Fukushima City福島市

The seat of the prefectural government of Fukushima, Fukushima City is one of the "Kingdoms of Fruits." Enjoy its magnificent scenery and famous hot springs in the suburbs.

Fukushima City is the seat of the Fukushima prefectural government and is only about an hour and a half from Tokyo by the JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line. It is located in the basin surrounded by the Azuma Mountain Range that includes Bandai-Asahi National Park. In the Edo Period, the city developed through the production of high-quality floss silk and still retains the atmosphere of that era.

In the city, there are many spots to visit in each season of year. In spring, you may want to climb Mt. Hanami-yama. In autumn, drive along the "skyline" road of beautiful colored leaves. You can enjoy seasonal fruits throughout the year in this "Kingdom of Fruits."

Let's take a walk through the city. The city's symbol, located at its center, is Mt. Shinobu-yama. There are many traditional temples and remains on the mountain, and, from its peak at a height of 270 meters, you can see over the city as well as the wonderful Azuma Mountain Range in the far distance. This is also a popular spot for night views. In the city, on the other hand, you can visit various spots to learn about its history. There is a museum of traditional 'kokeshi,' simple handmade wooden dolls that reflect the culture of the Tohoku region, Minka-en that exhibits farmers' houses and other types of private houses built in the Edo Period and into the early Meiji Era, and Haguro-jinja Shrine that is famous for the huge, twelve-meter long 'waraji' or straw sandal, which is dedicated every February.

In addition, in the city's suburbs, there are three popular hot spring villages with different characteristics. The Iizaka-onsen has a long and distinguished history; the Tsuchiyu-onsen is famous as the birthplace of the traditional 'kokeshi' dolls, and the Takayu-onsen is located in the highlands at an elevation of 750 meters.

Fukushima City cannot be explained without mentioning its fruit. The area connecting National Routes 13 and 115 is called the "Fruit Line" and dotted with orchards where you can pick cherries in the early summer, peaches in summer, pears and grapes in autumn, and apples in autumn to winter.