Fukushima Airport serves as the convenient gateway to Fukushima Prefecture. This article clearly introduces the airport’s facilities and comfortable services that travelers will appreciate. Furthermore, we also guide you to nearby tourist spots easily accessible from the airport and provide information on souvenirs perfect for your travel memories.
We’ve compiled the highlights and ways to spend your time so even first-time visitors can enjoy themselves with peace of mind. Make your journey through Tohoku, starting from Fukushima Airport, even more comfortable and enjoyable.
- What You Need to Know Before Traveling: Basic Information About Fukushima Airport
- Access from Fukushima Airport to Neighboring Prefectures
- Public Transportation Options at Fukushima Airport
- Top 3 Convenient & Comfortable Facilities to Enjoy at Fukushima Airport
- Top 3 Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near the Airport
- Top 3 Recommended Souvenirs to Buy at Fukushima Airport
- Summary
What You Need to Know Before Traveling: Basic Information About Fukushima Airport
Fukushima Airport is located in the southern part of Fukushima Prefecture and serves as a key transportation hub in the Tohoku region. The airport handles both domestic and international flights, offering particularly convenient access to major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Its facilities are designed for traveler comfort, featuring spacious waiting areas, restaurants, and shopping zones.
One of Fukushima Airport’s defining features is its beautiful, nature-surrounded environment. The surrounding area boasts lush greenery and mountains, with several spots dotted around where you can relax while watching planes take off and land. Additionally, the airport houses a tourist information center where you can obtain local sightseeing information and recommendations for popular spots.
Furthermore, Fukushima Airport is well-equipped with barrier-free facilities. Wheelchair rentals, elevators, and accessible restroom facilities are available, ensuring all travelers can use the airport with peace of mind.
Access from Fukushima Airport to Neighboring Prefectures
Fukushima Airport is centrally located in the Tohoku region, offering extremely convenient access to surrounding prefectures. It takes about 1 hour by car to reach Yamagata, where you can enjoy Zao Onsen and Yamagata City. Miyagi is about 1.5 hours away, perfect for sightseeing and gourmet experiences in Sendai. Gunma is approximately 2 hours away, allowing you to visit Kusatsu and Ikaho Onsen. Tochigi is about 1.5 hours away, providing easy access to Nikko and Nasu Highlands. Fukushima Airport is an ideal base for your travels, offering smooth access to each prefecture where you can fully enjoy sightseeing, hot springs, history, and nature.
Yamagata Prefecture
Access from Fukushima Airport to Yamagata Prefecture is extremely convenient. By car from the airport, it takes about an hour to reach Yamagata City. Yamagata City is an area rich in historical sites and beautiful nature, offering numerous tourist attractions. In particular, Yamagata’s famous cherries and Yonezawa beef are well worth experiencing.
For public transportation, direct buses operate from the airport, providing smooth access to Yamagata City. Buses run frequently, making travel very convenient for visitors. Furthermore, hot spring resorts and ski resorts are scattered throughout Yamagata Prefecture, offering enjoyment throughout the four seasons.
Yamagata Prefecture is also rich in traditional culture and festivals, with the “Yamagata Hanagasa Festival” attracting many tourists annually. Blending nature and culture, Yamagata Prefecture is an ideal destination to visit starting from Fukushima Airport. Be sure to include it in your travel plans.
Yamagata Prefecture is a “hot spring paradise” where you can refresh both mind and body.
Miyagi Prefecture
Access from Fukushima Airport to Miyagi Prefecture is extremely convenient. From the airport, you can easily travel to major tourist destinations within Miyagi Prefecture, including Sendai City. Sendai City, in particular, is the central city of the Tohoku region, offering an abundance of sightseeing spots and gourmet cuisine.
The drive from the airport to central Sendai takes about an hour. Renting a car is highly recommended, as it allows you to freely explore tourist destinations. Alternatively, direct buses operate from the airport, providing smooth access to Sendai Station.
Miyagi Prefecture boasts numerous worthwhile spots, including Matsushima, Zao Onsen, and Sendai’s famous specialty, gyutan (beef tongue). Matsushima is renowned as one of Japan’s Three Great Views, captivating visitors with its beautiful scattered islands. Zao Onsen thrives as a ski resort in winter and offers enjoyment of nature throughout the seasons. Starting from Fukushima Airport, savor the full charm of Miyagi Prefecture and enjoy a wonderful journey.
