Fukushima

Tsuruga Castle of Aizu is a famous one among castle in Fukushima Prefecture. Located in Aizuwakamatsu City, this castle became a stage of Boshin War. Beside the strong history that you can feel, Tsuruga Castle also popular with light up in the night. During spring and autumn, not only the castle but cherry blossoms and autumn foliage also colored by the light. As for the access, visitor can use a loop bus route.

Kitakata Ramen is known as one of Japan’s three major ramen noodle dynasties, with the essential base of the soy-sauce soup that has varies widely at each store, and there is no particular standard that defines the brand. Kitakata ramen is characterized by its unique noodles, known as "Hirauchi Jukusei Takasuimen" (Matured Flat Noodles with Lots of Water). They are about four millimeters wide, flat and curled and have been matured for a long period of time, they’re firm, filling, and have a...

On the first Saturday, Sunday and Monday of October every year, Nihonmatsu Shrine’s annual festival is held, which has a tradition of more than 350 years. The main attraction is the 3,000 brightly glowing red paper lanterns. On the eve of the festival, seven large floats called Taikodai are gathered from neighboring towns, and a ceremony is held to light the sacred flame of Nihonmatsu Shrine to the red paper lanterns. The 11-meter tall Taikodai are each decorated with 300 lanterns, and they...

Komine Castle, completed in 1632 after a four-year restoration, was built by Nagashige Niwa who served as the lord of the Nihonmatsu Domain and is known for constructing a number of castles. On a long and narrow hill stands Komine Castle surrounded by beautiful stone walls. Before it was destroyed during a battle in 1868, the castle had passed through the hands of seven clans with a total of 21 lords including Sadanobu Matsudaira, a famous chief senior councilor of the Tokugawa shogunate....

Higashiyama Onsen hot spring was discovered by Gyoki, a monk who was highly respected by many people around 1300 years ago. It has remained very popular for the quality of its waters, which are believed to be effective for maintaining beautiful skin, and also for the stunning natural features that surround it: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in early summer, colorful leaves in autumn and bountiful snowfall in winter. Other attractions are the entertainment offered by Higashiyama...

The Bandai-Asahi National Park encompasses a number of mountains stretching over Yamagata, Fukushima and Niigata prefectures, with rich forests, dynamic volcanic areas and beautiful lakes and marshes. These mountains are not only visited by people for leisure purposes but also as sites for mountain worship. One of the outstanding features of the park is the Rengenuma Pond and Nakasenuma Pond Trail, which, being relatively flat, is easy to walk while offering magnificent views created by...