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Characterised by an abundance of natural beauty, post-2011 Fukushima is a prefecture with plenty to offer tourists. Although its international reputation was damaged by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, years of extensive restoration work by the Japanese government have helped return the region to its former glory. Today, it’s perfectly safe for visitors, with a diverse range of attractions – heavily-forested mountains, ancient sites, onsen and award-winning saké have made it integral for those seeking an authentic Japanese holiday.
Whether you want pristine ski slopes or photogenic autumn hiking trails, Fukushima has no trouble delivering. It’s famous for an extensive collection of mountains, including places like Mount Bandai, Mount Adatara and Mount Azuma-kofuji, which offer both summertime and snow-bound activities. For skiing and snowboarding, check out Grandeco Snow Resort or Nekoma Ski Resort; if a Japanese winter strikes you as too cold, it might be time to relax in onsen, like those found at Yunokami and Aizu Ashinomaki. For those travelling by car, the Bandai-Azuma Roadway is also well worth a look. This scenic highway snakes through the foothills of the Azuma Mountain Range, one of Fukushima’s most breathtaking regions.
Like most of Japan’s prefectures, Fukushima’s historic buildings – shrines, temples and castles – are truly impressive. Ōuchi-juku is one of the most popular. This perfectly-preserved village captures the essence of the Edo period; its main street is lined with antique thatched buildings, now converted into shops, eateries and minshuku inns. Alternatively, the Komine and Nihonmatsu Castles are excellent examples of surviving fortifications, while Tsuruga-jō is a traditionally-constructed replica of the destroyed Kurokawa Castle. To get your Fukushima dose of temple-hopping, visit Bhuddhist Temple Aizu Sazaedo. This fascinating timber building is truly unique – a rare double-helix staircase winds through its centre.
A trip to Fukushima wouldn’t be complete without sampling some of the prefecture’s famous saké. A type of fermented rice wine, saké is the Japanese spirit of choice, and Fukushima’s brewers are the best in the country. To see these artisans in action, visit the Suehiro Sake Brewery; alternatively, find a local izakaya and settle in for an evening of saké -sampling.
Shrines, skiing and saké – Fukushima has it all. Book your trip today with Club Wyndham.