Miyagi Prefecture is where you can fully enjoy both gourmet food and nature!
Gunma Prefecture
Access from Fukushima Airport to Gunma Prefecture is extremely convenient. From the airport, it takes about an hour by car to reach major cities in Gunma like Maebashi and Takasaki. Gunma Prefecture is particularly attractive to tourists, boasting numerous hot spring resorts and scenic natural attractions.
Representative tourist destinations in Gunma include Kusatsu Onsen and Ikaho Onsen. Kusatsu Onsen is a hot spring town centered around the Yubatake, where visitors can enjoy natural hot springs flowing directly from the source. Ikaho Onsen is famous for its stone staircase street lined with historic hot spring inns.
Gunma also boasts beautiful natural landscapes, with Mount Akagi and Mount Haruna being particularly ideal for hiking and driving. Visitors can enjoy scenery that changes with the seasons, and the autumn foliage season attracts many tourists.
In Gunma Prefecture, you can enjoy a trip where you can be healed by hot springs and nature.
Tochigi Prefecture
Tochigi Prefecture is dotted with scenic tourist spots rich in nature and historical landmarks, offering numerous worthwhile destinations. From the airport, you can easily reach these locations by car or public transportation.
By car, the journey from Fukushima Airport to Utsunomiya City, the central hub of Tochigi Prefecture, takes approximately one and a half hours. Using the expressway ensures a smooth trip, allowing you to efficiently enjoy your sightseeing. Alternatively, public transportation includes buses running from the airport, providing access to major stations like Utsunomiya Station and Nasushiobara Station.
Tochigi Prefecture boasts numerous attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nikko Toshogu Shrine and the famous hot spring resort of Nasu Highlands. Nikko, in particular, attracts many tourists as a place where historical structures blend with beautiful nature. Furthermore, Tochigi is also renowned as a famous production area for gyoza, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious local cuisine.
Tochigi Prefecture features towns where history and nature harmoniously blend.
Public Transportation Options at Fukushima Airport
Four transportation methods are available from Fukushima Airport: rail, bus, taxi, and rental car, allowing you to choose based on your needs. Rail offers direct service to Fukushima City and Koriyama, with increased frequency during peak tourist seasons. Buses provide convenient direct routes to various destinations; checking the timetable ensures peace of mind.
Taxis are comfortable when you have a lot of luggage or are in a hurry, providing a smooth ride to your destination. Rental cars offer high flexibility and are ideal for sightseeing in the surrounding area. By making good use of these options, your travel from Fukushima Airport will be more comfortable.
How to Ride the Train
Accessing Fukushima Airport is most convenient by train. Airport shuttle buses run from the airport to the nearest station, Fukushima Airport Station, arriving in about 10 minutes. Fukushima Airport Station is located where the Tohoku Main Line and the Abukuma Express Line intersect, providing excellent access to surrounding tourist destinations and neighboring prefectures.
When using the railway, first follow the signs inside the airport to the bus stop. Buses run regularly, and timetables are posted, so checking in advance is recommended. Upon arriving at Fukushima Airport Station, transfer to the appropriate train depending on your destination. For example, trains bound for Yamagata Prefecture or Miyagi Prefecture typically use the Tohoku Main Line.
Tickets can be purchased at the station’s automatic ticket machines or ticket counters. The automatic machines support multiple languages, making them easy for international travelers to use. If you have an IC card, we recommend charging it beforehand for smooth passage through the ticket gates.
Rail travel allows you to enjoy beautiful scenery from the train window.
How to Ride the Bus
Buses are a very convenient way to access Fukushima Airport. Direct buses run from the airport to Fukushima City and surrounding tourist destinations, providing travelers with a comfortable means of transportation. Upon exiting the airport arrival lobby, the bus stop is immediately visible. Clear signage is provided, so even first-time visitors won’t get lost.
Bus schedules are coordinated with airport flight times, allowing you to use them according to your arrival time. For example, buses to Fukushima City run approximately every 30 minutes, with a journey time of about 40 minutes. Direct buses to tourist spots are also available, providing smooth access to popular destinations like Goshikinuma Lakes and Sukagawa Peony Garden.
It’s important to check the fare in advance when boarding. Bus fares vary by destination, so check the official website of the operating company or the information desk inside the airport for details. Payment methods include cash and IC cards, so pre-charging your card is convenient.
