Fukushima
Samurai pride runs deep in Fukushima’s Aizu region — where the castle fell but the spirit never did. Beyond the history, alpine meadows, premium peaches and world-class sake complete the picture.
会津の武士道・鶴ヶ城・尾瀬の湿原・桃と日本酒。福島は東北の歴史と自然と食が一体となった、奥深い旅の県です。
Fukushima Prefecture is Japan’s third largest, spanning from the Pacific coast across the Abukuma Highlands to the Aizu Basin — a region that fiercely preserved samurai culture even after the Meiji Restoration. Tsuruga-jo castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu has been beautifully restored and is ringed by 1,000 cherry trees. The Oze National Park’s vast alpine wetland blooms with water lilies in early summer. Fukushima is also Japan’s leading peach-producing prefecture and home to several nationally renowned sake breweries.
会津若松の鶴ヶ城と白虎隊の史跡、尾瀬の湿原と水芭蕉、日本一を争う桃の産地、そして世界的評価を得る地酒。福島は東北の知られざる宝箱です。
Recommended Omiyage
おすすめおみやげ 5選
Fukushima Momo
Japan’s finest white peaches — the Akatsuki and Shimizu varieties from Date City are legendary
伊達市産の暁・清水白桃は日本一の品質と名高い。果汁たっぷりの名産品。
Aizu Sake
Premium junmai sake from Aizu breweries — clean mountain water and cold climate produce exceptional quality
会津の山の清水と冷涼な気候が育む純米酒。全国新酒鑑評会金賞常連蔵が多い。
Akabeko
Red-papier-mâché wobble-head cow — Aizu’s most beloved folk toy and lucky charm since the 9th century
首を振る赤い張子の牛。9世紀から続く会津の郷土玩具で縁起物。
Mamador
Milk-flavoured butter cake wrapped around sweet bean paste — Fukushima’s top-selling souvenir
ミルク風味のバター生地で餡を包んだしっとり焼き菓子。福島No.1のお土産。
Momo Jam
Silky jam made from Fukushima’s premium white peaches — fragrant and delicately sweet
福島特産白桃を使ったとろりとした高級ジャム。
Must-Visit Spots
おすすめスポット 5選
Tsuruga-jo
Beautifully restored Aizu castle surrounded by 1,000 cherry trees and samurai history
1,000本の桜に包まれた会津の名城。白虎隊の史跡としても知られる。
Oze National Park
Japan’s largest alpine wetland — water lilies bloom in June over ancient wooden boardwalks
6月の水芭蕉と夏の湿原の花が美しい、日本最大の高層湿原。
Iimori Hill & Byakkotai
Memorial to the teenage samurai who died defending Aizu-Wakamatsu in 1868 — deeply moving
戊辰戦争で自刃した10代の白虎隊士を祀る聖地。武士道の精神を今に伝える。
Higashiyama Onsen
Elegant hot-spring ryokan district on the edge of Aizu-Wakamatsu — geisha culture preserved
会津若松郊外の風情ある温泉郷。芸妓の文化が残る老舗旅館が並ぶ。
Goshikinuma Lakes
Five volcanic lakes of vivid green, blue and turquoise in Bandai Highland
磐梯山の噴火でできた色鮮やかな火口湖群。青・緑・エメラルドの神秘的な色。
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fukushima safe to visit?
Yes — the areas popular with tourists (Aizu-Wakamatsu, Koriyama, Oze, Bandai Highlands) are completely safe. The coastal exclusion zone from 2011 has gradually shrunk and most areas have been reopened.
観光地（会津・郡山・尾瀬・磐梯山エリア）は完全に安全です。2011年の原発事故の立入制限区域は大幅に縮小されています。
When do water lilies bloom in Oze?
Early to mid-June for mizubasho (Asian skunk cabbage/水芭蕉). July–August for alpine wildflowers. Book the mountain hut accommodation (yamagoya) well in advance for June.
水芭蕉は6月上中旬が見頃。7〜8月は高山植物の花盛り。6月の山小屋は早めの予約が必須。
What is the Byakkotai story?
In 1868, 20 teenage samurai of Aizu Domain climbed Iimori Hill during the Battle of Aizu. Seeing smoke and mistaking it for the castle burning, 19 of them died by seppuku. Their graves and the story of their loyalty draw visitors from across Japan.
1868年の戊辰戦争で、会津藩の10代の藩士20名が飯盛山で自刃。その武士道精神は今も多くの人の心を打ちます。
Travel Tip
The ‘Aizu Around Sightseeing Bus’ (会津周遊バス, ¥210/ride, ¥ 500/day pass) connects Tsuruga-jo, Higashiyama Onsen, Iimori Hill and Buke-yashiki (samurai villa). Pick it up at Aizu-Wakamatsu Station.
