a strong wish to share the beauty of my hometown with more people, today I’d like to introduce the charm of Mugenkyo. （Written by Aoi, translated by Yuka）
History: The 300-Year Story of Old Mikoro Village
The former Mikoro Village has a history of about 300 years, but it was sadly abandoned in 1964. At Mugenkyo, you can take a boat across the Tadami River and visit this historic village in Kaneyama Town, which was deserted around 50 years ago.
Mikoro: A Hidden Story in Mugenkyo
Deep in Mugenkyo, Fukushima, there once was a village called Mikoro. Today it is an abandoned settlement, but its history is dramatic and intense.
- 【The History of Mikoro】
- 1611 – Aizu Earthquake
- An earthquake caused a rock collapse that blocked the Tadami River. The Kōne village was flooded, so the people had to move to a new location.
- About 100 years later – Mountain Collapse
- The villagers had to relocate again. They rebuilt their village 6 km downstream and named it “Mikoro”, meaning “the third place.”
- 1964 – Large Landslide
- Rainwater collected in an old mining area caused the slope behind the village to collapse. Ten houses were buried instantly, and the village was abandoned.
Traces of Life Left Behind
Even today, the mountains still hold the quiet remains of old houses, shrines, rice barns, and storehouses. Visitors to Mikoro, the abandoned village hidden deep in Mugenkyo, can experience Japan’s original rural landscape and feel the memories of the people who once lived there.
A forgotten village wrapped in wind and mist—Mikoro.
It’s as if the land itself gently holds these fading memories.
Because of this, the scenery here has a unique stillness and weight that can’t be felt anywhere else.
A Boat Ride Full of Wonders
On the Mugenkyo boat ride, you can try steering the boat yourself under the guidance of an experienced boatman. Gliding smoothly across the water, or suddenly spinning when the boat doesn’t go as planned, is a mix of laughter and surprises at every turn.
If you choose a plan with a walking tour, you can stroll along the ferry landing with the boatman and explore the quiet valley, visiting old houses and small shrines that remain tucked away.
This unique experience creates memories you can only have here—special moments that make your trip truly unforgettable.
Experience: Steer the Boat Yourself!?
When boarding the boat, all participants are provided with life jackets in case of an accidental fall into the water. You don’t need to bring your own, so you can join the experience light and easy!
Life jackets are also available in children’s sizes, making it safe for families. However, for safety reasons, be careful not to pull on the straps unnecessarily.
For very young children, around 0–1 years old, who cannot yet wear a life jacket, you can hold them in your arms while riding the boat!
“I want to try rowing too!”
With that simple comment from Pusa, our boat ride experience in Mugenkyo began.
The oars didn’t catch the water easily, and the boat slowly spun and turned as we moved forward.
“There’s no way I could do this for hours! The boatman is incredible…”
Actually trying to row made us deeply appreciate the hardships of the people in the past and the incredible skill of the experienced boatmen.
It’s a rare experience you can only have here.
The skill of the boatman is absolutely impressive!
Walking Tour: The Mugenkyo Boat Crossing
After about 30 minutes by boat, we arrived at the Mugenkyo Ferry. The boatman told us the history of this place.
“Mikoro Village was here, and people lived here for over 300 years. But in 1964, a landslide on the mountain behind the village forced everyone to leave.”
In 2010, descendants of the former village named the area “Mugenkyo Ferry” and reopened it to help bring visitors back to the area.
Movie Location: Mugenkyo-an from “Rohan Kishibe Goes to the Louvre”
After walking for a while, we came across a solitary house on the mountainside: Mugenkyo-an. People once lived here, spending their daily lives alongside horses and cows. The interior of the house has been well preserved, and you can feel the warmth of the wood and the charm that comes with its long history.
In fact, this location, Mugenkyo-an, was used as a filming site for the live-action movie “Rohan Kishibe Goes to the Louvre”, based on the manga series “Thus Spoke Rohan Kishibe” by the internationally popular creator Hirohiko Araki from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
The film, starring actor Issei Takahashi, was released in 2023. Its unique world and stunning cinematography received widespread acclaim and made the movie a hot topic among fans.
The production team was searching for a place where only untouched nature remains, and they say this is the location they finally found!
A friend of mine said with a big smile:
“This is the Japan I’ve always wanted to see!”
Seeing my friend’s joyful expression made me smile too. Surely, this scenery is not something extraordinary—it’s just real, everyday Japan. But perhaps that’s exactly why it leaves such a deep impression on anyone who sees it.
We boarded the boat again and began our journey back.
If you looked closely, you could see a family of five ducks quietly swimming in a line, blending almost seamlessly into the mist.