One of the charms of taking the bus is enjoying comfortable travel while taking in Fukushima’s beautiful scenery. When using Fukushima Airport, be sure to utilize the bus for a smooth journey.
The bus interior is spacious, with ample room for luggage.
How to Take a Taxi
At Fukushima Airport, using a taxi provides extremely convenient access to nearby tourist spots and accommodations. The airport taxi stand is located immediately outside the arrivals lobby, with clear signage for easy identification. Taxis operate 24 hours a day, so you can use them with peace of mind even for early morning or late-night flights.
The process for using a taxi is straightforward. First, find a taxi waiting at the stand and tell the driver your destination. The driver will give you an approximate fare to your destination, so it’s a good idea to consider your budget beforehand. Fares to Fukushima City and nearby tourist spots vary depending on distance, but the journey from the airport to the city center takes about 30 minutes.
Taxis are also well-suited for group travel. Splitting the fare among multiple passengers improves cost efficiency. Furthermore, taxis are an extremely convenient option when traveling with heavy luggage or when using public transportation is difficult.
It’s convenient even when you arrive late at night and are tired.
How to Rent a Car
Renting a car at Fukushima Airport is a convenient way to smoothly access nearby tourist destinations. Multiple rental car companies operate within the airport, and making a reservation in advance is recommended for peace of mind. After arrival, head to the rental car counters located on the first floor of the airport terminal building. The counters for each company are close together, making them relatively easy to find.
When renting a car, you will need to present your driver’s license and a credit card. Once the paperwork is complete, you will receive the vehicle. We recommend checking the vehicle’s condition for any scratches or dents. Especially if it’s your first time renting a car, it’s a good idea to take a short drive around the airport area to get used to the driver’s seat position and controls.
Access from Fukushima Airport to major tourist destinations is excellent. For instance, you can reach natural attractions like the Goshikinuma lakes or the Sukagawa Peony Garden in a short time. Using a rental car allows you to enjoy sightseeing at your own pace, so we highly recommend taking advantage of this option.
If you are to visit multiple spots, renting a car is highly recommended.
Top 3 Convenient & Comfortable Facilities to Enjoy at Fukushima Airport
Fukushima Airport offers convenient facilities for travelers to enjoy. The popular “Waku Waku Land Tamakawa” is perfect for families, where you can create memories through hands-on attractions and workshops. Furthermore, the “Ultraman Permanent Exhibition” lets you experience the thrill of being a hero with diverse displays and photo spots. And at “Fukushima Ippindo,” you’ll find a wide selection of local specialties and souvenirs, allowing you to experience the charm of Fukushima.
Waku Waku Land Tamakawa | An experiential facility for the whole family to enjoy
Waku Waku Land Tamakawa, easily accessible from Fukushima Airport, is an experiential facility perfect for families. It offers a variety of activities children will enjoy, allowing parents and children to have fun together. Particularly popular are the nature-based experience programs and cooking classes using local ingredients.
The facility also features a spacious playground and hosts seasonal events, ensuring new discoveries with every visit. During summer, a water play area opens, where children can be seen having a blast. Additionally, relaxation areas for parents are provided, allowing them to watch their children play with peace of mind.
Waku Waku Land Tamakawa is conveniently accessible from Fukushima Airport, making it possible to visit while waiting for a flight.
For just 100 yen, both adults and children can have a great time!
Ultraman Permanent Exhibition | Photo-Worthy Hero Experience
The permanent Ultraman exhibit at Fukushima Airport is a must-see spot, especially for Ultraman fans. This exhibit features various displays that let visitors experience Ultraman’s history and appeal, delighting all who come. Particularly, the giant Ultraman figure and sets recreating famous scenes from the series are sure to make for great photos.
The exhibit area also includes valuable Ultraman-related materials and videos, offering content enjoyable for both children and adults. When you visit, be sure to bring your camera to capture wonderful moments with the hero.
Furthermore, the Ultraman permanent exhibition is a popular spot not only for airport users but also for tourists. Upon arriving at the airport, start your journey in style by visiting this exhibition first.
There’s also a corner where you can take commemorative photos wearing an Ultraman costume!
Fukushima Ippindo | Recommended Shop for Fukushima Souvenirs
Located inside Fukushima Airport, “Fukushima Ippindo” is an essential souvenir shop for travelers. Here, you’ll find an abundant selection of Fukushima Prefecture’s specialty and famous products, allowing you to experience the local charm. The shop displays traditional Fukushima foods and crafts, perfect for finding items to take home as memories of your trip.
