🕓 2026/3/6
＃観光地
Table of Contents
- Ouchi-juku | A Historic Edo-Period Post Town with Thatched Roofs
- Tsuruga Castle | The Majestic White Fortress That Survived the Boshin War
- Tadami Line | One of Japan’s Most Scenic Local Railways
Top 3 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Fukushima
ー What is Fukushima? ー
Fukushima Prefecture is located in the southern part of the Tohoku region in Japan, with Fukushima City serving as its prefectural capital. This area is known for its rich natural landscapes, deep historical roots, and diverse cultural traditions.
Visitors are drawn to the historic sites of Aizuwakamatsu, the breathtaking natural scenery of Mount Bandai, traditional handicrafts, and local delicacies. Fukushima is also historically linked to Date Masamune, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.
In 2011, Fukushima faced severe devastation due to the Great East Japan Earthquake, with the nuclear disaster having long-term effects on the region. Despite these challenges, the resilience of the local communities has strengthened, and continuous efforts toward recovery and revitalization are ongoing.
1. Ouchi-juku | A Historic Edo-Period Post Town with Thatched Roofs
● The Charm of Ouchi-juku
Ouchi-juku is a historic post town located in Shimogou Town, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture, preserving the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603–1868). Around 400 years ago, it flourished as a key post town on the Aizu Nishi Kaido, a trade route connecting Aizu and Nikko. Today, more than 30 thatched-roof houses line the town, preserving its original appearance. In 1981, it was designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the Japanese government.
The town offers seasonal beauty, from cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, to the picturesque snow-covered thatched roofs in winter. The snow-covered landscape in winter creates a mystical ambiance, attracting many visitors. One of the town’s unique culinary experiences is Negi Soba, a local specialty where diners use a long green onion instead of chopsticks to eat soba noodles.
Ouchi-juku is one of Fukushima’s most representative historical and cultural destinations, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the Edo period firsthand. With its well-preserved townscape, stunning natural surroundings, and unique local cuisine, it offers a truly immersive travel experience.
● History of Ouchi-juku
The history of Ouchi-juku dates back to the early Edo period, when the Tokugawa shogunate, under the order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, established key transportation routes linking Edo (Tokyo) and the Tohoku region. The Aizu Nishi Kaido was one such route, and Ouchi-juku was established as a post town along this road to provide lodging and rest stops for feudal lords (daimyo), merchants, and travelers.
During the Edo period, Ouchi-juku prospered, with over 100 thatched-roof houses at its peak. The town’s residents ran inns and teahouses for travelers, engaged in farming, horse care, and cargo transport, and managed a checkpoint called “Kuchidome Bansho”, which controlled the passage of travelers and prevented the movement of criminals or suspicious individuals.
However, as Japan modernized, traditional thatched-roof houses were gradually replaced by concrete buildings. Concerned about the loss of its historical charm, local residents and authorities launched preservation efforts, leading to its official designation as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1981. Thanks to these efforts, Ouchi-juku remains one of the best-preserved Edo-period post towns in Japan.
● Access to Ouchi-juku
- Address: Ouchi, Shimogou Town, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan
- Transportation: About 1 hour by car from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station
- Google Maps：大内宿のGoogleマップ
● The Charm of Tsuruga Castle
Tsuruga Castle, an iconic symbol of Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, is renowned for its striking red-tiled keep and rich history. It gained fame during the Boshin War (1868-1869) as an “impregnable fortress”, resisting intense battles. Today, it is recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles.
2026 Latest Information
■ Ouchi-juku
The 40th Ouchi-juku Snow Festival was held on February 14–15, 2026, featuring snow lanterns, the Honjin illumination (18:00–20:00), and fireworks. Every year on July 2, the traditional Ouchi-juku Hange Festival takes place, where men in white robes parade through the post town praying for good harvests.
■ Tsuruga Castle (Aizuwakamatsu Castle)
The Aizu Snow Festival Week 2026 was held from January 24 to February 15, with the castle keep illuminated nightly from 17:00 to 22:00 and a lantern release event (limited to 60 participants per day). The Aizu Erousoku Matsuri (Candle Festival) “Yukihotaru” took place on February 13–14 with approximately 10,000 candles lighting up the snowy landscape. The Tsuruga Castle Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for early April through early May, with nighttime cherry blossom illumination.
■ Tadami Line
The Tadami Line celebrated its 3rd anniversary of full-line reopening in October 2025. As of winter 2026, the section between Tadami and Oshirakawa stations is suspended due to heavy snow. Normally, three through-trains run daily between Aizu-Wakamatsu and Koide. Route 289 (Hachijurigoe) is expected to open in autumn 2026 to summer 2027, making the Tadami Line the only winter transportation link in the area. Please check the latest service information before traveling.