Because this was a hand-rowed boat with no engine, we were able to get so close to them—it was truly moving.
Along the way, I dipped my hand into the water—and was surprised at how cold it was!
Best Time to Visit & Thoughts on the Boat Ride
The boat ride operates every year from late April to mid-November.
If you want to visit Mugenkyo, the best time is early in the morning or in the evening between June and August, when the mist is at its thickest.
The fog covering the Tadami River and surrounding mountains creates a surreal, otherworldly scenery.
In this peaceful environment, free from artificial noise, you can feel the breath of nature and history—a truly unique experience that can only be had here.
Unlike bustling tourist spots, Mugenkyo’s charm lies in its quiet, overwhelming beauty. For those seeking extraordinary landscapes, this boat ride comes highly recommended.
Spot Name: Mugenkyo Ferry
Address: Hayato Area, Mishima Town, Onuma District, Fukushima 969-7406, Japan
Google Maps Link
Access:
- By Car: Tohoku Expressway → Koriyama Junction → Sakashita / Yanaizu IC → Route 252 (35 min from Sakashita IC)
- By Train: JR Tadami Line, get off at Hayato Station, then a 3-minute walk
Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – Sunset
Reservations: Via official website or phone
(For rides before 7:00 AM, please contact by phone or email via the official website)
Prices:
- Round-Trip Plan: Up to 2 people ¥6,000; 3 or more people ¥3,000 per person (approx. 45 minutes)
- Walking Tour Plan: Up to 2 people ¥12,000; 3 or more people ¥6,000 per person (approx. 90 minutes)
▷Learn more about the Mist Phantom Gorge and Tadami Line Photography Spots
Tadami Line Scenic Spot: First Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint
After leaving Mugenkyo, we headed to the First Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint, a stunning scenic spot I really wanted to show my friends.
Parking: Roadside Station Oze Kaido Mishima-juku
Along the way, we parked our car at the Oze Kaido Mishima-juku Roadside Station, about 15 minutes by car.
Located along Route 252, it’s conveniently positioned as the entrance to the First Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint.
This roadside station is located along Route 252 and is well known as the entrance to the First Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint.
Since it opens at 8:00 AM, we unfortunately couldn’t do any shopping when we arrived early in the morning.
However, the spacious parking lot and the short 5-minute walk to the viewpoint make it a very convenient spot for visitors.
- 【Facility Information】
- Parking: Spacious, just a 5-minute walk to the First Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint
- 1st Floor: Local specialty products, fresh vegetables, and the restaurant Toka-tei
- 2nd Floor: Exhibition room showcasing paulownia wood products from Mishima Town
Spot Name: Oze Kaido Mishima Station Roadside Station
Address: 610 Ameyabara, Kawai, Mishima Town, Onuma District, Fukushima 969-7515, Japan
Google Maps Link
Access:
- By Car: About 20 minutes from Aizu-Sakashita IC on the Ban-Etsu Expressway
- By Train: About 5 minutes by car from JR Tadami Line Aizu-Miyashita Station
Operating Hours:
- Roadside Station: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Restaurant Toka-tei: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed: New Year holidays
▷Learn more about the Mist Phantom Gorge and Tadami Line Photography Spots
Tadami Line: First Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint
The First Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint is where you can see trains on the Tadami Line—running between Aizu-Wakamatsu Station in Fukushima and Koide Station in Uonuma, Niigata—crossing over the Tadami River deep in the mountains.
Walking from the roadside station toward the tunnel, you’ll reach a breathtaking view where the railway and nature come together.
The sight of the train clattering along the tracks against the backdrop of the river and mountains is simply stunning.
We’ve compiled the times when trains pass the First Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint (as of July 2025).
At these times, the train emerges from the mountainside and slowly crosses the bridge.
If you time your visit to coincide with a passing train, you’re sure to capture a photo that will become a lifelong memory.
Spot Name: First Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint
Address: Ameyabara, Kawai, Mishima Town, Onuma District, Fukushima 969-7402, Japan
Google Maps Link
Access: 3-minute walk from Oze Kaido Mishima Station Roadside Station
Hours / Closed: Open all day, no holidays
Admission: Free
▷Learn more about the Mist Phantom Gorge and Tadami Line Photography Spots
Summary: Discover Fukushima’s Hidden Scenic Spots
Even though they are not widely known, Fukushima is full of breathtaking landscapes and fascinating stories. It would make me so happy if I could share even a little of that with more people.
I hope that this journey from Mugenkyo to the First Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint becomes not only a special memory for me and my friends, but also inspires anyone reading this article to think, “I want to go there too.”