Particularly popular are Fukushima’s famous sweets, “Mamadoru” and “Yubeshi.” These Japanese confections are characterized by their subtly sweet flavor and moist texture, making them a delightful gift. The shop also stocks a wide range of traditional Fukushima crafts, such as Aizu lacquerware and Akabeko goods, appealing for their practicality and beautiful designs.
Located in the airport’s departure lobby, Fukushima Ippindo is easily accessible before boarding, making it the perfect spot to conclude your trip. Discover your favorite souvenirs at this shop, where you can experience the flavors and culture of Fukushima.
Find all your Fukushima souvenirs right here!
Top 3 Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near the Airport
Attractive sightseeing spots are scattered around Fukushima Airport. The adjacent “Fukushima Airport Park” is a spacious park where you can see planes up close, perfect for picnics and playing on the playground equipment. About a 20-minute drive away, the “Sukagawa Peony Garden” captivates visitors with its vibrant peonies in full bloom during spring.
Furthermore, the “Goshikinuma Lakes” offer crystal-clear waters and seasonal landscapes, with the autumn foliage season being particularly breathtaking. Use the airport as your base to enjoy a journey soothed by nature and flowers.
Fukushima Airport Park | A park where you can see airplanes up close
Fukushima Airport Park, located just a few minutes by car from Fukushima Airport, is an irresistible spot for aviation enthusiasts. This park adjoins the airport runway, offering close-up views of aircraft taking off and landing. It’s an especially perfect place for families with children and couples to create fun memories.
The park features spacious lawn areas perfect for picnics. It’s also recommended for those seeking relaxation, as you can enjoy a leisurely time listening to the sounds of airplanes. Furthermore, with playground equipment and walking paths available, it’s ideal for children to play.
Fukushima Airport Park offers different scenery throughout the seasons. Visitors are enchanted by its beauty in spring with cherry blossoms, summer with lush greenery, autumn with vibrant foliage, and winter with snowy landscapes. Especially at dusk, you can enjoy the sight of planes taking off against a beautiful sunset, making it an ideal spot for photography.
This is a spectacular spot where you can enjoy planes up close!
Sukagawa Peony Garden | A Flower Garden Just 20 Minutes by Car from the Airport
Located just a 20-minute drive from Fukushima Airport, Sukagawa Peony Garden is a spot where you can enjoy beautiful flowers throughout the seasons. Especially during peony season, vibrantly colored blooms fill the air, captivating visitors. Approximately 1,000 peony plants are cultivated within the garden, allowing visitors to enjoy their splendid beauty during peak bloom.
Moreover, Sukagawa Peony Garden is not just a flower garden; it’s also a relaxing retreat where you can unwind amidst nature. Well-maintained walking paths allow you to spend leisurely time savoring the fragrance of the flowers and the beautiful scenery. It’s an especially ideal location for taking photos, perfect for families and couples.
Furthermore, the garden features rest areas and shops where visitors can enjoy local specialties and light meals. When you visit, be sure to sample the local flavors. With excellent access from Fukushima Airport, it’s a perfect spot to stop by during your travels. Sugakawa Peony Garden, where you can spend heartwarming moments amidst natural beauty, is highly recommended as a place to rediscover the charm of Fukushima.
The adjacent flower center is also fun!
Goshikinuma Lakes | Enjoy crystal-clear lakes and seasonal scenery
Located about a 30-minute drive from Fukushima Airport, the Goshikinuma lakes are a spot where you can fully enjoy the beauty of nature. This area is dotted with lakes of various sizes, each possessing a different hue, hence the name “Five-Colored Ponds.” The exceptionally clear lake water, combined with the surrounding nature, creates a fantastical landscape.
In spring, fresh greenery reflects on the lake surfaces; in summer, lush green trees surround the lakes; in autumn, colorful foliage paints the waters; and in winter, snowy landscapes unfold. Visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons. Well-maintained walking paths allow for hiking around the lakes and photography, making it a popular spot for families and couples.
Furthermore, the Goshikinuma lakes are ideal for nature observation and birdwatching, offering visitors a soothing experience. With excellent access from Fukushima Airport, it’s the perfect place to stop by during your travels. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and create lasting memories.
You can enjoy the scenery throughout the four seasons.
Top 3 Recommended Souvenirs to Buy at Fukushima Airport
Fukushima Airport isn’t just the starting point of your journey—it’s also perfect for souvenir shopping. The classic “Mamadoru” is a Japanese confectionery beloved for its moist texture and gentle sweetness, making it perfect as a gift. ‘Yubeshi’ charms with its yuzu fragrance and unique texture, available in a wide variety. Furthermore, “Aizu Lacquerware” and “Akabeko Goods” are Fukushima’s signature items, blending tradition with cuteness. Since you can easily purchase them inside the airport, stopping by on your way out is sure to help you find wonderful souvenirs to color your travel memories.
ままどおる
Mamadoru, one of Fukushima Prefecture’s representative souvenirs, is a fusion Japanese-Western sweet featuring a moist cake wrapped around a subtly sweet cream filling. Its name means “mother’s taste,” and it is beloved by many as a treat that evokes the warmth of home. Mamadoru is also charmingly cute in appearance, making it perfect as a small gift or present.
This confection is available at “Fukushima Ippindo” inside Fukushima Airport, making it an ideal souvenir to take home as a travel memory. Its stylish packaging is another reason for its popularity among tourists. Additionally, Mamadoru comes in a wide variety, including seasonal flavors and versions using locally sourced ingredients. This variety allows visitors to enjoy new tastes each time they visit, adding to its appeal.
When savoring Mamadoru, we highly recommend enjoying it with tea or coffee.
This is the perfect souvenir for your first trip to Fukushima.
Yubeshi
Fukushima Prefecture’s traditional Japanese confectionery, “yubeshi,” is extremely popular as a travel souvenir. Yubeshi is a sweet made primarily from glutinous rice flour, enveloping a mildly sweet red bean paste filling, characterized by its moist texture. Fukushima’s yubeshi is particularly appealing because it incorporates the flavor of locally produced yuzu citrus, offering a refreshing aroma.
Yubeshi are visually appealing and often individually wrapped, making them ideal gifts. While purchasing some for yourself as a travel memento is a great idea, they also make delightful souvenirs for friends and family. Furthermore, Fukushima Airport’s “Fukushima Ippindo” shop stocks a wide variety of yubeshi, offering the fun of choosing your favorites.
Furthermore, yubeshi has a long shelf life, making it a delightful treat to enjoy even after returning from your trip. When visiting Fukushima, be sure to pick up this traditional Japanese confection and savor the memories of your journey.
It’s also perfect as a souvenir from a long trip.
Aizu lacquerware and Akabeko goods
When selecting souvenirs at Fukushima Airport, Aizu lacquerware and Akabeko goods are essential. Aizu lacquerware features beautiful lacquered vessels and tableware crafted using traditional techniques, renowned for their exceptional durability. Items that convey the warmth of handmade craftsmanship are especially popular as gifts or for personal use. With a wide variety available—from vibrant designs to simple, sophisticated styles—you’ll enjoy choosing pieces that suit your taste.
On the other hand, Akabeko is a legendary character from Fukushima Prefecture, a charming red cow-shaped figurine. Symbolizing “good health” and “prosperous business,” Akabeko is also a popular souvenir among tourists. Shops within the airport offer a wide variety, including miniature Akabeko and items featuring its design on practical goods.
It lets you experience Fukushima’s culture and traditions, making it a memorable part of your trip.
Summary
Fukushima Airport not only provides convenient access to the Tohoku region but also serves as a comfortable gateway for travelers. The airport features a variety of facilities for families and tourists to enjoy, with the “Waku Waku Land Tamakawa” and the “Ultraman Permanent Exhibition” offering particularly fun experiences for visitors. Additionally, at “Fukushima Ippindo,” which handles Fukushima’s specialty products, you can find souvenirs perfect for your travel memories.
Moreover, the area surrounding the airport boasts abundant tourist spots, such as “Fukushima Airport Park,” where you can see airplanes up close, and the “Goshikinuma Lakes,” where you can enjoy the beauty of nature. Visiting these places allows you to fully experience the charm of Fukushima.
When planning your trip, consider using Fukushima Airport as your starting point to enjoy the surrounding tourist attractions and souvenirs. Begin your wonderful journey at Fukushima Airport, where comfortable airport facilities and attractive tourist spots await.
